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Novato, California, is situated in the beautiful Marin County, which is known for its proximity to the renowned wine regions of Sonoma and Napa Valleys. While Novato itself does not have as many wineries as some of the nearby areas, it is still home to a few local wineries and vineyards, and the surrounding regions are filled with excellent options for wine lovers.

Here’s a list of wineries in and near Novato, California:

1. Marinwood Plaza and Nearby Wineries

• Location: Marinwood Plaza, San Rafael, CA 94903 (approximately 15-20 minutes from Novato)

• Overview: Though Marinwood Plaza itself is not a winery, it is located close to several great wineries in Marin County, such as the Marinwood Wine Shop, which offers local wines from Marin and other nearby regions. You can also explore wine tasting rooms and events hosted in the area.

Wineries Nearby:

• Point Reyes Vineyards: Located in the Point Reyes area, this winery offers a selection of handcrafted wines with beautiful views of Marin County's coastal countryside.

• Marinwood Plaza Wine Shop: A small but well-stocked local wine shop featuring a curated selection of wines, many of which come from the nearby regions of Napa and Sonoma.

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2. The Marin County Wine Region

• Location: Marin County, CA (including Novato and surrounding areas)

• Overview: Marin County is known for its small but high-quality wine industry. The area focuses on sustainable practices, with some unique cool-climate vineyards that produce exceptional wines. Many of the wineries here are family-owned and produce limited, handcrafted wines.

Notable Wineries in Marin County:

• Point Reyes Vineyards (as mentioned earlier) produces wines from the cool coastal climate of Marin, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Tara Firma Farms & Winery (Petaluma, CA - about 30 minutes north of Novato) produces organic wines and provides a farm-to-table experience, with wine tasting and a chance to explore the vineyard.

• Marinwood Vineyards (San Rafael, CA) offers local wines with a focus on small-lot production, emphasizing sustainable viticulture.

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3. Napa Valley Wineries (Near Novato)

• Location: Napa Valley, CA (About a 45-minute drive from Novato)

• Overview: While Napa Valley is a bit farther from Novato, it is one of the most famous wine regions in the world and is easily accessible for wine enthusiasts. The region is home to hundreds of wineries, offering a range of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites.

Notable Napa Valley Wineries:

• Robert Mondavi Winery: One of the most famous wineries in Napa, known for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

  • Website: Robert Mondavi Winery

• Beringer Vineyards: Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Beringer is one of the oldest wineries and offers a beautiful setting for wine tasting.

  • Website: Beringer Vineyards

• Castello di Amorosa: A stunning, medieval-style castle winery in Calistoga that produces Italian-style wines.

  • Website: Castello di Amorosa

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4. Sonoma Valley Wineries (Nearby)

• Location: Sonoma Valley, CA (Approximately 40-45 minutes from Novato)

• Overview: Sonoma Valley is another world-renowned wine region, and it’s located just to the north of Novato. The wineries in this region produce exceptional wines, including Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot.

Notable Sonoma Valley Wineries:

• Chateau St. Jean Winery: Known for its elegant wines and beautiful grounds, Chateau St. Jean offers a memorable tasting experience.

  • Website: Chateau St. Jean Winery

• Rodney Strong Vineyards: A popular winery offering a wide variety of wines, including some exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

  • Website: Rodney Strong Vineyards

• Gundlach Bundschu Winery: Known for its heritage and excellent wines, Gundlach Bundschu is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in California.

  • Website: Gundlach Bundschu Winery

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5. Marinwood Vineyards

• Location: San Rafael, CA (Near Novato)

• Overview: Marinwood Vineyards produces a range of wines from local grapes grown in the Marin region. This winery emphasizes sustainability and focuses on the unique terroir of the Marin County area, producing wines like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

Notable Wines:

• Pinot Noir

• Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Experience:

• The winery is small and intimate, offering wine tastings by appointment and a chance to learn about the growing conditions of Marin’s cool coastal climate.

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6. Marinwood Wine Shop

• Location: Marinwood Plaza, San Rafael, CA 94903 (A short drive from Novato)

• Overview: This wine shop offers a carefully curated selection of wines from Marin County and beyond. It’s a great place for locals and visitors to discover wines from the surrounding vineyards.

What’s Offered:

• Wine tastings

• Local wines

• Wine-related events and promotions

Website: Marinwood Wine Shop

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Conclusion

While Novato may not be a major wine-producing region, it is surrounded by some of the best wine country in the world, including Marin County, Napa Valley, and Sonoma Valley. From intimate local wineries like Point Reyes Vineyards and Marinwood Vineyards to the world-famous Napa and Sonoma wineries just a short drive away, Novato offers easy access to exceptional wine-tasting experiences. Whether you’re seeking local, sustainable wines or world-class bottles, the Bay Area provides plenty of options for wine enthusiasts.