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When the last of the presents are opened and the leftovers have lost their luster, a wine country excursion is often on the itinerary to entertain out-of-town holiday guests. For non-drinkers in the party, winery visits can be a test of patience; there are only so many coasters and bottle stoppers one can look at while everyone else is tasting.
But there are a number of wineries that have experiences beyond the tasting room bar, where teetotalers can enjoy themselves with diversions for art lovers, tree-huggers, and Italophiles.
VJB Vineyards and Cellars
This family-owned winery in Sonoma Valley is like a miniature Eataly. For the wine tasters, the tasting bar lineup offers an intriguing selection of Italian varietals from the estate grown aglianico to an impressive version of a super Tuscan, a blend of cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese the family refers to as The Dante.
Those not imbibing will enjoy checking out the marketplace and deli filled with imported Italian delicacies, as well as the Belmonte family’s housemade pasta made on site. Non-imbibers can take on the delightful task of ordering lunch for the rest for the group, too, choosing from antipasti, panini and wood-fired pizzas made to order at the outdoor pizza oven on the sprawling piazza, where tables await for an al fresco meal if the weather’s fine. For a non-alcoholic indulgence, hit up the onsite chocolate and gelato shop, The Wine Truffle Boutique.
Details: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 60 Shaw Ave., Kenwood; www.vjbcellars.com.
Benziger Family Winery
This vineyard and winery is a piece of Eden in the already idyllic Sonoma Valley, with plenty to entertain nature lovers. A 45-minute guided tram tour ($30 for ages 21 and over, $10 under 21) of the property introduces visitors to biodynamic agriculture and winemaking and includes a visit to the wine cave and an insectary, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Sample the estate-grown olive oil in the tasting room, which also pours fruit-forward wines. Then head outside to wander the grounds, where the blissful sounds of bird calls and wind-rustled trees may be more intoxicating than the wine. A self-guided tour under an arbor gives visitors a more in-depth look at Benziger’s biodynamic system. And just outside the property’s old farmhouse, history markers offer guests some entertaining tidbits about the original owner’s not-so-friendly relationship with his neighbor, author Jack London.
Details: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends at 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen; www.benziger.com.
Markham Vineyards
One of the oldest continually operating wineries in California, Markham is good for a short “just one more winery” stop in St. Helena. The winery’s art gallery is free and open to the public, so while tasters sample from a list of nationally distributed wines ($20) or winery-exclusive single-vineyard selections ($35), the rest can while away half an hour in the visitor center perusing contemporary and unconventional works by resident artists Harold and Peggy Francis, as well as a rotating selection of art from pop-up artists.
The colorful giant carp in the koi ponds just outside the visitor’s center entrance will keep any youngsters in the party entertained.
Details: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Jan. 1. 2812 Highway 29, St. Helena; www.markhamvineyards.com
Brasswood
While the wine lovers in your group start sipping sauvignon blanc made by winemaking team Stacia Dowdell and Angelina Mondavi in the chic, sleek tasting room, the rest of you can make the rounds of this former outlet mall.
Brasswood boasts a restaurant and bakery where visitors can nibble pastry and coffee. There’s also a gallery space with works curated by a member of the Guggenheim family, a gift shop with an eclectic collection of luxury gifts and, if it’s not in use for a private tasting, a sensory room that’s a visual and olfactory feast. The room houses a colorful collection of fruits, flora and other food stuffs in giant glass cloches, each one representing the hallmark aromas of different types of wine that anyone can enjoy and learn from.
Details: Tasting room open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3111 Highway 29, St. Helena; www.brasswood.com.