Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bodegas Aguirre Winery & Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

For those passionate about California wines and exploring its renowned wineries, the journey of Dr. Ricardo Aguirre is a captivating tale. Enchanted by the serene beauty of the Livermore Valley vineyards, Dr. Aguirre envisioned a future steeped in viticulture. In 1986, he acquired 32 acres of land nestled among the picturesque rolling hills of East Tesla Road, right in the heart of this flourishing wine region.

By 1996, Dr. Aguirre took a significant step forward by commissioning Wente Vineyards to plant and cultivate 12 acres of grapes, with an equal split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Although already a seasoned connoisseur of fine wines, his initial aim was to produce and sell premium wine grapes. However, as he witnessed the exceptional quality of the grapes flourishing in his vineyards, he felt a calling to become a winemaker himself.

In 2000, he embarked on this new path by crafting his first single barrel of wine, a delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel. Dr. Aguirre's journey embodies the spirit of innovation and passion that defines the California wine experience, inviting enthusiasts to discover the fruits of his labor in the stunning Livermore Valley.

Kongsgaard Wine

red wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

I generally prefer the Chardonnay production of the French in Burgundy but Kongsgaard is legendary in here for a reason. It bridges the styles of your American oak-ey/buttery styles with the mineral, citrus and complexities. One of the best California Chards. Kongsgaard Wine is closed to the public and sold to members only and in some fine dinning establishments.

Costa De Oro Winery

Winery sign

Costa de Oro Winery's mission is to craft the finest wines from the Central Coast by blending the artistry of Old-World winemaking with New-World grape growing practices.

In 1989, Ron Burk and Bob Espinola, owners of Gold Coast Farms, planted the Gold Coast Vineyard. This 30-acre vineyard, featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, is situated on a stunning bluff at Fuglar's Point in the esteemed Santa Maria Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County.

The vineyard began yielding fruit in the early 1990s, with grapes sold to local wineries including Au Bon Climat, Foxen, Lane Tanner, and The Hitching Post. During this period, Gary Burk, Ron Burk's son, formed a friendship with Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. In 1994, Clendenen offered Gary a harvest position at the renowned Au Bon Climat/Qupé Winery, where Gary eventually accepted a full-time role and remained until 2002.

While at Au Bon Climat/Qupé in 1994, Gary produced the first Costa de Oro wines—one barrel each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Costa de Oro continued to expand each year, reaching 2,500 cases by 2002, when Gary chose to dedicate himself entirely to the winery. Today, Costa de Oro produces 6,500 cases annually and also creates special private labels for clients such as James Beard Award Winner Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s Restaurants, the Halekulani Hotel on Waikiki Beach, and CF Pinot Noir for Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya of the Sansei Restaurant Group.

The Costa de Oro Tasting Room opened in 2006 at the original location of the Gold Coast Farms' strawberry stand off the 101 Freeway in Santa Maria. Gary and his wife, Teresa Gasca-Burk, manage the tasting room, where visitors can enjoy local live music on weekends. Occasionally, they can even be seen performing with the bands. Guests are invited to savor wine, music, and the relaxed ambiance at Costa de Oro.

Weibel Family Vineyards

grape cluster

Winery purchased by Rack & Riddle -

Famous over the years for Weibel Green Hungarian, now known as GH, and their line of California champagnes and naturally flavored sparkling wines, Weibel Family Wines also include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah from their Estate Vineyard in Mendocino County, California.

Plateau Vineyards

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - having wine with pets

Plateau Vineyards planted its first grapevines in 1993 on a beautiful property high above the local valleys on Santa Rosa Plateau. The vineyard is blessed with warm sunny days and cool nights, all making for Plateau to grow some of the finest winegrapes in California. Come taste their small batch premium estate bottles.

Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate

grape cluster

Rosenthal Malibu Estate and Surfrider Wine Tasting Room is located at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway in beautiful Malibu, CA. Rosenthal- The Malibu Estate is proud to feature the one and only wine tasting room along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Enjoy a bottle of wine in our back garden patio or a glass or bottle inside. Enjoy Chardonnay, Viognier, and more.

Hours:
Mon      12:00pm to  8:00pm
Tues     12:00pm to  8:00pm
Wed      12:00pm to  8:00pm
Thur     12:00pm to  8:00pm
Fri         12:00pm to  8:00pm
Sat        11:00am to  9:00pm
Sun      Closed

Lookout Ridge Winery

glass of wine - Pixabay

Founded in 1988, Lookout Ridge Winery is located high up on the top of the Mayacamas Mountains overlooking the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Its award-winning wines are produced in limited quantities and are not available in any retail outlets. To purchase Lookout Ridge Wines, use this website or contact the Winery directly. Over 150 million children, teens, and adults worldwide are in need of a wheelchair but cannot afford one. For every bottle of Lookout Ridge Current Release Wines you buy, and for every case of Library Wines, Lookout Ridge will donate a wheelchair in your name to a needy individual.

Swanson Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

Such a fun winery! The Swanson's were there when we paid a visit and took the time to come over and speak with us on a more personal level asking where we're from, and what we did to make small talk. A very lovely couple that made you feel at home. They also had a very nice gentleman playing music on a very special instrument (I can't remember the name) in the front garden/patio area.

Twisted Roots Vineyard

wine tasting with small bites

The name "Twisted Roots" originates from the deep and gnarled roots of Lodi old vine Zinfandel found in Julie Ruiz’s childhood vineyard, where the vines date back to the early 1900s. One day, while excavating vines, Julie's beloved uncle remarked, “Those roots are really twisted; that would be a great name for a winery.” This moment became a cherished memory for both Julie and her husband, Josh, marking the true birth of the winery.

Both Josh and Julie share a profound love for agriculture, community, and friendship. Josh's mission has been to cultivate a sense of community around wine, a beverage that was not common in his own upbringing. As an entrepreneur, he was determined to create a winery rooted in the legacy of Lodi Vineyards and to share those wines with his new home in Carmel Valley.

By fortunate circumstances, he partnered with several close friends to develop a dynamic winery and hospitality experience, offering a diverse selection of wines not typically found in the area, including Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Hard Cider. Each wine is produced in small batches, carefully sourced from unique sites to ensure quality and meticulous attention to detail. Visitors are invited to explore the charming, newly renovated tasting room, the perfect setting for enjoying life’s most important treasures—connection with others.

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