Bundle up in your favorite sweater, and then cuddle up with a glass in front of a roaring fireplace at one of these wineries.
Lambert Bridge, Healdsburg
As the holidays approach, the team at Lambert Bridge goes all out, turning the posh lodge-style tasting room into a fantasy. All of this is highlighted with a stone fireplace trimmed with masses of dried grapevines and studded with tiny white lights atop a carved wood hearth. Wooden walls and vaulted ceilings glow from the crackling orange-gold flames. Guests gather at the polished wood bar to soak up the warmth.
Fireside sipping: 2011 Dry Creek Zinfandel
V. Sattui, St. Helena
Here, a stone fireplace anchors the rich wood accented room, keeping guests cozy as they sample limited releases, estate wines, and older vintages. Fireside tastings are also held around the stone fire pit on the vineyard terrace overlooking Napa Valley.
Fireside sipping: Preston Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from four different Rutherford District vineyard blocks
Benovia Winery, Santa Rosa
Claim a seat on the leather couches near the floor-to-ceiling rock hearth fireplace at this by-appointment ski lodge-esque salon trimmed in elegant wood, stone, and glass.
Fireside sipping: Cohn Vineyard Pinot Noir
Ram’s Gate, Sonoma-Carneros
This Howard Backen-designed masterpiece is as gorgeous as the views surrounding its hilltop perch. Tastings can be enjoyed virtually anywhere in the contemporary farmhouse style estate building, but one of the best places is in front of the several outdoor fireplaces off the tasting hall.
Fireside sipping: 2011 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Diablo Vineyard
Silver Oak Cellars, Geyserville
In the tasting room, featuring a heritage oak tasting bar, the rustic stone fireplace is the perfect place in the crisp winter months.
Fireside sipping: 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon