Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Macauley Vineyards

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The MACAULEY VINEYARD label was established in St. Helena in the early 1980s by Ann Macauley Watson, who, with the assistance of renowned winemaker Ric Forman, produced a highly regarded late harvest Sauvignon Blanc for several years.

In late summer of 2000, Ann's son Mac began working at Rudd Estate in Oakville. His experience and education there inspired him to revive the family label. Collaborating with winemaker and childhood friend Kirk Venge, Mac crushed his first grapes in October 2001.

Mac and Kirk share a singular goal: to source the highest quality fruit from Napa Valley and create wines of exceptional depth and personality. The grapes they select highlight the terroir of the vineyards, resulting in a remarkable wine-drinking experience.

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Miramonte Winery

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Miramonte Winery: A Premier Destination in Temecula

Founded in 2001 by Cane Vanderhoof, Miramonte Winery stands as one of Temecula’s most beautiful, popular, and forward-thinking wineries. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley, Miramonte is dedicated to premium winemaking, with its wines earning numerous awards, 90+ scores, and other accolades.

A visit to Miramonte Winery offers stunning valley views, a delightful tasting room, a highly popular restaurant, warm and friendly staff, and some of Temecula's finest weekend entertainment. Esteemed publications such as Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, USA Today, Thrillist, and Eater all consider Miramonte a must-visit destination. Fodor’s Travel hails it as “Temecula’s hippest winery,” and Wine Business Monthly recently honored it as one of the Hottest Brands of 2023.

Lava Cap Winery

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Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.

Marin's Vineyard

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Because we are a very small family vineyard, we farm for flavor. The flavor is also imparted from the subtle virtues of our terrior that is identifiable from our rocks and limestone. We also are now expanding to include exciting wine from local grapes which we do not grow in our own vineyard.

Burnsini Vineyards

cluster of grapes

At Burnsini Vineyards, history and wine come together in a way that’s as lively as it is laid-back. Tucked into the rolling hills of Cottonwood, this is true cowboy country, where a livestock brand is more than just a mark—it’s the logo of the winery, a symbol of the land’s agricultural roots. The “lazy B” on every bottle speaks to the easygoing vibe you’ll find at Burnsini, while the intertwined goblets in the logo remind you that it’s all about sharing the experience, just like founders Tom Burnham and Jim Tomasini did when they started it all.

Now, that tradition is in the hands of winemaker Brandi Greene—a Northstate local who’s as passionate about winemaking as she is about sustainability. Brandi, an Environmental Chemist with a winemaking degree from Oregon State University, worked in vineyards across California and Oregon before realizing her dream of owning a winery. Today, she’s managing nearly eight acres of organic estate vines at Burnsini, continuing the legacy with a modern twist. Her focus is on crafting consistently exceptional red wines, while also introducing new offerings like rosé and sparkling wines. But don’t worry—the things you’ve always loved about Burnsini are still here: those famously smooth reds, lazy afternoons at the tasting room, and the kind of celebrations that get the whole community on its feet.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s woven into every aspect of Burnsini’s operations. Solar panels power the winery, organic methods nurture the vines, and after the grapes are pressed, any waste is either returned to the vineyard or fed to the bulls next door. Inside, water-saving ozone sanitation and recyclable shipping materials keep things eco-friendly. And while you might spot an electric car charger for visitors, there’s a grounded humility in knowing the tractors still run on diesel—after all, progress takes time.

Burnsini’s story started in 2000 when Tom and Joy Burnham teamed up with Jim and Deanna Tomasini to turn their shared hobby of grape-growing into a full-fledged winery. Their blend of passion, fun, and winemaking sparked not just great wines, but a tight-knit community. From their early days of hosting Spring Flings and harvest parties, to creating wines like the “Friends” blend (a nod to the friendships formed at the vineyard), Burnsini has always been about more than just wine—it’s about connection. Events like the “Ladies Night Out” at the Cottonwood Rodeo and “Music & Merlot” grew so popular they had to move to bigger venues, but the heart of Burnsini remains at its vineyard, where the good times—and even better wine—keep flowing.

