Hidden gem...A small, husband and wife run winery that makes one kind of wine that they make really well...For $10 you get a tour and tasting. They walked us through the whole process of how they make their wine, let us sample grapes & such along the way, and were very personable and friendly.
Tasting room location is in the same parking lot as 10 other wineries tasting rooms - right off Dry Creek Road. Stop at this ONE location and you will be able to taste wines from Amphora, Collier Falls, Dashe, Forth, Philip Staley, Peterson, Lago di Merlo, Kokomo, Mietz and Papapietro. We went in for wine tasting- which was complimentary. Melissa, who helped us out, was so nice! Friendly and enlightened us on the wine. Some nice wines.
The Emeritus Vineyards story began with a remarkable ridgetop piece of land, Hallberg Ranch, in the cool Green Valley region of the Russian River Valley. The distinctive Goldridge soil that our vineyards are planted in allows us to dry farm our grapes, resulting in the remarkably deep and enduring root structures that shape the character and complexity of our Pinot Noirs while allowing the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness at lower sugar levels. The cool, foggy climate of our two renowned vineyards, Hallberg Ranch and Pinot Hill, gives our wines their pure, soaring flavors and elegant and energetic personalities. Last, but most important, the experience, wisdom, and passion of our acclaimed team give our wines their spirit, creating Pinot Noirs that are as unique as they are extraordinary.
Albini Family Vineyards only sell two kinds of wine - Zinfandel and Merlot. This year, there are three varieties of wine available: First, is the 2008 Zinfandel (500 cases; Russian River Valley); Second is the 2008 Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyard (500 cases; Russian River Valley); Third is the 2008 Merlot (Russian River Valley).
“What the heck are people doing growing grapes and making wine from way out on a ridge top above the cold Pacific Ocean? I mean, it is remote. And mountainous. And, frankly, the weather can be a little inhospitable at times.” The quick answer goes something like – this is where our research and luck led us. The longer answer follows.....
Top notch experience with top notch wine. Our host for the day started by taking us into a big room with a fully set table. I appreciated that we were each given multiple glasses that were appropriate for the wine were were tasting - Chardonnay, Pinot & Cab. It makes such a difference and that should have been the first clue to the experience we were about to have.
When Davis Bynum created Barefoot Bynum Burgundy—the first ever Barefoot wine—in his garage in Albany, California.
We changed our name to Barefoot Cellars, created the famous footprint label and quickly captured the hearts of our fans.
We struck gold. Jennifer Wall, winemaker extraordinaire, joined our team and sprinkled her magic dust on our line of fun, delicious wines.
Alexander Valley is often referred to as “California’s Bordeaux”, as the local landscape is itself a genuine mosaic of soil types and microclimates. Some of the finest grapes in the world are grown here making this a winemaker’s dream location for producing world-class wines. So when Ken and Diane Wilson discovered this property they knew at once this would be there new Cabernet Sauvignon Showcase. It is their intent to produce wines known more for the character of the estate than for the varietal content.
In 1921 August and Catherine Bonneau purchased 70 acres of land in Schellville, about 8 miles south of the town of Sonoma, California. This was a very remote area at the time, requiring a full day's travel time from San Francisco. This area reminded the Bonneaus of the Bordeaux region of France near the area where they were born. This little boutique winery is serving up some way above average wine and atmosphere!! The Bonneau Wine Room is located in the Carneros Deli (you know that great little gourmet deli on the corners of 116 & 121 by the 76 station on your way out to Infinion Raceway??)
When I just want to relax and get away from the craziness of the city. Chalk Hill provides amazing views, a quiet relaxing atmosphere, and of course, some of THE BEST WINE IN THE VALLEY. The service is also really wonderful as the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and just all around terrific.
