Lynn imbues Domaine Artefact with her warm spirit, generous hospitality while Mark, the self-taught winemaker, brings his evolved palate, know-how, and passion to craft wines for Domaine Artefact. This couple both would love to share their passion and love for wine with you. Join Lynn and Mark on their wine journey! Enjoy the California Wine and winery experience at Domain Artefact. *
The best part of this whole experience was just sitting around this table with lovers of the industry, chatting under that shaded oak tree on a cool Sonoma morning. The owner and wine maker, Mac has an amazing story and he tells it well. Growing up in Texas, he was the son of a moonshine maker. After tasting his first bottle of fine Italian wine at the age of 12, he vowed to become a wine maker. And that's exactly what he did. He became a great one. After 1.5 hours of driving, we arrive at Vision Cellars. Down this winding road we go. Small country road where large parts had eroded. We turn into a driveway through a farm gate and park in front of a barn. To the left is a house. To the right is another barn and a newer living quarters. Behind all of that are rows of vines. Um, where's the paved road leading to the fountain in front of a lavish tasting room? Not here. No sir. Great wine with a vintner who has history to share. Vision Cellars is a boutique winery featuring Pinot Noir. Know that as you enjoy your first, it won't be your last glass of Vision Cellars wine. Sipping with Mac, is where it's at!
The building is beautiful, with an open kitchen where they make their light bites from scratch. I've tasted here three times and have really fun and knowledgeable hosts. Bonus points for the vineyard being 100% certified COOF Organic and Biodynamic.
This is also one of the wineries that allows you to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the sun-drenched patio. I love to make this a mid-point stop and enjoy some cured meats, cheeses, and baguette and share a bottle of my favorite Sinskey wine, the lovely Abraxas. Such a great idea! $15 of the $25 tasting fee is refundable with the purchase of two bottles of their reasonably priced wines. Definitely not to be missed during your Napa super happy fun time!
Since 1922 the Bartolucci Family has consistently created a perfect marriage of grapes and wine at Madonna Estate. Located in the world-renowned Carneros region, an area known for its fertile lands and cool climate, the Bartolucci family has found success with their organically grown grapes and Estate Bottled wines. In addition to practicing natural farming methods, they also combine traditional and modern winemaking techniques. As the third oldest winemaking family in the Napa Valley, it is important to them that they continue the commitment to farm naturally and preserve the winemaking traditions of past generations. Art work by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski - Agata Art Gallery
Joel Gott was born to make wine. His grandfather was winemaker and president of Inglenook in the 1960s and 1970s while his father, Cary Gott, is the founder of Montevina and continues to consult for wineries such as D.R. Stephens.
In addition to Joel's uncanny blending ability, he has privileged access to many of the best and as yet undiscovered fruit sources in the Napa Valley. Joel Gott wines are therefore remarkable values, offering gobs of classic California fruit, good structure and excellent balance.
Of course, Joel is also the proud proprietor of Gott's Roadside, Napa Valley's red hot retro-chic "hamburger joint" on Highway 29, and most recently, in San Francisco as well. Robert Parker once proclaimed a meal at Taylor's one of the finest meals of the year in the Wine Advocate!
Not open to the public.
A classy place to taste the bubbly, sample super-gourmet treats, take a tour, or join a class, J specializes in sparkling wine and has a dazzling showroom for visitors. Check out the gardens, drink in the view, and be ready for plenty of tiny bubbles.
Carmel Road Winery is located in the heart of Monterey County where the air is crisp and the tempo is relaxed and measured. Most mornings our sustainably grown vineyards are shrouded in fog. Most afternoons a brisk wind blows from the Monterey Bay southward along the ridge tops and benchlands of Salinas Valley delivering fresh, cool maritime air.
The Winery
Carmel Road Winery is a winery located in Soledad, California. The winery is owned by Ivan Giotenov. The wine at Carmel Road Winery is produced by Ivan Giotenov.
The Wine
Carmel Road Winery produces the following wine varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Visiting the Winery
Carmel Road Winery has the following amenities you can enjoy: Barrel Room, Scenic Views, Wine & Food Pairing and Wine Tasting.
Castle Rock Winery buys grapes from approximately 40 grape growers, all renowned for their expertise and consistency. In each case, vineyard practices are carried out under the guidance and instruction of Castle Rock Team, all to ensure that quality standards are maintained from start to finish.
Hours:
Not Open to Public
acuzzi is a unique place for sure. Yes, there are a lot of wineries that combine both vino and olive oil, but I think Jacuzzi "owns it" as good as anyone. They've got a huge facility with a very generous, separate area devoted completely to the olive oil, so you've really got two completely different tasting experiences in one stop. Both the wine and the olive oil tastings are free; another pleasant surprise since even Sonoma county is running low on the complimentary tastings.
Mr. Swan makes some very nice California pinot noirs and zinfandels. Sure, this is not OPUS ONE facility-wise, but Rod makes great wine at more than fair prices. I appreciated their willingness to educate people and enjoyed their 07 Tannat.
