If you consider yourself a true enthusiast of the vine, you know that a great bottle of wine is more than just fermented juice. In fact, it acts as a liquid map of a specific place and a moment in history. Therefore, when you embark on a journey through the impressive Crimson Wine Group portfolio, you aren’t just visiting tasting rooms. Indeed, you are stepping into a curated collection of prestigious, terroir-driven estates across the breathtaking West Coast.
From the sun-drenched hills of Napa Valley to the windswept ridges of Washington State, these wineries represent a gold standard in viticulture. Whether you prefer bold cabernets or delicate rosés, this roadmap will guide you through seven essential stops.
The Crimson Wine Group Wineries
1. Pine Ridge Vineyards: The Heart of Stags Leap District
The journey begins in the legendary Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. As you pull into the drive, the dramatic, craggy palisades of the area immediately grab your attention. Pine Ridge Vineyards offers a masterclass in the power and elegance of Napa cabernet.
The History
Gary Andrus founded Pine Ridge in 1978 with the specific goal of producing cabernet sauvignon that could rival the elite Bordeaux estates of France. Consequently, his vision remained rooted in site-specific winemaking, a philosophy that continues to guide the estate today. Over the following decades, the estate expanded its reach to include 160 acres across five of Napa’s most esteemed appellations. These include Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. Each parcel contributes a distinct flavor profile to the final blends, ensuring a complex and layered experience in every bottle.
Signature Wines
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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine represents the pinnacle of their production and offers incredible depth and aging potential.
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Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon: Critics frequently prize this bottle for its velvety tannins and dark fruit profile.
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Chenin Blanc + Viognier: This refreshing, aromatic white blend remains a cult favorite for casual sipping and warm-weather gatherings.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: An Estate Tasting costs $60, providing a broad overview of their portfolio. For a more immersive experience, the Cabernet Cave Tasting is $85, and the Cellar 47 Tour is $125.
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Food Availability: To elevate your visit, book the Cheese & Charcuterie pairing which features locally sourced artisanal products. Additionally, the Morning Hike at the Ridge includes gourmet trail treats followed by a curated tasting session.
How to Get There
You can find Pine Ridge Vineyards at 5901 Silverado Trail in Napa, California. If you are driving from San Francisco, take I-80 East to Highway 37, then Highway 29 North. Turn right on Oak Knoll Avenue to reach the Silverado Trail. Head north a few minutes until you see the estate on your left.
Related: Small Napa Valley Wineries to Visit on National Wine Day
2. Seghesio Family Vineyards: A Century of Heritage in Sonoma
Next, head west into Sonoma County to visit historic Seghesio Family Vineyards in Healdsburg. While Pine Ridge focuses on cabernet, Seghesio serves as the definitive home of zinfandel. Here, guests taste the very history of California winemaking in every glass.
The History
The Seghesio story began in 1895 when Italian immigrant Edoardo Seghesio planted his first zinfandel vineyard in the Alexander Valley. For over 125 years, the family has remained a cornerstone of the Sonoma community through dedication and viticultural expertise. Today, they act as stewards for some of the oldest zinfandel vines in the world, preserving a genetic legacy that predates Prohibition. Even after joining the Crimson Wine Group in 2011, the family legacy remains the heartbeat of the daily operation.
Signature Wines
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Old Vine Zinfandel: Sourced from vines older than 50 years, this wine is famously rich, spicy, and complex.
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Home Ranch Zinfandel: This single-vineyard bottling comes from the original 1895 site and represents the soul of the estate.
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Venom: This bold, estate-grown Sangiovese pays homage to the family’s Italian roots and offers a striking alternative to Zinfandel.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: A Classic Tasting is $30, which includes a flight of their heritage zinfandels and Italian varietals.
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Food Availability: Seghesio is famous for its Old World hospitality, offering seasonal food pairings and beautiful picnic grounds. Furthermore, on certain weekends, the winery provides wood-fired pizzas or Italian-inspired small plates designed to complement the fruit-forward profile of the wines.
How to Get There
You can find the tasting room at 700 Grove Street, Healdsburg, California. In more detail, it sits just a few blocks from the historic Healdsburg Plaza, making it an ideal stop during a downtown tour. From Highway 101, take the Central Healdsburg exit and follow the signs toward the city center.
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3. Chamisal Vineyards: The Pioneer of Edna Valley
Traveling further down the Pacific Coast to San Luis Obispo is where you will find Chamisal Vineyards. As the first winery to plant vines in the Edna Valley, this estate put the region on the map for serious collectors. Indeed, it is now a world-renowned destination for cool-climate varietals.
The History
In 1973, Chamisal planted chardonnay and pinot noir in a region that many contemporary experts thought was too cold for successful viticulture. However, the proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates a long, temperate growing season that allows for slow ripening. This process produces fruit with incredible acidity and structural integrity. The name Chamisal comes from the native Chamise plant that grows abundantly on the property and blossoms with small white flowers.
