Not only is Adelaida Vineyards' wine consistently wonderful, but EVERYONE who walks into their inviting tasting room is treated with superior customer service. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about varietals, flavors (and pairings), and the behind-the-scenes skill that goes into making their wines is outstanding!
Did you know that the first wine grapes planted in "Alta California" were at the Misíon San Diego de Alcalá in 1781? The traditions and history of San Diego inspire the folks at San Pasqual Winery to create wines that evoke the simple yet refined days of haciendas and ranchos of Old California.
A Napa Valley rarity, they have free tastings here. I went all the way to Anderson Valley and most of those places still charge $5. And it's not like Heitz is pouring low-priced wine. I tasted an $80 cab that was four years out of vintage which was a joy to drink. They also sell a decades worth of library vintages from both Trailside and Martha's Vineyards. If $75 to $150 cabs are too much, then pick-up a balanced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for $20.
Oso Libre Winery & Ranch us a biytuque winery producing acclaimed red blends and single varietal wines.
The imposing redwood and stone barn structure nestles into the cliff side, protected from crashing waves by a flat rock bench eroded over eons. The cellar is filled with French, Hungarian and American oak barrels and specialty equipment suited to handcrafted wine production. The unique location lets magical forces come into play; waves crash into sea caves under the cellar, naturally filtering wine from its sediment. Salt from sea air deposits on barrels accelerating osmosis while creating viscous and dense wines. This is what Sally Ottoson has come to call Pacific Star Winery.
Located approximately 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard estate is blessed with cooling coastal breezes that produce exceptional grapes. Located in the smallest American Viticulture Area (AVA) in the state, Orfila wines have put San Diego on the international wine map. Orfila Vineyards & Winery is an award-winning boutique winery nestled in the pristine San Pasqual Valley agricultural preserve, approximately 30 minutes north of San Diego, just 5 minutes off the I-15, on the way to the Wild Animal Park.
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.
Hafner Vineyard is a small family winery tucked away in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. For 30 years we have been making Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay only from grapes grown at our winery. Wines are sold directly to patrons and to leading California restaurants, but not in any stores.
Bruce Ahnfeldt moved to the Napa Valley in the mid 1980’s. While Ahnfeldt Wines did not begin until 2002, the Ahnfeldts developed and planted their first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1985. Grapes from the Ahnfeldt vineyards have been sold to BV (Bealieu), Markham, Sterling, Kendal Jackson and Hagafen wineries. These mature vineyards produce such fine quality grapes, that they are now used in their wines.
Tony and Kimberly Kirk established Birdstone Winery with the goal of producing world-class wines from Madera-appellation grapes. A friends and family effort from the start, Birdstone’s winemaking team includes Tony, Kimberly and their sons Travis & Conner. It’s not uncommon to find Tony & Kim’s siblings, parents or friends behind the bar in the Tasting Room or helping to crush grapes during harvest.
