Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sobon Estate

white wine grape cluster - Pixabay

Shenandoah Vineyards

Located in Plymouth, CA, Shenandoah Vineyards was founded in 1977 by Shirley and Leon Sobon. The couple relocated from Los Altos, California, where Leon had a successful career as a Senior Scientist at the Lockheed Research Lab. Leon’s passion for home winemaking inspired him to leave Lockheed and embark on a new journey as a winemaker.

The selection of the winery site in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County was a well-researched decision. The Sobon family, including their six children, moved to the historic Steiner Ranch outside Plymouth, where they planted a vineyard and transformed the old stone garage into the winery. In 1989, they expanded their operations by acquiring the D'Agostini winery, leading to the formation of Sobon Estate.

Over the years, Leon has earned numerous national and international awards for the wines produced at Sobon Estate and Shenandoah Vineyards. Both family labels are distributed nationally and internationally, including in Canada, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. Leon is recognized as a leader in the wine industry, having served on various industry boards and committees, and he is frequently invited as a judge for prestigious wine-tasting competitions.

Today, winemaking and business operations remain a family affair. Shirley manages finance and the gallery, while Leon continues to impart his extensive winemaking knowledge into every vintage. Their sons, Paul and Robert, along with son-in-law Tom Quinn, uphold the family tradition that began decades ago, ensuring that Shenandoah Vineyards continues to thrive.

Justin Vineyards and Winery

corks and wine glass

NOTHING but the best to report to about JUSTIN. The Vineyard and Wine Tasting Room are very nice, almost like being in another country. Peaceful and serene. The wine tasting room is relatively new, I believe we were told they opened about 6 months ago (from their prior location). The room was modern, tasteful, and chic. JUSTIN offers dinning in a beautiful dinning room that overlooks the vineyard. Of course, plan on making reservations ahead of time. The wine tasting was a success. We discovered their 2011 Right Angle and their 2011 Reserve Malbec. Both are AMAZING.

Marston Family Vineyards

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

The vineyard has an interesting history that includes Clark Gable spending his honeymoon there. The Marston family purchased the vineyard in 1969 and use to sell their grapes to other wineries but began offering their own first commercial release in 1998. But an interesting history, warm hospitality and lovely setting are only part of the attraction. Marston Family Vineyard makes very limited releases of some outstanding, handcrafted wines.

Arns Winery

corks and wne glass - Pixabay

Arns Winery is definite Must Try and Buy wine and winery stop while in the Saint Helena area of Napa Valley, CA. I arrived at the winery and was met by John, Sandi, and Kathi as well as their lovable yellow lab. I tried their 2008 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and their 2008 Syrah (Melanson Vineyard). The Cab is full-bodied, with luscious chocolate and black cherry, a tiny bit of pepper, and has one of the most lingering, long-lasting finishes I can remember.

corks and wne glass - Pixabay

Six Hands Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

Six Hands is a boutique family winery nestled in the Sacramento River Delta, where warm summer days and cool evening breezes create optimal conditions for grape cultivation. Six Hands wines will be represented at special events, celebrations and ordinary Tuesday night dinners, motivates us to produce handcrafted wines of the highest caliber at value-oriented prices.

Tarrica Wine Cellars

wine corks and glass

Tarrica Wine Cellars is a small, family owned winery started in 2000 in the Paso Robles Wine Country. The focus of Tarrica winery is to produce value priced wines that are a clear expression of viticultural origin and varietal flavor.

Maréchal Vineyards

glass of Maréchal Vineyards wine

Maréchal Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located a few minutes north of Sanger in Fresno County. Conveniently located on the way to Kings Canyon National Park. Maréchal Vineyards makes wines from both their estate vineyards as well as from partner growers in Fresno, Madera and Paso Robles. Maréchal was good enough to let us drop in and do some video for a video project we were working on You can watch that video HERE While the winemaker Josh Marshall was busy in the vineyard that day his wife Jenifer Marshall took the time to show us around and even poured a few of their wines on a day they were normally closed. Be sure to stop in for a visit. Haley Washburn is the Winery's Manager and in charge of the tasting room and she always greets with a smile. If you time it right Josh and Jenifer just might be doing the pouring that day. There is a nice variety of wines to enjoy but a hint, be sure to try the Primitivo and the Petite Sirah if it is offered.*

Robert Foley Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Robert Foley, Winemaker

Robert (Bob) Foley began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley in 1977 after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. His first year was spent at Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.

In 1992, Foley embarked on another 15-year tenure as the founding winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this time, he also crafted the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. Currently, his primary focus is on the wines produced at Robert Foley Vineyards, though he also oversees the creations for Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in Napa Valley.

In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded its production to include a range of notable reds, such as Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, and limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from their estate property. The portfolio also features Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin, a blend that varies in varietal composition each vintage. Additionally, Foley has bottled a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.

Foley’s reputation for crafting expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain in Napa County. The facility, which houses over 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system completed in 2008, supports the production of Robert Foley wines.

Robert Foley Vineyards operates with a full-time staff of three, with Foley himself focusing on winemaking, while Kelly and Shannon manage the office. Occasionally, Kelly’s father, Jerry, assists in the tasting room.

The feline Office Interns, Mina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten, are responsible for treats, naps, and distractions, while Princess Bella and King Tommy serve as the official Winery Cats.

McManis Family Vineyards

chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso

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

Palumbo Family Vineyards

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - enjoying wine

Palumbo Family Vineyards This is a smaller, family run winery that is a bit out of the way of Temecula's bigger wineries. Tours don't come here often because they don't allow large busses or limos. However, I was happy that I was able to discovered this place. The tasting room is small, the family that makes the wine and their few employees pour your tastes. You definately get a very intimate feel here. As for the wine, it is delcious and the prices are not too high which is a giant plus given that the quality of the wines is fantastic.

Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery is committed to small lot, handcrafted wines from varieties that are grown on small block, sustainably farmed wine vineyards.

Nick Palumbo, Owner/Winemaker
is a past President of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The highlights for me were the Viognier/Roussane and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Will definately return when in the area. If you are like me, looking for a winery that is a gem and adds to the winery experience in Temecula, CA I just might see you there one day.

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