Description: Our last winery stop (and the very best!!): MATANZAS CREEK WINERY & GARDENS in Bennett Valley. Now this one is definitely off the beaten path. In fact, it was so off the beaten path that we thought we were lost. But it is well worth the extra effort (and in actuality, it is only 15 minutes away from Glen Ellen).
This winery is just breathtaking. In addition to the vineyards, there is a lavender garden with scents that will put you in the most serene of moods. I have been told that June is the best time to visit the garden, as the lavender is in full bloom then. And the wines! They are truly wonderful -- the 1999 Chardonnay is just about the smoothest, most buttery wine I have tasted in recent history. By the end of our tour through 7 of their top wines (our guide poured us an extra tasting of their extra-special (and pricey, at $155 a bottle) Journey Meritage), I was pretty much drunk on Matanzas Creek! The tasting room is filled with the aroma of good wine and lavender -- products of each are available to purchase. This was such a star winery that we joined their wine club on the spot.
Tasting fee: $5 for 6 tastings (can be used toward your wine purchases).
Of note, only the Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are distributed outside of the winery.
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