With direct access from Hwy 121, Viansa Winery & Marketplace is a brilliant initiation to Sonoma Wine Country. Sonoma County has long been synonymous with the Italian heritage; many of the early settlers of the valley were originally from Southern Italy. Therefore, the Tuscan-themed property of Viansa Winery that greeted us was a fitting homage to the Italian traditions and style.
Wine Tasting Bouncer
Our host was waiting in the peaceful courtyard, ready to direct us, as there were many options to explore on the lush, opulent Viansa property. Our attention was piqued when we heard that it was part of his job to direct buses, especially those without appointments.
An appointment for a wine tasting? Oh yes, due to Viansa’s gorgeous grounds and gourmet market, it is a popular stop for busloads of wine tourists, yet, Viansa Winery & Marketplace is vigilant in giving each guest special attention and maintaining the property’s tranquil nature, so they have a wine tasting bouncer of sorts. Even though we were assured that they keep an even flow of guests, we proceeded to the tasting room with much trepidation with visions of wading through the Disneyland type of hordes.
Picture-Perfect Picnic
Ascending the stairway laced with verdant vines, we passed Dogwood roses, Italian cypress and olive trees to find an incredible vista, resplendent with all that is Sonoma wine country – rolling hills, villas nestled between vineyards, farm houses, flower gardens, and even protected wetlands. Viansa Winery is situated at the crest of the hill, providing stunning views of Sonoma Valley for those who like to picnic with a bottle of Viansa wine.
Viansa Tasting Room & Marketplace
And no surprise, couples and groups were doing just that – enjoying the standard repast of wine, cheese and local baguettes under Sonoma’s clear blue sky. On first glance, before entering the Viansa Marketplace, it appeared the picnickers had packed exquisite bag lunches of salumi, fig spreads, and both Italian and Sonoman cheeses. But we discovered that most guests after the wine tasting buy the gourmet picnic items right on the property making it the perfect afternoon delight.
Upon entering the Viansa tasting room and marketplace, our fears of overcrowding from the wine bus tours subsided. The room had ample space for both shopping and tasting. Two tasting bars at opposite ends with plenty of staff can readily accommodate at least twenty to thirty people each. Although it wasn’t the weekend, every station in the tasting room was complete with friendly, knowledgeable assistants.
Rare and Well-Known Italian Varietals
Viansa Winery’s tasting menu includes up to 19 wines to choose from – a crowd-pleaser for both a wine enthusiast and an occasional dabbler. We enjoyed sampling the specialty wines of Viansa, Italian varietals both readily available (Barbera and Pinot Grigio) and those less common (Arneis and Vernaccia).
The strong mineral wash and fruity nose of the 2010 Viansa Arneis is a worthy diversion for the Sauvignon Blanc aficionado. The reds came as big or subtle as you please with Viansa’s Ossidiana – a bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot – or the softer 2005 Thalia Sangiovese. The 2006 Ossidiana, Viansa’s flagship wine in a sleek black bottle, is a perfect gift to let the wine lover in your life know their appreciated at $125 a bottle. Viansa Winery also produces popular California wine varietals including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Cheese Please!
Another great feature of the Viansa’s tasting room is their “Italian Wine and Cheese Pairing” option. During this tasting, they pair five of Viansa’s Italian varietal wines with five different cheeses and Viansa condiments, $25 per person. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
A must-try of the Italian cheeses at Viansa Winery & Marketplace is the Sottocerre – an exceptional pairing with any of the reds. Even a casual gourmand will detect the unmistakable yet scrumptious scent of truffle, dirt and all. Just as dark chocolate can stand up to the bigger reds, so can this brawny cheese. With charcuterie and fresh bread, everything needed for the tapa or sandwich lover is available. Again, there is truly something for everyone, the best of California and Italy with a few other delicacies thrown in for good gastronomic measure.
If you prefer a little spice or sweetness with the cheese and wine, make your way to the sampling area where many unique and delicious condiments such as jams, chutneys, mustards and sauces are available. Our favorites were the Fig and Red Onion Chutney, the Chardonnay Tomato Sauce, and the Cabernet Wine Conserve. Besides the ready gifts found in the condiment section, there are additional shopping opportunities in the Marketplace such as wine accessories and kitchen supplies.
Wine Country Weddings
In addition to providing rest and refueling, Viansa Winery is a picture-perfect venue for special occasions. Close to the San Francisco Bay area, this site is a magical location for a Wine Country wedding. According to Viansa Winery’s owner, Lloyd Davis, they host over 100 weddings a year. With the incredible backdrop for those photo-ops come an enclosed outdoor tent and beautiful grounds to accommodate the wedding reception. There are several places, including the stately courtyard, for the actual ceremony. While we were wine tasting, a couple from Ohio were visiting Viansa to book their destination wedding. Now that’s a wedding worth traveling for!
Benefits of Tuscan Membership
Another reason to travel to Viansa Winery & Marketplace is their made-to-order pizzas fresh from the outdoor wood-burning oven at their Pizza & Wine event. Imagine you and your guests designing your own pizzas, sipping on the 2009 Scintillare sparkling wine while playing a game of bocce as you wait for the traditional Italian treat. Viansa Winery regularly hosts food and wine pairings especially for their ‘Tuscan’ members. These monthly events provide wonderful opportunities to fully experience the gustatory and convivial qualities of the property.
Old World Enoteca
Also on-site for wine and food pairing events is the enchanting Enoteca (Italian word for wine library). The Enoteca is a cozy wine cellar available to rent for private dinner parties with a rustic wooden table surrounded by the Viansa’s most treasured bottles. Viansa’s Enoteca is reminiscent of a something you would find in a centuries old wine cellar in France or Italy.
Remaining true to the Italian traditions of winemaking, handmade food and familial gatherings is the essence of Viansa Winery and Marketplace. Don’t miss Sonoma’s taste of Tuscany at Viansa Winery & Marketplace, open daily 10 am – 5 pm.
Viansa Winery & Marketplace
25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
800.995.4740
www.viansa.com
Co-Authored by Christy Vogel
