Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery

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CALIFORNIA: Sonoma County

It is not easy to improve on the friendly feelings generated by a visit to the original Sebastiani Winery tasting room. Of course, it was a bit small, and things could get a bit too cozy now and then, so no one complained too loudly when plans were unveiled for a complete re-do of the hospitality area. Now the work is completed and everyone is pleased and excited by the results.

The visit starts with a walk across a picturesque courtyard and through tall double doors which open onto a splendid hall with vaulted ceilings and soft lights. The room is laid out in a casual, friendly pattern, with plenty of space between the gift-filled tables to make strolling around each wondrous display a pleasant experience. One entire side of the hall is devoted to a marble tasting bar. There is a sliding scale of fees for the three-tier tasting in handsome signature glass.

Three tours are scheduled each day that show off the private tasting rooms where many of the winery’s educational programs and food and wine events are held. Each room is themed to a period in the life of the historic winery. There is the August Sebastiani room, named for second generation Sebastiani winemaker; the Sonoma Valley Room, with a breathtakingly detailed mural of the Sonoma Valley by Michael Wardle; the Samuele Room, commemorating the winery’s founder, August’s father, and a charming and intimate room named for Samuele’s wife, Elvira. The “room” which seems to elicit the most enthusiasm is the Sylvia Sebastiani Kitchen. It is also, possibly, the busiest room in the new complex. The display beside the door to the Kitchen contains jars and bottles of the exclusive Sebastiani food line, and freshly reprinted copies of Sylvia’s cookbook, “Mangiamo.”

More information about all the wines, the wine club and events at Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery may be found on the website: www.sebastiani.com.