The gentleman in the tasting room, Scott, was friendly, knowledgeable and just nice to be around making our visit even better. He told us the tasting room have been open only three weeks which was hard to believe given the fabulous design, product displays and sense of organization. Oh dog friendly too!
Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease! The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles. If you are serious about your wine, the owners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be. It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*
Hours:
Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM
When British ex-patriots Perry and Carolyn Butler moved to California in 1982, they never dreamed they would own 42 acres of prime vineyard land in the heart of Napa Valley. They arrived in California as high-tech pioneers and founded their own computer company in the San Francisco Bay area. After routine 80-hour work weeks, the couple relaxed during weekend trips to Napa Valley, where they were bitten by the wine bug. Dreams of high-tech dominance soon turned to thoughts of returning to the land and grape growing. Our tasting included the 2006 Perry's Blend at $75, a blend that has more Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 which has more Cabernet Sauvignon and sells for $80. The 2006 is 47% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, with only 665 cases produced. The 2007 is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, with 672 cases produced. The 2007 was described by the winery as possessing a "tremendous aromas of flowers, blue, red and black fruits, graphite and forest floor" but both of us got an even better nose from the 2006. The 2006 was softer with cherry and chocolate on the palate and good but soft tannins. The 2007 was bigger with more tannin, but also very well balanced. Both wines were very drinkable now but should cellar well. I later shared a bottle of the 2006 with friends, and it was even better at home after being given some time to open up.
Thacher Winery has been handcrafting wines from superb vineyards throughout California's Central Coast. Their boutique production showcases local subtleties and true terroir, focusing on creating elegant wines with nuanced flavors rather than sheer power. Utilizing diverse varietals from exceptional vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Counties, Thacher Winery emphasizes minimal intervention and native ferments, allowing the fruit, acid, and tannins to balance naturally. Embracing the growing season's inconsistencies and the unpredictability of harvest, they aim to produce wines that reflect the unique character of each vintage rather than a standardized product.
The award-winning winery and tasting room are nestled next to a 100-year-old KR barn, offering spectacular and ever-changing vistas of vineyards, hayfields, and oak trees. Thacher Winery and Vineyard celebrate everything that makes Paso Robles special, inviting visitors to share in their love for this remarkable region.
Stephen Singer founded Baker Lane in 2003 after decades of work in the wine business in the San Francisco Bay area. He was the wine director at Chez Panisse for many years and was married to owner Alice Waters. He has partnered in the restaurants Cesar in Berkeley and Pizza Vino 707 in Sebastopol. Singer farms an estate vineyard just beyond Sebastopol planted to Syrah and Pinot Noir. The winemaker is Steven Canter. Baker Lane wines have some restaurant and retail distribution and are sold online.
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.
