Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc

Frangipani Winery

people sharing wine

Frangipani Winery has an outside patio to sit in and enjoy the view. They also have a couple of little windows that look like pick up windows at a fast food burger joint. This makes it easy to do your tasting outside while enjoying the aforementioned view and the little crackers they offer you to go with your wine. Handy after several wine tastings and you need to start absorbing that alocohol before heading to dinner. Family Owned Winery On The De Portola Wine Trail in Temcula Wine Country.

Martin Ranch Winery

Winemakers Thérèse and Dan Martin

This winery is fun! They're only open the third weekend of the month. Tucked away down Redwood Retreat Road about 3.5 miles from Watsonville Road, the drive to get here is truly spectacular. They are only open the third weekend of each month and passport weekends. They ask that you sign in and they then give you name tags with your first name on it. The staff was friendly and the owners Therese and Dan were walking around greeting people. Dan and Therese Martin clearly have a passion for making great wine. They have scores of awards for their wine but that's not what they lead with. Their tasting room is welcoming and intimate. The vibe is comfortable and engaging. Martin Ranch produces a variety of wines from Chardonnay to Cab Franc, Sauvignon Blanc to Sangiovese.

CAB HOUSE at Hansen Vineyards

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

The Cab House at Hansen Vineyard & Winery is known for excellent, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon Wines. Taste with winemaker Bruce Hansen in the winery he built in 1993.  Bruce oversees everything with extreme attention to detail, from planting, growing, and harvesting, to barrels, fermentation, and bottling. Nothing escapes Bruce’s obsessive desire to use the best methods, the best barrels, to be the best Cabernet Sauvignon anywhere.

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Cornerstone Cellars

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

Cornerstone/Stepping Stone didn't disappoint and ended up with a fantastic wine tasting experience from start to finish. Its small, but tasteful wine room makes you feel as if you are being welcomed to the vinter's home. Its cozy tables and bar tables offer some fantastic pours with a plethora of wines whether it is syrah, sauvignon blanc, or syrah. However, it is their cabernet that truly shines. Yet everyone's taste is different and while your experience might be different, I certainly think it is worth the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They aren't pushy, however they explain the nuances between each wine they have crafted and what sets it apart from other wineries in the area. Prices are rather reasonable with a its higher price Cornerstone wines and its "price friendly" Stepping Stone series. Certainly a great wine room when you are on a tour of Napa!

Nelson Family Vineyards

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

Nelson Family Vineyards, nestled in the heart of Mendocino County Wine Country, is a beautiful 2,000-acre ranch that has been family-owned and operated since 1951. The family owns approximately 200 acres of vineyards, 26 acres of Bartlett Pear trees, Olive trees, and a Christmas tree farm, and are home to an abundance of Farm animals and wildlife. 

We pride ourselves on growing and making certified sustainable wines, all of which are grown here on the ranch. The Tasting Room is located 1/2 mile off Hwy 101 where our lovely tasting room staff is eager to host you for a one-of-a-kind Mendocino Wine Country experience.

Walk-ins are welcome for groups of five or less. 

For groups of six or more, please call the tasting room at 707-462-3755 ext. 1.

Murrieta's Well Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

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.

Ferrari-Carano Vineryards & Winery

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

If ever you decide to meander the wineries of Dry Creek Road, this place is a must! Landscape architects have touched every inch of the estate with their magic wand blending color, textures, and aromas that match the bouquet of their family owned wines. Their 2010 Chardonnay Reserve is beautiful with hints of vanilla & pear with a slight buttery finish; very smooth. The 2009 Sky High Pinot Noir from the Alexander Valley is bright & crisp with a beautiful color; it is a limited production so get them while you can. This family basically carved an opulent French estate out of the hills of Dry Creek, and it has to be seen to be believed.

Vina Castellano

Grape Cluster

Longtime Placer County residents, the Mendez Family, broke ground on their Auburn vineyard in 1999, with no illusions of simplicity. When Viña Castellano was started the family knew it was going to be a labor of love, with a strong emphasis on “labor”. Teena Wilkins, who co-owns and manages the vineyard and winery, is the youngest of Gabe and Carolyn Mendez’s four children. She and her father, along with her husband Craig and their vineyard & winery foreman, Victor Brambila, oversee the weekly work at the winery, but the entire family contribute to the winery in some form or fashion.

Secret Ravine Vineyards & Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

Vines were plentiful in 1867 in Placer County. As gold was depleted the miners switched to planting vineyards and orchards to make a living. Secret Ravine's property at one time produced Zinfandel and Tokay grapes. In later years the vines were removed and cows grazed the area. In the late 1900’s the property was used for the raising and training of horses, consequently the need for the large barn (now the winery). In 1998 one acre of the property was once again returned to the production of wine grapes. Currently Secret Ravine has 3.5 acres producing, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc. Hours are Sat. and Sun. from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

Pages

Subscribe to Cabernet Franc