InnSonoma Valley AVA · Sonoma4.6 · 290
Kenwood Inn & Spa
A courtyard pool ringed with lavender and rosemary sits behind terracotta roofs and stucco walls.
Dog OKKid FriendlyWine LoversRomantic Getaways
★★★★3.5 mi
Bennett Valley · Sonoma County · Santa Rosa
Coursey Graves Estate Winery
Perched at 1,500 feet on Bennett Mountain, this estate grows Bordeaux and Rhône varietals in volcanic soil.
4.9(335)
Known forCabernetBordeaux BlendsPrivate TastingsVineyard WalksMountain ViewsBoutique
About Coursey Graves Estate Winery
Coursey Graves Estate Winery is a hidden gem in Sonoma, offering breathtaking views from its elevated location at 1500 feet. The estate features beautifully designed gardens reminiscent of the French countryside and vineyards that produce remarkable Bordeaux and Rhône varietals, thanks to the rich volcanic soil and ideal growing conditions. Since acquiring the property in 2015, owners John and Denise Graves have revitalized the estate, focusing on sustainable practices and enhancing the quality of their wines.
Why Visit Coursey Graves Estate Winery
John and Denise Graves bought this property in 2015 and replanted the vineyards to focus on Bordeaux and Rhône varieties that thrive in Bennett Valley's volcanic terrain. At this altitude, you taste wines shaped by elevation and soil type—specifics that define what grows here versus down on the valley floor.
- Semi-Private Tasting at $75 includes Bordeaux and Rhône wines over 60 minutes
- Private Vista Experience costs $110 for 90 minutes with a dedicated host
- John and Denise Graves acquired the property in 2015 and revitalized it
- Vineyards grow at 1,500 feet elevation in Bennett Valley volcanic soil
- French-inspired gardens with gravel paths and boxwood hedges frame the estate
The Setting
From the winery's perch at 1,500 feet on Bennett Mountain, the view stretches west across Sonoma County, with layers of ridgelines fading into haze. The Graves planted gardens modeled after French country estates, with gravel paths winding through lavender and boxwood hedges that frame the vineyard rows. Vine blocks step down the hillside in terraces, each section rooted in the red volcanic soil that defines Bennett Valley viticulture.
The Tasting Experience
Tastings take place overlooking those terraced vineyards. The Semi-Private Tasting runs 60 minutes and costs $75, typically with a handful of other visitors; you'll taste through the Bordeaux and Rhône lineup while your host explains how volcanic soil and mountain elevation affect each wine. For $110, the Private Vista Experience gives you 90 minutes alone with a host, who'll pour wines on the terrace and walk you through vintage differences and varietal choices specific to Bennett Mountain growing conditions.
The Tasting
Tasting experiences.
Prices and availability are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
Semi-Private Tasting
$75Step into the enchanting world of Bennett Mountain with the perfect introduction to Sonoma wine country. For 60 delightful minutes, you’ll share stories and laughter with a small group of fellow wine enthusiasts, all while savoring the meticulously crafted wines of Coursey Graves.
60 minReservation Required
Private Vista Experience
$110Indulge with a 90-minute private wine tasting that transports you to the serene, panoramic vistas atop Bennett Mountain. With your own dedicated host, immerse yourself in the tranquility of our boutique winery, where each step reveals the artistry of winemaking—from expansive views of our signature French-style gardens and Estate vineyards to the peaceful ambiance of our secluded wine caves. Settle into a relaxed, seated tasting surrounded by sweeping views, where a curated charcuterie board perfectly complements each sip of our exquisite wines. This is more than just a tasting; it’s a tranquil, sensory journey designed to deepen your connection to wine, nature, and refined luxury.
90 minReservation Required
The Pour
Wine list. (4)
Prices are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
| Wine | Type | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 A cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s most esteemed nested-appellations. | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | ||
Estate Blend 2021 A blend of Bordeaux varietals farmed on our mountain estate vineyard. It is a pure reflection of terroir. | Red Blend | 2021 | ||
Syrah 2021 Highly aromatic, full of finesse, but just barely fruity enough to be delicious. | Syrah | 2021 |
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s most esteemed nested-appellations.
Cabernet Sauvignon2021
Estate Blend 2021
A blend of Bordeaux varietals farmed on our mountain estate vineyard. It is a pure reflection of terroir.
Red Blend2021
Syrah 2021
Highly aromatic, full of finesse, but just barely fruity enough to be delicious.
Syrah2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
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HotelSonoma Valley AVA · Sonoma4.8 · 194
Olea Hotel
Guest rooms at Olea Hotel open to private terraces facing Sonoma Valley vineyards.
Dog OK*Kid Friendly*Wine EnthusiastsRomantic Getaways
★★★4.7 mi
Drive Times
From Sonoma hotels.
Estimated drive time from each hotel to Coursey Graves Estate Winery, ordered by proximity.
| Hotel | Drive | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Olea Hotel | ~12 min | Book |
| Cottage Inn & Spa | ~20 min | Book |
| Farmhouse Inn | ~31 min | Book |
| Hotel Healdsburg | ~38 min | Book |
| Montage Healdsburg | ~41 min | Book |
| The Lodge at Bodega Bay | ~45 min | Book |
Estimates based on straight-line distance with a wine-country routing factor. Actual drive times vary with traffic and route choice.
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