Think a trip to a gorgeous, design-minded winery is the ultimate tasting experience? Adding a pool can make the entire outing even better. Come summer—yes, when temperatures can reach the triple digits in buzzy regions like Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg—a few properties open their on-site pools so guests can splash around and enjoy a splash of vino.
If you can believe it, the pool phenomenon was kickstarted by Francis Ford Coppola. Yes, the Francis Ford Coppola who racked up Academy Awards for films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. When Coppola purchased his Geyserville, California, property—which would eventually become the Francis Ford Coppola Winery—he didn’t want to create just a tasting room. Rather, he wanted to create a “wine wonderland;” somewhere everyone could enjoy.
The property displays mementos from his biggest motion pictures year-round, but come summer, everyone’s bee-lining it to the pool, which was inspired by the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. “The pool is a key part of carrying out this vision for a family-friendly destination for exploration, amusement and delight,” explains James Luchini, the winery’s director of hospitality. “It’s a place where visitors can sip wine, swim, relax, and enjoy food all in one setting, which is something you can’t find at traditional tasting rooms.”
Here’s how it works: Guests can only access the pool if they reserve a cabine, which is $325 on weekdays and $350 over the weekend. Each booking grants you all-day pool access for up to four guests, four ridiculously comfortable lounge chairs, and towels. It’s not a formal tasting, so children are allowed and you can readily order food and wine by the glass as you see fit…