Our anticipation was high as we set out for a vineyard tour in Sonoma Valley, guided by our wine expert friends. We envisioned a day filled with laughter, exquisite wines, and an immersive vineyard experience. Sonoma Valley held a special allure for us, being wine enthusiasts, and exploring it with knowledgeable companions—club members at several esteemed wineries—promised an even richer adventure.
Our friends, eager to share their favorite spot, led us to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Immediately, it was clear why this vineyard held such a high position on their list. The stone building was impressive in size, grander than we had imagined, yet it exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Exterior view of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards stone building
Near the entrance, a display of antique winemaking equipment offered a fascinating glimpse into the history of wine production. It sparked our imaginations, picturing the traditional methods employed in winemaking eras gone by. Further in, a wax figure host greeted visitors, presenting an opportunity to join their wine club. This touch of whimsy added a unique and humorous element to the winery’s welcome.
Wax figure host at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards entrance
Stepping inside, we were met with a bright and spacious interior, adorned with an array of appealing souvenirs and gifts. Several knowledgeable sommeliers stood ready behind the counter, framed by a backdrop of wine bottles. Our weekday visit meant a more relaxed ambiance, unlike the bustling weekend crowds we had heard about, where navigating to the bar and securing a sommelier’s attention could be challenging. We felt fortunate to enjoy ample space and the undivided attention of our dedicated sommelier.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards tasting room with souvenirs and sommeliers
Our wine tasting journey began with a selection of crisp white wines, progressing to robust reds, and extending to more pours than typically offered at a winery—a testament to our shared enthusiasm for wine. (While we sampled generously, the photos depict only a few glasses, as wine in glasses maintains a similar visual.) Our sommelier, sensing our passion, guided us through an exceptional tasting experience. Being partial to sweeter wines, we found that most, if not all, of the wines presented leaned towards our preferred profile.
The first white wine we sampled was the Moscato, 2013, a delightful wine with a floral bouquet and hints of spearmint and citrus. Its sweet and fruity character resonated with my Moscato preference, making it an excellent start to our tasting. Next, we savored the Pinot Grigio 2013, showcasing peach and citrus flavors intertwined with floral notes. This wine struck a beautiful balance, crisp yet subtly sweet. The Bianco di Sei Sorelle, 2013, followed, an intriguing steel-fermented, un-oaked Chardonnay—a novel concept to us. Its bright and crisp profile highlighted flavors of citrus, grapefruit, and green apple, making it a versatile pairing option with various cuisines due to its acidity and fresh fruit notes. Our final white wine was the Giuseppina, 2014, a rich and fruity wine with luscious apple and pear flavors and a toasty vanilla-oak finish. Each white wine impressed us with its high quality, distinct flavor, and overall deliciousness.
Transitioning to red wines, we began with the Rosato Di Sangiovese, 2014, a light salmon-colored rosé with honeycomb, citrus, and spice notes. Also steel-aged, this rosé was crisp, high in acidity, and low in tannins. The Aglianico, 2011, followed, revealing blackberry, mushroom, coffee, and fig flavors, accompanied by moderate tannins. Its rich and deep character stood out, and our sommelier’s suggestion of pairing it with Thanksgiving dinner resonated perfectly. The Primitivo, 2013, offered truffle and coffee flavors with a cinnamon hint in the finish. Its deep color and concentrated strawberry-cherry character created a rich, velvety sensation. Moving on to the Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, a personal favorite, it delivered bright blackberry notes and herbal nuances, complemented by vanilla and caramel from the oak aging. This full-bodied red with ample tannins was indeed a noteworthy Cabernet. The Barbera, 2012, presented smoky, robust cherry and raspberry notes, offering a savory profile with intriguing flavors. Finally, the Sagrantino, 2012, unveiled blackberry and blueberry notes with delicate vanilla tannins. Its rich and tannic structure contrasted beautifully with sweet black berry jam and savory undertones.
Selection of red wines at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards tasting
Wine glasses and tasting notes during Jacuzzi Family Vineyards wine tasting
Just as we believed our tasting concluded, our sommelier surprised us with more recommendations. Naturally, we welcomed the offer. We were presented with La Dolce Vinge, 2013, a unique blend of Merlot, Aleatico, Sagrantino, Syrah, Barbera, Sangiovese, Primitivo, and Alicante Bouche—a comprehensive sampling of various grape varietals. This luscious blend delivered big berry flavors and a smooth finish, proving to be an exceptional red wine. Next, we had the privilege of tasting club-member exclusive wines, starting with Valeriano, 2013, a classic Bordeaux blend. It showcased rich cherry and pleasant herbal flavors, supported by excellent acidity and structure with balanced tannins. We also enjoyed the sparkling Pina Prosecco, a Brut-style wine imported from Italy, refreshing with apple, peach, and pineapple notes. Lastly, the dessert wine, my personal favorite category, arrived: Late Harvest Aleatico, 2013. Its rosewater bouquet and refined plum-cherry finish, coupled with sweet, flavorful, and elegant notes of licorice, made it a truly remarkable dessert wine.
Faced with the delightful dilemma of choosing wines to take home, the decision was challenging as we desired to bring them all. Ultimately, we selected the Aglianico (perfect for Thanksgiving), Moscato, La Dolce Vigne (capturing the essence of many wonderful wines), and the exceptional dessert wine, Aleatico. Thrilled with our choices, we eagerly anticipated the opportunity to open and savor them.
Wine bottles purchased from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Throughout our wine tasting, our sommelier shared the captivating history of the Jacuzzi family. Their origins were not in wine but in aviation. An antique propeller from the early 1900s, displayed on the wall, served as a testament to this heritage. Intriguingly, their journey evolved from airplane propellers to manufacturing water well pumps and eventually, the renowned bath and spa products bearing their name. Learning the origin of the Jacuzzi bathtub added an unexpected layer of fascination to our visit.
Following the tasting, we were invited to explore the vineyard grounds with glasses of Merlot in hand and even sample Merlot grapes directly from the vines. Our friends, frequent visitors to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, had never experienced this privilege, amplifying our excitement. Wandering through the vineyard, hand-picking Merlot grapes while sipping Merlot wine was an unparalleled experience. The grapes were surprisingly sweet and, naturally, delicious.
Visitors sampling grapes at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Close up of Merlot grapes on the vine at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Before departing, we explored the opposite side of the building, discovering an outdoor area with numerous tables and chairs, and an indoor event space. It was easy to envision memorable celebrations and weddings taking place in this picturesque setting, providing stunning backdrops for unforgettable photos.
Outdoor seating area at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
For wine enthusiasts venturing into Sonoma Valley, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is an absolute must-visit destination. Exceptional service, a diverse selection of superb wines, and a delightful ambiance ensure a remarkable wine experience. Their charming wine accessories further enhance the visit. Even after our visit, their excellent customer service shone through when a minor issue arose with our wine shipment. A simple phone call was met with helpfulness and kindness. We eagerly anticipate returning to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards for more wonderful moments and incredible wines in the future.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
24724 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476
