For those passionate about California wines and exploring its renowned wineries, the journey of Dr. Ricardo Aguirre is a captivating tale. Enchanted by the serene beauty of the Livermore Valley vineyards, Dr. Aguirre envisioned a future steeped in viticulture. In 1986, he acquired 32 acres of land nestled among the picturesque rolling hills of East Tesla Road, right in the heart of this flourishing wine region.

By 1996, Dr. Aguirre took a significant step forward by commissioning Wente Vineyards to plant and cultivate 12 acres of grapes, with an equal split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Although already a seasoned connoisseur of fine wines, his initial aim was to produce and sell premium wine grapes. However, as he witnessed the exceptional quality of the grapes flourishing in his vineyards, he felt a calling to become a winemaker himself.

In 2000, he embarked on this new path by crafting his first single barrel of wine, a delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel. Dr. Aguirre's journey embodies the spirit of innovation and passion that defines the California wine experience, inviting enthusiasts to discover the fruits of his labor in the stunning Livermore Valley.

The wines produced from the vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley, home to some of the oldest vines in California and are renowned for their intense fruit and deep color. Winemakers, George Bursick and Susan Farrington have added their extensive experience and discerning palates to create wines of intensity with elegance. Starting with rich, mature fruit, he creates Bella Piazza Winery wines in a style that displays both richness and balance. Image - courtesy Randy Caparoso

High on a hill, Rutherford Hill Winery commands a spectacular view of the Rutherford bench in Napa Valley. Drawing from a select handful of Napa's finest vineyards, Rutherford Hill continues its tradition of crafting legendary wines. In 1972, as the world was just beginning to recognize the potential of Napa Valley, Rutherford Hill's founders identified a unique opportunity. They saw that the valley's climate and soil, akin to those of Pomerol, were ideally suited to Merlot and became pioneers of what would become one of Napa's premier varietals.

In 1996, the Terlato family acquired the winery, bringing with them a legendary commitment to quality over quantity. Their pursuit of excellence started with a thorough review of the property, leading to significant enhancements that enriched the portfolio with wines of remarkable complexity and character.

Bill and John Terlato continue their father Anthony Terlato’s legacy by working closely with Rutherford Hill’s winemaker to tackle the challenges of consistently improving the wine, year after year. The exacting standards applied by the Terlato family to all their ventures were evident at Rutherford Hill from the moment of acquisition.

Building on Tradition To prioritize quality, Rutherford Hill created an environment where reserve wines could receive the time, care, and attention they deserved within the winery’s portfolio.

A new, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the production of reserve wines—a "winery within a winery"—began construction in the spring of 2000 and was operational by that year’s harvest. This $7 million, 5,100-square-foot addition features 24 fermentation tanks ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 gallons. It is fully self-contained, equipped with its own press, refrigeration capabilities (with tanks jacketed for both warming and cooling glycol), and a dedicated harvest crew.

Creating the Ideal Wine-Storage Environment Rutherford Hill pioneered the use of caves and a pallet-stacking system within those caves in Napa Valley. Year-round, 8,000 wine-filled French and American oak barrels age in an optimal storage environment of 59ºF and 90 percent humidity. This setup significantly reduces wine evaporation, leading to wines with lower alcohol concentrations. The improvements made to the caves since 1999 exemplify the Terlato family's broad vision and steadfast commitment to quality.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate at San Pasqual Winery!

Located in La Mesa, California—just 15 miles east of San Diego—San Pasqual Winery is a delightful family-owned treasure that has transformed the local wine scene. Originally established in the 1970s in the beautiful San Pasqual Valley, this charming winery reinvented itself as San Diego's very first urban winery, earning a spot on Sunset Magazine’s “Hot 100 West Coast Trends” list!

Wine Adventures Await

With an annual production of just 3,000 to 4,000 cases, San Pasqual Winery focuses on creating intimate connections with wine lovers. Most of their wines are sold directly from the winery and nearby tasting rooms, ensuring every sip comes with a personal touch. Visitors can explore tasting rooms in the Village of La Mesa and downtown San Diego at Seaport Village, each offering a unique experience.

A Flavorful Journey Through Wine

San Pasqual wines are handcrafted in small lots, sourced from local vineyards and renowned viticultural regions across California. The winery takes advantage of diverse microclimates and strong relationships with vineyards to produce an exciting array of varietals. While classic favorites like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon shine, adventurous wine lovers can also discover hidden gems like Tannat and Teroldego.

The fun doesn’t stop there! The winery features a thrilling line of passionfruit-based wines, including the spicy “Hot Passion,” inspired by habanero peppers—perfect for the sunny San Diego lifestyle. With numerous awards from local to international competitions, their Tannat and Cabernet Franc have even won double golds at prestigious events like the Toast of the Coast and San Francisco Chronicle competitions. A few years ago, their Malbec represented California’s style in Cahors, France—the birthplace of Malbec!

Unique Experiences at Every Location

San Pasqual Winery offers four distinctive locations, each designed for a memorable wine experience:

• La Mesa Wine Works: Conveniently located off Interstate 8, the production winery welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. Guests can enjoy live music on the patio and delicious bites from local food vendors on weekends.

• La Mesa Village Tasting Room: This cozy wine bar invites guests to become fast friends over sidewalk seating and lively conversations with the owners every Friday afternoon.

• Seaport Village Tasting Room: Ideal for vacationers and locals alike, this spot offers stunning views of San Diego Bay from the deck patio, creating the perfect backdrop for sipping exceptional wines.

• Toast Bubble Bar: Recently opened in Seaport Village, this sparkling wine haven provides an elevated experience every weekend, along with a fantastic venue for private parties or corporate events.