A winery with a swimming pool. This is why the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is beyond fantastic.
I knew that would get your attention! It certainly got mine, and this is why I am absolutely in love with this winery. It’s owned by none other than the legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola, who masterminded classics like The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and The Outsiders. He also produced one of my favorites, American Graffiti.
His daughter Sofia Coppola is also a filmmaker. Some of her most popular films include Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides.
When the winery opened, Coppola described it in a statement as “A wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life.”
This winery is super unique in that you can peruse props from his films and take a dip by the pool or play some bocce ball while sipping your wine. You’ll see props and keepsakes from films including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Dracula. Two miniature replicas of ships used in Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette are also on display.
Pool cabines and passes can be hard to come by. A pass is a poolside reclining chair; a cabine is a personal locker room with a shower and outlets if you need to charge something.
If you live nearby and are dedicated to coming often, you may want to consider joining the wine club. It’s also worth checking availability in the days leading up to your visit for last-minute cancellations.
Even if you’re not into wine, you can pick up a mudslide or pina colada by the pool. It’s a wonderful spot for a girls’ weekend. You’ll impress your family massively if you take them here while they visit you. They don’t allow weddings on the premises, but if you have a massive budget and want to have an amazing party or ceremony, this is one for the shortlist of your dreams.
There’s one more thing on my bucket list for next time – a meal at the onsite restaurant, Rustic. It looks delicious! It’s meant to feature Francis Ford Coppola’s favorite entrees. I’ve eaten twice at the Pool Cafe, which features amazing pizzas. As you can see above, I recently enjoyed the caprese salad and loved it. It was incredibly fresh. Menus for Rustic and the Pool Cafe are available on the winery’s website.
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