Cline Family Cellars & Mission Museum
A historic Sonoma estate offering award-winning wines, family fun, and beautiful grounds with ponds and gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Cline Family Cellars & Mission Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Sonoma estate offering award-winning wines, family fun, and beautiful grounds with ponds and gardens.
"This place is so much more than just wine. The grounds are open and peaceful, with so much to explore."
Bring a jacket! 🧥
The grounds can get breezy, especially near the ponds. Layers are your friend for comfortable exploration.
Kid & Pet Friendly! 🐶👧
This is a fantastic spot for families and even your furry friends. Kids love feeding the fish and exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expansive Estate Grounds
Throughout the property
Wander through rose gardens, past tranquil ponds, and discover a vintage train car. Plenty of space for kids to roam and adults to relax.
Fish Feeding Fun
Ponds on the property
A delightful activity for all ages, especially kids, who can feed the fish in the estate's picturesque ponds.
Historic Farmhouse Tasting Room
Main tasting room
Sip award-winning wines in a charming 1850s farmhouse, offering a taste of history alongside your tasting.
Shifting Tides Wine
Tasting bar
This elegant, smooth, and character-filled wine is a standout, praised for its quality and depth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Family-Friendly Wine Country Escape
Beyond the Wine: History & Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a jacket! 🧥
The grounds can get breezy, especially near the ponds. Layers are your friend for comfortable exploration.
Kid & Pet Friendly! 🐶👧
This is a fantastic spot for families and even your furry friends. Kids love feeding the fish and exploring.
Ask for Quinnie or Emma! 💎
Staff like Quinnie and Emma are praised for their knowledge, personality, and making visits memorable.
Don't miss the 'Shifting Tides' 🍷
This particular wine is a crowd-pleaser, noted for its elegance and character.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a jacket! 🧥
The grounds can get breezy, especially near the ponds. Layers are your friend for comfortable exploration.
Kid & Pet Friendly! 🐶👧
This is a fantastic spot for families and even your furry friends. Kids love feeding the fish and exploring.
Ask for Quinnie or Emma! 💎
Staff like Quinnie and Emma are praised for their knowledge, personality, and making visits memorable.
Don't miss the 'Shifting Tides' 🍷
This particular wine is a crowd-pleaser, noted for its elegance and character.
Explore the whole estate 🌍
Beyond the tasting room, discover ponds, gardens, and a vintage train car.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cline Family Cellars for its exceptional blend of award-winning wines and a truly family-friendly atmosphere. The expansive, beautiful grounds, complete with ponds for fish feeding and historical charm, make it a unique and relaxing destination for all ages. The staff's warmth and generosity further elevate the experience, creating lasting memories.
"We came to Cline Family Cellars on a Monday during vacation with our kids — and came back again on Tuesday because it was that good. The wines are beautifully crafted, and we especially loved tasting Cline’s “Shifting Tides” — elegant, smooth, and full of character. But this place is so much more than just wine.
The grounds are open and peaceful, with so much to explore. There’s an original vintage train car, several ponds filled with fish you can feed, donkeys and plenty of open space. It’s crazy how relaxing and beautiful it can be — even with kids in tow. They were entertained and welcomed, and we had real time to enjoy ourselves.
When we shared a personal story with a staff member, the owner came out to meet us. Their warmth, curiosity, and incredible generosity were beyond anything we’ve experienced at any winery, ever. We left with great wine and even better memories. Cline is a place we’ll return to again — and tell others about. Special thanks to Emma and Quinnie."
Yelena Batrachenko
"Came down for a small trip for our 10yr anniversary, Jerry was amazing we loved him and loved how family friendly and beautiful the winery is! My daughter really enjoyed feeding the fish, we left with two bottles, can’t wait to come back!"
Dinelia Hernandez
"A very lovely place to taste some great wines and enjoy a day. They got their start in Contra Costa County in the 80s squeezing some fantastic wines out of 100-year-old vines. Beautiful grounds - can be breezy, bring a jacket - and very inviting outdoor seating. Ask for Quinnie if you can - wonderful, knowledgeable, very personable, she'll make your afternoon. Keep your eyes open around the grounds and you might even catch a bit of California history. We immediately signed up for their wine club and will certainly be back."
Vince Golla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cline Family Cellars is about a 1-1.5 hour drive from San Francisco, depending on traffic. Take US-101 North towards Sonoma. It's a scenic drive, often recommended as a great day trip destination.
Public transport options to Sonoma are limited and often involve multiple transfers. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Cline Family Cellars. Consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive.
For wine tasting, it's highly recommended to arrange a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, or book a private wine tour. This ensures safety and allows everyone to enjoy the tastings.
Yes, ample parking is available at Cline Family Cellars, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Cline Family Cellars is a relatively short drive from Sacramento, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are often accommodated, especially on weekdays, making a reservation is recommended, particularly for weekend visits or larger groups, to ensure availability.
