The Ojai Vineyard, owned by Adam and Helen Tolmach, works closely with a dozen different vineyards on the Central Coast of California and produces wines from syrah, grenache, mourvedre, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. About 6000 cases are produced each year, divided between 15 bottlings, most of which are vineyard designated wines.
Cardinale Estate is an ultra premium wine estate located off of Highway 29 on top of a small natural hill. This is the site of the old Robert Pepi winery and after selling his Pepi Winery Robert is now running his own boutique label called Eponymous which we have reviewed here. Cardinale is visible from the main highway. The stone building is classy and elegant with great views of the Napa Valley from its hillside location. This is a high end winery specializing in merely one wine each year, a Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, this location serves as a hub for tasting some of the Jackson Family's high end Napa labels, all of which we have reviewed.
Once upon a time, not so long ago, in a valley known more for cattle ranching than vineyards that the story begins. It was the Winter of 1999 when Frog's Tooth Vineyards began its life as a tadpole with the purchase of 67 acres of land in the Salt Springs Valley of Calaveras County. It slowly grew through infancy until the Spring of 2003 when it began its transition to adolescence with the planting of approximately 10 acres of premium wine grapes.
NOTHING but the best to report to about JUSTIN.
The Vineyard and Wine Tasting Room are very nice, almost like being in another country. Peaceful and serene.
The wine tasting room is relatively new, I believe we were told they opened about 6 months ago (from their prior location). The room was modern, tasteful, and chic. JUSTIN offers dinning in a beautiful dinning room that overlooks the vineyard. Of course, plan on making reservations ahead of time.
The wine tasting was a success. We discovered their 2011 Right Angle and their 2011 Reserve Malbec. Both are AMAZING.
The folks at Nelson Family Vineyards believe in their motto that “Great wines are born in the vineyard.” Nelson Family's goal is to gently guide the grapes into wines that show off the balance and high quality that they strive to achieve in their vineyards.
Rich and Siri Gilpin are the owners and operators of Lavender Ridge Vineyard. Rich has a BS degree in Enology from the University of Davis, CA. He has 25 years of experience in the wine industry and comes from a background of making wine for reputable wineries in Healdsburg, Napa, and the Sierra Foothill regions of California. Rich and Siri both have a passion for organic farming and the use of herbs in the culinary arts, including the use of lavender in special dishes they have created. You'll have to visit them at their tasting room to find out more details.
Red Soles is located in the unique growing region of Paso Robles know as The Will Creek AVA. The location allows the ocean to temper the heat of the day with cool evenings and mornings.
Escape to a place as delicious to the eyes as to the palate, Kohill Vineyard and Winery. Kohill Winery has an intimate tasting room and hosts a magnificent collection of boutique vintages to be enjoyed at our charming wine bar or outdoor patio overlooking Ramona’s majestic Valley of the Sun and the vineyard. Just forty minutes north of San Diego, a destination winery that warms the heart and inspires the senses.
Fleur De Lys Winery is a winery located in Somerset, California. The winery is owned by Robert and Mireille Lajoie. The wine at Fleur De Lys Winery is produced by Robert Lajoie. De Lys Winery produces the following wine varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Syrah, Port, Roussanne, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier and Zinfandel. Fleur De Lys Winery has the following amenities you can enjoy: Barrel Room, Family Environment, Pet Friendly Grounds, Private Events, Private Tastings, Retail Sales, Scenic Views, Wine & Food Pairing.
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.
