I’m standing on the launchpad for my new blog and ready to begin this journey. I was wondering what I should write about for my first blog post. Then, it occurred to me. I should write about the first premier winery in the US. That somehow seems appropriate as a first post, right?

So, I’m jumping….I visited the Buena Vista Winery on my trip to Sonoma, California in July 2019. For me, it was a winery that I had wanted to visit for a while, being the first of its kind and all. So, I decided to check it out.

I pulled into a parking lot on a very quiet Wednesday afternoon. I noticed immediately that I couldn’t see the winery from the parking area. There was a sign that directed me down a path to the winery. As I walked along the tree-lined path, the history of the winery unfolded in the form of plaques and statues. Each one presented me with a piece of the history of the winery and its founder. Fascinated, I couldn’t wait to get to the winery and live in the whole experience…especially the seemingly amazing wine!

I’ve been to quite a few wineries across the US but this held something special, something mysterious. The path gave way to a courtyard that summoned me back to the 1800s. It was definitely updated and renovated but the winery/tasting room was beautiful with its manicured hedges and stone winery building. I couldn’t wait to go inside!

Before we go there, I’ll give you a short history of this really cool place.

Buena Vista was founded in 1857. The founder’s name was Agoston Haraszthy, the self-proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista” (I’m intrigued already!). He was definitely a colorful California wine lover, vintner, and pioneer. He immigrated from Europe in 1840 in search of an opportunity in the American West and the perfect location to someday open his winery. Mr. Haraszthy has a very colorful and eclectic history including a stint as the sheriff of San Diego county but he had a yearning to make wine. And all I can say about that is thank God he did! But more about that later.

In 1868, Haraszthy took a trip to the jungles of Nicaragua where he invested in a sugar plantation with the hope of producing rum for export to the US. But, on July 6, 1869, he disappeared without a trace. I don’t think this is going to end well….rumor has it that he fell into an alligator-infested river and was eaten. His body was never found. It’s a sad and horrific story but a fascinating part of the winery’s history. The Buena Vista Winery later survived Prohibition and the phylloxera infestation to ultimately produce very successful, beautiful wines to honor the legacy that is Agoston Haraszthy!

So, here’s my experience with Buena Vista…

I walked across the courtyard and through the large wooden doors into the winery tasting room. It was beautiful with a large chandelier hanging overhead. I walked around the room enjoying the décor and the private tasting room with its gorgeous opaque table. They also have a shop with various wine-related items and Buena Vista branded wine gadgets. My eyes landed on the tasting counter. The bottles were lined up floor to ceiling behind the bar with gleaming gold alligators, sheriff badges and crests attached the to the dark bottles. I thought, “this is so perfect, history and beautiful wine…what could be better?”.

I ordered my flight (If you go, get the Private Reserve flight if you can. You won’t be sorry): a 2015 Sparkling Blanc de Noir, a 2016 Private Reserve Chardonnay, a 2017 Private Reserve Pinot Noir and a 2015 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite was the Private Reserve Pinot Noir…it was medium-bodied and silky smooth with balanced tannins and acidity. It tasted like a bowl full of berries with a bit of floral. The color? Beautiful deep ruby. The others were lovely as well. The Sparkling Blanc de Noir was fizzy and fun with a refreshing floral and citrus combination that made me think of summer, The Private Reserve Chardonnay tasted of baking spices and a bit of citrus cooled to the perfect temperature and the Private Reserve Cab was dark and mysterious, much like the experience here at the winery. It tasted of dark fruits and black currant. A beautiful dark red. Age this one!

The winery has various tours and tastings available along with a wonderful wine shop. During this time of COVID, all these may not be available but check out their website for more information about the winery, events, wines, and tastings. It was truly a unique experience and one you will remember.

www.buenavistawinery.com

Cheers! Enjoy!