Exceptional wines capture the depth and true essence of exceptional vineyards. The grapes are grown in the Lodi Appellation reflecting a sense of place from the character and richness of this unique terrior. The wines are hand-crafted by award-winning winemaker, JC van Staden who intertwines both old world and new world techniques. Each varietal and vintage showcases the dedication of artistry in every bottle.
his is the perfect small-scale vineyard with just the right amount of unique character that makes wine tasting so charming and fun. Art, history, and vino. This is a triple threat of a vineyard. The tasting room is very simple but certainly warm and welcoming with lovely artwork on the walls and big french doors opening onto the winery with rows of grapes as far as you can see. The moment you pull in, you face a huge, regal barn and immediately feel welcomed by the beautiful grounds. Rob and Amanda led our tasting and both were very friendly and down to earth. Rob was very generous with his pours, giving a taste of the Cabernet Franc to both of us at the mere mention of the wine - the Cab Franc was a wine on the reserve tasting list, which was not the list we were tasting from.
What began as a retirement project back in 1999 has blossomed into a full-time labor of love for Dick and Dolores Kelsey, long-time residents of See Canyon.
The Kelsey family’s winery is a true family affair, with three generations working side by side. It all began as a retirement project for Dick and Dolores Kelsey, longtime residents of See Canyon. Their sons, Richard and Keith, along with grandchildren Deanna, Devon, Clive, Tessa, and Jessica, have since joined in, transforming the initial venture into a vibrant family business known for both fantastic wines and a welcoming atmosphere.
Founded in 1999, the Kelsey Winery has grown into a full-time endeavor for Dick and Dolores, who are dedicated not only to their vineyards but also to the land and wildlife that surrounds them. The winery property produces Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the cool coastal climate contributing to exceptional harvests year after year. Wild peacocks roam the grounds, with more than 150 calling the winery home—a unique and beautiful addition to the estate that brings charm to every visit.
The Kelsey family believes in letting the land and climate guide each vintage. Their winemakers take a “hands-off” approach, allowing the terroir to shine with minimal intervention. This philosophy brings out refined, authentic notes in each varietal, staying true to the essence of the land. Their wines, sourced from See Canyon, Creston, and Paso Robles, have earned awards for their consistent quality. These reds, whites, and apple blends are loved for their fruit-forward profiles, satisfying mouthfeel, and lingering finishes that keep enthusiasts coming back for more.
Patrick Melley is Winemaker and Co-Founder of Russian Hill and Talawind Ranch wineries.
Patrick’s path to becoming Russian Hill’s Winemaker was fueled by a love of food and wine. A self-taught winemaker, Patrick developed his love of wine through attending FIU, a leading food and beverage college in Florida, coupled with many years of working in the restaurant business. He became a restaurant manager for an international affiliation of restaurants and one of his favorite responsibilities was developing their wine lists. This diverse exposure to wines from around the world refined his palate and sparked a life-long passion for wine and wine and food pairing.
The natural next step was for Patrick to make wine himself. In 1989 he started making wine at home and in 1993, he-co-founded Benicia Cellars Winery, where he was responsible for the general development of the company, grape acquisition and winemaking.
In 1997, Patrick and his partners moved to the Russian River Valley and founded Russian Hill Estate Winery. Here, Patrick could pursue his passion for Pinot noir and other cool climate varietals and make wine from the surrounding estate vineyards.
A wonderful little urban winery in San Carlos, CA. It was so nice to be able to speak with the owner Vikki Vinther and her associates while visiting wineries in the area (short video). A good variety of flavorful and enjoyable wines awaits you. Flying Suitcase Wines is a small, family-run winery owned and managed by Vikki and Anders Vinther producing around 1000 cases per year. The winery name is a nod to winemaker Anders’ Danish heritage and is inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale of the same name. Flying Suitcase Wines produces a range of varietals specializing in Syrah. This urban winery houses a unique tasting room with a homely vibe. Family-friendly too! There is a kids’ play area so you can bring the little ones. Please tell Vikki "hello" for us at CaCorks when you stop by.
Hours:
Mon-Thurs Closed
Fri 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Sat 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sun 1:00pm to 5:00pm
It all began at the dinner table. Charlie Wagner Sr., who co-founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972 with his wife, Lorna, and their son, Chuck, would experiment with blending wines to find the ideal pairing for his meals. At that time, blending wines was unconventional, making his experiments quite revolutionary.
In 1989, this experimentation led to the creation of Conundrum White, which quickly gained popularity with its enigmatic tropical notes and remarkable versatility. Conundrum Red, which is both serious and approachable, was introduced in 2011. Today, it is Charlie’s grandson, Charlie Wagner II, who continues to maintain the original essence of Conundrum.
SummerWood Winery & Inn has joined together a dedicated team of industry professionals who share a passion for wine, food and hospitality along with their enthusiasm for living on the Central Coast and being a part of the exciting Paso Robles wine region.
All of the wines are delicious. They off certain wines to try with chocolates and crackers for your pleasure. They educate you on what you tasting and give you time to make up your mind if your satisfied or not. They recommended other wineries we should try, as well as great nearby foods places. The "Napa Valley AmerItal Red Wine" (750ml) Goosecross Wines is truly one of my favorites. 1. First of all, Make a reservation! Make a RESERVATION! or else! The place is hidden, small, and worth visiting but dropping by isn't going to work. 2. The place is family run, which makes it personal and incredible.
This was homiest and friendliest of the 3 wineries we visited. The view off the hill cannot be beat. It is gorgeous. It was neat to see the vines with fruit hanging off of them. Some of it had been picked and was waiting for pick-up, which happened quite often as the owner whizzed by on his ATV. We could see people in the back taking the grapes he had just delivered and running them through a press.
Come for the Wine. Stay for the View.
Guests are invited to savor award-winning, small-batch wines while enjoying breathtaking canyon views. With a production of only 1,500 cases each year, these wines are exclusively sold through the Sales Room. Reservations are recommended, and required on weekends in October. Walk-in guests will be seated as space allows. For reservation information, guests are encouraged to reach out.
Dogs are welcome on a supervised leash, and children may visit with parental supervision. Limos are not permitted without prior approval, especially during events and on weekends in September and October. Photographers are welcome during business hours.
Photo courtesy of Photographer Randy Caparoso
Andrew Murray fell in love with the emerging Rhône varieties, Syrah and Viognier, in the late 1980’s while traveling through France’s Rhône Valley. Leaving his UC Berkeley paleontology studies behind, he pursued his new mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia. As Robert Parker, Jr. put it, “…Andrew Murray’s offerings are a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices – reader take note.
