Cline Cellars
24737 Arnold Drive, Highway 121
Sonoma, CA. 95476
800-654-2070
Cline Cellars began on Fred Cline’s family property in Oakley, California (Contra Costa County, just east of Antioch). As the grandson of Italian immigrant Valeriano Jacuzzi, Fred learned to tend the land, and the family’s vineyard, from a young age. Fred met his wife, Nancy (Bunting), while both were attending college at UC Davis. Shortly after graduation, they opened a small winery in Oakley, and reinvigorated the Cline family’s vineyard of 100-year-old vines.
In 1991, they moved the winery to a 350 acre parcel in Sonoma. They grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah, and they continue to source fruit - namely Zinfandel, Mouvedre, Carignan, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier - from their properties in Oakley and Tehama County (think Mount Shasta).
When the tasting room at Cline Cellars first opened, guests were hosted only in the property’s original, 1853 farmhouse. They still do today, but have expanded guest experience opportunities to nine tasting bars on the property, two of which are used exclusively to serve their wine club members.
Days and Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Cost: $10 for five tastes (fee waived with purchase)
Red or White: Both. Cline Cellars focuses on Rhone varietals (ie: Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Viognier), as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel.
Pricing: $14.00 to $70.00 (with most wines offered in the $20.00 to $30.00 range)
Food: Yes. Cured meats and cheeses, along with bread and crackers and other accouterments (along with Cline Cellars swag) are available for sale in the onsite retail shop. The winery is developing relationships with local food truck operators. Currently, they estimate hosting a food truck once or twice per month, but plan to expand that program. The winery posts food truck appearances on their Facebook page.
Good for groups: Yes
Proximity to other wineries: Excellent
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes (on leash)
Tasting Experiences: Public and Private
Winery Events: Cline Cellars is available for private parties and events. In addition, they host a number of winery events each year, including:
Easter Sunrise Service (April 1, 2018)
Spring Release Event (April 7, 2018)
Dixieland Jazz Festival (July 14, 2018)
Mad Scientist Party (October 27, 2018)
Sip, Swirl, and Shop (November 17, 2018)
Wine Club: Yes. There are three levels, ranging from two to twelve bottles per shipment (four shipments per year. Club membership gives you access to special tasting bars on site, special wines offered, discounts on purchases and access to club member exclusive events.
Other interesting features: California Missions Museum, farm animals, aviary.
