Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Oak Ridge Winery

cluster of grapes

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.

Rust Ridge Winery

wine by the fireplace - Pixabay

Wine and horses, it just doesn't get any better! One feels immediately at home with the owners; Jim & Susan who have made Rust Ridge a World Class Winery, Bed and Breakfast hosting travelers from around the world, and they manage to raise & train first rate Thoroughbreds as well!

The grapevines were planted in the mid-1970s with a variety of varietals, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The winery was established by Susan’s brothers in 1985 and is situated in a renovated cattle barn. Winemaker Susan Meyer and her husband, Jim Fresquez, assumed control of the operation in 1990.

For over 21 years, the legendary winemaker Kent Rosenblum collaborated with Susan to craft the estate-bottled wines produced by RustRidge. The vineyard practices organic cultivation and dry farming. Susan uses the estate's grapes to produce RustRidge’s range of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

The distinctive microclimate of the Chiles Valley, located about 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor, plays a crucial role in the character of RustRidge wines. The daytime climate in this region is comparable to that of the Oakville and Rutherford areas; however, nighttime temperatures are several degrees cooler. This cooler nighttime temperature and higher elevation delay bud-break, which occurs two to three weeks later than in the rest of Napa Valley. Consequently, the grapes are harvested later than those from most other Napa Valley vineyards, contributing to the unique flavor and quality of the wines. The red wines are characterized by notes of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, while the white wines exhibit distinct flavors and aromas of green apple, ripe pear, pineapple, and citrus.

Scherrer Winery

barrel rooom - Pixabay

“In the mid-1970’s, due to a normal teenage interest in alcoholic beverages, my family allowed me to make some wine from the family vineyard and beer at home (under adult supervision, of course).
This led to a UC Davis degree as well as concurrent work at a local winery doing the dirtiest and most menial jobs imaginable. In the mid-1980’s good friends at Duxoup Wine Works (think Marx Brothers for the pronunciation) inspired me to try my hand at my own label so I negotiated cellar space in lieu of a raise by my then-current employer, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards in Anderson Valley (I got a raise anyway). Greenwood Ridge was supportive of my project and decided to have some Scherrer Zinfandel produced for their label as well. Unfortunately, I had a poor business plan and during the first year I realized I was not yet ready for this project. Greenwood Ridge continued to make a small amount of Scherrer Vineyard Zinfandel for many years.

Enter Dehlinger Winery in the late 1980’s. Tom Dehlinger was very supportive of my long-term plans and challenged me to develop a solid business plan, facilitating an important entry into my own project. In return, his winery received my heart and soul for a decade. The final key element in our getting started was from my parents. They allowed me to delay paying them for their fine grapes until we began getting cash flow from our wine sales. By 1997, we were ready to make the move to a facility of our own. In anticipation of this, we were able to add Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to supplement the Zinfandel we were producing, all from my father’s vineyard in Alexander Valley. Tom Dehlinger supported this transition of my focus, allowing me to produce these additional wines in his facility and we parted very amicably after that vintage.

School House Vineyard

wine barrels all stacked up - Pixabay

John and Mancy now offer 4 wines: Chardonnay Pinot noir Zinfandel Mescalanza (a blend) Syrah Mescalanza ( a blend ) All 4 are great. You will be tasting at their house, by appointment only. It is a wonderful intimate experience. The Pinot is amazing.

Baily WInery

people sharing wine

Decor at Baily Winery is fun with an amusing assortment of gargoyle and medieval statuary scattered about the very pleasant grounds. We ate on the lovely patio (Carols) with refreshing breezes and the sounds of wind chimes. It was a spectacularly sparkling day and the patio was just delightful.

All of the wines are crafted from grapes grown in the estate vineyards by Winemaker Phil Baily at a state-of-the-art production facility. Specializing in Bordeaux varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon—Baily's red wines are renowned for their smoothness and expressive varietal character. This is achieved by aging the wines in barrels for 24 to 30 months, significantly longer than the typical industry standard of 12 to 18 months. Baily's white wines are celebrated for their crisp, clean freshness and distinctive aromas. The consistency of the wines, honed over more than twenty years of production from the same vineyards, is a quality that few wineries in the region can match.

