The beautiful, diverse geography of the North Bay makes it ideal for a variety of adventures of all types. Though cave exploring doesn’t always spring to mind when considering an outing, the type done in the Wine Country is one of our favorites. No need for headlamps, carabineers, rope, or an REI shopping spree for these cave expeditions: as it turns out, the only thing one needs is a dinner or tour reservation at the right winery.

 
Photo taken
by George DeMet		Photo taken
by Q Speaks

Caves are ideal for aging and storing wine because they create the perfect environment of cool temperatures and high humidity. The practice dates back to ancient Rome, at least, and caves have long since been used in Sonoma County and are often stops on winery tours. However, for a unique Wine Country outing, try visiting one of the few wineries that open their caves for a more intimate experience: private tours and special dinners. The caves offer a certain mystique – dark ambiance, natural surroundings, cascading water – paired with candlelight, and of course, the purveyor’s selection of fine wines.

Bella Vineyards Wine Cave 
Photo taken by star5112 
To plan your caving adventure, try one of these wineries:

 Bella Vineyards: The tasting room is open daily from 11:00am-4:30pm and is situated in the back of the cave with a view of the winemaking and barrel storage area. Dinners in the caves are available on occasion, including a Harvest Dinner in the Cave this October, and are open to wine club members and their friends.

Hans Fahden Vineyards: Hans Fahden opens their cave to diners Thursday nights through September (plus two Thursdays in October). The evening begins with a tour of the grounds (a magnificent Monet garden setting complete with water lilies), a wine tasting and culminates with a delicious catered three-course meal. As a bonus, you can bring your own wine and there’s no corkage fee.

Gundlach Bundschu: At 2:00pm daily, Gundlach Bundschu offers a Harvest Tour and Cave Tasting. This hour-long experience takes you through their winemaking process and ends with a seated tasting in their barrel cave.

 Jarvis: Jarvis does more than just store wine in caves – the entire winemaking facility is run inside the 45,000 square feet of cave tunneled into the Vacas Mountains and tasting tours are available daily by appointment.

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Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors