We were taking to a back table in the warehouse and went through the tasting. Ask for the Passionaie (off menu) as it's quite delightful. They also have a bottle called BDX that is on the wine list at The French Laundry, but I far preferred the Passionaie. Pricey wines and a pricey tasting but totally worth the experience.
Nestled in the picturesque hills just five miles east of Arroyo Grande, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard invites California wine lovers to explore its storied legacy. Established in 1880, this vineyard faced abandonment during Prohibition, only to be lovingly revived in 1974 by visionary Bill Greenough, who poured his heart and soul into restoring these historic vines.
As you journey along the winding roads past Lopez Lake and deeper into the serene canyon, you’ll be greeted by a charming Zinfandel vineyard that has flourished amidst the chaparral for over 130 years. Once a pioneer of the Central Coast’s wine scene, this hidden gem has reclaimed its place in California's rich viticultural tapestry.
Bill Greenough saw potential in the gnarled, overgrown vines, and his intuition bore fruit—literally! Today, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard is celebrated for its exceptional Zinfandel, crafted with a deep respect for tradition.
This family-owned winery is now a labor of love spanning two generations, dedicated to producing a diverse range of limited-production wines. Join us in savoring the unique character of our estate-grown Zinfandels, each bottle a testament to our vineyard's remarkable journey and the passion that continues to drive us forward. Come and taste the history!
Saucelito specializes in Zinfandel, and has some really nice ones. Great place to enjoy a picnic and a bottle of wine. The history of Zin presentation on the outside wall should not be missed by lovers of the grape.
Jessie’s Grove Winery in Lodi specializes in crafting small-batch, artisanal wines that showcase the vibrant flavors of the region’s renowned grape varietals, such as Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane. Visitors can explore the newly renovated tasting room, the historic barn, or enjoy a glass at the outdoor pouring stations, each offering a unique and personalized wine-tasting experience for every occasion.
With a commitment to sustainable farming, Jessie’s Grove ensures that each grape is carefully nurtured, resulting in wines that capture the true essence of Lodi. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, exclusive barrel tastings at the historic estate, or peaceful picnics amidst the tranquil beauty of the Lodi countryside.
At Brick Barn Wine Estate, a winemaking philosophy is embraced that is deeply rooted in the character of the estate vineyard and the unique attributes of its location. Guided by the essence of the vineyard, the estate follows non-invasive farming practices, allowing the fruit to express its inherent qualities, resulting in wines of remarkable personality and distinction.
The commitment to the "will of the vineyard" is reflected in the estate’s approach, with minimal interventions, purposeful inputs, and a dedication to showcasing terroir clarity. This philosophy demands constant vigilance both in the vineyard and the cellar, where winemaking practices are adapted to the nuances of each variety and vineyard lot.
Under the discerning guidance of Winemaker Adrian Bolshoi, a diverse array of fermentation and maturation vessels, including neutral oak barrels, new oak barrels, oak puncheons, stainless steel, and concrete, are employed. Each wine undergoes a tailored maceration and fermentation process to accentuate and celebrate its unique characteristics.
Brick Barn Wine Estate’s pursuit of excellence remains unwavering. The team is steadfast in their quest to amplify the voice of each vineyard block, continuously exploring new techniques to honor the terroir’s intention and unlock its boundless potential for greatness.
Adrian Bolshoi, the winemaker at Brick Barn Wine Estate, brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to his craft. Growing up in Moldova, a region known for its wine production, Adrian learned the art of winemaking from his family. Inspired by this heritage, he pursued enology studies at the Polytechnical University of Moldova.
After completing his education, Adrian sought to expand his knowledge of winemaking methods and technologies, immersing himself in New World practices in 2011. Since joining Brick Barn Wine Estate in 2019, Adrian has risen to the position of winemaker. His focus on crafting wines that reflect the essence of each varietal has earned him recognition for his exceptional skill and dedication. For Adrian, winemaking is not just a profession, but a passion deeply rooted in family and tradition.
During the late 1800s Brice Station was a popular stage stop on the way to Calaveras Big Trees. In 1993 the first vines were planted at Brice Station on the family ranch by Stuart Mast, a fifth generation California farmer and Dolores Quyle Mast. Guided by sustainable agricultural methods, the highest vineyard in the Sierra Nevada thrives in the mountain air and sunshine at an altitude of 3,300 ft. visit to the ranch today finds a tribute to the creativity of the Quyle family, featuring the rustic Brice Station Vintners tasting room, the Quyle pottery shop, the carefully tended Dolores Quyle Mast vineyards, and an assortment of sheep, geese, horses, and llamas. If you look around you will also discover several antique printing presses, as well as a blacksmith shop where Paul Quyle teaches one Saturday a month.
After three years of traveling to various wine regions of the world, Charles B. Mitchell has returned the vineyards to operate with the highest standards possible. With estate grown fruit this winery strives for the highest quality from vineyard to bottle. Image courtesy of Randy Caparoso
“When I was a little kid, both my mother and father came from musical families. My father was a great flautist, composer, and conductor and my mother’s father was a wonderful Neapolitan songwriter. Her brother was a fine trumpet player in the same orchestra my father played in. He brought his friend home to dinner one occasion, and that’s how my father met my mother.”
-Francis Ford Coppola
Six Hands is a boutique family winery nestled in the Sacramento River Delta, where warm summer days and cool evening breezes create optimal conditions for grape cultivation. Six Hands wines will be represented at special events, celebrations and ordinary Tuesday night dinners, motivates us to produce handcrafted wines of the highest caliber at value-oriented prices.
