Fitzpatrick Winery and Lodge is located in the Fair Play AVA (American Viticultural Area) at the heart of the California's Gold Country, in the beautiful and idyllic Sierra Foothills of El Dorado county, nearby historic Placerville. We feature fine hand crafted wines made from organically grown premium wine grapes and a unique Irish Bed & Breakfast. 37 years in Fair Play. Fitzpatrick Winery & Lodge became Fair Play's first winery in 1980.
The Foxen Boys (aka Bill Wathen and Dick Doré) have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic on Foxen Canyon Road.
Huge Bear Wines are a celebration of the rich viticulture heritage and the rugged, individualistic spirit that embodies California, and more specifically, Sonoma County. The winery blends the finest grapes from Sonoma County’s premier wine growing regions, including mountainside grapes from Knights Valley. These Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc bottling are produced in very small quantities (less than 500 cases) and offer consumers an intense, yet balanced, full and fleshy style that showcases a distinct sense of place.
Pulled into the Winery parking lot and the sign said closed.
Some guy, KAZ waved us in and the next couple that pulled in as well.
I was here to try his ports, but he had 7 other wines to try as well. $5 to taste 5.
The varietals are unique and funky like the winemaker. He's a nice guy. Wines were good, especially the ports.
Longoria Wines is an artisanal family winery established in 1982 by Rick and Diana Longoria. Rick’s decision to start his own wine label was born out of a desire to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, two varietals he was not producing as the winemaker for J. Carey Cellars, his first job as a winemaker. Rick sensed that those two varietals were poised to become the signature varietals for the new Santa Barbara County wine region, and he wanted to become a part of this new movement.
David Girard Vineyards is nestled in the Sierra foothills near where the south fork of the American River gave up its gold in 1849. At an elevation of some 1,200 feet soil, temperature and conditions, an environment ideally suited to growing the premier grape varietals of southern France's Rhône valley. Twenty years ago the folks at David Girard started with little more than good earth, a tolerance for risk and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. The winery has established a solid reputation for excellence and value by producing Rhône style wines in the heart of one of California's most historic regions.
When we drove up we were greeted by 2 dogs and Jim the owner. The place is quaint and wine is phenomenal. Jim the owner took his time and explained the wine making process to our group, he even had us taste one of the grapes on the hillside. One of my favorite wines was the wine blend called "Sisters" which is made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec, all estate grown
Grebennikoff Vineyards is a small and limited production winery specializing in 100 percent varietal estate grown Merlot. Although Grebennikoff Vineyards is a relatively new winery in the Sonoma Valley, viticulturist/winemaker Nick Greben planted his small estate vineyard in 1974. The name Grebennikoff is Russian and came from Nick's father who emigrated here from China early in the last century.
Founded in 2004, Tricycle Wine Co. produces small quantities of hand-crafted wines from Napa and the Mayacamas Range under the labels Molnar Famliy, Kazmer & Blaise, and Obsidian Ridge.
Helena View Johnston Vineyards is located on Highway 128 just five minutes north of Calistoga in the eye of Mt. St. Helena in a fertile area noted for producing exceptional red wines. Helena View specializes in bordeaux style reds, namely Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The winery is open for special events and tours by prior arrangement during the week and by appointment Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. Picnic facilities are available and include a covered redwood gazebo and a tree shaded deck overlooking vineyards.
