These tasty little wines were introduced nationally in 2008 from California’s Central Coast and represented a finely crafted, fruit-forward, indulgent and eminently approachable style of wine. The inaugural release included Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Adam has used his experience and relationships around the world to add seven international wines to the lineup. http://underdogwinemerchants.com/
A. Nonini Winery (aka Fresno's best-kept secret) was founded in 1936 by Antonio and Angiolina Nonini, and the business carries on managed by the fourth generation. We were pleased to tour the winery, starting with the 1941 Garolla grape crusher from Italy and ending with the finished product resting in the redwood tanks, which can easily be arranged by calling James Jordan. They also have facilities for hosting special events. Be sure to try the Nonini Winery's Ruby Cabernet. The winery opens its tasting room from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.~
Hours:
Mon - Sat - 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Sunday Closed
We booked the 10am tour and tasting and I was very impressed. The tour was about an hour and a half. We started in the front tasting room, went outside to the vineyards, to the caves where they store the barrels and finally to the room with the tanks. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. She was willing to answer any questions we had. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants the full winery experience!
One Maple, established in 1998, was originally a mere dream and hobby for Ernie and Kristel Bell, evolving into a full-time family affair with the opening of Trinity County's newest winery and tasting room in July, 2006.
Nice, quaint winery. Has outdoor tables/seating and even cornhole (bean bag toss) game if you wanted to play. And a cute little picnic table for the kids. Our wine guide was friendly and super helpful. Mom enjoyed this spot because it had a nice selection of sweeter wines, e.g. Riesling. Very laid back environment. Bought some sandwiches from the deli just down the street recommended by Hagafen and ate at Hagafen outdoors while enjoying some Riesling. Art work by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski -Agata a Art Gallery
Tasting Room and award-winning Witch Creek Winery is located in Carlsbad, CA directly on the historic Highway 101 just a block from the beach and the Coaster. Founded in 1993, this boutique winery focuses on quality over quantity, by producing small-lot,handcrafted wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The result is full-bodied well balanced wines rich in flavor that have earned many medals over the years at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Orange County Wine Competition. Witch Creek prides itself on being a source of some of the more unique and harder to find domestically produced varietals,such as Nebbiolo, Teroldego and Montepulciano.
Scarecrow Caberent Sauvignon does not have a long, fabled history like many of the most expensive California wines. In fact, they are one of the few recent cult wine phenomena to have taken off over the past few years. That says a lot about Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon and its popularity with wine lovers as the Cult wine craze has largely fallen by the way side. Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon made their debut California wine in 2003. While the winery is new, the vineyard has a long history dating all the way back to the end of World War 2. That was the year that John Daniel, Jr, (the original owner of the vineyards now used by Dominus,) convinced his friend J. Cohn, to plant 80 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Those vines became the backbone of all the legendary vintages for Inglenook that Cohn helped produce. Scarecrow wine, Caberent Sauvignon is the brain child of Cohn’s grandson, Bret Lopez and Celia Masyczek. The best fruit comes from their oldest vines in the Rutherford vineyards. This small production wine is difficult to find and expensive. But it is a unique, tactile style of California Cabernet Sauvignon that is worth the effort to seek out. The entire production of Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon is sold through a mailing list.
Definitely one of those places we would miss if it wasn't for recommendations from others we meet along the way. We entered the small tasting room and walked up to the tasting counter. There were wine barrels all around and two guys manning the counter. The one who helped us out was very welcoming and gave us some nice history on Pina. They are known/applauded for their cabs.We got to taste about 5 cabs, a port and a late harvest chard.. Wow, what an experience!. Where else can you sample 90+ rated cabs for no extra "reserve" fee? Left with a bottle of the Howell Mountain cab and the intrguing late harvest chard. Wonderful, relaxing experience in a very unpretentious setting.
Coates Vineyards, certified organic biodynamic winery, is in the Six Rivers National Forest near the small town of Orleans in Northern California. It was founded by Norman Coates, an organic farmer, winemaker, and vineyard manager in 1991 with the planting of the first of five vineyards.The first vineyard was Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese from cuttings that were from organic vineyards in Sonoma County, California. The cuttings were rooted in nursery beds and then planted out in vineyard rows the following spring. The vineyards on the Klamath have the luxury of being established on their own roots instead of being grafted onto disease resistant rootstocks for the simple reason that Orleans is far away from the large grape growing areas where diseases are prevalent.
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.
