Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hestan Vineyards

glasses of white wine - Pixabay

Situated in the rolling hills of eastern Napa Valley, Hestan Vineyards is a 56-acre tapestry of small, individually farmed blocks, planted to the five principle red Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The vineyard is named for owners Stanley and Helen Cheng, who purchased the property in 1996. Cheng is CEO of Meyer Corporation, the world’s second largest cookware company with brands including Anolon, Circulon, KitchenAid and Faberware. In 2005, the Chengs released their first wines from the property, the 2002 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon; both made by consulting winemaker Mark Herold. The wines were a critical success and were followed in 2008 by the launch of Stephanie, a line of red Bordeaux blends made by consulting winemaker Jeff Gaffner.

Bella Luna Estate Winery

Grape cluster - Pixabay - AI Generated

Bella Luna Estate Winery, founded in 1998 by lifelong friends Kevin Healey and Sherman Smoot, has a charming story that traces back to their childhood on the Central Coast of California. The duo first bonded while playing t-ball and later became the quarterback and center of their high school football team in Atascadero. After serving their country in the Vietnam War, their paths diverged, but fate brought them back together years later.

The idea for Bella Luna Winery sprouted during a nostalgic night of reminiscing about their shared past. When morning came, the dream of starting a winery still felt enticing, and at the youthful age of 50, they planted dry-farmed Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Ruby Cabernet grapes on their estate.

Both friends are proud fathers. Sherman has a daughter, Carly, and a son, Jimmy. Interestingly, Carly was the only 8-year-old who didn’t dream of having a pony, so Sherman decided to name the vineyard after her. Kevin’s daughter, Nichole, had her own unique experiences in the family business. Often grounded during her high school years, she was assigned to work with her dad in the vineyard or winery as a form of punishment. However, what started as a chore turned into a passion; Nichole loved the vineyard life and eventually pursued a degree in Enology and Viticulture at Fresno State.

After completing her studies, Nichole took her talents to Australia, where a three-month internship in Margaret River turned into a remarkable 7.5-year adventure. There, she fell in love with both the local wine scene and Lukas, a fellow wine industry professional.

For visitors exploring California’s wineries, Bella Luna Estate Winery offers a delightful glimpse into the intertwined lives of friendship, family, and winemaking. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of its founders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to savor exceptional wines and enjoy the warm camaraderie that defines this unique winery.

Robert Hall Winery

vineyard at sundown

We had a very nice host that was pouring us all sorts of wine. She truely made us feel special because her mission was to find us a wine to like. It is a nice big tasting room with the big square bar, beautiful water fountain out front and some tables outside to enjoy the view. I never gave this place a fair chance because I have tried there wine at the grocery store and wasn't pleased. Well now that I have tried all there wines it is very good especially the reds! So give this place a fighting chance and it will not disappoint you.

Varozza Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Varozza Vineyards is owned by Jack and Dianna Varozza. A couple that took over Jack's father's winery. The couple is absolutely amazing and nice. Great down home feel to this tour. Dianne can answer any question, comfortable atmosphere. Free tour you will feel like you need a bottle of wine to take with you.

Erna Schein

grape cluster - PIxabay

Les Behrens (aka the Jersey Boy) was born in Perth Amboy, NJ and moved to California with his family as a young boy. Lisa Drinkward was born and raised in southern California but realized that she was a northern California girl when she spent her college years in Humboldt County. Arcata, CA was where Les and Lisa met and were married in 1987. Their mutual love of food and wine led them to create Folie Douce Restaurant in 1991. Lisa explored her creative food side as chef, and Les was able to develop his passion and palate for wine as sommelier and wine buyer. A mutual enthusiasm for wine developed, resulting in the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for their eclectic wine list. This passion and the encouragement from friend and mentor Ed Oliviera prompted Les and Lisa to purchase their first 3 and a half tons of grapes in 1993. Bob and Lily Hitchcock came on board during that first harvest to manage the business and financial machinations of the winery, and Behrens & Hitchcock Winery was officially formed. Les, without any formal training, has been the sole winemaker at Behrens & Hitchcock since its inception, making wine in a style that flows from his great instinct and confident palate. Although Lisa is involved with all aspects of winemaking, during harvest her real focus is on vineyard management and grower relations. After four years of running both the restaurant and winery, Lisa and Les sold Folie Douce in 1997 and moved to Napa Valley to make wine full-time.

In 2005, with the announcement of Bob & Lily’s retirement, Lisa and Les bought out the Hitchcocks' share of their Spring Mountain winery, leading to the formation of Behrens Family Winery. The name Erna Schein on the label is a dedication to Les’ mother, a woman who was near and dear to all who knew her. Her home was a place of hospitality and friendship, a feeling that we try to replicate here at the winery. She was also a fantastic baker, taking after her mother who was a Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef. It is Erna’s original vintage Kitchen Aid pictured on our label. It reminds us that food and wine is our favorite way to create and maintain friendships.

Star Lane Vineyards

rows of wine barrels - Pixabay

Bankers by profession, Jim and Mary are no newcomers to wine. They've owned one of America's oldest wineries, Hermannhof, since 1974. It's located in their home state of Missouri, where Jim was raised in a farming tradition.The wines at Hermannhof are good, but the Missouri climate is not conducive to growing the European varietals that have made France and California famous. This winemaking couple are constructing their dream winery on the Star Lane property. It's dug into the hillside for efficient use of energy and will host some 26,000 square feet of caves for barrel aging.

Charles R Vineyard

Sign to the winery

Charles R Vineyard is one of Livermore Valley's big wine secrets - well maybe that's not true with the number of reviews I have found. Charles R is a great little find, here's why: Great wines at decent prices: The Sauvignon Blanc that they just made is light, crisp and delicious and their cabs which are good too. Service with a smile: It doesn't matter how many people are packed into this little tasting room, they always have the nicest people helping visitors and who simply love to chat about wine. The Charles R Experience: From the sitting on their patio nibbling on food you brought while savoring a glass of their wine to tasting in their tasting room, the overall experience is so "laid-back Livermore".  

Windsor Oaks

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Windsor Oaks estate is open to the public only eighteen days a year. They do offer limited VIP tasting and tours.In an wine tasting event that sadly has become increasingly all about tour buses, limos, bridal parties and frat boys guzzling Coors Light in the parking lots, many wineries struggled to find the right balance of paying attention to those that were there to focus on the art of winemaking, and those that were there to party. The folks at Windsor Oaks rose above and created a memory for all in attendance. Special thanks goes to winemaker Julie Hagler Lumgair, who climbed atop a second tier barrel, and from above, shared a taste of yet another wine "off the list"...her passion, expertise, warmth, and generosity.

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