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Kapcsandy Family Winery

wine corks and a glass - Pixabay

A Labor of Love Across Two Generations

The Kapcsándy story is a unique blend of old-world values and American ingenuity, merging classic European grand cru-style with cutting-edge technology. At its heart, it is the tale of a family deeply passionate about wine.

Lou Kapcsándy emigrated from Hungary to the U.S. in 1956, embarking on a successful career in chemical engineering and manufacturing, first in the San Francisco Bay Area and later in Seattle. Through connections in the wine industry, he began sourcing exceptional European wines for his collection, while also mentoring a group of emerging entrepreneurs who would become early pioneers in Washington State’s wine scene.

In 1998, a visit by Lou and his wife, Bobbie, to the historic Bordeaux estate of Leoville-Las Cases sparked a new ambition: to establish a wine business in partnership with their son, Louis, Jr., and to retire in California’s Napa Valley. The family started exploring available properties and, within three months, found a unique 20-acre parcel in Yountville, which was once part of Beringer Estates’ Private Reserve Cabernet program. In May 2000, they closed escrow on the property and initiated a meticulous plan to replant the vineyard, which included two years of soil nutrient restoration.

By 2002, the Kapcsándys had completely replanted their vineyard with 15 distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Construction of a state-of-the-art winery was completed in September 2005. The family then began to bring their vision to life: to produce wines of “First Growth” quality that could compete with the finest in the world. Since 2004, the family has lived and worked on-site, overseeing every facet of vineyard management and winemaking.

Visitors are invited to experience Kapcsándy Family Winery, a multi-generational labor of love that infuses the finesse and elegance of European grand cru wines into the Napa Valley.

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. 

Cline Cellars

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

This isn't your usual winery experience--Cline is surrounded by an impressive property, but this location is also rich with historical relevance. The mission on downtown Sonoma used to actually be located where Cline stands today. The vineyard was cute and cosy. IHas picnic tables in the front lawn laid out so you can have your own snacks to accompany your bottle of wine after your tasting.

Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

picnic table and wine glass

What makes Lodi wine so unique is that it is actually grown and made in seven different AVA’s; each one boasting its own distinct character, soil conditions and micro-climate. In fact, conditions here make it possible to grow more kinds of varietals from around the world than anywhere else in California. Anywhere else, period. The results of which you’ll discover as you navigate your way around these parts. Enjoy.
 

Round Pond Estate

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Round Pond Estate, now owned and operated by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, is renowned for producing ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate specializes in crafting pure, expressive wines, artisan foods, and unforgettable experiences—all rooted in the heart of Napa Valley.

For over 40 years, the MacDonnell family has been cultivating some of the finest wine grapes in Napa Valley’s acclaimed Rutherford region. This area, celebrated for its world-renowned vineyards and highly sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, is widely recognized as one of the premier viticultural regions globally.

Throughout the years, the MacDonnells have developed a nurturing and sustainable relationship with their estate vineyard, producing Cabernet Sauvignon that is highly prized by esteemed wineries who source fruit from Round Pond. To create Round Pond Estate wines, the family blends two generations of winemaking experience with the meticulous artisan techniques they have honed in producing world-class olive oils and red wine vinegars. Their goal remains clear: by adhering to time-honored traditions, they aim to deliver the finest offerings that Napa Valley has to offer.

Bassetti Vineyards

red wine being poured into a glass - Pixabay

Neil Bassetti Vineyards is a family owned company that brings you the boldest and richest wine traditions of California. Neil Bassetti Vineyards has a long history dating back to 1958 where Neil Bassetti started in the farming business of the Central Coast area. Today and every day Neil tends to the vineyards personally to ensure constant attention to the vineyard to maintain a generous annual yield. He still continues to follow family traditions. There's always plenty of food to eat after a long day's hard work. Whether it may be a celebration or family dinner, Neil preaches to bestow a bottle of wine as the salvation for anything and everything. Whether it be over dinner, a gift, or a toast at a very special occasion, we hope you enjoy a glass as much as we do. You have only so many bottles in your life, never drink a bad one.

Hafner Vineyard

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Hafner Vineyard is a small family winery tucked away in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. For 30 years we have been making Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay only from grapes grown at our winery. Wines are sold directly to patrons and to leading California restaurants, but not in any stores.

Idle Hour Winery Oakhurst

Idle Hour Winery logo

A hobby gone wild! That is how Idle Hour Winery, formerly Panoche Valley Vineyards, got its start. Winemaker Anna Marie dos Remedios began making wine as a hobby to relieve the stress of her day job as a newspaper journalist/business owner.  Anna Marie is focused on small lot, single-vineyard designated wines from some of California's best wine-growing regions. Anna Marie learned traditional winemaking methods from mentor and renowned Pinot Noir producer Josh Jensen at Calera Wine Company. At Idle Hour Winery the focus is on these traditional methods: native yeast fermentation, gravity flow racking and the use of neutral French Oak; all very gentle in nature, applying these to all the varieties Anna Marie ferments. While you will find all of the wines at Idle Hour Winery delightful, be sure to try the Reserve Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc and the Tannat Idle Hour Winery is located in Oakhurst, CA the gateway to Yosemite Park. Idle Hour was include in a short video we did featuring several Central Valley wineries you can view HERE *

Hours:

Mon-    11:00AM-6:00PM
Tues-   11:00AM-6:00PM
Weds-   11:00AM-6:00PM
Thurs-  11:00AM-6:00PM
Fri -      11:00AM-6:00PM
Sat -     11:00AM-6:00PM
Sun -    11:00AM-6:00PM

Lucas Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon clusters - photographer Randy Caparoso

The Lucas Winery was established in 1978 because we believed we had the soil, climate, and vineyards to produce great wines. Our philosophy is simple - We believe wines should be crafted to reflect the place they are from. Crafting organically farmed*, hand harvested, unblended pure varietal wines.

Image - Cabernet Sauvignon clusters - photographer Randy Caparoso

Macrostie Winery & Vineyards

bottle of MacROSTIE wine

Want to love every wine you taste more than the previous one, have a great time chatting with the knowledgeable and fun folks pouring for you. You just might find yourself unable to resist the wine club, and drive away with some affordable wine and the feeling that you've found one awesome Sonoma secret, then Macrostie Winery & Vineyards just might be your place.

Oak Mountain Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski women enjoying wine

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. Painting by Agata Zaborowski

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