The Carneros district is home to a warren of narrow country roads with large tracts of vineyards and a number of small wineries. Acacia Winery, part of the Chalone Wine Group, is off the beaten track and less than two miles from the cool waters of upper San Francisco Bay.

Acacia has been devoted to producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Carneros region since it began in 1979. With over 150 acres in the heart of Carneros, the winery has played a crucial role in establishing the region as a premier viticulture area. Acacia was among the first wineries in California to produce vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and, today, still farms some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the United States.

Acacia hosts a small cozy tasting room with a pouring staff that is happy to have visitors discover their winery. Each staff member has a job title on their business cards, so be sure to find out if the “Queen of Conviviality,” the “Goddess of Grapes,” ”Madame Chardonnay” or “The Bearer of Useless Information” is your guide for the day.

In addition to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery also produces a late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc and two Sparkling wines.