Merlot

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Findleton Estate and Vineyard

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Findleton Estate and Vineyard is a small, family-owned and operated winery that has earned the title of "Best Kept Secret in El Dorado County."

Visitors can enjoy the award-winning wines crafted by winemakers Tom Findleton and Carrie Golden at their charming tasting room at 3500 Carson Road, Camino, CA. With over 18 varietals to choose from, guests can also appreciate a "Fine Art Gallery" experience, as the tasting room features the artwork of Pamela Findleton. Producing approximately 2,500 cases of wine annually, the estate’s vineyard sits at a 3,000-foot elevation in the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County.

The vineyard enjoys a distinctive microclimate, with Pinot Noir vines flourishing creekside, benefiting from cool mountain air and well-drained, chalky soils. Historically known as "Pneumonia Gulch" by early settlers, the site has proven to be perfect for growing Pinot Noir, resulting in wines reminiscent of the celebrated Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, France.

 

 

 

 

Reynolds Family Winery

red wine pouring into wine glass - Pixabay

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career. The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels. By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

Deerfield Ranch Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Deerfield is a winery where you're encouraged to sit and enjoy your wine. You're not crowded around a tasting bar, fighting for space and attention in order to sip your wine. Instead, the tasting takes place in a cave, with tables and chairs everywhere - encouraging everyone to have a seat, enjoy their wine and the sommeliers will be around to pour the wine.

Rodney Strong Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

We had a great time here. We stepped in here while waiting for another winery to open. The very first thing we noticed when we opened the door was the intoxicating scent of wine. We were able to take a self-guides tour around and realized the large barrels were right in the open, which was why the facility had that lovely sweet wine smell. Tour was timed perfectly, not too long, but not too short, and we had a super nice tour guide. Wine tasting after the tour was extra fun.

Hill Family Estate

wine dancing in the glass - Pixabay

Completely unique wine tasting experience. You can hang out on leather couches or sit at your own dining table. Super chill, great music, and across the board I found the wines really good. Jean was our super smart and gracious host. The nicest in Napa. Great place to stop in for a chill tasting and pick up something special for lunch or dinner.

Saddleback Cellars

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Saddleback Cellars was founded in 1978 by the renowned winemaker Nils Venge. Widely celebrated as the "King of Cab," Venge made history as the first American winemaker to earn a 100-point score from acclaimed wine critic Robert Parker for his 1985 vintage of Reserve Cabernet. Today, Venge's Cabernets continue to receive impressive 90+ point reviews.

The winery remains much as it was at its inception, nestled off the Oakville Crossroad on quiet Money Road, a dead-end lane in the esteemed Oakville District of the Napa Valley AVA. While Cabernet Sauvignon, produced from the estate’s 14 acres of vineyards, remains the winery's flagship, Saddleback also crafts distinctive varietals from select vineyards across Wine Country. Visitors can experience a range of small-lot, handcrafted wines including Charbono, Vermentino, Tannat, Petit Verdot, and unique blends. The friendly staff ensures that guests feel like part of the family, arriving as visitors and leaving as friends.

Guests are invited to savor the vineyard views and the personalized experience of tasting Napa Valley wines at this intimate, family-owned winery off the beaten path.

Open Daily 10am-4pm by reservation only

Galleo E&J Winery

grapes

E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned winery with fifteen family members, spanning three generations of the Gallo family, actively working in the business. • Established in 1933 and headquartered in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery remains a privately held and ever-growing company that employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. • E. & J. Gallo Winery offers a broad array of products that total more than 100 brands and include table, sparkling and luxury wines, beverage products, dessert wines and distilled spirits. • With products available in more than 100 countries, E. & J. Gallo Winery is an exporter of California wine, and imports wines from Argentina, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. Additionally, Gallo imports spirits from Australia, the Caribbean, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. 

Vincent Arroyo Family Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Vincent Arroyo Family Winery was founded by Vincent Arroyo, who discovered his passion for viticulture in the early 1970s. While browsing the San Francisco Chronicle, Vince came across a listing for a farming property just north of Calistoga, California. Feeling more connected to the land than to his career as a mechanical engineer in Silicon Valley, he was drawn to the prospect of a rural lifestyle and decided to make a change. In 1972, he purchased the 23-acre property and began transforming the existing prune and walnut orchards into what is now Vincent Arroyo Family Winery.

Initially, Vince sold all of his grapes to the Napa Co-Op. However, he soon began experimenting with winemaking, releasing the first commercial vintage of Vincent Arroyo Family Winery in 1984. In the early days, Vince managed everything himself, from driving the tractor to making the wine. Today, the winery produces 8,000 cases annually but remains a true family affair. Vince's daughter, Adrian, and her husband, Matt Moye, are dedicated to preserving the family's traditions while keeping the winery relevant and current, with the hope that Vince's three grandsons will one day carry on the family business.

Matthew Moye, the co-proprietor and winemaker at Vincent Arroyo Family Winery, has been tending to the wines under Vince's guidance for the past decade. Originally from California's Central Valley, Matt graduated from the University of San Diego and pursued a law degree at the University of the Pacific-McGeorge, where he met his future wife, Adrian, who is Vince's daughter. After passing the California Bar, Matt realized that law wasn't his true calling. Vincent offered him a position at the winery while he figured out his path, and it didn't take long for Matt to discover his passion for winemaking.

When he's not in the cellar crafting wines, Matt enjoys golfing, fishing, and beachcombing with his family. He and Adrian live in Napa with their three sons, who they hope will one day lead Vincent Arroyo Family Winery into its third generation.

Robert Young Estate Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Robert Young is a good example of a winery doing it right. The folks here are very friendly, and more than happy to tell you about the very interesting history of the place, the family history, and how they make the wines, etc. Nothing pretentious here, just a good, genuine vibe, all about having fun. Pours are generous, and tasting fees are refundable with a bottle purchase.

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