Wineries go gourmet

California's wine country has long been known for its sweeping vineyard views and its signature varietals, but in recent years, a new trend has reshaped the region's appeal. Increasingly, wineries across Napa, Sonoma, and beyond are drawing visitors not only for tastings, but for immersive culinary experiences that rival top restaurants. These estates now offer a blend of wine and food that goes far beyond cheese plates, with menus crafted by chefs, ingredients harvested from on-site gardens, and dishes designed to showcase the nuances of each wine.

A visit to Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma exemplifies the evolution of the wine and food pairing experience. The estate, known for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, has invested in a comprehensive culinary program. The kitchen staff works closely with the winery's own organic gardens, orchards, and apiary to prepare seasonal tasting menus. Guests who book the Estate Tour & Tasting travel by vehicle around the vineyard property, stopping at scenic locations for food and wine pairings, such as local cheeses, house-cured meats, and estate-grown vegetables served with current and library vintages. The emphasis is on creating a connection between the land, the wines, and the food, all while exploring the diverse landscape that makes Sonoma unique.

A few miles away, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has built a reputation for its multi-course Wine & Food Pairing experiences. These seated, chef-led lunches and dinners are designed to elevate the tasting room visit to a full sensory event. Menus change every six weeks and highlight ingredients sourced from the winery's culinary garden or from nearby farms in the Sonoma Valley. Each course is presented with a specific wine and explained by the culinary team, giving guests insight into how flavors interact and why certain pairings succeed. The setting, with panoramic vineyard views and attentive service, helps to make the experience memorable for both casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs.

In Napa Valley, the trend toward food-focused wine experiences is equally strong. At Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, visitors find an expanded program of food and wine events, ranging from guided tastings with cheese and charcuterie to multi-course lunches on the winery's private terrace. The winery employs a full culinary staff and often collaborates with local chefs for special events. Dishes are constructed around the tasting notes of specific bottlings, ensuring that each bite enhances the wine and vice versa. Guests can expect to sample locally sourced produce, seafood, and artisan breads, sometimes prepared using Mondavi's wood-fired ovens and grills. The approach is about creating harmony between wine and food, with a focus on classic Napa Valley hospitality.

Further north, at B Cellars in Oakville, culinary innovation meets wine tradition. The winery has developed a tasting format known as the "B Cellars Wine & Food Pairing," which features small seasonal plates designed by the resident chef. Many of the ingredients come directly from the on-site gardens or from trusted purveyors in the region. The tasting menu changes frequently and includes items such as house-cured salmon, garden-fresh salads, and locally raised meats, each matched with specific wines from the estate. The experience is hosted in the winery's Hospitality House, a modern building set among vineyards, offering a relaxed but refined atmosphere for savoring both food and wine.

Another notable destination is Thomas Fogarty Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This family-owned estate sits high above Silicon Valley, offering cool-climate wines and a dedicated culinary program. The winery has invested in expanding its on-site kitchen, and now offers a "Garden Series" of events in which guests can tour the winery's organic gardens before sitting down for a lunch or dinner prepared by the chef. Menus are seasonal, with dishes like heirloom tomato salad or spring pea risotto served alongside Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The focus is on sustainability, freshness, and letting the wines shine through careful pairing.

In Paso Robles, the culinary emphasis is equally apparent at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. The estate's Restaurant at JUSTIN has earned acclaim for its innovative approach to wine country cuisine. Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom and her team create menus inspired by the estate's gardens and the bounty of Central California. Tasting menus might include dishes like local lamb with estate-grown herbs, fresh seafood, or house-made pastas, all presented with a selection of JUSTIN's Bordeaux-style wines. The restaurant's location, surrounded by rolling vineyards, enhances the sense of place and makes for a true wine and food destination.

The Central Coast is also home to Presqu'ile Winery in Santa Maria, which takes pride in its chef-led food and wine pairings. The winery's culinary team emphasizes local sourcing, with much of the produce grown on the estate. Guests can book a "Presqu'ile Experience," which includes a tour of the property followed by a seated pairing of wines with seasonally driven small plates. The food reflects the region's agricultural richness, with dishes such as Santa Maria-style barbecue or garden vegetable tartines, each complementing the estate's cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Wineries in California are not only elevating the food experience but also embracing new ways of connecting visitors to the land. At Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Sonoma County, the focus is on "estate to table" cuisine. The winery's culinary gardens span more than four acres and supply the kitchen with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Guests can join garden tours before sitting down for a five-course wine and food pairing in the glass-walled dining room. The culinary team, led by Executive Chef Justin Wangler, works with the winemakers to design dishes that reflect both the season and the winery's diverse portfolio, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Cakebread Cellars in Napa, the focus is on educational culinary experiences. The winery offers cooking classes and interactive demonstrations in addition to its regular tastings. Guests learn techniques from professional chefs while preparing recipes designed to match Cakebread's signature wines. The approach is hands-on, with visitors encouraged to ask questions, sample ingredients, and refine their understanding of pairing principles. These programs attract a mix of locals and travelers who want to deepen their appreciation for both food and wine in a welcoming setting.

This movement toward culinary-focused winery experiences is not limited to the most famous appellations. Across California, from Mendocino to Santa Barbara, more producers are investing in gardens, chef partnerships, and new tasting formats to bring food to the forefront. The aim is to create memorable experiences that highlight not just the quality of the wine, but the region's agricultural heritage and culinary talent. For travelers who love both food and wine, California's wineries now offer more than a tasting—they offer a feast for all the senses.