Bennett Valley · Sonoma County
Visit Coursey Graves with a Private Chauffeur
Appointment-only tastings 1,500 feet above Bennett Valley, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
John and Denise Graves bought a former winery and sheep farm on Bennett Mountain in 2015 and built Coursey Graves with winemaker Cabell Coursey. Architect Charles Stinson designed three buildings to sit into the landscape: the winery and barn opened in 2017 and the Hilltop House in 2022. Matthew Casalenuovo, who worked at Williams Selyem and Ramey Wine Cellars, is now head winemaker.
The 40-acre estate has 13 acres of hillside vines about 1,500 feet above Bennett Valley, planted to Bordeaux and Rhône varieties after the ground was cleared of boulders so the roots could go deeper. The best-known wines are the Bennett Mountain Estate red blend and a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
The gardens were replanted after the 2017 fires and now hold more than 50 flowering species around a pond, with a bridge and boat John Graves built himself. Tastings are by appointment only, from a semi-private flight to a private experience with charcuterie, with views reaching toward the Pacific coast.
Tasting Fees
$75 for the Semi-Private Tasting, about 60 minutes at communal seating. $110 for the Private Vista Experience, about 90 minutes with a charcuterie board and a dedicated host, for up to 6 guests.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa
AVA
Bennett Valley
Visiting
By appointment only, seven days a week. Cancellations need 48 hours' notice.
Known For
The Bennett Mountain Estate red blend and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Founded
2015 (winery opened in 2017)
Good to Know
All guests must be 21 or older. Service animals are welcome; other pets are not. Private experiences take up to 6 guests. The winery does not recommend rideshare, so arrive with a driver.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a Glen Ellen or Kenwood hotel such as the Olea Hotel or Kenwood Inn & Spa.
10:00 · Pickup at Olea Hotel or Kenwood Inn & Spa
The Olea Hotel, a boutique hotel on a Glen Ellen hillside, and Kenwood Inn & Spa, a boutique hotel and spa in Kenwood, are each about 25 to 30 minutes from Coursey Graves, up Sonoma Mountain Road and over into Bennett Valley. The day below fits a six-hour tour, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:30 · Coursey Graves
The Semi-Private Tasting, about 60 minutes ($75), or the Private Vista Experience, about 90 minutes ($110).
11:45 · Matanzas Creek
About 10 minutes away. Founded in 1977 with Merry Edwards as its first winemaker, and known for Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and three acres of lavender. The Estate Tasting of five wines is $35. Reservations required; open daily until 4:30 p.m.
1:15 · Lunch at Salt+Stone
About 25 minutes away. Todd Lake's restaurant on the Sonoma Highway in Kenwood, with an oyster bar and craft cocktails. Lunch Thursday to Tuesday from 11 a.m. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:35 · Laurel Glen
About 10 minutes away. The Glen Ellen tasting room of a Sonoma Mountain Cabernet vineyard first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968 and certified organic since 2014. The Classic Tasting is $45 and the Collector Tasting of four Cabernets $55. Walk-ins welcome, with a text ahead encouraged; open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3:35 · Back to your hotel
Back in Glen Ellen or Kenwood by 3:45 p.m., within six hours of pickup.
Optional: Benziger
Adds 30 minutes to an hour. Benziger Family Winery is a few minutes from Laurel Glen's tasting room. Walk-ins are welcome at the main bar for the Wine Tasting ($25); the last bar tasting is at 4:30 p.m.
Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting. This day works any day but Wednesday, when Salt+Stone does not serve lunch.
About $155 to $190 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Do I need a reservation at Coursey Graves?
Yes. Visits are by appointment only, seven days a week, with 48 hours' notice to cancel. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at Coursey Graves?
$75 per person for the Semi-Private Tasting and $110 for the Private Vista Experience, as of September 2026.
Can children visit Coursey Graves?
No. All guests must be 21 or older, and only service animals are allowed.
Who owns Coursey Graves?
John and Denise Graves, who bought the estate in 2015 and founded the winery with winemaker Cabell Coursey.
Where is Coursey Graves?
On Bennett Mountain above Bennett Valley, southeast of Santa Rosa, at about 1,500 feet.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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