[All photos courtesy of Bartholomew Estate Winery]
Sometimes, you just need to sit back and chill. And I can’t think of a better setting for doing just that than Bartholomew Estate Winery and its surrounding Bartholomew Park. Located less than two miles from Sonoma’s historic plaza, this tranquil spot offers welcome respite from the bustle of the day.
Once the home of pioneer California winemaker Agoston Haraszthy, the 375-acre property is now owned by the private, nonprofit Frank H. Bartholomew Foundation. Anna Pope, who is co-trustee of the foundation along with her husband, Frank, is our host for the day.
Bartholomew and his wife, Antonia, purchased the derelict property at auction in 1943, then Antonia set about rebuilding the ruins of Buena Vista Winery and establishing vineyards while Frank returned to active duty as a WWII correspondent.
Upon his return in 1946—and until Antonia’s death in 1990—the couple had a home on-property and were devoted to establishing a wine legacy and preserving the land by transferring it to the foundation upon their deaths. Upon Antonia’s death (Frank passed away in 1985), the foundation opened the private Bartholomew Park for limited public use.
Today, the winery is 100% owned by the foundation, and all profits are devoted to keeping the park open and operational. No one under age 21 is allowed in wine-tasting areas, but there’s plenty else to do at the dog- and child-friendly park. In addition to wine tasting, there are 3.5 miles of hiking trails, Sonoma Valley Trail Rides leads leisurely treks on horseback, you can indulge in an immersive nature walk or simply bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.
One with nature
We’re seated outdoors, in a lovely oak grove filled with several separate enclaves, each spaced for privacy and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. We’re encouraged to breathe deeply, listen to nature and decompress. With the help of a creamy and enticing 2023 viognier, we comply. Ahhh… Suddenly nothing is hurried and time slips away.
We follow up with a few more 2023 whites, including a sauv blanc with a strong bouquet but light on the palate, and a delightful Marsanne Roussanne field blend, which is a silky revelation—full-bodied but also refreshing.
Winemaker Kevin Holt uses a light touch and decades of know-how to craft exemplary vintages from (mostly) estate fruit. An estate rosé of zinfandel (made with 2.5 hours of skin contact) with its full-fledged counterpart makes for a fun comparison.
More to see
We take a break to explore the indoor gallery, which features art from local painters Keith Wicks and Wayne McKenzie. All pieces are for sale. The hacienda-style building was constructed in 1922 and has had many lives; it became the tasting room for Bartholomew Estate Winery in 2019.
A 2022 pinot noir sourced from Wildcat Mountain Vineyard (near Sonoma Raceway) is one of the few varieties grown offsite. Vibrant red in color, it’s balanced and complex with layers of cherries throughout. A Garden Block Zinfandel is lush, with dark fruit, spice and a lingering finish.
Sips and stories
Throughout our visit, Pope keeps us entertained with tales of the property’s storied past, which include life as a hospital for “wayward women,” a “cat castle” and a Haraszthy museum. Sipping wine and hearing fanciful historic stories: it’s a wonderful way to while away an afternoon.
Did you know?
Over the decades, the Bartholomews established wine brands that have since spun off into their own successful ventures, including Buena Vista and Hacienda Wine Cellars.
Bartholomew Estate Vineyards & Winery
1000 Vineyard Lane
Sonoma, CA 95476
Open Daily for Tasting and Bottle Sales
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting Flight
Seated tastings are conducted in the gallery surrounded by works of art, nestled in a covered, open-air botanical courtyard patio, or outdoors on the Oak Knoll. Advanced reservation recommended for all seated options. $45 to $55 per person; club members complimentary for four people per visit. 1 hour.
