Buena Vista Winery is California’s oldest commercial winery. Hungarian émigré Agoston Haraszthy founded it in 1857 on Old Winery Road, about a mile from Sonoma Plaza. Wine lovers and history fans come for its stone cellars, shaded grounds, and a direct link to the state’s first serious vintages (source: [Buena Vista Winery](https://buenavistawinery.com/)).
Tastings happen inside the restored 1860s Press House, where thick stone walls keep the room cool even in late summer. The Barrel Tasting and Winery Tour takes guests across the estate and into the historic Champagne Cellars, which were carved into the hillside by Chinese laborers. Educators tell the story of Haraszthy, the self-styled “Count of Buena Vista,” along the way (source: [Buena Vista Winery](https://buenavistawinery.com/barrel-tasting-and-winery-tour)). For a more relaxed visit, the Current Release Seated Tasting pours a curated flight at the table. The private guided tour is the estate’s most exclusive experience. Recent TripAdvisor reviewers praise the tour’s depth of California wine history (source: [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33107-d116927-Reviews-Buena_Vista_Winery-Sonoma_Sonoma_County_California.html)).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. Weekends and harvest season, from September through October, draw the largest crowds. Book seated tastings and tours online ahead of time, or call (800) 926-1266 (source: [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/buena-vista-winery-sonoma)). Bring a picnic to eat on the grounds. You can pair the visit with Sonoma Plaza and Mission San Francisco Solano, both a short drive west. Arrange a designated driver or a car service before you go.
