Photo courtesy of iStock / Jan_Kowalski
Raise a glass to live music
Wine country travel isn’t just about the wine, it’s about the experience. These North American wineries treat guests to some of the very best in live music, from world-renowned touring acts, to local groups, to tribute bands and even festivals, voice and sound are part of the fun.
Photo courtesy of Gundlach Bundschu
Gundlach Bundschu Winery | Sonoma, California
Gundlach Bundschu Winery is California’s oldest continuously family-owned winery, still led by the sixth generation. The Sonoma property features two music venues: the outdoor amphitheater and the Historic Redwood Barn. Gundlach Bundschu has been host to Lykke Li, Washed Out, Mac DeMarco, Chris Robinson, Sharon Van Etten, Future Islands, Johnny Marr and many more, with new names added to the roster regularly. Be sure to check out their calendar of events.
Photo courtesy of Vina Robles
Vina Robles | Paso Robles, California
Vina Robles Hospitality Center includes a welcoming tasting room that features complimentary live music every Saturday. The main stage is just outside the door at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, which hosts around 30 concerts each season, April through October. Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, Social Distortion, Flogging Molly, Death Cab for Cutie, The Revivalists, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, Los Lobos and Ozomatli are just some of the names on the 2019 calendar. Keep an eye on the calendar of upcoming events.
Photo courtesy of Wente Vineyards
Wente Vineyards | Livermore, California
Livermore Valley is a wine country fit for any music lover, with events large and small happening throughout the year. Entertainers have taken the stage at Wente Vineyards Cresta Blanca Winery’s natural amphitheater for over 30 years. Several outdoor dining and wine options are available to concert guests, including premium packages at concert-side tables. The 2019 concert season included REO Speedwagon, Josh Groban, The Temptations and The Four Tops, Seal, The Doobie Brothers and more. Keep up-to-date with shows and see ticketing options.
Photo courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle
Chateau Ste. Michelle | Woodinville, Washington
2019 marked the 35th Summer Concert Series in the outdoor amphitheater at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Net proceeds from the shows fund Chateau Ste. Michelle’s charitable contributions program. Picnics are welcome and food vendors are on site. The 2019 season showcased names such as Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Chicago, Norah Jones and Diana Krall. Watch this space for the concert schedule.
Photo courtesy of Veritas Vineyard & Winery
Veritas Vineyard & Winery | Afton, Virginia
Veritas Vineyard & Winery kicked off its concert series in 2006, and was one of the first wineries in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville to conceptualize a music venue. It was called Starry Nights and it started small but quickly grew quite popular. The winery has recently added the intimate Summer Nights to round out musical offerings. The 2019 schedule included The Legwarmers, Saved By The 90’s and Kendall Street Company. Check out tickets and schedule details.
Photo courtesy of Sonoma Harvest Music Fest
B.R. Cohn Winery | Glen Ellen, California
B.R. Cohn Winery was founded by a true music lover, Bruce Cohn. A staple in the San Francisco music scene, Cohn became the manager of the Doobie Brothers, a role he filled for 45 years. The winery plays host to the Summer Music Series, a generous weekly concert schedule that runs through the end of October each year. The winery is also the site of the Sonoma Harvest Music Festival by BottleRock Presents, producers of BottleRock Napa Valley. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chvrches and Death Cab for Cutie have been featured in the lineup.
Photo courtesy of Linganore Winecellars
Linganore Winecellars | Mt. Airy, Maryland
There’s music all season at Linganore Winecellars during complimentary Music At The Winery on weekends May through October. A highlight of the year arrives each fall during the largest and longest-running reggae festival in the Mid-Atlantic, the Autumn Reggae Wine and Music Festival. Performances pack the weekend and guests can enjoy authentic island cuisine and purchase hand-crafted goods. Get more details and tickets for the next event.
Photo courtesy of Alex Mangione
Tarara Winery | Leesburg, Virginia
As they say, Tarara Summer Concert Series has been “rockin’ the vineyard” for 20 years as of the 2019 season. The 20-week series is great for anyone, including families, with a huge scope of music and an eclectic selection of food trucks. The name of the game is fun, with cover bands and themed tribute bands filling the calendar. Check out the schedule in advance to see what shows are coming up and what food trucks to hit (the selection is ever-evolving).
Photo courtesy of Jill Barth
Round Barn Winery | Baroda, Michigan
Round Barn Winery has music events at two locations, but the most recognizable and longest-running is the winery’s estate. True to the name, the property is centered around a charming round barn. Here guests enjoy weekend Jammin’ in the Vineyard shows while partaking in wine, canned beverages, craft beer and house spirits. The Round Barn Grille food truck and lawn games round out the party. Check out the full schedule for all Round Barn locations. Teachers, don’t miss the Hall Pass perk which provides free cover to all Jammin’ in the Vineyard events at Round Barn Estate every weekend from May through October.
Photo courtesy of Round Barn Winery
Folktale Winery & Vineyards | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Set on a beautiful property along the Carmel River, Folktale Winery & Vineyards has frequent entertainment events. The highlight is Live in the Vines, a collaboration with KRML radio, which draws touring acts from around the world. They also offer live music several days a week and host comedy shows and yoga events in their space. Keep up with the schedule so you don’t miss a thing.