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Markus Wine Co

Markus Wine Co Team

Founded in 2014, Markus Wine Co was launched from Lodi’s first boutique winery, Borra Vineyards. Swiss-born winemaker Markus Niggli selects from wisely-planted ancient vines and newly-planted unusual offerings.  The wines produced are ageless and memorable – to drink young or with a decade or more of age, and still be elegant. Markus Wine Co wines are fruit-driven, yet balanced with higher acidity than you find in many wines, and with soft, integrated tannins, to be enjoyed with meals. The Markus team believes that the real winemaking happens out in the vineyard and allow the vineyard and the wine grapes show their full expresion in your glass. 

Currently offering their delightful wines online through their website. Califonria Corks will be notified when on-site tastings become available. 

Pine Ridge Winery

The tour guide was nice and very informative. The walk in the constructed cave was standard and the wine tasting at a large round table in the center of the caves with cheese and crackers was a nicer setting than the normal tasting room. This is such a nice place with friendly folks. We had Jeff as the person taking care of us and he wasn't even rushing us. i know it was busy but he never made it seem like we had to get done and get out. he even took extra time to show us the cave and that was amazing.

Dehlinger Winery

It is by appointment only, but they do host two open houses a year. Beware that if you go to Dehlinger Winery you run the risk of going broke because you'll want to buy all their wines. A small price to pay for happiness in a bottle, though. Be sure to try their Pinot Noir.

Rexford Wines

Rexford Winery handcrafts wines in small lots using grapes from select local vineyards. Their focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties. Rexford wines accurately reflect the varietal characteristics of the grapes and the unique microclimates and soils of the vineyards from which they come. Visitors are welcome at the winery located on the west side of Santa Cruz. The winery is open for tasting and sales Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and by appointment.

NOTE: Rexford Winery is the new name for Hillcrest Terrace Winery.

Rexford is a very small-scale operation that offers high quality wines. Sauvignon Blanc ($19), a Pinot Noir from Monterey ($29) and a Cab Sauv from Carmel Valley ($32). All were delicious and well made. We chatted with the winemaker. He teaches astro-physics at UCSC and decided to break into the commercial wine business after making some good homemade batches. He was knowledgeable and friendly.

Kapcsandy Family Winery

Sorry people, this place is private.

As it should be. The Kapcsandy's have effortlessly created some of the greatest wine my lips and palate have ever tasted. After taking a tour of the spotless grounds which used to be Beringer Estates, we adjourned ourselves to the tasting room where I, along with close friends and cohorts divided our time among the vast amount of premier wines the Kapcsandy Family Winery has to offer. The Kapcsandy Family Winery is well on its way to make its permanent mark on the wine world. Using the best resources, well thought out methods, and grade "A" ingredients make these wines a challenger to all who dare to face them. They are truly a winery who reside at the top of their game.

Shasta View Vineyards

Shasta View Vineyards is located in Northern California approximately 30 miles south of the California/Oregon border just east of I-5 between the two small communities of Hornbrook and Montague. Shasta View Vineyards is proud to be one of the founding wineries of this region and the furthest most northern registered winery in the state of California.

Flipflop Wines

Winemaker James Foster’s love for the land began as a child growing up on the family farm, the historic Roseland Plantation in Eufaula, Alabama. As a teenager, his love for the land spread to the vine: spending many summers as a “cellar rat” in various wineries, James had a full vineyard-to-bottle view of winemaking. Inspired to learn more, he studied Enology at Fresno State University, then honed his winemaking skills over the last 13 years at The Wine Group. Along the way, he has partnered with grower-winemakers from around the globe on a portfolio of varietally and regionally expressive, exceptional wines at all price points.
Since 2009, James has worked with a team of winemakers on crafting flipflop wines. By collaborating closely with partner winemakers at the source, he is able to stay true to each wine’s varietal character.

Jeriko Estate

The grounds are gorgeous, as is the tasting room. Very elegant and spacious. Our wine Diva was Linda, who was one of the most informative and fun wine pros we had met. She schooled us in such a fun and creative way we almost didn't want to leave!

Laujor Estate Winery

Stroll through the vines of Laujor Estate Winery.  Your walk to the tuscan style tasting room where often you will be greeted by the winemaker. Enjoy with your friends and family or make new friends as you relax and sip our award winning wines in our courtyard. The views here are breathtaking! 
Hours: Daily | 11 am - 5 pm

Etude

Although Etude is best known for their Carneros estate Pinot Noir and their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from sourced grapes, they do have three white wines that should not be overlooked. The 2010 Etude Chardonnay at $32 sees no malolactic conversion. It has a very nice nose and is rather fruit driven with soft melon. It is more round than brisk. The 2011 Pinot Gris 9$26) is even softer with an aroma of honeysuckle and some peach on the palate. Their 2010 Pinot Blanc ($28) with a light nose, is also softer than the more acidic and sometimes austere Alsatian version. It was nice, though, with some citrus on the palate and good balance. I really like Pinot Blancs and applaud Etude for offering this interesting varietal which is not often encountered in Napa Valley.

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