Rapazzini Winery began in 1962 by another pair of brothers Jon & Vic Rapazzini. They operated the winery and tasting room at 4310 Monterey Highway together for decades.  Jon & his wife Zondra later operated the business for several more decades until they sold the Winery and The Garlic Shoppe to two of their friends, former employees, and brothers Alex & Charles Larson.  Alex Larson was the first Male to win the National Scholarship in Foods & Nutrition through the 4-H Youth Program as a teenager. Charlie Larson won the Citizenship National Award through the 4-H program.  Alex continued to become a professional Chef at The California Culinary Academy while Charles attended UC Berkeley aka Cal at the same time.  Then the two men  22, Alex & 23, Charles opened Sandrinos Ristorante & Bar winning a 3 1/2 star review after just 6 months in business.  In the following year, they won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for their Wine List and service. The brothers worked at the two businesses in the late 90s  April 2000 The new adventure began as Jon and Zondra retired to the mountains of Ben Lomond California. 

Join us on a delightful journey through the history of Roudon-Smith Winery, a cherished gem in California’s wine country! Founded in 1972 by the passionate duo of Bob and Anna-Maria Roudon and Jim and June Smith, this winery began as a bold dream and has blossomed into a celebrated destination for wine lovers.

In the early 1970s, Bob Roudon, a visionary engineer, shared his dream of creating a small winery in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains with his colleague Jim Smith. This dream ignited their adventurous spirits, leading them to purchase vineyard land and embark on their winemaking journey while balancing their careers in the burgeoning tech industry. With support from their families, they produced their first crush in a charming basement winery, laying the groundwork for what would become a beloved winery.

By 1978, Roudon-Smith had expanded to accommodate a production goal of 10,000 cases, all while ensuring the operation remained intimate and sustainable, hand-crafted by their dedicated team. As the original owners transitioned into semi-retirement, they gracefully scaled back production, ensuring the quality and integrity of their wines remained paramount.

In 2003, the winery changed hands, leading to a new chapter in its history. Al Drewke took the reins in 2006, bringing nearly 30 years of leadership experience and a passion for winemaking. He welcomed winemaker Brandon Armitage, whose expertise from Colorado and New Zealand added depth to their Pinot Noir offerings. Though challenges arose during the economic downturn, Al persevered, taking full ownership in 2011 and relocating the winery to Watsonville.

Today, Roudon-Smith thrives at a new facility in San Carlos, allowing for refined operations and enhanced wine quality. Our vibrant tasting room, now located in downtown Saratoga at 14572A Big Basin Way, invites wine enthusiasts to savor our exquisite selections.

Our commitment to excellence shines through in our award-winning wines, including exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Zinfandel. A standout favorite is our RSW Cuvée, a delightful house red blend that never fails to enchant.

Meander is the personal project of winemaker Amy Aiken, who has been crafting wines in Napa Valley since 1989. Starting in 2000, her exclusive focus has been limited production, ultra-premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Established 2003 Cases/year: 400 Winemaker: Amy Aiken

Satori Cellars: A Tasting Experience in the Heart of Santa Clara Valley

Satori Cellars features an inviting outdoor tasting cabana, surrounded by 15 acres of flourishing, pampered grapes from the Santa Clara Valley. The tasting room is open to the public on the first, second, and third full weekends of each month, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on the fifth Saturday, from noon to 5 PM. Guests can enjoy private VIP tastings and large group celebrations on the fourth (or fifth) weekends of the month, available by reservation. The winery proudly showcases award-winning, estate-grown reds, including Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.

While the focus is on exceptional wine, the atmosphere is equally appealing. Satori Cellars is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and perfect for families and groups. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, listen to live music, catch the game, play bocce, and unwind in a relaxed setting where a memorable Satori story is sure to unfold.

Tastings are offered at $20, which includes one white wine and four red wines. Additionally, guests can enjoy wine by the glass, refreshing mimosas (sparkling wine and orange juice), and a seasonal homemade special-recipe sangria.

While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended to ensure a delightful experience at Satori Cellars.

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People enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski