Donkey & Goat is a family owned and operated winery located in Berkeley California. Tracey & Jared Brandt craft their natural wines from Rhône varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in the Anderson Valley, Mendocino Ridge and the undiscovered El Dorado appellation in the Sierra Foothills.
Although the original settler may have been Joaquin Murrieta, the bandit who favored the water at the property’s artesian well, it was a French native whom recognized the land’s potential for amazing wine quality. Louis Mel bought the 92-acre property in 1883 and built a winery into the hillside adjacent to the well. The old stone winery building is a gorgeous example of early California architecture. Local timber and rustic concrete made from gravel gathered from the nearby Arroyo Mocho Creek were used in the construction.
Pursuing a profound love of world-class wines throughout their personal and professional lives, father and daughter Lloyd Messer and Dana Brown developed a real thirst for cultivating something of their own. Truly distinctive terroir-driven wines can be elusive, but this remote plateau in Paso Robles—this place—certainly had a voice like no other. Planting their family vineyard here, atop 442 acres of solid calcareous rock, it has been a labor of love to cultivate fruit on this challenging land, but the reward is immediately apparent when savoring the award-winning results.
Lloyd passed on in 2006, but Dana continues to advance their vision as Calcareous consistently produces a collection of world-class Rhône and Bordeaux wines that speak with an undeniable sense of place.
This place has one of the best views in Temecula, and it an excellent place to enjoy some wine outside. I loved their terrace overlooking the valley. They have a pretty broad selection of wines to choose from and their tasting prices are pretty comparative to what I've experience with other local vineyards. They also have this really neat self-serve area, where you buy a prepaid card, and can select whatever wine you want as a taste, half pour or full pour. Our first card didn't work, but the cashier came out and swapped it for us, and the second one was fine. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this beautiful winery. This was my first time out wine tasting and I can honestly say that I found a favorite at Callaway! We visited two others wineries on our trip and Callaway is the most memorable. The service was fantastic and welcoming. Really enjoyed their Summer Jazz concerts.
Raymond Vineyards, founded in 1970 is one of Napa Valley's great estates. Through the years, Raymond Vineyards has built an enduring legacy for elegant wines with beautiful balance, finesse, power, and complexity. Five generations of the Raymond family imbued the winery with a sense of its deep roots in the Napa Valley and a commitment to honor those roots through every wine produced. Today, Raymond is an integral part of Boisset Family Estates. Raymond Vineyards is renowned for its 100% Cabernet Sauvignons made with grapes from the most prestigious Napa Valley appelations.
Just like wine, some of the best things in life do not just change, they evolve: developing gradually into a better, more complex state with time. The same is said of Blue Rock’s commitment to producing vintages true to their European roots. Wines on the estate are crafted with the type of knowledge and modern finesse that only come with experience.
Blue Rock’s technique enhances the uniqueness of each wine`s character while aIso maintaining the soul of its history and the integrity of the land.
The result: vintages that feel like an accessible luxury because they exceed expectation, but for a reasonable price. It’s like getting upgraded to first class when you least expect it.
Blue Rock will produce only small quantities of luxurious red wines that express their sense of place. Blue Rock, therefore, will always make wine from grapes grown exclusively on the 100 acre Estate in Sonoma, Alexander Valley.
Rare wine specialist and wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton founded Arietta in 1996 in partnership with winemaker John Kongsgaard and his wife Maggy. The partnership was born of a shared passion for fine wine and classical music. The vinous inspiration for Arietta was an extraordinary 2.3 acre block of Cabernet Franc on the Hudson Ranch in Napa/Carneros. The fruit from this block of Cabernet Franc serves as the core of the Arietta Red Wine.
Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery
Vinum Cellars, established in 1997 by first-generation California winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos, was born from a dream financed on credit cards in Napa Valley. From the beginning, their mission has been to explore California's coastal vineyards and unique microclimates, seeking out the finest vineyards cultivated by the state's top growers. These long-time partners, mindful of their modest beginnings, ensure that every wine they produce offers an exceptional quality-to-price ratio. Each wine is meticulously handcrafted from single vineyards, adhering to a small-lot philosophy. From Coastal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinum Cellars produces varietal wines sourced from single vineyards and appellations across California.
As an environmentally conscious winery, Vinum Cellars collaborates exclusively with sustainable growers to create eco-friendly products. Their packaging choices are deliberately made to reduce their carbon footprint, incorporating domestically produced lightweight Eco-Series glass and labels and cartons printed with non-toxic, water-based inks. Additionally, all packaging suppliers recycle 100% of the waste generated during the manufacturing process.
When Fess Parker purchased the 714-acre Foxen Canyon Ranch in 1988, he envisioned a future filled with cattle, a modest vineyard, and perhaps one day, a small winery. His dream was to establish a family business that could be passed down through generations.
Today, Eli Parker and his sister Ashley Parker Snider carry forward their father’s vision, managing the family portfolio with the help of Winery President Tim Snider, Ashley’s husband. Many of Fess’s grandchildren are also actively involved in the family business, ensuring the legacy continues.
Fess Parker, an actor and entrepreneur, captivated audiences with his portrayals of frontiersman Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in the 1950s and 60s, earning a devoted following across generations. His down-to-earth charm and hardworking spirit endeared him to many, paving the way for his successful transition from Hollywood to the business world in the early 1970s.
While he continued to star in and produce numerous hits for Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros., Parker laid the groundwork for his second career in real estate development. With his warm Texas demeanor and a keen eye for opportunity, he purchased the Foxen Canyon ranch and dedicated himself to producing high-quality wines from estate-grown grapes and the finest vineyards in the county.
Fess and his wife, Marcella, enjoyed a 50-year marriage and raised two children in Santa Barbara, where they lived for over 30 years. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fess passed away in March 2010, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, warmth, and friendship.
Visitors to the Fess Parker Winery can still feel his presence, as his spirit lives on through his family and the remarkable wines they produce. For wine lovers exploring California's wineries, Fess Parker Winery offers not just exceptional wines, but a heartfelt connection to a beloved figure and his enduring legacy.
Ten years ago, Orin Swift first opened its doors, welcoming both old and new friends to share in a drink. Now, a decade later, they are excited to unveil an expanded and reimagined tasting experience. This new venture builds on everything learned over the past ten years.
Housed in a historic bank building in downtown St. Helena, the newly designed space invites guests into the Orin Swift world. The thoughtful use of raw materials and careful attention to detail create the perfect setting for four unique tasting experiences: Rock, Paper, Scissors, and The Vault. Ranging from casual to curated, the new tasting room offers an ideal introduction to Orin Swift Cellars (OSC) and serves as the exclusive location for devoted fans to enjoy personalized deep dives into their wines.
