Kent Rasmussen Winery produces three different lines of wines, all beautifully made by winemaker, Kent Rasmussen. Should you desire detailed production notes, you can either email us for them, or go to our national sales manager, Ron Berger's website. KENT RASMUSSEN * RAMSAY WINES * ESOTERICA Wines can be found via online sales
The atmosphere of the tasting room is simple but modern. You can tell that they put their real energy into the wines. It's a nice stop with the Jimtown Store right next door where you can pick up a tasty sandwich and sit out back looking over the vineyards. When it comes to the people and service, you really get a feel that this is a family run operation. Stephen Hawkes the owner/farmer/winemaker is there every year at the barrel tasting to share the experience and crafted love that goes into these amazing red wines.
Michael and David Phillips represent the fifth generation of growers in Lodi, and things are changing. With 650 acres of premium wine grapes, there is plenty of room for experimentation and innovation.
The Phillips Family and Lodi have a long history together. They have been farming the soil since the 1860s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. The founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who raised their families in the vineyard. Now, the 6th generation has joined the team with Mike’s daughter, Melissa. The Phillips Family, more than most, understands the importance of leaving the land better than they found it for future generations. Their family legacy and love of Lodi drive their focus on sustainability.
Walter Teachworth developed his taste for cabernet sauvignon by drinking aged Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Latour. Joan started sharing Walter's fondness for fine cabs when they met in 1976, and by the early 1990's they knew it was time to move to the Napa Valley. After living in St. Helena a few years, they found the perfect spot to build their own home on Diamond Mountain, south of Calistoga.
The winery's portfolio includes the Maboroshi Estate Pinot Noir, Spring Mountain York Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and a Los Carneros Chardonnay. Some Pinot Noir grapes are sold to DeLoach for a vineyard-designate bottling. The Maboroshi wines are sold on the website.
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.
Baldacci Family Vineyards has been a family-owned winery in the Napa Valley for over 25 years, founded by Thomas and Brenda Baldacci in 1998. Today, their son and second-generation vintner Michael Baldacci serves as winemaker, continuing the family’s legacy and dedication to crafting sustainably-farmed, world-class wines.
Within each of us lives a legacy, a story waiting to be told. Stories, like wine, are meant to be shared. Tom Baldacci understands this. Maybe not consciously – but at his core, Tom knows that for a story to become a legacy, it must be shared and passed forward to keep it alive. Almost 30 years ago, Tom drove by the property that now is home to Baldacci Family Vineyards. Where some may have seen an old house and farm in need of repair, Tom saw potential. In the breathtaking views on the Stags Leap property, in the aged vines and gnarled olive trees, Tom saw a story waiting to be told.
Exceptional wines capture the depth and true essence of exceptional vineyards. The grapes are grown in the Lodi Appellation reflecting a sense of place from the character and richness of this unique terrior. The wines are hand-crafted by award-winning winemaker, JC van Staden who intertwines both old world and new world techniques. Each varietal and vintage showcases the dedication of artistry in every bottle.
Bernardus Winery, founded by the well-traveled and discerning Bernardus (Ben) Pon, is situated in the picturesque Carmel Valley. Pon could have chosen any location worldwide for his namesake winery, yet he selected Carmel Valley for its ideal west-facing orientation, warm days, cool nights, and breathtaking scenery. He was confident that this unique environment would allow his vineyards to produce wines that could compete with the finest globally. Over 25 years later, Pon achieved this goal with his acclaimed estate Bordeaux blend, Marinus, named after his middle name, as well as a distinguished collection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Nearly two decades ago, Pon also anticipated the needs of wine enthusiasts by opening the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. He transformed the former Bank of America building into a welcoming space for wine tasting and education. Today, the Village hosts over 20 tasting rooms, with the Bernardus Tasting Room offering not only exceptional wines but also a charming outdoor patio, a private room for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.
Following Ben Pon’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery continues under the leadership of his business partner, Robert van der Wallen. A fellow Dutchman and advocate for quality, van der Wallen shares Pon’s vision and commitment to maintaining the winery's high standards. He has also founded Bernardus Golf reflecting the same emphasis on innovation and excellence as Pon’s legacy. With a passion for fine art, golf, and wine, van der Wallen is dedicated to advancing the Bernardus legacy for years to come.
The tale of Oak Ridge Winery is one rich in family, farming, and winemaking. It all began in 1906 when Angelo Maggio immigrated from the Italian coast of Genova to Lodi, California, with his wife, Louisa. In 1928, they planted their first cuttings on the property of their first ranch home, setting the stage for a remarkable journey that would lead to the production powerhouse Oak Ridge Winery is today.
Originally built in 1934, the winery started as a winemaking cooperative, with Angelo, his son Roy, and eventually his grandson Rudy playing vital roles as multigenerational farmers. They grew grapes that were supplied to winemakers across the country. When the winery was put on the market in 2002, Rudy seized the opportunity to expand on their family’s rich legacy by producing quality wines of their own. His vision was not just about reviving history; the Maggio family transformed the winery into a state-of-the-art facility that meets the quality, style, and volume demands of an evolving market.
Laura Durham is the Chief Winemaker at Oak Ridge Winery, where she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her craft. With a background in both viticulture and enology, Laura has dedicated her career to exploring the unique terroir of California’s Lodi region. Her innovative approach combines traditional winemaking techniques with a commitment to sustainability, allowing the grapes to express their full potential. Known for her collaborative spirit and keen attention to detail, Laura has earned a reputation for crafting exceptional wines that reflect the richness of their origins. Under her leadership, Oak Ridge Winery continues to thrive as a destination for wine lovers seeking high-quality, distinctive wines.
Laura Durham has a deep appreciation for a variety of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the regions she works in. While specific favorites can vary, she often highlights the elegance of well-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon and the complexity of nuanced Zinfandel from the Lodi region. Laura also enjoys exploring the vibrant acidity and fruit-forward characteristics of Chardonnay, particularly those that are produced with a mindful approach to oak aging. Her passion for winemaking is reflected in her preference for wines that balance structure and finesse, inviting wine enthusiasts to appreciate both the craftsmanship and the story behind each bottle.
