I drink a lot of wine (in moderation, of course). I write about wine as part of my journalism work and live in the heart of beautiful Northern California Wine Country. You've probably already seen it pop up here on Steemit.
One thing you've probably noticed also, is that I don't include a lot of photographs of myself in my posts. I travel alone a lot (therefore no one to take a lovely photo of me) and selfies don't always do the trick (however, I did buy a selfie stick recently, so we'll see what happens!).
However, I do take way too many photos of my wine. With that, you get the wine selfie - a picture of a wine glass, preferably with great tasting wine inside, and a beautiful setting behind it. When you visit Northern California Wine Country, here are 10 places that are perfect for wine selfies [in no particular order].
#1 Roederer Estate, Philo, California
One of the finest sparkling wine producers in the country, Roederer Estates' winery is unpretentiously tucked into the rural, no-cell service Anderson Valley in Mendocino, County. Tastings are a mere $6 per person and include five to six wines, including a taste of a sparkler from a magnum (wine tastes better out of a magnum!).
#2 La Crema at Saralee's Vineyard, Santa Rosa, California
One of the newest tasting experiences in Sonoma County is offered by La Crema, which produces widely distributed chardonnays and pinot noirs. Their spectacular new tasting room is located in the heart of the iconic Saralee's Vineyard. Tastings start at $15 and you'll find yourself easily wandering the vineyards, glass in hand, in no time.
#3 Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma, California
Yellow is the theme at Sunflower Caffe, one of the most popular brunch spots in my hometown of Sonoma. Order a mimosa (sparkling wine and orange juice) and your food at the counter and grab a table in on the back patio. The mimosa is the largest in town and they use a decent sparkler and freshly squeezed orange juice. The yellow on yellow on yellow action will leave you selfie satisfied.
#4 Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa, California
The view from Paradise Ridge is breathtaking, with mountaintop panoramic views of their estate vineyards and the city of Santa Rosa (and beyond). However, right now it is a bittersweet view: the winery burned down to the ground during the recent Tubbs Fire. However, they are rebuilding. And when they do you can taste through their wines on the patio and explore their ever changing large scale sculpture and installation exhibitions that are disbursed throughout the property (and still standing after the fires, go figure!). Tastings start at $15 at their Kenwood, California, tasting room.
#5 Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma, California
Ya'll read about Gloria Ferrer a few days ago here on my blog - the view at Gloria Ferrer is remarkable, with a huge patio overlooking the Carneros region of Sonoma County. Enjoy tastes of their vintage and non-vintage sparklers and don't forget their delicious still wines. They also offer tours of their production facility and great cheese plates to nibble on while enjoying the views. Tastings start at $25. You can also just get a glass and enjoy the sights.
#6 Pangloss Cellars, Sonoma, California
One of the hottest tasting rooms in Wine Country, Pangloss produces reasonably priced, small production wines. Their tasting room is decorated with a Restoration Hardware vibe and is a place to "see and be seen" in Sonoma. A giant portrait of Voltaire (who wrote Candide, which features the character Professor Pangloss) looms over the tasting room and tasting options include locally sourced food pairings and wonderful views of the Sonoma Plaza. Tastings start at $25.
#7 Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg, California
This appointment only estate specializes in two varietals: chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. The wines are wonderful, and tastings include a tour and food pairing. It's the type of tasting you'll be bragging about afterwards - and inducing major FOMO via Instagram. The French chateau-style winery sits upon a vast estate with organic gardens, vineyards, and farm animals. My tasting at Jordan included truffles with filet mignon and Maine lobster. Tastings start at $30.
#8 Fort Ross Vineyard, Jenner, California
Fort Ross produces some of the finest pinot noir in the country and their tasting room lends itself to a beautiful experience that complements their wines perfectly. The tasting room, which is located just off of the famous Highway One, is located above the fog line and on a clear day one can see the Pacific Ocean. Tastings start at $20.
#9 Patz & Hall, Sonoma, California
Another excellent pinot noir producer, Patz & Hall's Sonoma House is an elegant and modern property on the outskirts of the town of Sonoma. Tastefully decorated with rotating contemporary art exhibitions, you'll find plenty of visual appeal for Instagram. Appointment only, they offer multiple experiences, including outside tastings next to their estate vineyard with locally sourced food pairings. Tastings start at $30 and include access to exclusive estate wines.
#10 Viansa, Sonoma, California
Viansa is one of the first wineries to greet visitors upon arrival in Southern Sonoma Valley. The winery used to specialize in Italian varietals, but recently replanted estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. Viansa is also committed to environmental conservation - they have 97 acres of preserved wetlands. At Viansa, I can blend two things I love - wine and birds. Over 500 bird species have been noted on the property and you can have a private tasting in a hillside overlook with binoculars and birding guides. The views are beautiful. Tastings start at $15. viansa.com