Wine tasting at Preston was a fun experience. The tasting room had a welcoming atmosphere with lots of funny books decorating the bookshelves and samples of their olives and sourdough. There were other groups also present, but we were attended quite quickly. Hidden gem. This is what wine country should feel like...to be continued.
Farming in California for over 70 years, the Dreyer family has been growing grapes and making wine for three generations. Jonathan Dreyer, third generation family winemaker, now manages the family business producing wines under the Dreyer Sonoma, Compass, Solitude, Il Cuore, and Seabiscuit Ranch brands.
Founded in 1990, McManis Family Vineyards is owned and managed by Ron and Jamie McManis, fourth generation winegrowers, and is located in the rich agricultural region of the northern California interior. Currently, the family grows a wide selection of grape varieties on 2600 acres of premium vineyard land.
Image - chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso
Some of the original settlers of Chicago Park were first-generation Italian-Americans from Chicago, Illinois. The orchards and vineyards of Chicago Park bear witness to their quest to start a community in the untamed West that mirrored their homeland. Their spirit lives on at Montoliva Vineyard & Winery. Founded in 2000, Montoliva Vineyard & Winery creates Tuscan-inspired wines of uncommon depth and character.
Drive out on Highway 46 for a bit and you will find tucked away Rocky Creek Cellars. Rocky Creek is a homey little tasting room with the charm of a rustic cabin. The folks that run this place, like most of the wineries and tasting rooms in the area, are a family, so you can tell a certain amount of personal flair and attention has been put into everything right down to the tasty crackers they serve with their flights.
Larry Olivo, a third-generation winemaker with over thirty years of experience, has honed his craft alongside his grandfather and father. For the past eight years, he has served as an apprentice winemaker under the guidance of John Marion at The Big White House Winery in Livermore, California. His mission is to create fine, premium wines at affordable prices, sourcing grapes from both the family estate and the renowned Santa Cruz Mountains. Larry's passion for winemaking prioritizes quality over quantity, and the winery's Wine Club offers enthusiasts the best way to access their latest releases.
Together with his wife Lisa, Larry has dedicated his work to honoring their daughter, Amanda, who passed away at the age of 22 in January 2007. Diagnosed with kidney disease at just four years old, Amanda underwent a kidney transplant at the age of eight. Despite the return of her autoimmune disease following the transplant, she was treated for twelve years with an experimental regimen that helped maintain her kidney's health. During this time, Amanda developed a deep admiration for angels, amassing a collection and finding great comfort in her prayers to them.
In memory of Amanda, Larry and Lisa created the "Kissed By An Angel" wine brand, celebrating her life and spirit.
They have a beautiful scenic panoramic view. The staff are very personable, knowledgeable, and always willing to be of help. The outdoor patio is perfect for these summer months. They even have horse shoes!!! Nice selection of some pretty nice wines.
The Fresno State Winery produces a wide variety of wines from the most popular and well-known of wines such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to up-and-coming varieties like Syrah to lesser-known wines that are made in small batches. The complete line of Fresno State wines is available at this web site and the Farm Market at the southeast corner of Barstow and Chestnut. At the Fresno State Winery we strive to engage our students in all aspects of the winemaking profession.
Fenton Herriott Vineyards is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills at the gateway to Apple Hill, and is situated on what was once the old Pony Express Route and resides just 1/2 mile from the Smith Flat house. This region has a vibrant prospecting history, and is just a short distance from the gold mining towns of Coloma and Sutter's Mill. The Sierra Nevada foothills has been used for farming for well over 100 years. The Mediterranean climate of this area combining warm summer nights and hot summer days with free-draining volcanic soils is especially ideal for grape growing and allows us to produce the quality fruit needed for our complex, delicately-balanced and full-bodied wines. As a small, family owned winery, Fenton Herriott is intimately involved in every part of the vintner process - vineyard and vine maintenance, grape crush, fermentation, barrel ageing, bottling, and packaging.
Scott Harvey Wines has tasting room in Sutter Creek and would love to welcome you to experience their wonderful wines. Scott Harvey and his wife have three tasting rooms for your pleasure and at each one "you will discover Old World winemaking meets New World Style". Scott and Jana Harvey are serious about his winemaking yet they have never lost their focus that you are a visitor and they are quick to make you feel warm and cozy in their tasting room in Sutter Creek. Scott Harvey Wines also has tasting rooms n the Shenandoah Valley and in Clarksburg and are located in The Old Sugar Mill so don't miss them when you visit there. While all of Scott's wines are wonderful, don't miss out on a chance to get a bottle of Scott's "Vineyard 1869". This Zinfandel comes from a vineyard that dates back to 1869 and is a wonderful expression of "Old Vine Zin".
Hours:
Mon- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tue- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wed- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thu- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
