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Cline Family Cellars: A Sonoma Valley Gem

Discover Sonoma's Cline Family Cellars: a historic estate blending Rhône-style wines, sustainable practices, and family-friendly charm in the heart of Carneros, just minutes from downtown Sonoma.

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Cline Family Cellars, nestled in the Carneros region of Sonoma, offers a delightful blend of wine tasting, history, and family-friendly activities. Founded in 1982 by Fred Cline, the winery specializes in Rhône-style wines, Zinfandels, and classic California varietals. The 350-acre estate, once a Miwok village and the site of the original Mission San Francisco de Solano, features lush gardens, spring-fed ponds, and a museum showcasing California's mission history. Visitors can enjoy various tasting experiences, picnic by the ponds, and explore the grounds, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and families alike. With its commitment to sustainable farming and a welcoming atmosphere, Cline Family Cellars provides an unforgettable Sonoma experience.

A brief summary to Cline Family Cellars

  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed tasting experience.
  • Take advantage of the self-guided walking tour to explore the grounds and learn about the winery's history and sustainable farming practices.
  • Pack a picnic or purchase a cheese and charcuterie board to enjoy by the spring-fed ponds.
  • Visit the California Missions Museum to learn about the history of the California missions.
  • Check the winery's event calendar for special events like the Cline Country Bluegrass Festival or Lobster Feeds.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Sonoma Plaza, head east on E Napa St toward 1st St East. Continue onto CA-121 S/Arnold Dr for approximately 4 miles. Cline Family Cellars will be on your left. Parking is available on-site, but it can be limited during peak season. Consider arriving early or carpooling. Parking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Sonoma Plaza, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. The ride is approximately 4 miles and takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $16-$20 for a one-way trip. Note that prices may vary depending on demand and time of day.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Cline Family Cellars are limited, you can take Sonoma County Transit Route 40 from Sonoma Plaza to the intersection of CA-121 and Leveroni Rd, which is approximately a 15-minute walk (0.7 miles) to the winery. As of May 2025, local routes are fare-free. Check Sonoma County Transit's website for the most up-to-date schedules.

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Discover more about Cline Family Cellars

Cline Family Cellars is more than just a winery; it's a destination that seamlessly blends history, sustainable practices, and exceptional wines. Founded in 1982 by Fred Cline in Oakley, California, the winery initially focused on old vine Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, and Carignane. In 1989, Fred and his wife, Nancy, relocated the winery to its current location in the Carneros region of Sonoma, purchasing a 350-acre horse farm with a rich history. The estate's land has witnessed centuries of California history. Before European settlement, it was a Miwok village. Later, it became the original site of Mission San Francisco de Solano. In the 1850s, German immigrants Julius and Katherine Adolph Poppe established a dairy and supplied carp to San Francisco from the property's spring-fed ponds. These ponds remain today, adding to the estate's charm. Cline Family Cellars is committed to sustainable farming practices. They avoid herbicides and pesticides, using cover crops, compost teas, and sheep to manage the vineyards. This dedication to environmental stewardship has earned them international recognition and certifications as a Certified California Sustainable and Sonoma County Sustainable winery. The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences to suit every palate. The Classic Sonoma Bar Tasting provides a casual, standing community tasting of four classic Sonoma wines. For a more relaxed experience, the Outdoor Seated Reserve Tasting allows guests to savor five wines while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Wine club members can enjoy exclusive tastings in the Cline Clubhouse or at the tasting room bar. For a deeper dive into the winery's history and winemaking process, the Hosted Tour & Barrel Room Tasting is a must. This guided tour explores the lush grounds and winemaking facilities, followed by a tasting of reserve wines in the working Barrel Room. The tour provides an intimate, insider's view of Cline's operations and sustainable practices. Families are welcome at Cline Family Cellars. The grounds offer ample space for children to play, and the winery is home to Pudding and Fancy, two adorable donkeys reminiscent of the animals used at the mission. The California Missions Museum, located on the property, houses scale models of all 21 California Spanish Missions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the state's past. The California Missions Museum was established by Nancy Cline in 2005 to celebrate the site's history and connection to the Sonoma Mission. The museum's models were crafted in the 1930s for the San Francisco World's Fair. The Cline family saved the models from being auctioned off individually in 1998 and built the museum to display them. Cline Family Cellars also offers unique experiences like the Pondside Picnic, where guests can relax by one of the spring-fed ponds with their favorite bottle of Cline wine. Guests can add a seasonal cheese and charcuterie board or a curated Wine Country picnic basket to their experience. For a more exclusive experience, guests can reserve a private garden cabana. Throughout the year, Cline Family Cellars hosts a variety of events, including the Cline Country Bluegrass Festival and Lobster Feeds. These events provide a fun and festive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy wine, food, and music. Cline Family Cellars is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Sonoma and a 40-minute drive from San Francisco, making it an easily accessible wine country destination. The winery's commitment to quality, sustainability, and family values makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring Sonoma Valley. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing day in the countryside, Cline Family Cellars offers something for everyone. From its beautiful grounds and diverse tasting experiences to its commitment to sustainable farming and family-friendly atmosphere, Cline Family Cellars is a true Sonoma Valley gem. Visiting Cline Family Cellars is an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The picturesque landscape, the aroma of fermenting grapes, the taste of award-winning wines, and the sounds of laughter and conversation create a memorable and enriching experience. It's a place where you can connect with nature, learn about history, and savor the best of Sonoma Valley. Cline Family Cellars stands out for its dedication to preserving the land and its history. The Cline family's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that the vineyards will continue to thrive for generations to come. The California Missions Museum provides a valuable educational resource, preserving and sharing the story of California's mission era. In addition to its commitment to sustainability and history, Cline Family Cellars is also known for its warm and welcoming hospitality. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about wine, and they are dedicated to providing every guest with a memorable experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned wine club member, you'll feel like part of the Cline family. Cline Family Cellars is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of Sonoma Valley. It's a place where you can slow down, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life: good wine, good food, and good company. It's a place where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. So, if you're planning a trip to Sonoma Valley, be sure to add Cline Family Cellars to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you've left the rolling hills of Carneros.

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