Tasting fees can vary, but Cline Family Cellars is often mentioned for having reasonable tasting fees, especially when compared to some other Sonoma wineries. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
A typical wine tasting flight at Cline Family Cellars includes a selection of their wines, often featuring their signature varietals. You can usually choose a flight or order by the glass.
Yes, Cline Family Cellars hosts events like the Cline Country Bluegrass Festival, offering a day of music, wine, and summer vibes. Check their website for upcoming event schedules and ticket information.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Cline Family Cellars website or call ahead to confirm their current hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🍷 Wine & Tasting
Cline Family Cellars produces a range of award-winning wines, including popular varietals like Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and their signature 'Shifting Tides' blend. They are known for crafting exceptional wines from their estate vineyards.
Absolutely! In addition to tasting flights, you can purchase wine by the glass to enjoy on the grounds or buy bottles to take home.
While they may not have a full-service restaurant, they often offer light snacks or charcuterie boards that pair well with their wines. It's a good idea to pack a picnic to enjoy on their grounds.
The 'Shifting Tides' is a highly praised wine from Cline Family Cellars, described as elegant, smooth, and full of character. It's a must-try for many visitors.
Yes, many visitors are so impressed with the wine and experience that they sign up for the Cline Family Cellars wine club to receive regular shipments and member benefits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cline Family Cellars boasts beautiful grounds with ponds for fish feeding, rose gardens, a vintage train car, and plenty of open space for relaxation and exploration. It's a very family-friendly environment.
Yes, it's exceptionally kid-friendly! Children can enjoy feeding the fish, exploring the grounds, and the staff are very welcoming to families.
Cline Family Cellars is generally pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your well-behaved dog to enjoy the outdoor spaces with you. Always confirm their current pet policy.
The atmosphere is described as relaxed, peaceful, and inviting, with a strong sense of family legacy and generosity from the staff. It's a beautiful and laid-back wine country experience.
Yes, the expansive grounds are perfect for picnics. You can bring your own food to enjoy alongside your wine tasting, making for a delightful afternoon.
📸 📸 Photography
The picturesque ponds with fish, the charming 1850s farmhouse, the rose gardens, and the vintage train car all offer excellent photo opportunities. The expansive vineyard views are also stunning. 
Absolutely! The beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and scenic vineyard backdrops make it an ideal location for memorable engagement or family photos.
Drone usage policies can vary significantly. It's crucial to check with Cline Family Cellars directly regarding their regulations on drone operation before flying.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful, soft light for photography. However, the grounds are lovely throughout the day.
While the focus is on the tasting experience and grounds, you might capture shots of the vineyards, the farmhouse where tastings occur, or even the wine bottles themselves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the fish feeding, the vintage train car and open spaces provide additional fun. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, making it a full day of enjoyment for everyone. It's a rare find where adults can savor excellent wines while children are genuinely engaged and happy.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
The winery's commitment to quality is evident in their vineyard practices and winemaking. Many visitors are so impressed that they join the wine club to enjoy regular shipments of their favorite varietals. The knowledgeable and personable staff, like Quinnie and Emma, enhance the tasting experience with their expertise and friendly demeanor.
Day-Trippers from the Bay Area
+1 The relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly amenities make it a great choice for a leisurely outing. Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting, explore the beautiful grounds, and even pack a picnic. The combination of great wine, natural beauty, and engaging activities makes it a worthwhile detour and a memorable way to spend a day exploring Sonoma.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Family and Wine
Today, the legacy is carried forward by second-generation vintners like Megan Cline, who grew up surrounded by vineyards and developed a deep understanding of the wine industry. Their goal is not only to produce outstanding wines but also to create lasting memories for visitors, making the winery a part of their family traditions. This personal touch is a hallmark of the Cline experience.
+1The winery is also a pioneer in sustainability. Since the early 2000s, they've implemented solar panels, running the entire winery on renewable energy and significantly reducing their carbon footprint. This commitment to environmental stewardship, recognized by California and Sonoma County sustainability certifications, ensures healthy vines and clean processes for future generations.
Exploring the Enchanting Grounds
This idyllic setting provides ample space for relaxation and recreation. Children are particularly entertained by the interactive elements like fish feeding and the general freedom to roam in a safe environment. The 1850s farmhouse that serves as the tasting room adds to the historic charm, creating a picturesque backdrop for enjoying the wines.
Beyond the immediate tasting area, the estate offers a chance to connect with nature and history. The well-maintained grounds are ideal for a picnic, and the overall ambiance is one of laid-back enjoyment. It’s this combination of natural beauty, historical elements, and engaging activities that makes Cline Family Cellars a standout destination for a day trip.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Their dedication to sustainability was further solidified in 2018 when they achieved both California's statewide sustainability certification and Sonoma County's specific sustainability certification. These accreditations underscore their efforts in creating healthy vines and implementing clean, eco-conscious processes throughout their winemaking and vineyard management.
This focus on sustainability not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the quality of their wines. By nurturing healthy ecosystems, Cline Family Cellars ensures the integrity of their grapes and the purity of their final product, offering visitors a taste of wine made with both passion and principle.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit