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.
Clara and Steve’s journey into winemaking began after retiring from their long careers in construction management and law enforcement. Eager to leave the hustle and bustle of Southern California behind, they set their sights on Paso Robles, seeking a slower pace where they could enjoy each other’s company. In 2012, they moved into a beautiful home on a 5-acre property, an ideal setting for a peaceful vineyard with breathtaking views.
Their first half-acre of 600 head-trained Grenache vines was planted in June 2012, marking the beginning of their adventure. With 3 ½ acres still untouched, they expanded in 2014, planting Tempranillo, Grenache, Carignane, and Tannat vines to complete their vision. Initially, they believed they would sell most of the grapes, make a small amount of wine, and enjoy the country life. However, they soon realized they had "retired" to an even more demanding job—farming! Managing four acres with 3,900 vines required patience, stamina, scientific know-how, and instinct.
The next logical step was to learn how to make wine and communicate with potential grape buyers. They quickly sourced grapes from friends, producing Circle B’s first wines, which went on to win home winemaking awards. In 2016, Circle B Vineyards & Cellars officially entered the market with their first releases: the 2013 Petite Sirah, 2013 Syrah, and 2015 Rosé de Garnacha, officially becoming a licensed vineyard and winery.
Our vineyard and winery represent the culmination of nearly 6 years of hard work, patience, and persistence. Since 2001, our dream and vision has been to build a small San Diego mountain winery in Warner Springs that offers an incredibly intimate wine-tasting experience. In April 2008 our dream became a reality as we proudly opened Hawk Watch Winery to the public. Our wines are hand-crafted from only the finest fruit using hands-on, old-world wine-making techniques. Each bottle truly represents the excitement and enthusiasm we have for premium wine making and the passion and obsession we have for viticulture.
A stone’s throw from both Julian and Temecula, we invite you to take a short, scenic drive through the mountains of Northern San Diego County and stop by our tasting room. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. – Mike & Lisa Schnell
Allora Vineyards was established in 1999. The proprietors of Allora Vineyards are Terry and Nancy Klein. They manage their winemaking business along with their children, Kelly, Cortney, and Christopher Klein. Presently, 10 acres of grapevines are planted on the Klein's estate. Eight acres are Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and the remaining two acres consist of Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. Additionally, the vineyard employs a unique planting style in which vines are grown closely together, forcing each plant to produce only a small amount of fruit of the highest quality possible. Allora had its first harvest in the fall of 2002 and has been producing exceptional wine with each new vintage. You can visit Allora but remember that tastings are by appointment only and during the summer you will likely have to book a couple of months in advance.
Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.
*Tiny* building with beautiful scenery, Teldeschi let us venture into the back room to see all the Oak barrels with the sweet alcoholic juices we were imbibing. There's something to be said about a winery just being a place for wine.
It started with 20 acres in 1999 and now Tom and Kathleen own 113 acres where they dedicate their energy and resources to providing the best environment for growing premium grapes. The vineyards are operated with sustainable farming practices to ensure that the best fruit possible will still be grown there when their grandchildren operate the farm. The next phase of the dream began in the Spring of 2008 when they broke ground on a 14,000 winery and 5,000 square foot tasting room. Continuing the dedication to providing the best environment possible, the winery and tasting room were designed in partnership with PG&E through their “Savings By Design” program to design buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sound. In August 2012 Pear Valley officially achieved Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard Certification. Attaining SIP Certification demonstrates dedication to vineyard practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically-viable Exceeded expectations are the best words to begin this review. The east side of Paso Robles is a place that at times does not receive the credit due or publicity that the west side has basked in for many years. Despite what some public opinion states there are a growing number of incredible attractively priced wines and well run establishments creating unique experiences all over the east and my recent trip to Pear Valley Winery was something that far and beyond exceeded my expectations. Serving both Rhone and Boudreaux varietals, various blends, and well balanced wines all around they have something for the varying discerning tastes. Throw in some complimentary warm meatballs, a nice cheese spread, various cracker selections, and a friendly staff how could you not enjoy yourself.
St. Supery is a lovely and unpretentious winery. They have a great variety of both whites and reds, and even a rose which is nice and dry,not sweet. Their Virtu and Elu are white and red blends, respectively, which are different each year, but are always interesting.
They offer private tasting at their Alexander Valley Estate in Healdsburg by appointment only (call tasting room or make an appointment request online). The tasting takes approximately two hours & the tasting fee is $25 per person, which is refunded with a purchase. Parker gave 7 of their wines a perfect 100 score. It's going on my winery to-do list! :)
Family owned and operated. Wine & Olive Oil Tasting available. Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill was built in 2008 with one goal in mind, to produce high quality wines and extra virgin olive oils.
Hours: Daily | 11 am - 5 pm
