Zinfandel

Zinfandel

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.

J. Rickards Vineyard & Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

When we drove up we were greeted by 2 dogs and Jim the owner. The place is quaint and wine is phenomenal. Jim the owner took his time and explained the wine making process to our group, he even had us taste one of the grapes on the hillside. One of my favorite wines was the wine blend called "Sisters" which is made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec, all estate grown

J. Wilkes

cluster of white wine grapes - Pixabay

In 2001, Jeff decided to venture out with the goal of making world class wines. Initially, he limited his production to Pinot Noir from Bien Nacido in 2003, he expanded his horizons a bit and added Pinot Noir from Solomon Hills Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley. Jeff also wanted to produce a white wine so he added a Pinot Blanc from Bien Nacido in 2004 and a Bien Nacido Chardonnay in 2008. Jeff tragically passed away in 2010 just as he was coming into his prime as a winemaker. Remembered as a friend, co-worker, and extraordinary winemaker, the Miller Family, owners of Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards, purchased the J. Wilkes wine label with the intent of paying tribute to all of Jeff's accomplishments and continuing his legacy of making outstanding wines from the Santa Maria Valley.

Macchia Wines

glass of wine

Husband and wife team, Tim and Lani Holdener, who started the operation in the Lodi Appellation in 2001, have scoured California's premium vineyards to find the best grapes for over seven Zinfandels bottled and a handful of promising Italian varietals offered by Macchia.

Dutton-Goldfield

bottle of Dutton Pinot Noir

Let's begin with what everyone goes to Healdsburg/Sebastopol for: the pinots. Dutton-Goldfield had four or five pinots when we tasted there, and they were all unique and delicious. They varied from the lighter, fruit-forward classic pinots to the richer, almost-cab pinots. All of them were good, but I particularly liked the Devil's Gulch, which was on the richer side of the spectrum.

Pellegrini-Olivet Lane

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

The Pellegrini Family traces its heritage in winemaking to the early 1900s when brothers Nello and Gino Pellegrini arrived in New York City from their native Tuscany. They soon made their way to the West Coast and in 1925 became Sonoma County grape merchants, shipping grapes throughout the U.S. for home winemaking.

Summitt Lake Vineyard & Winery

wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

The views, 1800 era house, warm extended family conducting the tastings, the farm animals welcoming visitors, the fabulous zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.... sitting in a hammock, with a glass of excellent wine, peacefully taking in the view, serenity, and ambiance of Howell Mountain... what more could you ask for?

Benovia Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Boutique winery. Appointment only but that ensures that they can make time for you to taste in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Very informative and the wines were outstanding. Not inexpensive but not overly pricey either.

Burnsini Vineyards

cluster of grapes

At Burnsini Vineyards, history and wine come together in a way that’s as lively as it is laid-back. Tucked into the rolling hills of Cottonwood, this is true cowboy country, where a livestock brand is more than just a mark—it’s the logo of the winery, a symbol of the land’s agricultural roots. The “lazy B” on every bottle speaks to the easygoing vibe you’ll find at Burnsini, while the intertwined goblets in the logo remind you that it’s all about sharing the experience, just like founders Tom Burnham and Jim Tomasini did when they started it all.

Now, that tradition is in the hands of winemaker Brandi Greene—a Northstate local who’s as passionate about winemaking as she is about sustainability. Brandi, an Environmental Chemist with a winemaking degree from Oregon State University, worked in vineyards across California and Oregon before realizing her dream of owning a winery. Today, she’s managing nearly eight acres of organic estate vines at Burnsini, continuing the legacy with a modern twist. Her focus is on crafting consistently exceptional red wines, while also introducing new offerings like rosé and sparkling wines. But don’t worry—the things you’ve always loved about Burnsini are still here: those famously smooth reds, lazy afternoons at the tasting room, and the kind of celebrations that get the whole community on its feet.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s woven into every aspect of Burnsini’s operations. Solar panels power the winery, organic methods nurture the vines, and after the grapes are pressed, any waste is either returned to the vineyard or fed to the bulls next door. Inside, water-saving ozone sanitation and recyclable shipping materials keep things eco-friendly. And while you might spot an electric car charger for visitors, there’s a grounded humility in knowing the tractors still run on diesel—after all, progress takes time.

Burnsini’s story started in 2000 when Tom and Joy Burnham teamed up with Jim and Deanna Tomasini to turn their shared hobby of grape-growing into a full-fledged winery. Their blend of passion, fun, and winemaking sparked not just great wines, but a tight-knit community. From their early days of hosting Spring Flings and harvest parties, to creating wines like the “Friends” blend (a nod to the friendships formed at the vineyard), Burnsini has always been about more than just wine—it’s about connection. Events like the “Ladies Night Out” at the Cottonwood Rodeo and “Music & Merlot” grew so popular they had to move to bigger venues, but the heart of Burnsini remains at its vineyard, where the good times—and even better wine—keep flowing.

So come on by. Sip, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine that’s rooted in cowboy country but crafted for the future. There’s always something new to discover at Burnsini Vineyards—whether it’s a new wine, a new friend, or just the perfect sunset over the hills.

Terra Rouge and Easton Wines

clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

Terre Rouge and Easton Wines

Founded in the late 1980s by Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines has established itself as a notable presence in the wine industry. Winemaker Bill Easton, one of the original Rhône Rangers, pioneered the cultivation of Rhône varietals in the Sierra Foothills under the TERRE ROUGE label. The EASTON portfolio features Amador County favorites, including old vine Zinfandel and Barbera.

The wines produced by Terre Rouge and Easton are characterized by their balance and elegance, with complexity that evolves as they age in the bottle. This process, known in French as élevage, refers to the "raising" of wine in the bottle. There is a distinct art to this style of winemaking, offering great pleasure in wines that are ready to enjoy while still holding significant potential for future aging.

Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso

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