Additionally, all of Baily's wines are sealed with Nomacorc®, a synthetic cork that offers the benefits of natural cork while eliminating the risk of tainted wines or bottle-to-bottle variation.

Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

The Room, not to be confused with their Estate a few minutes away, is super modern. This is where you want to go if you want a quick stop. If you want to tour/cave experience, take the extra time to go to the estate. If you're your timing is right, you may even get to pipette from the barrel! The Estate:1978 West Zinfandel Lane No Appointment required The Room: 677 St Helena Highway (Highway 29) By Appointment

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.

Chamisal Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

You will find just outside San Luis Obispo on California's stunning Central Coast, Chamisal Vineyards holds a special place in the heart of wine lovers. Established in 1973, it was the first vineyard to plant in what would become the Edna Valley AVA. Specializing in the beloved Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Chamisal Vineyards crafts wines that beautifully reflect the wild and breathtaking landscapes of this unique region, all from their enchanting 82-acre estate.

Chamisal has gained a reputation as one of the premier producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Central Coast. The estate features 82 acres of vines, thriving in three distinct soil types: Chamise Shaly Loam, Tierra Sandy Loam, and Salinas Clay Loam. Just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, this vineyard benefits from one of the coolest climates in the wine world. The maritime breezes help create a long, temperate growing season, giving grapes ample time to develop rich, complex flavors while retaining that refreshing coastal crispness that wine enthusiasts adore.

Every vintage at Chamisal is a testament to patience and evolution. The winemaking team is always learning and adapting, fine-tuning their methods to bring out the very best in each bottle. It's a delightful dance of experimentation and careful adjustments, with each wine a step closer to capturing the vineyard's fullest expression.

As for the Edna Valley itself, its east-west orientation and proximity to the Pacific make it one of California's coolest appellations. This cooler climate allows grapes like Chardonnay to bask on the vine for weeks longer than those in warmer regions, resulting in wines bursting with deep, rich flavors and remarkable fruit intensity.

At the helm of Chamisal's winemaking is the talented Brianne Engles. Growing up in the charming seaside town of Pacific Grove, California, she got her first taste of the wine world while working at a high-end restaurant at just 15 years old. Her journey led her to Cal Poly State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Wine and Viticulture, along with a Level 3 Advanced Certification from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

With 17 years of experience under her belt, Brianne has honed her skills at renowned wineries such as Two Hands in South Australia, Duckhorn and Quintessa in Napa Valley, and Adelaida Cellars in Paso Robles. Now at Chamisal Vineyards, she passionately honors the terroir of the grapes, striving to encapsulate the essence of the Central Coast's sunshine, soil, and each vintage's unique character. When she’s not in the winery, you can find her exploring local farmers markets, cooking up a feast for friends, hiking up scenic trails, or soaking up the sun at the beach. Cheers to the vibrant world of Chamisal Vineyards!

 

 

Napa Wine Company

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Great place to taste a lot of boutique wines. Friendly knowledgable staff. Great spot to taste a broad variety of wines from a number of wineries and winemakers! It's a custom crush facility, so a whole array of wines are represented and the tasting menu changes regularly. Pahlmeyer, Blackbird, Ghost Block and more are poured here. It's rather like Ma(i)sonry in Yountville, but without the art. Michael Pozzan's wines are always tasty and very affordable. Rob Lawson's Pavi wines and Fisticuffs also offer high quality at a very reasonable price. Definitely worth a stop to get some variety.

Woof 'n Rose Winery

Logo for Woof'n Rose Winery

Woof ’n Rose Winery, owned by Stephen and Marilyn Kahle, is a small family operated Boutique winery on a north-facing hillside overlooking the beautiful Ramona Valley. We make only red wines made exclusively from Ramona Valley grapes, mostly using our eight estate grown varietals – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Grenache Noir, Montepulciano, and Alicante Bouschet (a very unique varietal). Relax on our outdoor dog and rose themed tasting veranda, view the vineyards and surrounding mountains and valley, and chat with the owners and operators; all while enjoying our current releases, many of which have been medalists at international wine competitions. For the enjoyment of the white wine only aficionado we normally offer a by the glass option from other sources.

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