In 1986, Squire and Suzy Fridell packed up their three-year old daughter and all their worldly goods to trade the freeways and the sand of Southern California for the back roads and fertile soil of Sonoma Valley. They purchased twenty-six acres of raw land, just north of the Village of Glen Ellen. The gentle rolling hills were covered with poison oak, oak trees, manzanita trees, madrone trees, bay trees, and a few redwoods. Glenlyon Vineyards & Winery does not have tours or tasting at GlenLyon.

Discover the Charm of Terre Rouge and Easton Wines: A Journey Through California's Rhône Varietals

Located in the heart of Amador County, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines is a captivating story of passion and dedication, brought to life by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan. Established in the late 1980s, this winery is a must-visit for any California wine lover eager to explore the unique flavors of the Sierra Foothills.

A Winemaker’s Journey

Bill Easton’s winemaking adventure began in the 1970s when he founded Solano Cellars, a Berkeley wine shop specializing in artisanal wines from around the globe. His experiences in the shop and extensive travels through Europe shaped his refined palate and distinctive winemaking style. Bill's approach celebrates balance and elegance, creating wines that evolve beautifully over time—a practice the French call élevage, or "raising" the wine in the bottle. Each bottle not only offers immediate enjoyment but also hints at its potential for further aging.

In 1986, Bill crafted his first Rhône red blend, marking the start of his serious winemaking journey. By 1994, the couple had moved to their current winery and expanded their portfolio, with Bill earning recognition as one of the original Rhône Rangers and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his pioneering efforts in bringing Rhône varietals to the Sierra Foothills.

Culinary Creativity

Jane O’Riordan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly alongside Bill’s winemaking. She launched her first business, Cottonfield, in 1975, a fabric shop that inspired creativity through quilting and garment making. When the opportunity arose to expand Solano Cellars, Jane took on the role of chef at their Bistro, where she crafted a rotating menu that perfectly paired with Bill’s wine selections. Today, Jane continues to bring her culinary expertise to Terre Rouge and Easton events, delighting guests with her delicious creations.

The Terroir of Terre Rouge

The name Terre Rouge, meaning "Red Earth," beautifully reflects the region's distinctive vermillion soil, a defining characteristic of their vineyards. The land, rich in granite and volcanic minerals, nurtures a diverse array of Rhône varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. The high elevation of their vineyards—reaching up to 3,200 feet—adds complexity and depth to each bottle.

Easton Wines: A Tribute to Tradition

Bill's family name graces the Easton label, which showcases non-Rhône varietals that thrive in the Sierra Foothills. Here, ancient and old-vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc shine, alongside emerging varietals like Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Each wine is crafted with a deep respect for the region's history and potential.

Visit Terre Rouge and Easton Wines

For wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines offers more than just tastings; it’s an invitation to explore the artistry of winemaking in one of California’s most beautiful regions. Join Bill and Jane for a sip of their exceptional wines, paired with delightful culinary creations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Amador County’s wine country.

Jean Phillips, the visionary behind the renowned Screaming Eagle Cabernet from Napa, is returning to the wine scene after a five-year break. She has recently acquired the Pillar Rock vineyard in Napa's Stags Leap District. Phillips has purchased the 114-acre parcel of land but has not acquired the winery or its brand. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Pillar Rock, established by Ron and Teri Kuhn, first released a wine from the 1999 vintage. The winery primarily produces Cabernet Sauvignon from its 22-acre estate vineyard, which also includes some Merlot. Despite early acclaim, the winery faced issues with TCA taint in its 2003 Cabernet, a problem caused by trace amounts of a compound that imparts musty flavors and aromas to corked wine.

Industry insiders suggest that the vineyard had been on the market for some time before Phillips made her purchase. Although Phillips has not revealed her plans for the property, it is unlikely she will use it for commercial wine production. She mentioned to Wine Spectator that her interest in the vineyard stemmed from its potential for growing grapes in a "wild, wonderful" setting, with a focus on the long-term future. The fate of the Pillar Rock winery and brand remains uncertain, and Ron Kuhn declined to comment on the sale.

Phillips, who started her career as a real estate agent, bought a 57-acre vineyard in Napa’s Oakville district in 1986. Initially selling grapes, she ventured into winemaking in 1992 with her first Cabernet Sauvignon, Screaming Eagle. The wine quickly gained acclaim, becoming one of Napa's most celebrated and priciest offerings. In 2006, Phillips sold the winery for an estimated $70 million to investors Charles Banks and Stanley Kroenke. Three years later, Banks departed, leaving Kroenke as the sole owner.