Winemaker Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.

By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.

After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.

In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.

Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.

 

Cuvée Wine Cellars - A great little urban winery that began with a passionate home winemaker intent on producing quality wines. After a run of successes in amateur- winemaking contests Paul Rogerville decided to tackle the daunting task of becoming a bonded winery.  Yes, Paul took a great hobby and turned it into a job. The good news is you can tell is that Paul loves what he is doing and when you visit you can tell. The staff is so friendly and we have enjoyed a number of visits with Paul. Often there are delicious appetizers or food and plenty of wine and we haven't had a bad bottle yet. This place is definitely worth a visit. Cuvée Wine Cellars is located on the Central Peninsula, which does not permit them to grow their own grapes. However, this has not proved too much of an obstacle by any means as Paul has partnered with some of the most outstanding vineyards in Northern California. Paul can be seen in a short video presentation made during our visit to the 3rd Annual Mid-Peninsula Summer Wine Walk. ~

Hours:

Fri - 6:00PM-9:00PM
Sat - 1:00PM-5:00PM

 

In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith embarked on his journey with Blacksmith Cellars, debuting his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This elegant wine quickly captured the attention of wine enthusiasts, showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of exceptional independent winemaking.

By 2005, Smith expanded his repertoire with the release of his first white wine, the 2004 Monterey Chenin Blanc, which earned a prestigious 4 Star Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition.

While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc remain the flagship offerings of Blacksmith Cellars, Smith’s passion for exploration is evident in his diverse portfolio. Over the years, he has introduced classic varietals like Syrah and Chardonnay, alongside lesser-known treasures such as Torrontés and Verdelho. Wine lovers can also savor his exceptional proprietary blends, “Adamantine” and “Hephaestus,” making a visit to Blacksmith Cellars a must for those seeking unique and high-quality wines in California's vibrant wine country.

In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith launched Blacksmith Cellars with the release of his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant wine that celebrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of great independent winemaking. Rock Wall Wine Company represents a new chapter in the East Bay urban winemaking scene. Founded and operated by a group of industry veterans, including Kent Rosenblum and his daughter, winemaker Shauna Rosenblum. Rock Wall wines are founded on the philosophy of the right grape in the right place and are the result of many long-term relationships with acclaimed vineyards. Grapes are sourced from all over California.

Image-painting women with wine by wine artist Agata Zamborowski

Vie comes from the Old French word meaning "to invite" or "to give occasion for". Or, in French today, it is simply translated "Life". Vie Winery is fantastic, it has the look and feel of an urban winery, but the displacement of being on Treasure Island so you are able to feel like it is a bit of an escape. WIth beautiful views of San Francisco and the rest of the bay area, it is an awesome place to spend a beautiful day.