Signature Wines
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Stainless Chardonnay: This unoaked expression highlights bright, tropical fruit and a clean, mineral finish.
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Morrito Pinot Noir: This estate-bottled Pinot showcases intense mineral notes and the unique terroir of the Edna Valley.
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San Luis Obispo Chardonnay: This rich, barrel-fermented wine represents the best blocks of the estate and offers a more opulent mouthfeel.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: Book an Estate Patio Experience for $45 to enjoy the coastal breeze. For those seeking luxury, the Bubbles & Caviar Experience offers a decadent pairing.
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Food Availability: Chamisal offers curated picnic provisions and artisanal small bites for guests. Moreover, they frequently host Ember X Chamisal dinners featuring local Central Coast chefs and seasonal ingredients.
How to Get There
Set your GPS to 7525 Orcutt Road in San Luis Obispo, California. What’s more, it’s just a beautiful 10-minute drive from downtown SLO. Take Broad Street south, turn left on Orcutt Road, and follow it through the rolling hills until you reach the gated entrance.
Related: Guide to the Little River Inn on the Mendocino Coast
4. Malene: The Art of the Rosé
Sharing the very same property as Chamisal, Malene offers a distinct change of pace for those who appreciate the lighter side of viticulture. Most wineries treat Rosé as a side project or a secondary thought. On the other hand, Malene dedicates itself almost exclusively to the art of pink wine.
The History
Launched in 2016, Malene celebrates the sophisticated Provence style of winemaking with a California twist. They source grenache, mourvèdre, and cinsault from across the Central Coast to achieve a perfect balance of fruit and acidity. Their home base is a chic, customized Airstream trailer that sits right on the Chamisal estate grounds. This mobile tasting room has become a symbol of the relaxed, coastal lifestyle associated with the brand and provides a stylish, casual atmosphere for visitors.
Signature Wines
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Malene Rosé: This classic, dry blend features delicate notes of strawberry, stone fruit, and white flowers.
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Old Vine Rosé of Grenache: This wine offers a more textural and savory experience, utilizing fruit from 40-year-old vines for added depth and complexity.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: A Malene Rosé Flight is typically $35, offering a refreshing look at their seasonal and limited-edition releases.
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Food Availability: Since Malene operates directly on the Chamisal Estate, guests can enjoy the full culinary menu provided by their host. This includes delectable food items, local artisanal cheeses, and gourmet picnic provisions perfect for an afternoon in the sun.
How to Get There
Because it shares the address with Chamisal, you will find the Malene experience at 7525 Orcutt Road in San Luis Obispo. Following your visit to Chamisal, you can simply stroll over to the Malene Airstream to continue your journey through the Edna Valley.
5. Archery Summit: Oregon’s Pinot Noir Perfection
Moving north, the next stop is Dayton in the spectacular Willamette Valley of Oregon. Archery Summit ranks among the premier producers of pinot noir in the United States and focuses entirely on the unique volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills.
The History
Established in 1993, Archery Summit focuses on the Red Hill Jory soils that define this prestigious sub-region. The founders believed this specific land could produce pinot noir to rival the Grand Crus of Burgundy in both elegance and longevity. The winery also features a gravity-flow facility and deep subterranean caves where the wine ages undisturbed. These caves allow the wines to develop complexity in perfect, cool conditions without the need for artificial temperature control.
Signature Wines
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Arcus Vineyard Pinot Noir: This powerful, flagship wine features dark cherry notes and a silken texture.
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Dundee Hills Pinot Noir: This bottling offers bright red fruit and the elegant structure that made Oregon famous.
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Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay: This vibrant, high-acid white shows why Oregon Chardonnay is currently a favorite among sommeliers.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: The Arrow Flight costs $65 for a standard tasting. Alternatively, the Legacy Cave Tour & Tasting is $125 and provides an educational look at their production methods.
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Food Availability: Indulge in the Precision Pairing Experience for $95, which features small bites designed to highlight the nuances of their single-vineyard Pinots.
How to Get There
The winery is at 18599 NE Archery Summit Road in Dayton, Oregon. From Portland, take Highway 99W South through the town of Dundee. Turn right onto Archery Summit Road and follow the winding path into the hills.
6. Seven Hills Winery: A Walla Walla Original
Continuing the tour leads across the mountains into Washington State to visit Seven Hills Winery. This estate serves as a pillar of the Washington wine industry and remains one of the founding estates of the Walla Walla Valley.
The History
Seven Hills was established in 1988, making it one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the entire region. The winemaking team was among the first to plant Bordeaux varietals in Walla Walla, proving the area’s potential for world-class reds. Currently, the tasting room occupies the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building, which is a beautifully restored wood mill. This site provides a stunning architectural backdrop that honors the industrial history of the valley.
