Scott S.
Google
We visited Petaluma for Valentine’s weekend and decided to start the day early knowing wineries would likely be busy. Our first stop was Korbel in Guerneville, a charming property that truly feels tucked away in the middle of nowhere in the best possible way.
We began in the tasting room where each of us ordered a champagne tasting. My wife chose the chocolate pairing option (featuring chocolates from a local shop), while I went with the standard tasting. Champagne tastings are always fun, and a little dangerous, but the experience was excellent. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and took time to explain what we were tasting without making it feel overly formal.
The tastings ended up being complimentary with club signup, and we joined largely because it gives us a great excuse to come back and visit again when shipments are ready.
We also did the tour, which was very well done. It starts with a short outdoor walking portion (bring a jacket if it’s chilly), followed by a film presentation and access to a room filled with interesting historical artifacts that tell the story of the Korbel family and the property. The pacing was perfect, informative without dragging on, and concluded with another tasting.
Afterward, we stopped at the onsite café for sandwiches. It’s a small, simple space, but the food was surprisingly excellent and a perfect midday break.
Overall, Korbel delivered a relaxed, educational, and enjoyable experience, a great mix of history, atmosphere, and approachable wine tasting without feeling pretentious.