We had four distinct wines and it was so difficult to choose which ones to go home with! We bought 2 and will be joing their wine club for sure. The grounds were so beautiful ~ such rich history. This small family owned winery is a hidden treasure! The old barn, the cave and the tasting room were so beautiful. I strongly recommend this as your first stop..... it will be hard to find anything better.
t’s not often that fine examples of Napa Valley red wine manage to stay “under the radar” for 30 years! But Calafia has managed that rare feat.
Randle Johnson has been working in Napa Valley for 35 years, and is currently a winemaker at Hess Collection. Calafia Cellars is the personal brand of Randle and his wife MaryLee. Made from their own estate grapes blended with small quantities of grapes from other vineyards, Randle uses his extensive experience and knowledge to create a fine example of what Napa Valley, and St. Helena in particular, have to offer.
Taste for yourself this labor of love for a master Napa Valley winemaker.
This is one of Napa's most memorable wineries - and the newest. It took more than half a decade to build and involved hand masonry by Italian artisans. Why? Because Castello is truly a castle. A Medieval, stone castle.... with a moat!
This is a Famly business run by four Brothers, all native residents of Napa, and all grew up making wine in their garage as kids.... Needless to say they produce some outstanding wine! The brothers take turns conducting private tours at a cave winery in the southeastern hills of the Napa Valley. It's a great tour and a REAL Napa Winemaking experience.
Bond offers four Napa Valley Red wines, Melbury, St. Eden, Vecina, and Pluribus. The wine not utilized for the final blends of Bond, then goes to create a second wine under the Matriarch label. I tasted a bottle of Matriarch recently and was very impressed with its silky nature.
Hunt Cellars is all about crafting wines that elevate every moment—whether it’s cozying up by the fireplace or pairing perfectly with your favorite meals. These wines are designed to enhance those special occasions and create lasting memories.
When the Hunt Family set out to chase their winemaking dream, they embarked on an adventurous journey, exploring premium wine regions in Oregon, Washington, and California. After extensive travels, they landed in San Luis Obispo County, drawn to Paso Robles for its diverse soils, exceptional growing climate, and unique winemaking styles, all infused with a spirit of graciousness and traditional American values.
After scouring numerous properties, they discovered a stunning 550-acre gem on Highway 41 in Creston. This picturesque land met all their criteria, featuring varied elevations and soil compositions that echo the world’s greatest wine regions—perfect for growing exceptional, intense fruit for their wines.
The Hunts decided to name their vineyard “Destiny Vineyards” in honor of their baby girl, Destiny, who arrived in 1996. And if you ask her today, she’ll proudly tell you which wines reign supreme!
The vineyard’s inaugural planting included an impressive lineup: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Zinfandel. To showcase their premium wines, the Hunts opened a charming tasting room in October 1999.
In 1997, they began producing their first memorable wine releases. The Hunt family quickly learned that great wines start with exceptional fruit. At Hunt Cellars, they pour passion and hard work into every bottle, ensuring that each wine embodies the varietal character, flavor, and velvety finish that has become their trademark.
So, whether you’re planning a celebration or just want to unwind, Hunt Cellars invites wine lovers to explore their delightful offerings and enjoy a taste of their journey!
people enjoying wine outdoors by wine artist Agata Zaborowski
In 1989, well ahead of the Paso Robles vineyard boom Bob and Jan decided to plant a small vineyard. Pebble Smith, wine and vineyard expert and the father of world-famous winemaker Justin Smith, owner of Saxum, selected an entirely south-facing rocky hillside situated 1800 feet above sea level. Ten acres were ripped to four feet, yielding large calcareous rocks laden with whalebones and other marine mammal fossils – thus the origin of the vineyard and winery's name. The calcareous treasures trapped in the vineyard's broken shale and limestone were left behind after the underwater canyons and basins retreated, and when the earth shifted and folded during the Miocene some six million years ago. On this hillside reminiscent of a moonscape, the Simpson Family planted this distinctive property exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon. Our friend, noted cattleman Rex Swan, has an entire baby whale thorax and vertebrae intact in a rock now centered over his fireplace. The graphic on the back label was produced from that specimen. It became apparent to the Simpson’s that they had a very special vineyard. For over a decade, grape buyers have raved about the vineyard and its fruit. The terrain and coastal influence create a synergy that yields fruit that is crafted into rich and substantial wine. This distinctive area is no longer a secret, as evidenced by the purchase of an adjacent ranch by the Perrin Brothers of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Hass, after two years of combing California for the perfect spot to grow Rhone varietals.
