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Countless wineries offer suggestions and specials on their wares to make the yuletide merry, but there are some that go way beyond the bottle to make spirits bright. These Sonoma and Napa estates and tasting rooms take bedecking and bedazzling to the next level as proof that it’s not just harvest that’s the most wonderful time of the year. Here are are four special spots to explore.
Ram’s Gate Winery, Sonoma
Already architecturally stunning, this estate amps up the awe factor at the holidays. Co-owner Jeff O’Neill’s 1951 MG convertible, cherry red like St. Nick’s nose, plays the role of Santa’s sleigh. It’s the entryway centerpiece that sets the tone for the decor, which takes four days to install.
Hundreds of giant, shiny red baubles hanging from the pistachio trees lead visitors to the tasting room, where they can sip chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. Splashes of red decor, snow globes and two live trees trimmed with blown-glass grapes and gold rams lend elements of both whimsy and winter solstice sophistication that feels magical any time of day, but especially so as the sun dips toward the horizon in late afternoon.
Details: Make merry from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Monday at 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; www.ramsgatewinery.com
Cornerstone Sonoma
A salvaged collection of snowman lawn ornaments has become Sonoma’s kitschiest-cool holiday display at this marketplace of boutique shops, three wineries and a distillery. They’ll flip the switch at the Lighting of the Snowmen Festival on Dec. 1, where the fabulous frosties are revealed doing something different each year. In the past, they’ve decorated a giant tree, cavorted on a ski jump and last year, donned hard hats as part of a rebuilding community theme.
Tasting rooms get into the act with their own decorations and holiday activities. At the festival, Obisidian Wine Co. will host wine cork crafting with kids, while Meadowcroft Wines serves its popular mulled wine. Later in the month, Obsidian will host a cioppino party (Dec. 8, $40), and every Saturday Meadowcroft and Prohibition Spirits team up to create a different wine-tail, such as the Ugly Sweater, a blend of cabernet franc and brandy or bourbon.
Details: The festival runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, but the snowmen will be on display daily through December. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; www.cornerstonesonoma.com.
Jordan Winery, Healdsburg
Anyone with a French chateau holiday on their Christmas list can get a taste of what they’re asking for at this Alexander Valley estate. Jordan recently started a special holiday tour and tasting ($70), where guests can bask in the elegant decor while enjoying a miniature feast, beginning with caviar-topped abalone paired with Jordan’s exclusive French cuvee.
A pour of chardonnay accompanies a trip to the cellar, which also gets the yuletide treatment with lights strung from giant Old World casks. Afterward, guests are ushered to the library — complete with an exquisitely trimmed tree — where they can cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy soup paired with a Jordan cabernet followed by a cheese plate. Cap off the experience with fresh-baked cookies and decadent chocolate ganache hot cocoa before bidding adieu to this taste of a festive French holiday.
Details: Holiday tours and tastings are available by appointment at 2 p.m. daily, except Sundays, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg; www.jordanwinery.com
Flora Springs, St. Helena
Winery namesake Flora Komes loves the holidays and each year, her grandkids and winery employees go up to her attic for decorations and inspiration. The main estate on Zinfandel Lane is always decorated, but it’s the main tasting room on Highway 29 that gets the full tree and tinsel treatment. A giant wreath and ornaments outside make the already eye-catching modern building even more noticeable. Inside, it’s wall-to-wall trees, wreaths and garlands.
They even bottle up their contagious Christmas cheer in special seasonal releases, including a cabernet called Holiday Helper, and a holiday red blend in a trio of etched bottles with artwork inspired by Flora’s Christmas card collection, such as this year’s toy soldier and snow globe of the estate. For true cabernet connoisseurs, the Three Kings vertical includes the 2014-2016 vintages for a gift that’s fit for, well, a king.
Details: Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (Estate tastings available by appointment.) 677 Highway 29, St. Helena; www.florasprings.com
