California: Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma

California: Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma

Of all the wineries we visited in Sonoma, Gundlach Bundschu was by far my favorite. The winery was founded in 1858 by German immigrant Jacob Gundlach and has remained in the family for six generations, which makes Gundlach Bundschu one of the oldest family-owned wineries in California.

We bought a picnic basket at the bar along with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a glass of Pinot Noir, and brought everything up to a small picnic area on a hill with views of the vineyards and a little lake. The basket came with cheese crackers, a honey stick, burrata, some really good olives, a few slices of salami, and a Purple Haze cheese from Cypress Grove. Purple Haze is a goat cheese with lavender that I had never tried before, but it turned out to be fresh, delicious, and just perfect for our little picnic. Sitting there in the sun with wine and good food was exactly the kind of experience I had hoped for in Sonoma.

You can also book more traditional tastings if you want to dive deeper into the wines. Gundlach Bundschu is known for producing elegant, well-balanced wines. Their portfolio covers both reds and whites, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. The ones we tried (2022 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast and 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast) were both really good and I regret a little that we didn’t get a bottle of each from the shop to take home.

In Sonoma, you usually get around by car, and while wine tasting and driving would be unthinkable for most people in Denmark, it’s perfectly normal in the US to get behind the wheel after a glass or two. Personally, I draw the line at one glass, which was also one of the reasons I didn’t join the tastings. Yes, I know you’re supposed to spit after sampling, but that also feels like such a waste of good wine. I’d rather save the tastings for another time, when I’ve booked an Uber or staying within walking distance to a winery.

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10/08/2025 10:01 am GMT
Hotels in the US
USA Hotels

Hotels in the US – From Big City Views to Small Town Charm

The US is such a mix when it comes to places to stay. One night you might be in a sleek hotel with skyline views in New York or LA, and the next, you’re checking into a cozy roadside inn somewhere off a scenic highway in the Southwest. That’s part of the fun—there’s something for every mood, budget, and type of trip.

Whether you're planning a city break, a beach vacation, or a cross-country adventure, there are lots of great hotel options out there. I always look for places with a little character, a good location, and (ideally) decent coffee.

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