Cantara Cellars is a tasting room producing a broad selection of award winning red and white wines located in the in the heart of Ventura County. Chris and Mike Brown’s winery specializes in producing wines from grapes they have selected from the Lodi Appellation in Northern California know for in Zinfandel and a host of other varietals. Each wine expresses both the passion for making fine wines, and enjoyment of the distinctive flavors found in Lodi grapes that this couple has a passion for. Cantara Cellars began in 2002 as a private winery at Mike and Chris Brown's Moorpark home. Beginning with just 250 pounds of Chardonnay hand harvested from Mike's parent's vineyards in Lodi California, they fermented their first 18 gallons of wine! Over the next few years they opened a public tasting room in October 2007.
Hours:
Mon Closed
Tues Closed
Wed 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Thur 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Fri 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Meet the Winemaker: Aaron Baer
Aaron Baer didn’t grow up in the vineyards, but he certainly learned the value of hard work. As the son of a general contractor and finish carpenter, his childhood was filled with the scents of sawdust and the rhythm of construction. While most kids were playing after school, Aaron was busy planning raw materials and sanding finishes, understanding early on that in a family business, a sick day meant heading to work.
His wine journey began serendipitously during high school, when his parents took on a project to build a condo atop a barn on a vineyard. There, Aaron got his hands dirty shoveling Petite Sirah grapes into a destemmer, igniting a newfound passion for winemaking. As they produced more wine in that makeshift winery, Aaron realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling.
With his family becoming shareholders in the vineyard, wine officially became part of their family business. Fueled by enthusiasm, he applied to Fresno State and Cal Poly, eventually choosing Cal Poly for its proximity to Paso Robles and its robust winemaking program. Graduating with a degree in Enology and a minor in Agricultural Business, he stepped into the world of wine with a ticket to Australia in hand.
In early 2015, Aaron found himself at Elderton Winery, working with 100-year-old Shiraz vines in the Barossa Valley. This eye-opening experience led him to a collaboration with Guillaume Fabre of Clos Solene, where he honed his skills further in the cellar. By spring 2016, Aaron was off to Bordeaux to work in the vineyards of Petrus, followed by a stint at Domaine La Barroche in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, soaking in the rich history and techniques of winemaking.
After returning to the Central Coast and spending time as a filtration technician, Aaron was eager to dive back into winemaking. He landed at Realm Cellars during a tumultuous harvest marked by wildfires, an experience that shifted his perspective and ultimately drew him back to Paso Robles to work closer to his family.
In 2018, he seized an opportunity at Sine Qua Non, applying techniques he had learned abroad. When his father sent encouraging reports about their family vineyard, Solana, Aaron couldn’t resist the urge to create a small batch of wine, which he named Un Petit Début.
By 2019, Aaron had fully returned home, producing a wine he aptly named Le Retour as a tribute to his journey. Each release is a nod to his French mentors, reflecting his appreciation for those who guided him along the way.
Aaron’s brand, ALLBAER, honors the unwavering support of his family, who have been his greatest cheerleaders. With every bottle, he not only shares his passion for California wine but also a heartfelt tribute to those who helped him along the way. New beginnings and the adventures that await in every glass!
Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso
Wine in Campbell? Here is a gem tucked away in the most unexpected of areas. It's right off of Winchester Blvd, easy to visit if you know it's there.
