Allora Vineyards was established in 1999. The proprietors of Allora Vineyards are Terry and Nancy Klein. They manage their winemaking business along with their children, Kelly, Cortney, and Christopher Klein. Presently, 10 acres of grapevines are planted on the Klein's estate. Eight acres are Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and the remaining two acres consist of Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. Additionally, the vineyard employs a unique planting style in which vines are grown closely together, forcing each plant to produce only a small amount of fruit of the highest quality possible. Allora had its first harvest in the fall of 2002 and has been producing exceptional wine with each new vintage. You can visit Allora but remember that tastings are by appointment only and during the summer you will likely have to book a couple of months in advance.

Tom Burgess established Burgess Cellars in 1972, but these Howell Mountain slopes were first planted in the 1870s by Italian-speaking immigrants from the Swiss canton of Ticino. The Poncetta & Rossini families, in the way of their Alpine homeland, cultivated vines on the rugged mountainside at extreme elevations. With the same ambition and imagination, Lee Stewart planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah grapes on Howell Mountain’s steep hillsides, naming his winery Souverain, meaning “sovereign.” Subsequent Napa Valley greats also saw the high promise of the land. Before starting the historic Stag’s Leap and Grgich wineries, Warren Winiarski and Mike Grgich each learned his trade at the Estate known today as Burgess.

cNab Ridge Winery now combines the pioneering winemaking spirit of John Parducci with the new tradition and vitality of Rich Parducci. Rich makes wine in the style made famous by his grandfather, John: complex, approachable, and enjoyable to drink. Production in 2005 was 12,000 9-liter cases.

The Marshall family has deep roots in the Sanger area, tracing their history back to the early 1900s when Hugh M. Marshall purchased 160 acres northeast of Sanger, where the family continues to farm today. Wine lovers who enjoy visiting wineries can appreciate the diverse agricultural legacy of the Marshalls, who have cultivated various crops over the decades, including figs, wheat, table and raisin grapes, plums, and nectarines, before ultimately focusing on wine grapes.

The Marshalls have always been hands-on in the processing of their crops, a commitment that led Hugh M. Marshall Jr. to establish the packing operation H. M. Marshall & Son in 1954, specializing in growing, packing, and shipping tree fruit and various types of grapes.

In the early 1980s, the family resumed shipping wine grapes to the East Coast for home winemaking. Hugh’s son began his journey in the wine grape business by accompanying his father on vineyard inspections, purchasing grapes, and preparing them for shipment. While attending Fresno State, he took on a full-time role in the business, picking, packing, and shipping grapes from those same vineyards.

As his interest in wine and winemaking grew, he began to craft wines from the grapes they had been cultivating for years. Initial attempts were rough, but encouragement from his wife, Jenifer, led him to submit his wines to various state and county fair competitions. His wines soon garnered numerous awards, including gold, silver, and bronze ribbons. Each recognition, as well as setbacks, spurred him to improve his craft. He enhanced his knowledge by taking classes from the UC Davis Extension Enology department and attending seminars at Fresno State and Sonoma State.

In 2012, after years of encouragement from family and friends, Hugh and Jenifer launched their own wine label, Maréchal Vineyards. For them, raising their family in a place with such rich agricultural heritage is vital, and they hope wine lovers will join them in celebrating yet another chapter of their family’s adventure in winemaking.

In 2012, after years of encouragement from family and friends, Hugh and Jenifer launched their own wine label, Maréchal Vineyards. For them, raising their family in a place with such rich agricultural heritage is vital, and they hope wine lovers will join them in celebrating yet another chapter of their family’s adventure in winemaking.

Image - cabernet sauvignon grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso