Red Meritage

Red Meritage

Aaron Winery

Aaron Winery

Aaron Jackson’s path to winemaking began with a question. “How can we write a new story for Central Coast wine, and how do we unlock its potential?” To answer this, he found himself working in coastal Pinot Noir vineyards near his hometown of Cayucos, and working in cellars producing wines from Paso Robles’ westside, most uniquely Petite Sirah.

While studying wine at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, he pooled together the pennies from his weekend jobs and launched his eponymous label with the first vintage of Aaron Petite Sirah in 2002. His career continued to lead him to work with several acclaimed wineries in Paso Robles, along with earning his Master’s degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide in South Australia.

In 2017, Winemaker Aaron Jackson took charge in leading the effort to create the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA (SLO Coast), which was approved in 2021.

Romeo Vineyard and Cellars

In downtown Calistoga this tasting room was very charming and inviting. The manager and tasting guide, Brandon, were very helpful and welcoming, we really felt at home. Great ambiance, exquisite Sempre Vive wines, cheese and charcuterie.
Romeo Vineyards produces elegant awines from vines forty-two years old which reside south of a nine acre reservoir in Calistoga, California. The vineyard lies sandwiched between two forested knolls, leading to the geographical conditions that create hot days and cool nights and an extremely long hang time in our Calistoga vineyard. This allows their grapes to develop full flavors, deep color and intense complexity.

Tercero Wines

Tercero Wines Santa Barbara County

tercero wines is the brainchild of Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker. He began the brand shortly after graduating with his Masters Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis – but this was well after he had completely switched directions in life and charted a new and exciting path.

Larry started his college career at UC Davis as an undergraduate, but had no interest in wine. The idea of getting into wine was something he had considered in the past – but more on the sales and marketing side because of his background. After graduating with his degree, he joined the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he stayed for nearly a decade before it was time to branch off and concentrate 100% on his own brand – and he could not be happier today.

Larry is adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. Visit his tasting room or follow him on social media to see for yourself.

Mount Veeder Winery

The thin rocky soils and rugged terrain on Mount Veeder make farming the vineyard a challenge. Cultivation and harvesting are done entirely by hand. Water is scarce and drains quickly through the volcanic mountain soil. The vines grow slowly and produce small clusters and intensely concentrated berries resulting in extremely low yields; as little as half that of vineyards on the valley floor.

Farming on the mountain is definitely demanding. But were rewarded with wines that show intensity and depth, with rich, earthy tannins and bold, dark fruit flavor.

McIlroy Cellars

Located in Sonoma County, California, one of the world's premier wine producing areas, McIlroy Wines is a small, family based winery that creates outstanding wines. Only a small number of cases are produced each year.

Keever Vineyards

Take the time to make an appointment and visit this hidden gem! We wound our way up the hill through two security gates and pulled into what looked like someone's home. We were greeted with the most beautifully fragrant in-bloom roses under a gorgeous pergola. Magnificent views were everywhere. It was so beautiful I didn't really want to go inside.

Inside, however, there were treats in-store. The wine was great. The interior was cool and comfortable with leather club chairs. Again, it felt like someone's home - almost like the family's lab was waiting just around the corner with a ball ready to play.

The barrel room was simple with glass-enclosed library room.

Vin De Tevis

Dos Rios wines are grown on river canyon terraced vineyards at 1200 feet elevation in poor, fast draining soil. Here, cool nights and warm afternoons are accompanied by persistent wind. Hand picked fruit and ferment in 250-gallon open top tanks before barrel aging Vin De Tevis wines upwards of 39 months.

Ridge/ Vineyards Winery - Healsburg

Great views, greater wines. Ridge is a must. The wines offered by Ridge are top notch, well balanced, unique wines. While you can find their wines in some stores make the trip up the mountain where you can taste some of the more limited offerings.
Also and estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains
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Monte Bello
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Santa Cruz Mountains
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17100 Monte Bello Road
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Cupertino, CA 95014

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