Signature Wines
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Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine comes from the very first vines planted in 1980 and offers incredible concentration.
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Walla Walla Valley Merlot: This plush, expressive wine demonstrates why Washington merlot is considered world-class by global critics.
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Pentad: This complex, five-varietal blend is produced only in exceptional years to ensure the highest quality.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: The Solstice Sips flight is $35, which is waived with a minimum purchase. For a deeper dive into their library, the Pentad Experience is $125.
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Food Availability: Although the winery focuses primarily on wine, the downtown location is mere steps away from many of Walla Walla’s best restaurants. They also provide local artisanal crackers to cleanse the palate during the tasting.
How to Get There
The tasting room is at 212 N 3rd Ave in Walla Walla, Washington. It is situated in the heart of downtown, making it an easy walk from most local hotels and boutiques.
7. Double Canyon: Cabernet from the Windswept Hills
The final destination takes the journey back to the high desert of Washington State in the Horse Heaven Hills region. Double Canyon focuses on crafting cabernet sauvignon that captures the rugged and windswept spirit of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
The History
Established in 2007, Double Canyon takes its name from the two deep ravines that run through the vineyard property. The estate sits near the Columbia River, where persistent winds and volcanic soils create small, concentrated berries with thick skins. These environmental stresses produce wines with incredible structure and intense fruit flavors. Consequently, the wines possess a natural balance that allows them to age gracefully for a decade or more.
Signature Wines
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Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine is the ultimate expression of their estate fruit and showcases powerful tannins.
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Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon: This regional bottling offers a fantastic and accessible introduction to the unique profile of the AVA.
Tasting Fees & Food
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Pricing: Tastings at their West Richland facility or their Seattle partner room generally range from $25 to $40.
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Food Availability: At The Estates Wine Room in Seattle, guests can enjoy small plates and charcuterie that have been specifically paired to stand up to these bold Cabernets.
How to Get There
The winery is at 8060 Keene Road, West Richland, Washington. If you’re staying in Seattle, you can visit The Estates Wine Room in the Emerald City’s historic Pioneer Square.
About the Crimson Wine Group
The Crimson Wine Group serves as a distinguished steward of heritage vineyards and exceptional estates across the most iconic wine regions of the United States. Headquartered in the heart of the Napa Valley, this organization focuses on acquiring and developing ultra-premium wineries that possess a clear sense of place. By prioritizing sustainable farming and artisanal winemaking, the group ensures that each bottle represents the unique terroir of its origin.
Operating with a Boutique Philosophy
Unlike large-scale commercial wine conglomerates, Crimson Wine Group operates with a boutique philosophy. Consequently, they allow each estate to maintain its independent winemaking team and distinct brand identity. This decentralized approach protects the historical integrity and regional character of legendary properties like Pine Ridge and Seghesio. Furthermore, their commitment to environmental responsibility remains a cornerstone of their operations. Many of their vineyards hold certifications for sustainable and organic practices, reflecting a deep respect for the land that sustains them.
A Diverse Portfolio Across the West Coast
Through a combination of strategic estate growth and a passion for viticulture, the group offers a diverse portfolio that spans the West Coast. From the cool-climate Pinot Noirs of Oregon to the powerful Cabernets of Washington State, the Crimson Wine Group provides a comprehensive roadmap for the serious wine enthusiast. Their mission continues to center on delivering world-class experiences to guests while preserving the legacy of these remarkable American vineyards for future generations.
The Leadership and Foundation of Crimson Wine Group
The Crimson Wine Group traces its origins back to the strategic vision of Gary Andrus former owner of Pine Ridge Vineyards and Ian Cumming and Joseph Steinberg. As the founders of Leucadia National Corporation (now Jeffries Financial Group), Cumming and Steinberg established the group as a dedicated entity for high-end wine properties. Their investment philosophy centered on long-term value and the preservation of historic agricultural assets. Consequently, this foundation allowed the group to grow from a single vineyard into a powerhouse of elite American estates.
Currently, the organization operates under a team of seasoned professionals who bridge the gap between business strategy and viticulture. These executives maintain the group’s reputation for quality while navigating the complexities of the global wine market.
Executive Leadership Team
The leadership structure ensures that both the financial health and the artistic integrity of the wineries remain balanced. Below are the key figures driving the group’s success as of early 2026:
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Jennifer L. Locke (Chief Executive Officer): Jennifer brings extensive experience from some of the most prestigious wine brands in the world. She oversees the entire strategic direction of the portfolio and focuses on driving innovation in the direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels.
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Winemaking Executives: While each estate has its own head winemaker, the group employs viticultural directors who coordinate sustainable practices and technological upgrades across all properties. This collaborative leadership ensures that a winery in Oregon can share environmental insights with an estate in Napa.
Related: Five Virginia Wineries to Visit
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
