Weekend Getaway

Wineries Open Doors for Outdoor Tasting Experiences

(Images:provided)

In Napa and Sonoma Counties, outdoor wine tasting continues at several venues including Benovia Winery and Inglenook, and outdoor dining continues at Brix Napa Valley. All three destinations are just minutes from private airports.

Enjoy Pino and Pairings on the Patio with Benovia.

Benovia Winery is open for outdoor wine tasting with “Pinot & Pairings on the Patio.” Benovia Winery is a fun, family-owned, limited-production winery in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley that produces some of the region’s most exclusive, coveted, sustainably farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The health and safety of Benovia’s co-workers, guests and the community is their first priority, and visitors can relax knowing that behind the scenes the Benovia team is sticking to the strict guidelines set forth by local health officials. Guests who want to enjoy wine among the vines will be surrounded by Benovia’s sustainably farmed Martaella vineyard. What could be better than tasting wine right at the source? The spacious deck on the back of Benovia’s Ranch House is a perfect setting for visitors seeking privacy and a comfortable distance from other parties, while they enjoy a tasting served with thoughtfully chosen pairings.

Reservations are required and the number of tastings accepted each day will be limited. Prompt arrival is essential. A greeter will be waiting for guests outside the tasting room. Visitors will be guided to their tables where their own personal pens and tasting sheets will be waiting for them. Benovia asks that all guests wear masks when they arrive and any time they leave their table. There are restrooms in each tasting area that are cleaned frequently, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the patio and tasting areas. Contactless payment is provided at the end of the tasting. There’s a substantial cushion between each tasting appointment so the Benovia team can give the tasting room and all high-touch areas a comprehensive cleaning, in step with guidelines from local health officials.

Beautiful views at the garden at Brix.

Outdoor dining is available at Brix Napa Valley. Guests can relax on the spacious patio at Brix and in the garden and citrus grove overlooking the stunning vineyard, with a breathtaking view of the Mayacamas. Brix is also offering a robust selection of carry-out dishes and wines-by-the-bottle-to-go from their vast cellar. For couples who have had to cancel elaborate weddings, they can book more intimate ceremonies in the garden at Brix for the bride, groom and four special guests. The Chocolate & Strawberry Bombe here is fantastic! It’s a large bonbon full of delicate cream cheese mousse served with a summer berry compote.

Brix is serving their famous Sunday Brunch à la carte but not welcoming guests to sit at the bar. There are motion-activated hand sanitizers throughout the estate. Both reservations and walk-in guests are welcome, but Brix cannot seat parties larger than six. Guests have to wear masks when they arrive, and any time they leave their table to walk through the restaurant or garden. Guests have to remain six feet away from other parties the whole time they’re at Brix.

Inglenook continues to host guests with white glove service in the estate’s spacious courtyard and on its picturesque terrace. Founded in 1879, the stunning chateau on the organically farmed estate was built in 1887. The chateau and estate are ideal for visitors seeking privacy from other parties and a relaxing respite.

Inglenook’s courtyard is a welcome sight for visitors.

Tasting appointments are by reservation only, with a limited number of guests allowed on the estate. Visitors are welcomed through the gate with convenient contactless entry and parking spaces have been thoughtfully organized so that guests can remain a respectful distance from each other as they get in and out of their cars. Behind the scenes, guests can be assured that the Inglenook team has thoroughly cleaned all high touch surfaces hourly.

The gracious Inglenook team is donning white gloves and masks to protect guests and offer the impeccable, warm service for which Inglenook is known. Imagine tasting on a sunny day alongside Inglenook’s iconic fountain in the winery’s open, breezy courtyard – or savoring a private luncheon, crafted by Chef Alex who draws upon the bounty of the organically-farmed estate and culinary garden to create memorable coursed meals that pair perfectly with Inglenook’s wines. Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa’s first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, a renowned legacy of innovation and an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines that have defined and established Napa as a world-class wine region. From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. It remains the largest contiguous estate on the famed Rutherford Bench, Napa Valley’s finest area for producing spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.

Inglenook Chateau by night.

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