Since 1982, Duncan Peak Vineyards has specialized in growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah grapes and producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah wines in this estate grown and produced wine property known as Duncan Ranch, at the base of Duncan Peak on the edge of the Sanel Valley near Hopland, California. The grapes are grown with as many sustainable and organic farming techniques as possible.
Capay Valley Vineyards was established in 1998 by Tom Frederick and Pam Welch, long time residents of Capay Valley, CA. This beautiful valley is located in the northwest corner of Yolo County bordering Napa and Lake counties. It is approximately 1½ hours from San Francisco and an hour from Sacramento. Capay Valley Vineyards produces wines from their own grapes. Varietals were chosen to complement the climate and soils. All vineyard tasks - pruning, shoot thinning, and harvesting are done by hand and tailored to each variety. Harvesting is done at night to ensure that the fruit is cool to start the winemaking process.
The wines here are great. If you like big reds you will enjoy their cabs and the famous Maximus. Bennett Lane is quiet and small compare to other more touristy wineries around. The tasting room is decent size but could be crowded if there are larger groups. Staff was helpful and friendly. There are a couple outdoor patio tables overlooking their beautiful vineyard
Fine wine needs to evolve from a distinct point of view – a self imposed discipline to navigate the siren song of temptation. Otherwise, you may wake up one day to find yourself fabricating a wine to placate a critic or fill a market segment, and discover your craft has devolved into just another recipe for soulless wine.
Having a distinct point of view can also be dangerous. It invites unwelcome criticism from those who make a career out of second guessing the methods or intent of others. Yes, dig deep enough and you can find inconsistencies or incomplete execution in anything, but this is a craftsman’s journey that will only improve with repetition and refinement. The following, gleaned from 35 years of winegrowing, are our rules for great wine from our point of view.
"Bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand We'll be falling in love to the rhythm of a steel drum band Down in Kokomo... That's where you want to go to get away from it all, down in Kokomo" Actually, this winery doesn't have anything to do with The Beach Boys and their song, but this winery. definitely does have good wines. Actually, Kokomo pays homage to the winemaker's (Erik Miller) origins, Kokomo, Indiana. Kokomo Winery consistently win awards for their wines, most notably their rose.
We are dedicated to small, carefully cultivated, and perfected batches of wine that bring out the flavors of our grapes and the soil in which it was grown. However, where Stonehouse Cellars truly stands out amongst other high-end estate wineries is that we strive to provide a unique experience not necessarily centered around our wines but around you, our friends. Clearlake Oaks Tasting Room.
Hours: Daily | 1 pm - 5 pm | Same-day appointments available
In 1978, Randy and Lori acquired a 14-acre parcel in Angwin, which included approximately 5 acres of Cabernet vines. At that time, Randy was employed full-time as a winemaker in Rutherford. During evenings and weekends, Randy, Lori, and their young son Mike cared for the vines. In the same year, Randy also took on the responsibility of farming and purchasing fruit from Harry Frank's adjacent property. The initial harvest from these two vineyards produced 9 tons of fruit. Randy further acquired an additional 3 tons from Beatty Ranch, marking the beginning of Dunn Vineyards.
The pace of development quickly accelerated. Randy, Lori, Mike, and their baby daughter Jennifer moved onto the property that would later become the winery. By 1981, the winery was officially bonded. In 1984, the ATF recognized Howell Mountain as a sub-AVA of Napa Valley. Kristina was born, and Lori was busy managing two young daughters and a teenage son while Randy continued to work in the valley, limiting the family’s involvement in the business to evenings and weekends. Despite these challenges, the business flourished. By 1985, the family moved into a new home, known as the "Brown House," and Randy left his valley job.
By the end of the 1980s, Dunn Vineyards had become a thriving enterprise. Randy was consulting for other wineries and consistently selling out his wine. In 1989, facing a shortage of storage space for barrels, he excavated into the mountain to create additional storage, providing room for more barrels and space for Jenny and Kristina to rollerskate.
In 1999, Mike returned part-time to assist with the business. It took about three years, but he eventually joined full-time. Kristina, having graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in winemaking and viticulture, also joined the team. By 2005, both children were working full-time for Randy, marking a new chapter for the family business.
The elevation of over 1,400 feet offers several advantages, including increased sunshine and more moderate temperatures. However, spring begins later and the area is cooler than the valley floor, with frost posing a risk from bud break through flowering. In 2008, a severe frost with temperatures plummeting to 19 degrees over four days severely impacted half of the crop. Yields average about 2 tons per acre, which is relatively low, but the cool, wet vintages mitigate some of the negative effects typically experienced at lower elevations.
Today, the property is home to approximately 42 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. This size allows for effective management of all farming and winemaking operations directly by the family.
Dominick and Gloria Chirichillo’s choice of name for their winery is a reflection of their commitment to their Italian heritage and the tradition of family winemaking. In 1955 in New York, Dominick who is called Domenico in Italian was introduced to these traditions by his Nonno (grandfather), Domenico Giovinazzo. In the basement of their home was a wine press that Nonno showed Dominick; passing down from one generation to another the love of handcrafting wine. Affordable, delicious Santa Cruz Mountain wines, great tasting room, wonderful owners/winemakers. It has been inspiring in seeing Domenico Wines expand and grow. Kudos, and wishing the team the very best on their latest wines and their new tasting room location in San Carlos. Domenico Wines was included in a brief video presentation of wineries that are part of the 3rd Annual Mid Peninsula Summer Wine Trail. You can get a peek HERE We are looking forward to getting an interview (video) with Dominick Chirichillo in the near future.~
Hours:
Mon-Tue Closed
Wed 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Thu 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Fri 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Miramonte Winery: A Premier Destination in Temecula
Founded in 2001 by Cane Vanderhoof, Miramonte Winery stands as one of Temecula’s most beautiful, popular, and forward-thinking wineries. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley, Miramonte is dedicated to premium winemaking, with its wines earning numerous awards, 90+ scores, and other accolades.
A visit to Miramonte Winery offers stunning valley views, a delightful tasting room, a highly popular restaurant, warm and friendly staff, and some of Temecula's finest weekend entertainment. Esteemed publications such as Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, USA Today, Thrillist, and Eater all consider Miramonte a must-visit destination. Fodor’s Travel hails it as “Temecula’s hippest winery,” and Wine Business Monthly recently honored it as one of the Hottest Brands of 2023.
If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience that is both luxurious and picturesque, look no further than Thornton Winery in Temecula Valley. As you sip on premium champagne and varietal wine, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning green vineyards that make this region so unique.
Winemaker Tom Stolzer’s award-winning wines and champagne are perfectly complemented by the delicious bites on offer at the Champagne Lounge. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Thornton Winery has something for everyone.
