If wine, music, and sunshine are three of your favorite things, you'll want to hit up these wineries this summer for live performances in the vineyards, paired with great weather and refreshing vino.
B.R. Cohn
Take your Sunday Funday to B.R. Cohn where an afternoon of wine, oysters and live music will ease you into Monday. Founded by Doobie Brothers band manager Bruce Cohn, the winery has a reputation for producing great summer concerts under the olive trees on the estate's 90 beautiful acres. Every Sunday through September, you can groove to local musicians—like singer-songwriter-sweetheart Justin Brown (Sun. June 18)—shoot back fresh Tomales Bay oysters (served raw or BBQ'd), and wash them down with a glass of wine. Free admission, wine and oysters available for purchase. // B.R. Cohn: 15000 Sonoma Hwy. (Glen Ellen), brcohn.com
Robert Mondavi Winery
Robert Mondavi Winery has been hosting their annual Summer Concert Series for over 50 years now—and to top it off, all shows benefit Napa's school district music program. The legendary month of music kicks off on July 1 with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and a pre-Independence Day fireworks display. Patti LaBelle, the Revivalists, and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will also perform on separate Saturdays at the Mondavi lawn. Tickets start at $70 and always sell out. // Robert Mondavi Winery, 7801 St. Helena Hwy. (Oakville), robertmondaviwinery.com
(Photo courtesy of Paradise Ridge Winery)
Paradise Ridge
Paradise Ridge's Wines & Sunsets has the makings of a seriously romantic midweek date night. Held on Wednesday evenings through October, you'll sip wine on the expansive veranda overlooking all of Santa Rosa and the winery's iconic light-up "LOVE" sculpture. Bay Area bands, including Solid Air and The Blues Burners, play against the backdrop of a dramatic sunset, while you chow down on food from local eateries, or your own picnic dinner. Tickets are $10 per person. // Paradise Ridge Winery, 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr. (Santa Rosa), prwinery.com
Gundlach Bundschu
If you're not big on the crowds that flock to BottleRock and Outside Lands (or the ticket prices), Gundlach Bundschu's annual Huichica Music Festival, June 9-10, is a great alternative. Thirty-two national and regional indie and folk acts, from garage rock outfit Allah-Las to alt-folk songwriter Robyn Hitchcock, will jam on four unique stages, including one in the winery cave. A handful of local food vendors will be present and we highly recommend trying GunBun's made-for-summer white wine, Gewürztraminer. Get a ticket to Friday for $40, Saturday for $65 or attend both days for $95. Kids under 12 are free. // Gundlach Bundschu Winery: 2000 Denmark St. (Sonoma), huichica.com
(Courtesy of Wente Vineyards)
Wente Vineyards
The oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country is celebrating its 134th birthday with its signature summer concerts series. Chris Isaak kicks off the outdoor summer series on July 12, followed by favorites such as Diana Krall, The Band Perry and more, performing on 14 dates through September. Tickets start at $89 and if you're willing to splurge, your evening can include a four-course meal from the Wente Vineyards Restaurant. // Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Rd. (Livermore), wentevineyards.com
Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery
Start your weekend off at Sebastiani for their Friday Night Music Series where each week features tunes in their courtyard or stunning tasting room from a different local band or artist (Poyntlyss Sistars and T Luke and the Tight Suits, anyone?). On the last Friday of each month, food trucks roll into Sonoma for Sebastiani's famous Food Truck Friday, and on the other weeks, you can choose from a selection of Italian sandos and salads, or pack your own picnic. This event is family-friendly and even well-behaved pooches are welcome. Free admission, wine and food available for purchase. // Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, 389 Fourth St. East (Sonoma), sebastiani.com
Long Meadow Ranch
If bluegrass is your thing, the Long Meadow Ranch is holding four concerts this summer, kicking off with Hot Buttered Rum on June 24. The live bands are served up with the perfect winery show package: blankets on the lawn and BBQ wafting through the air, while well-dressed tourists and locals sip Sauvignon Blanc and take in the summertime vibes. // 738 Main St. (St. Helena), longmeadowranch.com
This article has been updated since it was originally published in May 2016.
