This is a real family business and everyone was friendly and helpful, telling you stories about the winery and the wines, they even took our picture behind the bar. The tasting area has tons of room with tables you can sit at, the tasting bar and even an outside tasting area so even though there were other people there you felt like you were getting a private tasting.
Hidden Jewel of Sonoma County. Pezzi King Vineyards Family owned since 1993. Winemaker Chris Barrett is a native to the Sonoma County wine country. He has seen this area grow from a few wineries to the prestige that the area holds today.
I walked into this place for a tasting, and they handed me a pulled-pork slider that blew my mind. No matter what wine I was handed after that was going to be the best I'd tasted all day. That's cheating. Down and dirty, but it was so wonderful I'm not going to complain!
Someone here is doing something right. These wines are perfectly balanced, complex, except the Rose - it's soft and subtle and perfect in its own right and give any wine drinker a good indication of what prime location and winemaker's expertise can deliver.
This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.
Saint Helena Road Winery is a tiny winery on the west side of Spring Mountain. 20 acres are planted of the 5 Bordeaux varietals. Saint Helena has 3 brands: Roy J. Maier Cabernet Sauvignon, Maier Family Meritage, and Maier Family Cenote. They are all Bordeaux blends. Saint Helena Roads Winery grows all varietals on our estate property and do not buy or sell any fruit.
Tasting room is charming and served by caring staff who know the wines and vineyards. The solar panel roof is amazing. We enjoyed walking around the various garden beds filled with fresh vegetables and flowers. The "chicken condo" is amusing, and must be a delight for visitors with children.
Since 2002, Annadel has been in the fine wine business, importing from legendary estates and wineries in France, and producing wines of excellence from California vineyards. Annadel is privately held by Sebastian and Estelle Lane and is located in St. Helena, California.
Landmark offers a gorgeous but relaxed setting to sample their wines. It really is a beautiful winery. Gracious, welcoming, picturesque and some darn good wines. Now that is a combination that can't be beat!
Selby Winery Tasting Room is another great tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. The tasting room itself is small and well organized with enough space at the bar for 2-3 small groups. What struck me was the friendliness of the staff and of Susie Selby (the winemaker) herself, who was in the tasting room taking care of some business. The conversation was very comfortable and free flowing and Susie was wonderful. After such a positive initial experience, it was on to the wines, and they did no disappoint.
