60 Shaw Ave., (707) 833-2300. Daily 10-4.
Resembling a mini-Italian village, the VJB Vineyards & Cellars complex consists of an array of venues surrounding a central piazza courtyard filled with umbrella-shaded tables. Among the many Italian-style wines are a Prosecco imported from Italy, a light 2018 Gabriella Ranch Chardonnay, and a 2017 Estate Negro Amaro--a big Pinot Noir-style wine that is good with vegetarian dishes and for which the grapes are grown right across the street. Wines are sold only at the winery. A great idea here is to taste some wines in one of the two tasting rooms, select a favorite to purchase by bottle or glass, and take it out to a piazza table.
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| interior courtyard at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
Resembling a mini-Italian village, the VJB Vineyards & Cellars complex consists of an array of venues surrounding a central piazza courtyard filled with umbrella-shaded tables. Among the many Italian-style wines are a Prosecco imported from Italy, a light 2018 Gabriella Ranch Chardonnay, and a 2017 Estate Negro Amaro--a big Pinot Noir-style wine that is good with vegetarian dishes and for which the grapes are grown right across the street. Wines are sold only at the winery. A great idea here is to taste some wines in one of the two tasting rooms, select a favorite to purchase by bottle or glass, and take it out to a piazza table.
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| wine-tasting bar at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
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| Mike pours at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
Then order up a wood-fired pizza or panini from the Red Rooster menu to go with it, and sit back and enjoy your repast. (When it rains dining is moved inside.) For more food choices, visit the inside La Cucina deli, where Mom and Pop work behind the counter. The atmosphere is festive and casual, and food is served on paper plates with plastic ware. Delicious pizzas feature housemade dough prepared with a secret yeast and flour imported from Italy. Housemade toppings include mozzarella, tomato sauce, and pesto. Among additional menu items are grilled garlic-lemon chicken drumsticks, white bean salad, and cheese or salumi boards. Some people bring a bottle to refill with a jug wine blend of reds and then drink from that--a special price includes a pizza.
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| pizza at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
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| deli at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
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| gift shop at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
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| sweet shop at VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Kenwood, California |
2020 pandemic update: During this period when we are emerging from shutdown, we need to carefully consider activities to feed our spirit. Always visit a destination's website to check current pandemic regulations and schedules.
The report from here is that “we are operating food and wine tasting all outside on our Piazza. We have reconfigured our outdoor space to meet all Covid spacing and sanitary requirements.”
More pandemic updates.
More things to do in Kenwood.
More things to do in the Wine Country.
More ideas for exploring Northern California.
images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
It looks like you discovered another wonderful destination, when you explored Kenwood VJB Vineyards. That pizza pie looks delicious and we are sure it paired well with a glass of the local wine.
ReplyDeleteYour post about VJB Vineyards and Cellars is enticing. They really go beyond the tasting experience to make the property a culinary destination. The pizza looks so yummy.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting vineyards and that pizza would be an added enticement!
ReplyDeleteHad not heard of VJB but looks and sounds great. Pinot Noir and they have a deli with gelato - count us in. Always love wineries with some good eats and a nice piazza to enjoy your wine.
ReplyDelete