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Brutocao Cellars & Vineyard

Swirling wine in the glass - Pixabay - Saman Teher

Family Vineyard Heritage is a tale of two families who combined their passion and expertise to establish one of Mendocino County’s most notable wineries. In 1910, the Brutocao family brought with them a love for wine when they emigrated from Treviso, Italy (a small town near Venice). Len Brutocao met Martha Bliss while attending the University of California, Berkeley. Martha’s father, Irv, had been farming in Mendocino since 1943. After Len and Martha married, the families joined forces and continued to sell their grapes to well-known Sonoma and Napa wineries for many years before starting to make their own wine in 1980. They selected the Lion of St. Mark as their symbol of family tradition and quality. The heart of that quality is in their land: over 400 acres of vineyards in Hopland and 12.5 acres of Pinot Noir in  Anderson Valley.

Tasting: 10am – 5pm
Open: Wednesday-Sunday
Reservations appreciated but not necessary.

Stevenot Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - two women with wine at table

The first Stevenot’s came to the area during the great Gold Rush of the mid 1800’s. During that time vineyards began cropping up throughout the region as miners from France, Germany, and Italy were creating a demand for wine on an unprecedented scale. At one time the Sierra Foothills rivaled the areas of Napa and Sonoma combined in vineyard acreage with over 100 wineries established. Although the industry eventually declined with the advent of prohibition, it wasn’t long before a 5th generation member of the Stevenot family took up where his family had left off and established the winery in the late 1970s. Recognized as one of the pioneers of the rebirth of wine production in the Sierra Foothills, Stevenot Winery quickly secured its reputation for producing world-class wines and for its innovative and award-winning style.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - two women with wine at table

Rodrigue-Molyneaux Winery

Cluster of grapes - Pixabay

At Rodrigue Molyneaux, they believe that the great wine must come from great grapes. Nancy & Garry Rodrigue see to it that their grapes recieve intensive monitoring of the watering and pruning techniques. These farming practices keeps the yield down to three tons or less per acre. Although the yield will be smaller, the grapes will be larger with more fruit flavor. This is the reason Rodrigue Molyneaux red wines are so robust with a fruit-driven complex flavor.

Gold Hill Vineyard & Brewery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Gold Hill Vineyard was founded in 1980 by Hank Battjes. Hank worked for 27 years as an electrical engineer at GTE. During those years, Hank increased his knowledge of home wine making, applying it to his hobby and passion. Pursuing his dream he searched for suitable land and when a friend, Bruce, suggested 5 acres of vineyard on an 80 acre parcel near Coloma, California, he bought it.

Karmere Vineyards & Winery

glass of wine - Pixabay

Karmere is a good gateway winery. It has light, fruity champagnes almond, raspberry, and regular. They offer a wide range of Zinfandels and other reds here too. The wines are named after the female members of the family. Could the the place for a wedding or special occasion, beautifully designed for events. Spent quite a while there, tasting at the counter and barrel-tasting as well.

Drytown Cellars

glass of wine

Drytown Cellars is a must go to spot when you are in the Plymouth area doing some winetasting.This sweet little find because the people are the most casual and friendly folks.The owner & winemaker, Allen and his wife Suzanne are such a pleasure.The wines are some of the best out there for the price. Especially fond of the Reserve Zin,Cab Franc,Red on Red and Primitivo

Villa Toscano

Harvesting grapes

Beautiful grounds, it does seem like what an American would envision Italy to be like garden speakers playing American-Italian music abound, fountains, and lots of terra cotta planters. This winery was lovely! They have a great patio filled with flowers and a fountain. They also served lunch. The grilled chicken breast sandwich was really tasty, the same with their pizzas. It's definitely a winery to check out if you are in the area.

Image courtesy Randy Caparoso

Cooper Vineyards

Ancient Zinfandel - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Everyone working there was extremely friendly and generous with the servings. The tasting room has an open layout with a decent-sized counter and several tables. The tasting room is warm and inviting with a rustic feel. Barrels line the walls and serve as the base of the tables.  Ancient Zinfandel - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Estate d'lacobelli

wine corks and glass

Perched on a hilltop above the Pala Mesa Golf Resort, Estate d’Iacobelli features breathtaking views to accompany our wine selections. Come and join us at our intimate Italian-inspired tasting room. Drink some wine, play some bocce ball, and be Italian for a day.

Wiens Family Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - woman enjoying wine at beach

The wines at Wiens Family Cellars were very good. Not too crowded inside. Good vibe inside. We had a lot of first timers in my group so they were a little unsure of what to do but the staff there were very friendly and eager to answer any questions. The hostess I dealt with was very friendly and had good recommendations. I have to say their "Perspective" blend was a very good red that I enjoyed. I also really like their Cab selection. From what I understand their big reds are in the premier tasting room....that will be my next stop when I return to Temecula Wine and wine country.

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