Ended a lovely wine weekend at Fisher Vineyards with a tour and tasting overlooking the valley. Cameron was our hostess and what knowledge, charisma and overall hospitality! Their cabs are phenomenal - the Coach Insignia and the Cameron's Vineyard are my favorites. It was a pleasure to tour the smaller, family run wineries, where wine is their passion, their history, their legacy.
This is a wonderful place for different wines. You must call to arrange an appt and do so at least a week or two in advance. The grounds are wonderful and the building is special. We got to see the caves which had cement containers for some of the wine. Bring your camera for great garden photos. I personally loved their Chardonnay and Cab.
Belle Marie Winery and Chateau Dragoo are located on the Escondido Wine and Culinary Campus in North Escondido along Interstate 15. Belle Marie Winery's facility encompasses a 20,000 gallon winery, three tasting rooms, multiple corporate and reception venues, educational facilities, a gourmet garden and a demonstration vineyard with varietals from around the world.
This place has one of the best views in Temecula, and it an excellent place to enjoy some wine outside. I loved their terrace overlooking the valley. They have a pretty broad selection of wines to choose from and their tasting prices are pretty comparative to what I've experience with other local vineyards. They also have this really neat self-serve area, where you buy a prepaid card, and can select whatever wine you want as a taste, half pour or full pour. Our first card didn't work, but the cashier came out and swapped it for us, and the second one was fine. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this beautiful winery. This was my first time out wine tasting and I can honestly say that I found a favorite at Callaway! We visited two others wineries on our trip and Callaway is the most memorable. The service was fantastic and welcoming. Really enjoyed their Summer Jazz concerts.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards continues the tradition begun by their ancestors. That of creating the finest of wines for your enjoyment.
The grounds are gorgeous, as is the tasting room. Very elegant and spacious. Our wine Diva was Linda, who was one of the most informative and fun wine pros we had met. She schooled us in such a fun and creative way we almost didn't want to leave!
Vinoce was founded by Brian and Lori Nuss in 1996, perched high above the valley floor on Mt. Veeder. Over the past three decades, they have gained a deep understanding of cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc on the rugged hillside slopes. Vinoce is dedicated to crafting wines that capture the true essence of Mount Veeder, showcasing balance, power, and uniqueness.
The estate, located on the northern end of Mt. Veeder, comprises four blocks divided between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The dramatic topography and south-facing exposures provide an ideal growing environment for the grapes, along with one of the most stunning mountain skylines in Napa Valley.
In addition to their estate wines, Vinoce produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosado, and a St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards owned by close family friends. Given that many of their wines originate from remote locations, they chose a more centrally located tasting oasis just outside downtown Napa, situated in the historic Tannery building on the Napa River. Their funky, chic tasting room offers an educational and entertaining experience with an authentic "Wine Nut" twist. Tim and Ray, both members of the Vinoce family, are often found there, ready to guide guests through a tasting of their exceptional wines.
Brandlin has "Two locations" and "Two Experiences" for tasting. The historic tasting room is located at 4550 Silverado Trail just south of Calistoga and is open to the public daily. The Carneros Tasting Room is at 1221 Duhig Road just off Highway 121 and is by appointment only.
A visit to the Nichelini Family Winery offers an experience of the Napa Valley the way it used to be: serene, rustic, and independent. Get away from the crowds and travel the 8 miles up into the hills east of the Silverado Trail, past Lake Hennessy and through the scenic cliffs of Sage Canyon Road. It's a small production, historic, pre-prohibition family winery. One is welcomed in almost immediately as family and greeted with a line of fine, well crafted wines that reflect the care and thought that went in to their creation. Winemaker Amy is passionate about her job and the staff are genuinely happy to play host to visitors Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm, or Monday through Thursday by appointment.
The mountain series from Atlas Peak explores the diversity of the Napa Valley region at an entirely different level. Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its lush, full-bodied character with big, bold tannins, and deep, concentrated color.
