Who would have guessed that a kid from Amherst, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences (Pre-Veterinary) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian from the University of Massachusetts, would end up in Santa Barbara County as an up-and-coming winemaker? Benjamin Silver did just that after catching the wine bug in 1993 at a summer job at Chicama Vineyards on Martha’s Vineyard.
Rick Quinn and David Nichols started as neighbors, became friends, and eventually joined forces to fulfill their shared dream of creating a winemaking legacy in Paso Robles.
In 1997, Rick and David began planting vineyards, and by 1999, they established their family winery in the coastal mountains of the Willow Creek District. They chose the name Opolo to honor Quinn's Serbian heritage, referencing a rosé-style wine native to the Dalmatian Coast.
Although the modern winemaking era in Paso Robles was just beginning, Rick and David recognized the region’s immense potential. They focused on Zinfandel, a heritage grape of Paso Robles, as well as Bordeaux and Rhône varieties that would come to define the area's reputation.
Since then, Opolo has become a cornerstone of the Paso Robles experience, known for its widely acclaimed estate wines, warm hospitality, and legendary wine club. Today, Opolo offers a diverse selection of wines, including the iconic Mountain Zinfandel, limited-release reserves, and vineyard designates. Visitors are invited to explore the world of Opolo at their tasting room.
Red Rhone Blend and White Rhone Blend. If you want to visit Jacob Toft, it is open at the following times: Private tastings available by appointment.
David Girard Vineyards is nestled in the Sierra foothills near where the south fork of the American River gave up its gold in 1849. At an elevation of some 1,200 feet soil, temperature and conditions, an environment ideally suited to growing the premier grape varietals of southern France's Rhône valley. Twenty years ago the folks at David Girard started with little more than good earth, a tolerance for risk and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. The winery has established a solid reputation for excellence and value by producing Rhône style wines in the heart of one of California's most historic regions.
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.
Philo Ridge Vineyards, located in the beautiful hills of the Anderson Valley, produces small handcrafted lots of complex, palate-pleasing wines. Their vineyards are farmed using sustainable methods and the winery is 100% wind and solar-powered. Philo Ridge VIneyards is a small family owned winery that specializes in small handcrafted lots of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Zin, Syrah and Cab. We are 5.33 miles up an all weather road and 100% solar and wind powered. We are open on weekends for tasting by appointment. Closed Tues., Weds. and Thurs.
We strolled in to find a huge courtyard area with lounge chairs surrounding a fire pit and a bar for tasting. We were welcomed by the owners (a husband and wife) and their daughter, who was doing the pouring. We tried a few of their wines, all of which were impressive but I instantly fell in love with the cab franc. The owner then took us on a tour of the facilities, explained their wine-making process, and gave us a taste of some young wines. We also had a chance to chat with the wine maker and and thank him for making such delicious wines.
A cozy tasting room and they were even dog friendly! Wine was delicious and owners were really friendly and great to talk to. The tasting was $6 - not bad at all when you compare them to Napa, but a little different when you compare them to all the wineries in Grass Valley who don't charge for tastings. This is more of a place you spend the evening with a good glass of wine rather than a "learn about each type of wine in detail" because there were lots of people in the tasting room and they didn't have a lot of time to explain every wine to us. However, on a recent weekend visit, a Sunday it was far more relaxed.
Image Randy Caparoso
Milliaire Winery, a small family-owned establishment, was founded by Liz and Steve Millier in 1983 in the cellar of their former home in Murphys, CA. By 1990, the winery had relocated to an old Flying A gas station on Main Street in Murphys. Every part of the building was put to use for daily operations: barrels stacked in the repair bays, wine tanks in the backyard, bottling done in the front yard, and a tasting room set up in the office. Locals joked about the contents of "those tanks," and a friend humorously named it the "Roadside Chateau." Driven by their passion for crafting premium wines from the Sierra Foothills, Milliaire Winery has since expanded to occupy an over 8,000-square-foot facility with a dedicated barrel room and modern crush pad. Despite this growth, the Milliaire tasting room remains in the beloved "Roadside Chateau" at 276 Main Street.
The Winemaker
Winemaker Steve Millier began his winemaking journey in 1975 at David Bruce Winery in Santa Cruz after earning his enology degree with an emphasis in viticulture from Fresno State. With over 40 harvests under his belt, Steve possesses a deep understanding of both the science and art of winemaking and grape growing. Part alchemist, part artist, and part farmer, Steve continues to explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun in the winery. His life's work results in great bottles of wine that everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy.
Milliaire Winery, a small family-owned establishment, was founded by Liz and Steve Millier in 1983 in the cellar of their former home in Murphys, CA. By 1990, the winery had relocated to an old Flying A gas station on Main Street in Murphys. Every part of the building was put to use for daily operations: barrels stacked in the repair bays, wine tanks in the backyard, bottling done in the front yard, and a tasting room set up in the office. Locals joked about the contents of "those tanks," and a friend humorously named it the "Roadside Chateau." Driven by their passion for crafting premium wines from the Sierra Foothills, Milliaire Winery has since expanded to occupy an over 8,000-square-foot facility with a dedicated barrel room and modern crush pad. Despite this growth, the Milliaire tasting room remains in the beloved "Roadside Chateau" at 276 Main Street.
The Winemaker
Steve Millier began his winemaking journey in 1975 at David Bruce Winery in Santa Cruz after earning his enology degree with an emphasis in viticulture from Fresno State. With over 40 harvests under his belt, Steve possesses a deep understanding of both the science and art of winemaking and grape growing. Part alchemist, part artist, and part farmer, Steve continues to explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun in the winery. His life's work results in great bottles of wine that everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy.
Confessions of a Winemaker Chef - I always considered winemaking to be “cooking”. Through my entire time as a chef, I wanted to work with the flavors, textures, and aromas of grapes from the California coast. Finally I took the plunge and moved to Napa Valley.
