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Pine Ridge Winery

The tour guide was nice and very informative. The walk in the constructed cave was standard and the wine tasting at a large round table in the center of the caves with cheese and crackers was a nicer setting than the normal tasting room. This is such a nice place with friendly folks. We had Jeff as the person taking care of us and he wasn't even rushing us. i know it was busy but he never made it seem like we had to get done and get out. he even took extra time to show us the cave and that was amazing.

Erna Schein

Erna Schein , formerly Behrens & Hitchcock, is located on the top of the Spring Mountain district near the Sonoma County line. It is located at the end of this district's infamous "summit wine road" which leads off the main very windy Spring Mountain Road. This summit road is home to many of the Spring Mountain Wineries. Les Behrens and Lisa Drinkward are the owners of this winery.

Dead Man's Wines

Here is a wine that is not only a California original but great for a wine romantic at the same time. Yes, I know. I am one of those “wine romantic”. Here is another California wine to put on your list.
You see Dead Man’s Hand is a California Zinfandel and plays on a very interesting theme.Brian Runkle the proprietor of Dead Man’s Wine promises that their wines are dedicated to producing superior hand-crafted wines from Napa Valley.This wine was inspired by the robust life style of the Wild West. In particular a name well know Wild, Wild West icon, Wild Bill Hickok. This wine was named after a hand drawn by Bill Hickok during a poker game. The hand was a two-pair hand, aces and eights of a black suits and was the hand Hickok was holding when he was murdered in Deadwood, South Dakota, hence the name, “Dead Man’s Hand”.

Groth Vineyards & Winery

Groth Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery producing Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon for the past 30 years.
Groth Vineyards and Winery was founded by Dennis and Judy Groth in 1982. They became famous for their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon after Robert Parker awarded their 1985 Reserve a perfect 100 points. It was the first time Parker awarded a perfect score to any California wine. Even today Wine Enthusiast magazine designated the 2009 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the "Best of the Year 2012," referring to it as "incredibly lush and delicious."

El Molin Winery

This small family winery is spectacular! The love and care that goes into producing a bottle of pinot is a testament to the pride that the owners have for this vineyard which has been in the family since 1938.
Bravo!!Their vineyard is in Rutherford and they only make two wines, a Pinot Noir (yes a Pinot Noir) and a Chardonnay. These are both serious, and not inexpensive wines. That said, they are elegant, have wonderful cherry and raspberry flavors and will reward cellaring. I am a big Russian River Pinot fan, but these are very nice wines. Worth seeking out. Can't wait to sip again!

Truchard Vineyards

Our guide, Aida, was very welcoming, non-pretentious, and warm. She poured generously for our tasting and provided us with detailed history of the vineyard, and the couple that started it all. Still owned by the original family, this winery is beautiful, rustic, and definitely a place to stop by for good wine and some wonderful scenery.
Make an appointment even if it's the same day.

T-Vine Cellars

T-Vine was founded in 1992 with a passion for making small lots of big juicy wines – specializing in old vines: Grenache, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Visit by appointment only.

Toad Hall Cellars

Toad Hall Cellars is owned by John Komes and his family; if the last name rings a bell it is because this family is also synonymous with Flora Springs Winery. They produced their first vintage in 1984 which was merely 10 cases of a Chardonnay...talk about scraping the bottom of a wine barrel! Today, production runs about 1200 cases (still relatively small) and focuses on three wines; two Pinot noirs and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Toad Hall was started by John as a side project to his family's Flora Springs Cellars. Toad Hall owns several vineyards; their original vineyard is 6 acres just off of Highway 29 in Rutherford planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and they also have a 10-acre vineyard in the Carneros region planted to Pinot noir.

Hartwell Vineyards

The minute you drive up to the property, you immediately notice the breathtaking views. We loved our host, Dave. The groups are kept small; there was a total of 8 of us. He started us off with a nice Chardonay. We stepped outside to take in the beautiful and peaceful scenery, overlooking their vineyards across the valley from the property. Once we finished the tour, Dave guided us into the beautiful tasting room for the wine and cheese pairing. Each wine and each piece of cheese was more delicious than the first.

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