Matanzas Creek Winery

Matanzas Creek Winery Review

The visitor center at this beautiful winery sets itself apart with an understated Japanese aesthetic, extending to a tranquil fountain and a koi pond. Best of all, huge windows overlook a vast field of lavender plants. The ideal time to visit is in May and June, when the lavender blooms and perfumes the air. The winery specializes in sauvignon blanc, merlot, and chardonnay, although they also produce a popular dry rosé as well as some syrah, pinot noir, and cabernet. Guided tours range from an hour-long intro to the Bennett Valley, the tiny AVA where the winery is located, to a more expensive one that concludes with a taste of limited-production and library wines paired with artisanal cheeses. If you'd like to go it on your own, ask for a printed vineyard tour guide, which will point you toward a stroll through their merlot, Grenache, and malbec vineyards.