Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc

Ferrari-Carano Vineryards & Winery

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

If ever you decide to meander the wineries of Dry Creek Road, this place is a must! Landscape architects have touched every inch of the estate with their magic wand blending color, textures, and aromas that match the bouquet of their family owned wines. Their 2010 Chardonnay Reserve is beautiful with hints of vanilla & pear with a slight buttery finish; very smooth. The 2009 Sky High Pinot Noir from the Alexander Valley is bright & crisp with a beautiful color; it is a limited production so get them while you can. This family basically carved an opulent French estate out of the hills of Dry Creek, and it has to be seen to be believed.

Stonestreet Winery

wine tasting with small bites - Pixabay

What a delightful hidden gem worth the short jaunt off the main road. The jovial Scott gave us an extended pour of some wonderful if overpriced wines. but the out door tasting was a treat and the much lower traffic spend some real personal attention.

Provenance Vineyards

artist plays with wine glasses slashing wine together

Classic Family Roots with Italian Style
Provenance Vineyards began in 1999 and quickly earned a stellar reputation as the Napa Valley Cabernet house. Over the years, Provenance expanded into also producing tasting-room only regional exclusives and single-vineyard wine for other red, Bordeaux-style blends and white wine. Its founding family had the vision to produce fine wines that were true works of art of unique “provenance” or authentic origin.

Over the years, the brand has passed through the hands of two corporate owners. And in November 2021, the Allen Lombardi family acquired Provenance Vineyards. Attracted to its rich history, timeless style and strong growth potential, the Lombardis are committed to building the next chapter of the brand – increasing domestic distribution (and expanding globally) in fine wine shops and restaurants. The goal is make Provenance Vineyards wine more accessible to Napa wine lovers throughout the world.

Kissed By An Angel Wines

Winery's Logo

Larry Olivo, a third-generation winemaker with over thirty years of experience, has honed his craft alongside his grandfather and father. For the past eight years, he has served as an apprentice winemaker under the guidance of John Marion at The Big White House Winery in Livermore, California. His mission is to create fine, premium wines at affordable prices, sourcing grapes from both the family estate and the renowned Santa Cruz Mountains. Larry's passion for winemaking prioritizes quality over quantity, and the winery's Wine Club offers enthusiasts the best way to access their latest releases.

Together with his wife Lisa, Larry has dedicated his work to honoring their daughter, Amanda, who passed away at the age of 22 in January 2007. Diagnosed with kidney disease at just four years old, Amanda underwent a kidney transplant at the age of eight. Despite the return of her autoimmune disease following the transplant, she was treated for twelve years with an experimental regimen that helped maintain her kidney's health. During this time, Amanda developed a deep admiration for angels, amassing a collection and finding great comfort in her prayers to them.

In memory of Amanda, Larry and Lisa created the "Kissed By An Angel" wine brand, celebrating her life and spirit.

 

Findleton Estate and Vineyard

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Findleton Estate and Vineyard is a small, family-owned and operated winery that has earned the title of "Best Kept Secret in El Dorado County."

Visitors can enjoy the award-winning wines crafted by winemakers Tom Findleton and Carrie Golden at their charming tasting room at 3500 Carson Road, Camino, CA. With over 18 varietals to choose from, guests can also appreciate a "Fine Art Gallery" experience, as the tasting room features the artwork of Pamela Findleton. Producing approximately 2,500 cases of wine annually, the estate’s vineyard sits at a 3,000-foot elevation in the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County.

The vineyard enjoys a distinctive microclimate, with Pinot Noir vines flourishing creekside, benefiting from cool mountain air and well-drained, chalky soils. Historically known as "Pneumonia Gulch" by early settlers, the site has proven to be perfect for growing Pinot Noir, resulting in wines reminiscent of the celebrated Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, France.

 

 

 

 

Wild Diamond Vineyards

family at table - wine

We bottle our Bordeaux varietal wines under our Wild Diamond® label. This includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Be sue to put WIld Diamond Vineyards on your to do list when visiting Lake County's wines and wineries. 

Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery

glasses of wine in front of fireplace - Pixabay

Cinnabar Winery is a family-owned establishment that embraces winemaking as a harmonious blend of science and nature's magic. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, their vibrant Saratoga and Gilroy Tasting Rooms serve as the heart of the winery, where they collaborate with local growers to transform California's finest grapes into distinctive and approachable wines.

History

Founded in 1983 by the late Tom Mudd, Cinnabar initially planted vineyards and constructed a majestic winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Following Tom's passing, the estate changed hands in 2007, and Cinnabar relocated to its new home in downtown Saratoga.

In 2019, Ron Mosley, the original vineyard manager, took ownership, completing a remarkable full-circle journey. Ron is dedicated to honoring Cinnabar's legacy while steering the business toward an exciting future. Cinnabar's philosophy remains rooted in the joy of creating serious wine with a sense of fun.

Chateau St. Jean

grape clusters - Pixabay

The tasting rooms and grounds are beautiful and well kept. There are shaded areas to enjoy a glass of wine, as well as a great deal of manicured lawns to have a picnic or catch some rays. If you arrive with sufficient time, they gladly give tours of the production rooms, which I found interesting. Each time I've gone to a tasting here, the staff has been welcoming and informative, without being pretentious. The selection of wines for the regular tasting is good and includes several of my favorite wines from this winery. They usually give away the tasting for free if you buy a bottle.

Artesa Vineyards & Winery

Painting of couple sharing wine

he winery sits ontop of a hill, right at the napa/sonoma carneros region border. The building, architecture, and scenery are simply breathetaking. If you arive early enough in the morning, you can take a tour, where they walk you around the production facility downstairs. The wines are pretty pricey, but they are pretty darn good. A lot of the wines are estate grown pinots and chards, but they do source some amazing Cabs from upper valley. They are a very busy winery, but they are very attentive to each customer.

Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery

Deerfield Ranch Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Deerfield is a winery where you're encouraged to sit and enjoy your wine. You're not crowded around a tasting bar, fighting for space and attention in order to sip your wine. Instead, the tasting takes place in a cave, with tables and chairs everywhere - encouraging everyone to have a seat, enjoy their wine and the sommeliers will be around to pour the wine.

Pages

Subscribe to Cabernet Franc