So come on by. Sip, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine that’s rooted in cowboy country but crafted for the future. There’s always something new to discover at Burnsini Vineyards—whether it’s a new wine, a new friend, or just the perfect sunset over the hills.

Tres Hermanas Winery

glass of wine

This is a great little winery along the Foxen Canyon trail. If you want a winery where the owners pour and you can actually talk about winemaking and the whole experience you get it here. Tres Hermanas does not make super jammy Central Coast wines but rather produces numerous wines in a more European style...lower in alcohol, higher in acid and basically more food friendly. I will have to say I enjoy 90% of what they produce. Their Tres Hermanas Cuvee is incredible as is there Nebbiolo, Refosco, Syrah/Sangiovese blend and Muscat Cannelli.

Chimney Rock Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

The Chimney Rock estate began to take shape in 1980 when Hack and Stella Wilson purchased a 180-acre parcel on the east side of the Silverado Trail, which included a golf course. They constructed a country house inspired by Cape Dutch-style architecture and soon began planting vineyards.

The initial 59 acres were planted with a mix of red and white grape varieties, leading to the production of the first vintage of Chimney Rock estate wines in 1984. In the early 1990s, the estate saw the addition of a Cape Dutch-style winery building, featuring a massive allegorical frieze of Ganymede, the cupbearer to the gods, and a new tasting room.

In 2000, the Terlato family partnered with the Wilson family, bringing additional resources and a vision to enhance Chimney Rock’s reputation for producing exceptional estate Cabernet Sauvignons. By 2002, the remaining 46 acres of land were exclusively planted with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since the Terlato family assumed sole ownership of Chimney Rock in 2004, they have been dedicated to realizing the estate's full potential. They have consistently upheld the highest standards in viticulture and winemaking. Today, the Chimney Rock estate spans 119 acres of vineyards, divided into 28 distinct blocks, each tailored for specialized viticulture to match the unique characteristics of each site.

Robert Foley Vineyards

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Robert Foley, Winemaker

Robert (Bob) Foley began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley in 1977 after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. His first year was spent at Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.

In 1992, Foley embarked on another 15-year tenure as the founding winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this time, he also crafted the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. Currently, his primary focus is on the wines produced at Robert Foley Vineyards, though he also oversees the creations for Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in Napa Valley.

In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded its production to include a range of notable reds, such as Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, and limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from their estate property. The portfolio also features Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin, a blend that varies in varietal composition each vintage. Additionally, Foley has bottled a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.

Foley’s reputation for crafting expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain in Napa County. The facility, which houses over 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system completed in 2008, supports the production of Robert Foley wines.

Robert Foley Vineyards operates with a full-time staff of three, with Foley himself focusing on winemaking, while Kelly and Shannon manage the office. Occasionally, Kelly’s father, Jerry, assists in the tasting room.

The feline Office Interns, Mina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten, are responsible for treats, naps, and distractions, while Princess Bella and King Tommy serve as the official Winery Cats.

TKC Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

The tasting room that I like to visit. There is nothing touristy about it - it is simple and understated. And the wine? So good! A great little find. A campy tasting room that includes the aroma of wine laden wooden barrels ended up with some of the most aged wines.

Old Creek Ranch Winery's flagship wine is Zinfandel, a varietal that has been part of the winery's legacy since its inception in 1981. In 1993, the winery expanded its vineyard with the planting of Mourvèdre, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 7) shortly thereafter. By 2000, Syrah Noir was added to their diverse selection.

The winery specializes in boutique wines crafted from these varietals, along with exquisite blends and a unique Syrah Port. Old Creek Ranch Winery is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, welcoming walk-ins with open arms. For parties of six or more, reservations are requested. Appointments are available Monday through Friday for those looking to explore the winery's offerings further.

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