Wineries have ridden the ebb and flow of the past two years, weathering the storms of temporary closures and then re-welcoming guests back to their estates with open arms.  As wineries continue to usher in change and adapt to what wine lovers are craving, new and elevated experiences – many of which are hosted outdoors – abound in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

Here’s a look at some Recommended Wine Tasting Experiences in Napa Valley and Sonoma County:

Sequoia Grove // A Taste for Cabernet 

A Taste for Cabernet is a new experience at Sequoia Grove that explores the art of food pairing with classic expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. The philosophy behind the experience is that Cabernet can pair with more than just red meat. Explore new flavors and new wine and food combinations during this delicious and informative experience. Enjoy single vineyard and reserve red wines with a variety of dishes prepared by estate Chef Britny Maureze.
$100 per person // www.sequoiagrove.com  

Bennett Lane Winery // Wine Blending Experience

Get to know the ins and outs of cellar work as you masterfully blend your own wines in this unique experience at Bennet Lane. This private blending experience offers an exclusive opportunity to learn sensory evaluation while sipping Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, followed by a custom blending experience. Guests will craft their own expression of the flagship Maximum Red Feasting Wine from these three varietals, while learning about lab techniques and utilizing real winemaking equipment. Finish the experience with a glass of your new blend plus a cheese plate pairing – and take home your very own wine!
$225 per person // www.bennettlane.com

Marine Layer Wines // The Marine Layer Flight

Enjoy a guided exploration of five limited-production wines from the Sonoma Coast. Taste through cool-climate expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, paired with a tasty mezze plate of rotating seasonal ingredients from Little Saint farm in Healdsburg.
$35 per person // www.marinelayerwines.com

Medlock Ames // Immersive Sound Experience

Join Medlock Ames for a unique wine tasting that highlights the sounds of wine country. The Immersive Sound Experience invites wine and nature lovers on this self-guided audio “tour” with sounds from local artist Hugh Livingston. Guests will experience twhe pleasing din of wine country as they learn about Bell Mountain Ranch—the estate’s premium growing site. After the tour, a wine educator will guide guests through a private flight, including current-release and member-exclusive wines paired with a selection of local artisan cheeses.
$75 per person // www.medlockames.com

Ram’s Gate // The Veranda Package

Brisk spring days call for cozying up fireside with a glass of wine in hand. At Ram’s Gate, wine enthusiasts can do just that with the Veranda Package. Experience a guided flight of five wines and savor favorites from the cellar, single-vineyard expressions, and estate wines that all pair exceptionally well with a selection of cheese and charcuterie.
$165 per person // www.ramsgatewinery.com

Region Wine Bar  // Sonoma-Focused Wine Tasting

The Barlow in Sebastopol is springing back to life with wonderful additions like Region Wine Bar. This Sonoma-focused wine bar features a unique collection of wines from 25 boutique wineries across the county. Taste some of Sonoma County’s quintessential wine producers and get to know the region unlike anywhere else. With more than 50 wines available for tasting, this is one of the most comprehensive tasting experiences in the county. Discover a range between smaller wineries not yet on the radar and classic favorites at this chic new spot.
Pricing varies // www.drinkyourregion.com

Baldacci Family Estate Vineyards // Taste Like a Somm

Join estate wine educator Diana Bender as she guides guests through an educational tasting to learn the techniques of tasting like a sommelier. Wine enthusiasts will learn a step-by-step method and practice key skills to determine tasting notes, varietals, and more. The tasting includes exploration of three wines all experienced via sight, smell, taste, and touch, and light bites with which to pair. This is an ideal tasting for the serious wine connoisseur looking to gain more knowledge and speak the language of wine more fluently.
$100 per person // www.baldaccivineyards.com

Bacchus Landing // Wine Tasting Collective

Newer to Healdsburg, this wine collective now includes seven wineries: 13th & Third, Alden Alli, Aldina Vineyards, Dot Wine, Montagne Russe, The Setting Wines, and Smith Story Wine Cellars. Each winery offers unique tasting experiences that showcase world-class wines. Enjoy a range of grape varieties and winemaking styles across estates all in one beautiful location.
Call individual wineries for pricing. // www.bacchuslanding.com

Truett Hurst // Single Vineyard Tasting

At Truett Hurst, guests can get excited about the brand new single vineyard tasting, which features the estate’s collection of single vineyard lots chosen annually from the best vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. These are limited-production wines – primarily Zinfandel and other reds – paired with an array of Sonoma County cheeses in a picturesque setting. Say hello to the farm animals, lounge by quietly flowing Russian River, and take in all that Dry Creek Valley has to offer at this gorgeous estate.
Call 707-433-9545 for pricing. // www.truetthurstwinery.com

Somerston Estate // Priest Ranch Tour & Tasting

At Somerston Estate, the new Priest Ranch Tour & Tasting celebrates the diversity of the beautiful property and the estate’s unique wines. Spend 90 minutes exploring the Napa Valley mountainside and taste through four current release-wines paired with a curated selection of cheese and charcuterie. Prepare for an adventure, as part of the experience includes an ATV tour of the estate.  
Call 707-967-8414 for pricing. // www.somerstonestate.com

Beringer Vineyards  // Backyard Social

Gather your closest group of friends and head to Beringer Vineyards for the Backyard Social. Reservations include private seating in the Beringer Backyard, exclusive access to the bocce ball court, a bottle of wine for every four guests, and a deluxe cheese plate for every two guests. Select your favorite red and white wines upon arrival and spend the afternoon in good company at Beringer Vineyards.
$45 per person // www.beringer.com

Davis Estate // Cabernet Sauvignon AVA Exploration

Get to know the AVAs of Napa Valley through this educational tasting at Davis Estates. The Cabernet Sauvignon AVA Exploration is a seated tasting led by a wine educator. The experience features four Cabernets from different AVAs all paired with curated dishes to highlight the unique flavors from each AVA. This is a true Cabernet connoisseur’s tasting and dives deep into the complex terroir of Napa Valley, as well as how it expresses itself across wines.
$150 per person // www.davisestates.com

Domaine Carneros // Bubbles & Bites: A Journey to Morocco

This is a new take on the much-adored Bubbles & Bites tasting at Domaine Carneros. The new experience highlights rotating flavors from cuisines around the world. Journey to Morocco right now and discover the rich spices of North Africa as you enjoy a delicious menu with select sparkling wines. The seasonal menu features four savory Moroccan dishes and one sweet dish, each paired with the estate’s top-rated sparkling wines.
$95 per person // https://www.domainecarneros.com/visit

Heitz Cellar // The Timeless Experience

Located at the site of the original property that Joe and Alice Heitz purchased in 1961, The Timeless Experience offers guests an unforgettable combination of history, luxury, and hospitality. Taste and learn about Heitz Cellar’s iconic Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from the Napa Valley's premier appellations and their remarkable ability to be paired with fine cheese and charcuterie. Heitz Cellar’s wine curators will guide you on a journey through the unique terroir and vinification methods that have enabled the wines to become revered and respected all over the world.
Call 707-963-2047 for pricing. // www.heitzcellar.com

Hess Persson Estates // ATV Vineyard Tour  Wine & Food Pairing

Hop abord a luxury ATV and explore the historic vineyards at Hess Persson Estates. During the ATV tour, guests will taste a selection of current-release wines from Mount Veeder vineyards. Following the tour, enjoy a full food and wine pairing experience in the estate dining room. The pairing features three wonderful creations from Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson, and the cuisine offers seasonal produce from the onsite gardens.
$200 per person // www.hessperssonestates.com