Philip Staley Vineyards & Winery is a small, family-owned grower/producer of fine wines. Located in the Alexander Valley near Healdsburg, California, amidst some of the most beautiful country on earth. But if you are touring the wine country Sonoma, you won't know where are vineyards or winery are.. And that's a pity, because it is small wineries that are producing some of California's finest wines such as Philip Staley Vineyards & Winery.
I recommend the 2011 snow Zin and Westside Zin. Great atmosphere Nice Zins and Malbecs. Friendly staff seem to treat each visitor as a welcome guest. The tasting room is in a super cute building. One side used to be an old school house. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive -- one woman was pouring and keeping many people happy. Many stars for her.
Gold Hill Vineyard was founded in 1980 by Hank Battjes. Hank worked for 27 years as an electrical engineer at GTE. During those years, Hank increased his knowledge of home wine making, applying it to his hobby and passion. Pursuing his dream he searched for suitable land and when a friend, Bruce, suggested 5 acres of vineyard on an 80 acre parcel near Coloma, California, he bought it.
Hidden Oak Winery is owned and operated by the James family. Mike James is the grape grower and winemaker. He has one goal. That is to produce the finest bottle of wine for his customers.
A California resident since childhood, Bob Lindquist named his winery “qupé” to honor the Chumash, the indigenous people of the Golden State’s Central Coast and Channel Islands. Since many of the sounds of the Chumash language have been obscured by time, Bob gave “qupe” its pronunciation (“kyoo-pay”), with an accent on the final syllable.
In Chumash, “qupé” refers to the poppy, a flowering plant traditionally used for food and medicine. In 1903 the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was officially designated the state flower, and every spring masses of the bright orange blossoms still blanket local hills and back country.
Really nice people! I've been here a few times, and I have to say that the owners are great. They are often behind the bar and will take their time to talk to you about the winery, the vineyards, and the process that goes into their wine. It really makes you feel like you get to know the history behind what you are drinking.
The variety & quality of the wines were great. The owners were also very friendly & accomodating to our dogs, allowed them in the tasting room and even shut the door so they could run free. It was a gorgeous day and when another group decided to taste outside on the deck, we decided to finish ours there as well, a really nice outdoor space with great views.
tercero wines is the brainchild of Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker. He began the brand shortly after graduating with his Masters Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis – but this was well after he had completely switched directions in life and charted a new and exciting path.
Larry started his college career at UC Davis as an undergraduate, but had no interest in wine. The idea of getting into wine was something he had considered in the past – but more on the sales and marketing side because of his background. After graduating with his degree, he joined the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he stayed for nearly a decade before it was time to branch off and concentrate 100% on his own brand – and he could not be happier today.
Larry is adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. Visit his tasting room or follow him on social media to see for yourself.
Cimarone and 3CV wines are handcrafted from estate grapes. Three Creek is part of the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbar AVA, a recently approved "American Viticulture Area" which is getting great reviews and attention for it's Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. Cimarone is the first, and only Happy Canyon winery to open a tasting room in the charming town of Los Olivos
Lori Silkey are doing something different in Red Bluff, and it appears to be working. In addition to producing some extraordinary, "Old World" style wines, Tuscan Ridge Estate Winery in Red Bluff California is a place where you can participate in special events or enjoy time with friends watching a game on the big screen while Lori and Jeff pour the fruits of their labor into your glass. Savor a quality wine and for a moment be transported to a little corner of Italy as you sip a glass of Zinfandel or Sangiovese. While its is clear that Lori ha been accepted by many of the locals, and it is a fun and friendly winery to visit, Lori take her wine making seriously. The Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cab Franc were very nice as was the Merlot. I decided to bring home the Sangiovese, which is very nice and I did not have any other Sangiovese in my collection. I am looking forward to trying the Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel next visit. If you find yourself driving through Red Bluff, take a little break and visit Tuscan Ridged Estate Winery you will be glad you did.
Hours:
Mon - Thurs - closed
Fri - 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm*
Sat - 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm*
Sun - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm*
* Friday and Saturday are is wine and pizza nights (reservations suggested for Friday evening). Sunday is wine and antipasti. ~
