Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Lava Cap Winery

pouring red wine into glass - Pixabay

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.

Solis Winery

Cabernet Franc - Photographer Randy Caparoso

There is simply no better place to sit back and relax than on the Solis Winery back porch, sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the scenic views of vineyards nestled against the Gabilan mountain range. 

All Solis Winery wines are grown and produced at the Vanni Estate Vineyard in Gilroy in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, California’s oldest continuous wine-growing region. From planting the vines and harvesting the grapes to producing and bottling the wines, everything is done on-site. Nothing ever leaves the property—until bottles go home with happy customers!

The original winery was founded in 1917 by Italian immigrant Alfonso Bertero on rich, fertile land that was once part of the Rancho de Solis Mexican land grant. David and Valerie Vanni purchased the winery in 1989 and renamed it Solis Winery. The Vanni’s had a passion for creating extraordinary wines in a friendly, down-to-earth environment. The passion was passed on to their son Michael, his wife Julie as well as their daughter Frankie who are now working together to continue the family tradition of excellence.

Marin Wines

grape cluster - ai pixabay

Natural winegrowing for us means producing the finest quality wines while working in harmony with nature and protecting the health of the earth and its people. As a CCOF - Certified Organic winery, we encourage environmentally friendly practices at many stages, from conserving soils and water, managing pests and using a natural approach in winemaking

Ponte Family Estate Winery

grape cluster

Quality wine begins in the vineyard, and the estate's vineyards are a constant source of pride, concern, and inspiration. Ponte Family Estate Winery cultivates 21 varieties across nearly 300 acres, making their vineyards among the largest in Temecula. The vineyard team diligently stays informed about the latest viticulture techniques and works tirelessly to ensure the grapes thrive year after year, allowing them to deliver the exceptional wines that their guests cherish.

Matson Vineyards

label for winery's Petite Sirah

Matson Vineyards is a family-owned winery located just east of Redding, California. The original vineyard was planted in 1981, and the winery was officially established in 1984. Roger Matson believes in providing high-quality, handcrafted wines at an affordable price. Oscar Matson, the patriarch of Shasta County’s oldest bonded winery, was not always a winemaker. That happened by chance. Before winemaking, he spent several years teaching modern languages—French, German, Spanish, and English and, with his wife Stella, raising a family of four boys. It was a pleasure meet Oscar on my first visit to this little family winery. Today Oscar's son Roger Matson (winemaker/owner) and his winery team make it a treat to visit. Lynette Shaw is the Manager at Matson Vineryards and Mike and Jessica Bettes can be found in the tasting room pouring some of Roger's wonderful creations. Be sure to try Tango a bold and full bodied wine and there is a list of others to please your palate.*

Hours:

Mon-Thurs Closed
Fri -  1:00PM-6:00PM
Sat - 1:00PM-6:00PM
Sun -1:00PM-6:00PM

Massocco Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

This place specializes in Zins and they make it very well here. It's actually on the jammier fruit forward side rather than the peppery notes of some zins you may have but it was very good. Enjoyed their white wines as well. There was only two that they make I believe and even the rose was pretty good.

Redmon Family Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

From the very beginning, Redmon Wines made a steadfast commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, with no shortcuts taken.

Located in St. Helena, CA, Redmon Wines is a family-owned winery with deep roots in the Napa Valley that span nearly 50 years. With over two decades of winemaking expertise, the winery’s small production wines have earned a reputation as some of the finest in the region. Visitors are warmly welcomed to explore the exceptional offerings of Redmon Wines.

The winery's small scale enables them to form genuine connections with their customers. They take great pleasure in sharing their story with newcomers and learning about the experiences that led them to Redmon Wines. Together, they build lasting friendships and expand the Redmon wine family.

Redmon Wines’ approach to winemaking involves French oak barrels, premier vineyards, and meticulous practices, ensuring that every bottle is a truly handcrafted product. Lisa Redmon, the driving force behind Redmon Wines, is originally from the close-knit community of Saint Helena, California, and her journey in the wine industry is deeply rooted in her upbringing.

In the early 1970s, Lisa’s family moved to Saint Helena and purchased the local A&W Restaurant, which they operated for 35 years. Growing up in this hardworking environment, Lisa Redmon developed a strong work ethic and dedication from an early age.

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyard

grape clusters - Pixabay

Richard Sanford came to the Santa Ynez Valley 40 years ago with the desire to create wines that would rival the best of France. First to recognize the potential of the Santa Rita Hills, now an officially accredited American Viticultural Area as Sta. Rita Hills, and first to plant Pinot Noir vines there, Richard is a pioneer with a well established reputation for excellence in winemaking.With over 100 acres of certified organic vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards focuses on continued excellence in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir - Vin Gris (a dry rosé). All wines are food friendly and display the high acid, and extraordinary balance for which Richard Sanford’s wines have been known since 1976.

BK Cellars

BK Cellars logo

BK Cellars is a unique urban winery in Escondido. Here you can enjoy aiir conditioned, crystal chandelier tasing lounge. Enjoy the wide selection and flights of 5 or 6 of their wines. Feel free to bring along a few snacks to enjoyr with your tasting.

Miner Family Vineyards

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Location: A delightful tasting facility perched on the hillside that feels spacious and has a great view. Service: Knowledgeable and friendly staff, although this is hit and miss. The first gentleman who poured for us was very helpful, but then a brusque lady came along and stole our spit bucket that we were using and gave it to the couple she was attending. Wines: We had a $25 flight of 5 wines that came with the flexibility to pick any combination of the wines they were pouring. Miner does not produce estate wines and their grapes are sourced from third party vineyards. It was fun to compare the difference between the two styles of Chardonnay, one of which (2008 Chardonnay, "Wild Yeast") received more oak aging & malolactic fermentation % than the other (2010 Chardonnay, "Napa Valley").

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