Viszlay Vineyards
Updated: Jan 12

Ambiance
Located near quaint, beautiful Healdsburg.
Part of the signature Russian River AVA microclimate.
Step inside the barrel tasting room for a comfortable and relaxed dining room vibe.
A large chandelier lamp sits next to the small production wine barrels on the back wall.
Two tall square tables and high wooden chairs fill the functional space and accommodates easy wine tasting conversation.
Enjoy the passion for winemaking from the friendly Viszlay family staff: John Viszlay, the winemaker, his daughter, Abby, or son, Tony.
Eager to share their unique wine making story and committed to create a memorable wine tasting experience for you.
Seating outside on white Aderondack chairs places you steps away from the 10 acre vineyard.
Enjoy the spectacular view of the hillside and Fitch Mountain.
Picnic tables are complimentary for savoring the wine with friends (call for reservations).
Put some cheese on a platter with your wine tasting pleasure/ $20pp (call for reservations).

Cost:
Tasting is $15 per person.
$20 per person for a walking tour/tasting in the vineyard.
Viszlay wine is only available at the winery for non club members.
Price range from $45- $98 a bottle
Appointment Needed?
Yes
Tasting Room open 11:00-5:00pm

Wine Pick
A fun variety of wines to try: Prosecco, Chardonnay, Alicante Bouschet, Bordeaux red blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel.
I went home with the 2013 Viszlay Vineyards Pinot Noir.
Dog Approved
Yes
Dogs on leash are welcome.
There is a chance you will meet the Viszlay wine dog, Pepper, a young black lab whose enthusiasm mirrors the overall Viszlay wine experience.
Lexi, my chocolate lab, and Pepper frolicked outside the barrel room.
Pepper was most interested in Lexi.
Lexi was all in until Pepper got a little too friskey.

Social Media Worthy
This is for sure a vineyard photo type of winery.
I pulled one of the adirondack chairs into the vineyard to pose for my photos.

Feel Good Vibes
Because I’m Hungarian, I wanted to delve a bit into the Viszlay Hungarian story.
John Viszlay’s immigrant ancestors settled in Pennsylvania which is not far from where my Hungarian relatives settled in Ohio.
Occasionally finding fellow Hungarians is always a treat for me.
A treat for you might be a get away and stay at the Viszlay Vineyard Farmhouse.
Make it your reunion destination and enjoy the five bedroom Farmhouse, chef’s kitchen, wrap around deck, pool (Club Members get a discount).
Variety is the spice of life, and John farms TWELVE varietals on his property.
Viszlay Cub Members enjoy an impressive array of reds and whites
A Viszlay humanitarian cause is the Vineyards and Villages program, which supports bringing water to African villages.
Viszlay’s sustainable farming methods are the norm.
After a successful corporate career in Chicago, John relocated to Sonoma County to start a second career as a winemaker.
John connected with the right people and resources to launch his boutique winery.

Wine Nerd Facts
Viszlay produces the only domestically grown Sonoma County Prosecco.
John Viszlay is a self-taught winemaker extraordinaire.
John’s no nonsense philosophy for wine making is simple: Nothing can stop me from making the best wine. He is often a one man show with a tireless work ethic and a discerning palate.
John’s Hungarian father who was proud of his last name designed the “V” logo when he was a teenager. This distinct logo is now printed on every Viszlay wine label.
Food and Viszlay wine are in sync because John regulates the alcohol content in his wines.
Viszlay wines are intentionally lower in alcohol.
Viszlay Zinfandel alcohol content is kept under 14.5%.

Wine Club? Fun Events?
June and January Wine Club BBQ at the Winery.
Access to member only wines.
Host a winemaker dinner or tasting at their home, club or business.
Sheila’s Tasting Notes
Capture a dream in a bottle.
John Viszlay’s dream to be a successful Sonoma County winemaker is fortunately a sweet dream come true.
The Viszlay story is a tribute to the human spirit.
Taste the fruit that is blended with Viszlay care, curiosity, creativity and boldness.
Be part of their dream.

#Chardonnay #CabernetFranc #Zinfandel #DessertWine #Prosecco #Pinot #PetiteSirah