Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc

Labyrinth Winery

winer logo

Labyrinth WInery is a premium producer of Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir and Big French / Spanish Reds from Paso Robles. The team at Labyrinth believes that world-class wines need to be accompanied by world-class service. In addition to a comfortable and welcoming environment to taste the wines poured, you will fine a sincere endeavor to make your visit special so that you feel like a long lost friend. At Labyrinth Winery Eddie and Stephanie Schwatz "craft wines that make your palate sing." *

Hours:
Mon      Closed
Tues     Closed
Wed       3:00pm to 8:00pm
Thur      3:00pm to 8:00pm
Fri         3:00pm to 8:00pm
Sat       12:00am to 8:00pm
Sun      12:00am to 6:00pm

Dalla Valle Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixaba

In 1983, Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle began planting vines on the hillside east of Oakville, overlooking Napa Valley. Their vineyards produce excellent quality grapes, resulting wines of great intensity, complexity and balance. Gustav passed away in 1995 and Naoko Dalla Valle continues the legacy of Dalla Valle wines. Dalla Valle Vineyards produces two wines; Maya- Proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Dalla Valle Vineyards wines are on a waiting list.

Wise Villa Winery

Aglianico Grape Clusters Courtesy of Randy Caparoso

The owner spent a lot of time on us explaining his wines and the winery's history. To be fair, there were not very many other customers. Still, he kept us entertained and conversed with us for well over an hour. We felt very welcome.Love how they work with their grapes. You know! if they promise me a bottle of the Sangiovese that I barrel-tasted today, I would probably give them another star.  Image Aglianico Grape Clusters Courtesy of Randy Caparoso

Broc Cellars

red wine pouring a swirling in the wine glass - Pixabay

Broc Cellars is a Berkeley-based winery known for producing refreshing and approachable wines meant for everyday enjoyment. Founded in 2002 by owner and winemaker Chris Brockway, the winery employs native fermentations and uses organically-grown grapes. Broc wines are crafted with the goal of uplifting the spirit without overwhelming the senses.

Chris Brockway’s winemaking journey began with a fascination for California Zinfandel. Drawn from his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska to California by the spicy, brambly fruit style, he discovered that the California wine scene had shifted towards the "bigger is better" trend of the time. Personally, Brockway found this approach excessive, with wines that were high in alcohol and overly robust.

Believing that California wine could offer a different experience, Brockway started with a single barrel in 2002 and has since expanded to over 20 different wine releases each year. Broc Cellars continues to focus on creating fresh, enjoyable California wines. In 2023, the winery's commitment to simple and ethical winemaking expanded with the acquisition of Fox Hill Vineyard.

Wing Canyon Vineyard

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Wing Canyon has played a major role in the evolution of Mt. Veeder as a prominent wine-producing region. From vineyards to carp farm, popular resort to a camp for the blind Wing Canyon has been home to valley pioneers and visitors for over a century. Captain Stalhan Wing produced the first Mt Veeder wine, which he entered into the Napa County Fair in 1864. He was also known for his carp, thousands of which he raised in man-made ponds amongst the vineyards.

Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - People sharing wine

Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery: A Legacy Rooted in Tradition

The journey of Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery began in 1995, when Emilio Castelli moved from his beloved Lake Como in Italy to the picturesque landscape of Sonoma County. With him, he brought not only a passion for winemaking but a deep family tradition that had shaped his life for generations.

For Emilio, wine has always been more than just a drink—it’s a part of life. Growing up in Italy, his childhood was filled with vibrant family dinners, where his father and uncles would passionately debate over the wines on the table. As more bottles were uncorked, the discussions grew livelier, filling the room with laughter and memories that stayed with him long after the evening was over.

But the family’s connection to wine goes back even further. During World War II, Emilio’s grandfather’s villa in Como was ransacked, yet the family managed to save a precious collection of wines from Piemonte, Valtellina, and Burgundy—some even crafted by Emilio’s grandfather himself. These bottles, stashed away in their new home, became treasured family heirlooms, and over the years, the men in the family would ceremoniously open them, sparking guessing games about the wine’s origin and how well it had aged.

It’s those early moments—filled with mystery, joy, and tradition—that inspired Emilio’s passion for winemaking. Today, with the Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery firmly rooted in Sonoma County, he and his family are dedicated to crafting wines that capture the essence of this beautiful region. Each bottle is a reflection of their commitment to the land and the shared memories that inspire their work.

Nebbiolo: The Wine of Kings

At Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery, Nebbiolo takes center stage. Though not commonly grown in California, this noble grape thrives in the Russian River Valley’s Green Valley AVA. Native to Northern Italy, Nebbiolo is the grape behind the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, known for their elegance and complexity. The grape’s name, "nebbia" (Italian for fog), speaks to the misty climate of its homeland, which mirrors the conditions in Sonoma County.

Growing Nebbiolo is no simple feat. It’s an early budder and a late ripener, making it susceptible to frost and requiring close attention to the vineyard’s microclimates. But the effort pays off with a wine that’s light in color yet rich in character. Nebbiolo’s intense aromas, balanced by firm tannins and acidity, make it a perfect choice for aging and an excellent companion for meals. It pairs beautifully with classic Northern Italian dishes like mushroom risotto, braised meats, polenta, and aged cheeses.

At Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery, every bottle of Nebbiolo tells a story—a story of tradition, family, and the timeless connection between the land and the people who nurture it. With each sip, wine lovers are invited to share in the passion and history that define the Castelli family’s winemaking journey.

Peju Province Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

The tasting room is beautiful, especially the natural stone bar in the room furthest from the entrance. The gardens are also worth the visit, with human-high flowers and an eclectic collection of sculptures. Oh yeah, and one of the guys in the tasting room yodels - definitely a forgotten art.

Pescatore Vineyards & Winery

Tokey Grapes

Pescatore Vineyard & Winery is a small, family-owned estate. The winery's roots began when the owners started making wine 25 years ago as home winemakers. The vines were planted in 1997 and Pescatore Vineyards & Winery became a commercial winery in 2002. Dave & Patty and children with their spouses, Tim & Misti and Steve & Noelle manage the vineyards, winery & tasting room.

Outpost Wines

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Kathy and Rich gave a great tasting and tour. They actually let the wine speak for itself. They were busy telling us about the plots of land and the intricacies of planting grapes in granite, while our small group quietly enjoyed three of their fantastic wines. With wine this good, we didn't need to be told what to look for in the nose, we just enjoyed it. If our glass was empty during the vineyard tour, no problem, Rich kept the bottle in hand and was happy to refill the glass. Oh yeah, and the view. At 1400 feet, the tasting room and patio have an incredible view of the valley. Take the 2:30 tasting so you can watch the sun start to set. Our intended 30 minute run in for a taste turned into more than an hour and a half of winery heaven. I wish we could have spent the evening in their tasting room. Make this appointment first, then plan the rest of your day.

Pages

Subscribe to Cabernet Franc