Explore the Delights of Ojai California Wineries 
You will find another great little wine region if you jump in your car and drive just ninety miles north of Los Angeles, or about thirty miles from Santa Barbara. Ojai is accessible as an easy day trip from these and other nearby cities. Making this little town a fantastic weekend trip complete with wineries, art galleries, shops, delightful lunch spots, and restaurants.

winding road, sunset, mountains

You Are Almost There

As you near your destination, you will be greeted by the luring mountains and the citrus groves along the valley floor. There are olive orchards, orange and lemon trees, and sprawling family ranches. And vineyards surrounding it all. This community has quite a bit to offer for those who travel to this little community.

The downtown area was rebuilt in 1917 after a fire wiped out most of the original town but the buildings have been converted into modern storefronts for dozens of little shops, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms along the town's main street. This charming town is in Ventura County and is known for its artistic community and relaxed atmosphere. Ojai is known for its relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy the natural beauty and artistic culture of this charming California town.

apples, farmer's market, buy

Amador County wine country is a hidden gem in California that offers a unique and captivating experience for wine enthusiasts. Nestled in the Sierra Foothills region, this picturesque destination is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its exceptional wines. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual traveler looking for a delightful day trip, Amador County wine country has something to offer everyone.

The Charm of Amador County Wine Country
Amador County wine country possesses a charm that is difficult to put into words. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of a time when life was simpler and wine country was still a hidden secret. This region, unlike the bustling Napa Valley, exudes a rustic and laid-back atmosphere that attracts those seeking an authentic and unspoiled wine-tasting experience.
 

Photo courtesy of Helwig Vineyards & Winery

A Journey to Amador Wine Country

Santa Barbara County Wines

Santa Barbara County is home to one of the most breathtaking wine regions in the world. Nestled along the picturesque California coastline, this region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exceptional wines. From the urban wineries of Santa Barbara and Solvang to the rural vineyards of Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys, there is something for every wine lover to explore. With nine wine routes to choose from, the possibilities for a spectacular wine experience are endless.

Discovering Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. With over 100 unique wineries and tasting rooms, there is a vast array of wines to taste and explore. From classic varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to lesser-known gems to the area such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, the region offers a diverse selection of wines to satisfy every palate.

To make the most of your visit, it's essential to plan ahead. Santa Barbara County's wine country spans over 50 miles, so mapping out a route and checking tasting room hours is crucial. Consider using the designed tasting routes, online touring map, or requesting a printed touring map to navigate the expansive wine country efficiently.

Exploring Santa Barbara County Wine Routes
Santa Barbara County offers nine distinct wine routes that showcase the best of the region's wineries and vineyards. Each route provides a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local wine culture. Here are some highlights from each route:

California Corks Visits – Quady Winery

The Central Valley, also called the Great Central Valley, extending from Shasta County in the north of California to Kern County in the south, it parallels the Pacific coast for about 450 miles and is almost totally enclosed by mountains. The San Joaquin Valley in the south embraces more than three-fifths of the entire basin, and the Sacramento Valley in the north makes up the remainder. The development of ranching and agriculture in the valley progressed rapidly after the California Gold Rush in 1849. Today this part of California contains some of the richest farmland to be found in the United States. The San Joaquin Valley produces more than 300 crops, including cotton, wine, and table grapes. About 20 percent of all wine grapes grown in California are found on vines in Fresno County, right in the heart of the state. You will also find peaches, apricots, wheat, rice, pistachios, almonds, and vegetables. With about 300 growing days per year, the valley produces about one-fourth of the food consumed in the United States. California is rich in so many ways and for those of us that enjoy her wines and the winery experience there are more than enough choices to choose from. With that in mind this article will be the beginning of highlighting wines, wineries, and winemakers from north to south of California’s Big Valley.

Markus Wine Co And Their Winemaker Markus Niggli

Swiss-born Markus Niggli was brought on by Steve Borra in 2006 to handle the cellar for Borra Vineyards, but Markus steadily climbed the ladder to winemaker in 2010. Markus was an early believer in natural winemaking with a goal of expressing the vineyard and each vintage as authentically as possible, resulting in his first releases of critically successful fresh and racy whites. These show his European influence with higher acidity, rather than the typical rich, full-bodied California style.

He has made a fan in noted wine writer Randy Caparoso, who wrote: “Borra now produces the most ‘contemporary’ style wines grown in Lodi today, period.”
But Markus does much more than make about 5,000 cases of wine each year. He works along with designers to come up with new labels; manages the cellar crew; and most importantly handles all wholesale and direct wine sales. Markus and his wife, Diane, are raising a family together in the City of Lodi.