Blush-Rose

Blush-Rose

Kelham Vineyards

So, you're in Napa for a long weekend or maybe even a wallet-draining week. There's plenty of choices to feed your wine fix. This charming little vineyard absolutely, positively needs to make your "must visit" list. No tasting room. No walk ins. No boutique to purchase a variety of goods while visiting. You need to call, make an appointment, and then prepare yourself for a truly personal wine experience given where the family that grows it presents their five or six well-done sophisticated wines.

Midsummer Cellars

Midsummer is tucked away in a tiny corner along the Silverado Trail and marked with a very small sign. Tastings by appointment only, mostly because Rollie runs the entire show himself. His passion for his cabs and rose is self-evident. You start with a barrel tasting, which is fascinating. You then move on to try a couple of the Cabernet Sauvignons. They are very strong efforts, particularly for a young cellar. We bought some to take with, so no tasting fee was charged, though I don't know how this is handled if you just taste and don't buy.

Oak Mountain Winery

Another stop on the DePortola Wine Trail. I wish I had the opportunity to walk around the grounds here and check them out, but time was pressing and we had more wineries to get to. Outside there is a very large patio with a wonderful view. There was a pizza booth to purchase a snack and a live band playing. I hope to stop by again next trip to the area. A really nice, friendly atmosphere to relax. Growing classic warm weather Mediterranean varieties of grapes which include Mourvedre, Viognier, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese Brunello are keystone wines at this picturesque winery. Also included are some unique wine varietals such as Tempranillo, Primativo and our a Pinotage. I hope to meet the winemaker Stephen Andrews next time I am in Temecula Wine Country. 

Rideau Vineyards

Rideau Vineyard was founded in 1997 by New Orleans native, Iris Rideau. Early on in the winery’s inception, Iris Rideau decided to dedicate her estate vineyard entirely to Rhône varietals. She felt that Rhône wines were not only ideally suited to the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, but also instinctively felt that they were best suited to the Creole cuisine of her childhood.

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery

he Lucchesi family origins lie in Provincia Di Lucca, Toscana, and we are the direct descendents from the civilizations of the Etruscans, the native culture of northwestern/central Italy, and first civilization of Italy and the Romans.I remember their Barbera from last fall being excellent, but when I went in last they only offered the "general, grow everywhere" wines, such as Merlot, Carbernet and Syrah. In my opinion the more exotic grapes do better in Nevada County and have a more unique taste.

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

In 1987, Parker purchased a 714 acre ranch thirty five miles north of Santa Barbara, in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he promptly set about planning and establishing Fess Parker's Winery & Vineyard. I remember visiting some years ago the Fess Parker Winery and my wife and I having lunch at their Inn. I also remember growing up wearing a coonskin cap and pretending to be Davy Crockett. I never met Mr. Parker in person; however, I just have to admit how sentimental and touched I felt when I heard that he had died. I guess it is safe to say Fess lives on through the family he has left behind and the legacy he has left to his family and indirectly to us, Fess Parker Winery.

Arroyo Robles Winery

Had a great time! Russel was a lot of fun and gave us some great info and was really accommodating. Really enjoyed our time. The wine itself was great as well, for $5 (which can go toward purchasing wine if you choose) there were about 6-7 wines. A good variety as well. We even stayed after the tasting to enjoy a bottle of wine from Arroyo Robles right away. They are also open later than some of the other tasting rooms, which is a plus! Russell also gave us some great advice on where to go next.

Bonneau Wines

In 1921 August and Catherine Bonneau purchased 70 acres of land in Schellville, about 8 miles south of the town of Sonoma, California. This was a very remote area at the time, requiring a full day's travel time from San Francisco. This area reminded the Bonneaus of the Bordeaux region of France near the area where they were born. This little boutique winery is serving up some way above average wine and atmosphere!! The Bonneau Wine Room is located in the Carneros Deli (you know that great little gourmet deli on the corners of 116 & 121 by the 76 station on your way out to Infinion Raceway??)

Field Stone Winery& Vineyard

An intimate and casual tasting room that's hidden behind rows of wine barrels...you walk in through double barn doors at this historic winery that is easy to miss on 128 unless you're looking for it. About the only thing it's missing is a commanding view of the surrounding valley, but once you sample the wines made from the 100+ year old vines that remain on one part of the property, you'll quickly forget about it.

Vineyard of Pasterick

This is a very small, private winery. The Pastericks are super friendly and will share the history of the property and their wine with you. They grow all of their own grapes and only produce one type of wine, Syrah, which is pretty tasty. Tasting is $10. They basically just pour you a glass of wine to drink while you walk around and tour the grounds.

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