When I just want to relax and get away from the craziness of the city. Chalk Hill provides amazing views, a quiet relaxing atmosphere, and of course, some of THE BEST WINE IN THE VALLEY. The service is also really wonderful as the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and just all around terrific.
It started with 20 acres in 1999 and now Tom and Kathleen own 113 acres where they dedicate their energy and resources to providing the best environment for growing premium grapes. The vineyards are operated with sustainable farming practices to ensure that the best fruit possible will still be grown there when their grandchildren operate the farm. The next phase of the dream began in the Spring of 2008 when they broke ground on a 14,000 winery and 5,000 square foot tasting room. Continuing the dedication to providing the best environment possible, the winery and tasting room were designed in partnership with PG&E through their “Savings By Design” program to design buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sound. In August 2012 Pear Valley officially achieved Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard Certification. Attaining SIP Certification demonstrates dedication to vineyard practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically-viable Exceeded expectations are the best words to begin this review. The east side of Paso Robles is a place that at times does not receive the credit due or publicity that the west side has basked in for many years. Despite what some public opinion states there are a growing number of incredible attractively priced wines and well run establishments creating unique experiences all over the east and my recent trip to Pear Valley Winery was something that far and beyond exceeded my expectations. Serving both Rhone and Boudreaux varietals, various blends, and well balanced wines all around they have something for the varying discerning tastes. Throw in some complimentary warm meatballs, a nice cheese spread, various cracker selections, and a friendly staff how could you not enjoy yourself.
Robert (Bob) Craig, the founder of Robert Craig Winery, began his long and storied career in wine at The Hess Collection on Mount Veeder in the 1980s. Before establishing his eponymous winery, Bob's passion for Napa Valley Mountain Cabernet led him to spearhead the official recognition of both the Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain District AVAs.
In 1990, with the help of three friends he met at business school in Chicago 25 years earlier, Bob founded Robert Craig Winery. He arranged to purchase fruit and custom crush his first commercial release of the 1992 vintage. The 1993 vintage release introduced three Cabernets that remain the core of the winery's business today: Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Affinity. Now, four decades later, Bob Craig is recognized as one of the most important figures in Mountain Cabernet development and production in Napa Valley history. Drawn to the mountain terroir of Napa Valley, Bob found his calling on Howell Mountain. In 1995, he and his partners purchased 22 acres at the summit of Howell Mountain, the vineyard property that would become the winery's estate. The first Howell Mountain vintage was released the following year to critical acclaim.
Bob and his wife Lynn worked tirelessly to promote the Mountain Cabernet message across the country over the next decade. The Wine Spectator named Robert Craig Winery one of its "Top 50 Producers," while reviewers such as Robert Parker Jr., Stephen Tanzer, and others heaped praise on the Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Affinity Cabernets. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the number of wineries in Napa Valley nearly tripled, and the number of Napa Valley brands grew more than tenfold. This led to a much more competitive environment for small wineries. To navigate this crowded landscape, Robert and his partners hired wine business veteran and Mountain Cabernet aficionado Elton Slone in 2004 to direct all operations at the winery. Elton retooled and refocused farming practices, winery equipment, and personnel in the first years of his leadership, bringing the wines to their highest level of concentration, complexity, age-worthiness, and site expression. With a renewed emphasis on quality farming and winemaking, as well as carefully selected vineyard parcels, the winery received outstanding reviews from The Wine Spectator, Robert Parker Jr., and Antonio Galloni, among others.
Elton Slone and the Robert Craig Winery team continue to honor Bob’s founding principles of producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high-elevation vineyards with shallow soils. Elton became a full partner in 2007 and, following Bob’s retirement and departure from the wine business in 2012, has continued to lead the winery forward with the other three founding partners: Michael Adams, Derek Ruston, and Michael Nugent.
Two passions combined: award winning wines and rare wooden boats
Hours: Thurs-Sun | 12 pm - 5 pm
Book appts at boatiquewines.com/visit or
call 707.279.2675
Kent Rasmussen Winery produces three different lines of wines, all beautifully made by winemaker, Kent Rasmussen. Should you desire detailed production notes, you can either email us for them, or go to our national sales manager, Ron Berger's website. KENT RASMUSSEN * RAMSAY WINES * ESOTERICA Wines can be found via online sales
Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Byington Vineyard & Winery offers an inspiring blend of natural beauty and winemaking mastery. Spread across 95 acres of mountainous terrain, framed by majestic redwood forests and boasting views of Monterey Bay, Byington provides a stunning glimpse into the essence of Northern California. Visitors can savor the winery's award-winning Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and a range of other exciting varietals.
Discover the Unique Santa Cruz Mountains AVA Experience
At Byington, the commitment to crafting a remarkable experience is paramount. The winery's focus on producing premium wines stems from sustainable and biodynamic growing practices. Each bottle narrates its journey, handcrafted with precision from grapes meticulously handpicked to highlight the very best of Northern California’s terroir.
We found the Barterra winery, located in Half Moon Bay, to be a delightful place. A husband and wife team run this winery. The staff is friendly and they know their stuff when it comes to wine.
Barterra offers premium wines from the finest vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma, Carneros, Lodi, Amador, Alexander Valley, Mendocino, Lodi, Paso Robles, Russian River Valley and Madera. All of Barterra Wines is sold directly to the public.
Their quaint tasting room is located on the main street and the pours are generous. Their standard wine tasting allows you to sample three wines, but the owner let me try an additional port (and it was excellent!). We enjoyed tasty white wines and their Ruby Cabernet and chocolatey dessert wine were very good. ~
Hours:
Tues-Weds Closed
Thur 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Fri 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Mon 12:00pm to 6:00pm
If ever you decide to meander the wineries of Dry Creek Road, this place is a must! Landscape architects have touched every inch of the estate with their magic wand blending color, textures, and aromas that match the bouquet of their family owned wines. Their 2010 Chardonnay Reserve is beautiful with hints of vanilla & pear with a slight buttery finish; very smooth. The 2009 Sky High Pinot Noir from the Alexander Valley is bright & crisp with a beautiful color; it is a limited production so get them while you can. This family basically carved an opulent French estate out of the hills of Dry Creek, and it has to be seen to be believed.
The tasting room is located at 1 Pilot Rd., Carmel Valley, California. This adobe-style tasting room evokes the early California Mission architecture, featuring tall ceilings, a large fireplace, and hand-hewn oversized beams supporting an impressive roof adorned with antique handmade Spanish tiles. The surrounding gardens boast lush, mature landscaping and include a small decorative vineyard planted with Petrus Clone.
Visitors can enjoy the stylish interior while tasting the fine wines or choose to stroll through the gardens to find a favorite spot. The knowledgeable staff is prepared to provide insights into the winemaking philosophy and offer detailed information about the world-class wines.
Guests are welcome to visit the tasting room Wednesday through Monday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with exceptions for weather conditions and holidays. For inquiries or to make arrangements for large groups, please call (831) 659-1080. The team appreciates advance notice to ensure a delightful experience while savoring some of California’s finest wines.
The 37-acre estate vineyard continues to provide highly sought after Cabernet Grapes and a few small Old Vine Zinfandel plots around the Acampo, Lodi and Woodbridge wine-growing areas also provide intense, high-quality fruit that help us make incredible wines. Each harvest is crushed, aged and bottled on site, with the family and winemaker running every step of the process.
