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Join the Buena Vista Founding Circle. Save 15% off your first order of The Sheriff and be the first in line when new Chateau Buena Vista wines are released.
Before there were vineyards in every valley north of San Francisco, before Napa and Sonoma were household names before there was a California wine world at all, there was Buena Vista.
Founded in 1857 and spanning from Sonoma to Napa, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery, and its history is as colorful as it is proud. Buena Vista founder, the self-proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista,” Agoston Haraszthy, was a vivacious and eccentric pioneer with a veritable love and unending commitment to California wine. Today, the legend has been reborn under the vision of Jean-Charles Boisset.
Just outside the town of Sonoma, the original winery is now a California Historic Landmark, and home to our Winery, our Tasting Room, and Visitor’s Center.
A Legacy Worth Following
The Sheriff of Buena Vista
One of California’s first sheriffs, founder Agoston Haraszthy, was elected Sheriff of San Diego County in 1850. He built the first jail and served two colorful years before moving north to pursue “purple gold” – the perfect terroir for fine wines.
Today, The Sheriff has become Buena Vista’s most sought-after wine, earning a devoted following among collectors and loyal fans alike.
We wanted to create a wine that would be representative not only of The Count of Buena Vista’s role as the first sheriff in San Diego County, but also worthy of every sheriff in America today. This powerful wine is brimming with personality. It’s authoritative and loyal, a bold combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache.
Continuing the Count’s Vision
Chateau Buena Vista
The Count understood that exceptional wines begin with exceptional places. Long before Napa and Sonoma became globally celebrated wine regions, he recognized the extraordinary potential of their soils, climate, and landscapes.
Chateau Buena Vista honors that vision through wines that reflect the depth and character of these iconic regions. Rooted in Buena Vista’s historic legacy, the collection pays tribute to Count Agoston Haraszthy’s pioneering spirit and the enduring influence Buena Vista Winery has had on California winemaking.
From Chateau Buena Vista to the Founder’s Collection, Private Reserve wines, Vinicultural Society selections, and more, each collection carries forward Buena Vista’s commitment to craftsmanship, discovery, and wines with a true sense of place.
Visit Us
Explore Buena Vista in Sonoma
The historic Buena Vista tasting room is located one mile from the Sonoma Square. Tour the original winery and taste the wines of Buena Vista in the Press House, built in 1862, or outside in the stunning courtyard. Guests can also tour the interactive Wine Tool Museum in the Champagne Cellar or relax in the plush Bubble Lounge.
Become a
Member
Membership offers an exciting and educational wine-tasting experience that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the finest, hand-crafted Buena Vista wines delivered directly to you or picked up at our historic tasting room in Sonoma.