Gundlach Bundschu — Oldest Family Run Winery — 150th Anniversary Year

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Joe Becerra

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We visited Gundlach Bundschu last week as part of a television crew for the Home & Garden Network. Gundlach Bundschu will be featured in the network later in the year as part of a feature on the town of Sonoma. The main reason for choosing Gundlach Bundschu was its history. Gundlach Bundschu is the oldest family-run winery in California.

The town of Sonoma is rich with history of the California wine industry. Gaston Haraszthy planted the first large vineyard in Sonoma and then founded Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma in 1857. Six months later, Gundlach Bundschu was established. The Sebastiani Family Vineyards, also in Sonoma, began in 1904 and the Sebastiani Family has greatly influenced the development of this wine region. Up the Sonoma Valley on Highway 12 is another historic winery, Kunde Winery, that also began in 1904 and is also still family owned.

Visiting the Sonoma Valley wine region is a must for anyone who wants to get a feel of how winemaking began in California, and there is no better place to begin than with a visit to Gundlach Bundschu. The tasting room is the original building where the winery operation first began. The tasting room is filled with memorabilia including various family photos and glass blown bottles dating back to the beginnings of the winery. The tasting room staff is one of the best prepared I have experienced. They can recite the history of the winery in all aspects and tell you in detail about each and every wine they pour. They are friendly, welcoming, and non pretentious. It is obvious the staff in enjoying what they do.

Jeff Bundschu talks to film crew
Jeff Bundschu talks to film crew

The wines are all exquisitely made. Gundlach Bundschu has a full lineup of wines. We have been to Gundlach Bundschu on several occasions and tasted many of their wines. We have grown to love the Gewürztraminer, the Pinot Noir, and the Tempranillo. The Cabernet Sauvignon is also hard to pass up.

Gundlach Bundschu tasting room is open daily from 11 am to 4:30 pm. There are different tours available by appointment. These tours include the caves and vineyards.

  • Joe Becerra

    Joe Becerra has been traveling to wine country and enjoying wine since 1965. He is a retired educator, and now have the time the opportunity to share his wine travel experiences through this Website.