Lail Vineyards traces its Napa Valley roots back five generations to the founding of Inglenook in 1879 by Captain Gustav Niebaum, great-granduncle of Robin Daniel Lail. The venture carries forward the stories and patina of over 130 years of winemaking into the 21st Century. Today, the Lail family continues the quest to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc of extraordinary elegance and brilliance.
We Believe in growing quality over quantity, paying attention to detail and respecting the soil by farming sustainably. Grassi Cabernet is our expression of this philosophy.
Located in the stunning San Pasqual Valley, just 30 minutes from San Diego, Orfila Vineyards is an ultra-premium, small-production winery that invites wine lovers to indulge in its unique offerings. Conveniently located between Interstate 15 and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this hidden gem boasts a breathtaking tasting room and patio that overlook the sprawling 70-acre estate.
Families will feel right at home in the tree-lined picnic area, complete with grassy knolls and picnic tables—perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends and a bottle of Orfila’s finest.
Orfila is known for producing critically acclaimed wines crafted from Italian and French varietals, including grapes from the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. The winery sources grapes from its estate as well as select vineyards in Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Andrew Wisniewski, Orfila continues its tradition of creating award-winning wines that reflect the essence of San Diego County.
Since opening its doors in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has garnered more than 1,300 medals in national and international competitions, a true testament to the complexity, grace, and opulence of its wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, a visit to Orfila promises a delightful experience filled with exquisite flavors and breathtaking views.
In the heart of California’s scenic Gold Rush Country, Ironstone Vineyards will surprise and delight you with a winery that places as much emphasis on the natural beauty and history of their surroundings, as they do on the quality of their wines.
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.
The wines speak for themselves... The grounds, ambiance and staff are first class! Jordan only makes chardonnay, very French....not oaky or buttery like most California chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are quite good. They have also started pressing their own olive oil.
Founded in 1990, McManis Family Vineyards is owned and managed by Ron and Jamie McManis, fourth generation winegrowers, and is located in the rich agricultural region of the northern California interior. Currently, the family grows a wide selection of grape varieties on 2600 acres of premium vineyard land.
Image - chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso
Wine lovers, get ready to dive into the captivating story of L'Aventure, where Stephan Asseo’s passion and innovative spirit have brought world-class wines to life in the stunning Paso Robles, California.
How It All Began
Stephan's journey began at L'Ecole Oenologique de Macon in Burgundy, France, and in 1982, he established Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux. Over the next 15 years, he cultivated his skills as an artisan winemaker, earning a reputation as a maverick vigneron. Yet, constrained by AOC regulations, he longed for the freedom to innovate and explore new possibilities.
The Adventure Begins
In 1998, seeking to expand his horizons, Stephan and his family set off on an adventurous quest to find the perfect location for their winemaking dreams. They traveled through renowned wine regions across the globe—from South Africa to Lebanon, Argentina to Napa—until they stumbled upon the unique terroir of west side Paso Robles. It was here that L'Aventure was born, igniting a new chapter in their winemaking journey.
Stephan's philosophy is centered on crafting wines that truly embody the essence of Paso Robles. Each cuvée is a carefully crafted blend of the estate's premium varieties, enhancing the wines’ authenticity, complexity, and balance.
Celebrating Milestones
In July 2023, L'Aventure proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a journey filled with remarkable achievements. The winery became 100% estate-produced, unveiled a stunning new tasting room and caves, partnered with the Thiénot family, acquired a new vineyard, and embarked on exciting collaborative wine projects. As they continue to innovate and evolve, their commitment to quality remains steadfast, honoring the roots that inspired their adventure.
Join L'Aventure for a tasting experience that embodies the spirit of innovation and passion for wine. Cheers to the journey ahead!
This is a cute little tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara if you don't want to make the trek up to Los Olivos, or just want to stop by for another tasting. Tastings are $10. Friendly, attentive staff. Great wines and a shop filled with olive oils, they had olive oil tasting there, cheese boards, wine-infused chocolates and tons of things that would be great to accompany a wine party.
In 1962, at the age of thirty-two, Pierre Lafond founded the first post-prohibition commercial winery in Santa Barbara County. Two years later, he located a winery facility on Anacapa Street, just two blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara Winery has become an extremely visible and successful wine concern, winning many medals for an array of wines. Lafond is now in the midst of a significant expansion in order to meet the desires of the consuming public.
Lafond was originally a retailer, and his wine and cheese shop was a meeting place for many of Santa Barbara's wine aficionados. He decided to go into wine production for two reasons: he enjoyed fine wines, primarily French, and it would be a good business venture.
Varozza Vineyards is owned by Jack and Dianna Varozza. A couple that took over Jack's father's winery. The couple is absolutely amazing and nice. Great down home feel to this tour. Dianne can answer any question, comfortable atmosphere. Free tour you will feel like you need a bottle of wine to take with you.
