Blush-Rose

Blush-Rose

Gypsy Canyon

wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

Over a 100 years ago, the first known woman wine grower in California, Dona Marcelina Felix Dominguez, grew Mission vines on her Santa Barbara property. The vines survived, and when Deborah Hall and her late husband, William, brought the property in 1994, they discovered these vines under a heavy cover of brush. They originally thought the vines were Zinfandel, and sold them as such to other vintners. DNA testing at University of California Davis later revealed that they were Mission vines. Mission vines were brought into California in 1767 by Spanish Padres from Mexico who established a chain of missions from San Diego to Sonoma from 1767 to 1833. Deborah’s ancient Mission vineyard of three acres is part of only ten acres still growing in California.

Bernardo Winery

woman enjoying wine

Experience the Timeless Charm of Bernardo Winery

Founded in 1889, Bernardo Winery proudly stands as one of California's oldest continuously operating wineries. Family-owned and operated by the Rizzo Family since 1927, this gem is located just 25 miles north of Downtown San Diego, nestled on what was once the La Cañada de San Bernardo Spanish land grant.

Bernardo Winery has a rich history, having survived Prohibition by producing sacramental wine. Today, it continues its legacy by crafting approachable wines sourced from the lush vineyards of San Diego County.

Visitors are invited to explore the winery's stunning gardens and nostalgic grounds, where history meets a vibrant atmosphere. It's not just a place for wine; it's a unique dining and art destination that captures the essence of California's winemaking heritage. Whether savoring a glass of wine or enjoying the serene surroundings, guests are sure to leave with unforgettable memories.

Skylark Wine Company

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Skylark Wine Company is a collaboration between Boulevard Restaurant Wine Directors John Lancaster and Robert Perkins. Both have years of experience in the Wine Industry. I wanted to taste this wine strictly because it was an interesting blend of 47% Carignane - 47% Syrah and 6% Grenache. Carignane has a long history in the state of California and add a texture layer to this wine. The wine has heavy heavy earth and spice notes. I couldn't quite put my finger on them all. The confusing part is a good thing because it made me keep coming back for a new sip to figure out the components. This wine would definitely benefit with food

Richard Longoria Wines

Wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

Longoria Wines is an artisanal family winery established in 1982 by Rick and Diana Longoria. Rick’s decision to start his own wine label was born out of a desire to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, two varietals he was not producing as the winemaker for J. Carey Cellars, his first job as a winemaker. Rick sensed that those two varietals were poised to become the signature varietals for the new Santa Barbara County wine region, and he wanted to become a part of this new movement.

Alapay Cellars

bottle of Alapay's Cab Sauvignon

Alapay owners Scott and Rebecca Remmenga are passionate about their wines and giving each customer personalized attention within an approachable, relaxing, non-intimidating setting. Alapay does not distribute to wholesalers, restaurants or wine shops, so you will only find these special wines in their seaside wine cellar. They pride themselves on being part of the total wine production process and being "hands-on winemakers".

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

woman enjoying wine near the beach

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

The seeds for Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard were planted when a young man by the name of Ken Burnap took a prom date out to one of the finest restaurants in San Antonio, Texas. Ken ordered a bottle of wine and mangled the pronunciation of the French variety. The very snobby and pretentious wine steward humiliated Ken with his reaction and in the manner of most of us when barely out of our teens, Ken vowed to learn as much as he could about wine and go back to show that wine steward a thing or two. 

Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard

grape vine with grapes - Randy Caparoso

When Bennie Cassara first set foot on this mountain top retreat he knew this was the place for which he had been looking. Bennie a brick mason by trade was busy running his Masonry construction company in Orange County California, but he was looking for a place where he and his could get away from the daily grind. It was in 1990 the first vines were planted on the tiny hilltop estate. Bennie Cassara chose Pinot Noir grapes at the urging of his friend Brian Babcock of the Babcock Winery. Brian told Bennie his property would be the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir grapes, this variatal is grown on hillsides in France, and Brian knew the combination of warm days and cool foggy nights would be perfect. Much of the rest of the story is in the glass.

Toad Hollow Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Longtime friends Todd Williams and Rodney Strong created Toad Hollow Vineyards when they released their first vintage of unoaked chardonnay in 1994. As one of the leaders in unoaked Chardonnay, their consistent style featuring bright, crisp fruit flavors, continues to be a favorite.

Lagier Meredith

red wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

After following the challenging road up the mountainside we came to this beautiful home overlooking the valley and their fields. While the view from their home porch was breathtaking, and the active hummingbird feeders captivating, the time spent talking to this husband-wife wine making team was fascinating. A visit to this winery not only includes a tasting of their wonderful Syrahs, but also great conversation about wine making, genetics and theories of growing grapes in Napa Valley. A great stop and we will remember this visit each time we open a bottle at home.

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