Andrew Murray fell in love with the emerging Rhône varieties, Syrah and Viognier, in the late 1980’s while traveling through France’s Rhône Valley. Leaving his UC Berkeley paleontology studies behind, he pursued his new mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia. As Robert Parker, Jr. put it, “…Andrew Murray’s offerings are a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices – reader take note.
The Dierberg family began cultivating Drum Canyon Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara in 2008. Siblings Ellen Dierberg Milne and Michael Dierberg, now second-generation growers, have embraced a sustainable approach to producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This commitment has established Dierberg as one of the select few California Certified Sustainable vineyards.
Winemaker Tyler Thomas, who apprenticed with the renowned Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, employs a minimalist approach in crafting exceptional wines. His focus is on allowing the unique character of the vineyard site to shine through in every bottle of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
For wine lovers exploring California’s wineries, Dierberg offers not only outstanding wines but also a genuine connection to sustainable viticulture and a commitment to quality that truly reflects the beauty of the Sta. Rita Hills.
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.
Barbieri Wine Company (BWC) has been delighting wine lovers since its founding in 2005 by Master Sommelier and Winemaker Paolo Barbieri. Before BWC came to be, Paolo began his winemaking journey crafting small lots in his garage in Las Vegas, fueled by a passion for producing exceptional wines. His goal was clear: to create Rhone varietals from the top vineyards in Santa Barbara County, using a minimalist approach that emphasizes the quality of the grapes without heavy oak influence.
With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Paolo's expertise has been shaped by managing world-class wine lists in both Europe and the United States. This background not only honed his palate but also inspired his philosophy toward winemaking. Joining him on this adventure was Erin Kempe, and together they cultivated their passion for crafting hand-made boutique wines that truly reflect their love for the art of winemaking.
Meet Paolo Barbieri
Born in Parma, Italy, Paolo Barbieri developed a passion for wine at a young age, with a bottle of wine always gracing his family’s dinner table. His curiosity about the winemaking process led him to study farming management in Rome, where he deepened his love for nature. Paolo's career took him to England, where he started working in restaurants, further igniting his passion for food and wine.
After relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, he helped develop wine programs for several esteemed restaurants. In 1998, Paolo moved to Las Vegas, where he played a pivotal role in opening high-profile establishments like the Bellagio, Wynn, and Cosmopolitan Hotel. His dedication and extensive knowledge earned him the prestigious title of Master Sommelier, a testament to his hard work and passion.
During his time in the industry, Paolo discovered the remarkable quality of Santa Barbara County's vineyards. Inspired by their potential, he partnered with long-time friend and winemaker Joey Tensley to launch Barbieri Wine Company, producing just 375 cases from Colson Canyon Vineyard in its inaugural year. Over time, Paolo expanded his portfolio to include some of the region's finest vineyards, creating both single vineyard and blended wines that showcase the unique terroir of Santa Barbara.
For those who love exploring California's wineries and learning about its exceptional wines, Barbieri Wine Company offers a delightful journey into the heart of winemaking. Each bottle tells a story of passion, dedication, and the beauty of the vineyards that produce these remarkable Rhone varietals.
lair Fox Cellars sources from only the most exceptional vineyards in Santa Barbara County, which can compare to the best vineyards of France and Australia. With meticulous canopy and crop management these vineyards create excellent quality grapes that can be bottled under independent vineyard designations such as: Paradise Road Vineyard; Purisima Mountain Vineyard; Thompson Vineyard; Tierra Alta Vineyard and The Fox Family vineyard.
Roblar Winery wines reflect the diversity of Santa Ynez Valley, with an east-west transverse range that allows the Pacific Ocean a significant influence with near-daily fog and crisp ocean breezes. This cooler climate leads to wines with firm structure, plenty of secondary flavors, and great potential for aging.
Palmina is more than a winery. It is a philosophy, a passion and a strongly held belief that wine is an extension of the plate, a component of a meal and a means to bring people together. Formed by winemaker Steve Clifton in 1995, Palmina is named in honor of Steve’s great friend Paula. Like a grandmother to him, she taught Steve to love cooking, wine and the Italian lifestyle and was a spark in his life. After Paula succumbed to breast cancer, Steve found that her given name on her Italian birth certificate was Palmina, and the winery was thus fittingly named.
Located in the heart of Santa Rita Hills is Babcock Winery & Vineyards where Bryan Babcock has been his passion for small productions bottlings of unique, terroir driven wines since 1983.
Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Gallery | Agata Art Gallery
Our San Diego locations features a main room, as well as a roof top deck overlooking little Italy. Bring your friends and family and enjoy our fine wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
In 2005, entrepreneurs Tim Perr and Scott Knight pooled their resources and their passions to found a winery dedicated to producing small lots of artisan Pinot Noir that they loved to drink. Tim and Scott established a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room in the town of Lompoc, CA and named the winery “Pali,” after their hometown Pacific Palisades on the coast just west of Los Angeles.
