Selby Winery Tasting Room is another great tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. The tasting room itself is small and well organized with enough space at the bar for 2-3 small groups. What struck me was the friendliness of the staff and of Susie Selby (the winemaker) herself, who was in the tasting room taking care of some business. The conversation was very comfortable and free flowing and Susie was wonderful. After such a positive initial experience, it was on to the wines, and they did no disappoint.

John Schwaesdall, A San Diego native, started making wine from some of the old vineyards in Ramona that were planted in 1950′s. He since has planted 4 1/2 acres of various red and white wine grapes. The vineyard lies among gigantic granite boulders that are found predominately in the Ramona/Mt. Woodson area of San Diego. These boulders are true natural wonders. One great granite boulder on the property weighs 80 tons and looks just like a cat. Another looks like Moby Dick. John won’t hesitate to show visitors the fantastic natural sculptures on his 6 acres of property.

Dry Creek Vineyard is known for their Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage and, starting with the 1997 vintage, Endeavour Cabernet. Dry Creek Vineyard owns over 185 acres of vineyard land, primarily in the Dry Creek and the Russian River Valleys.

Located in the prestigious Santa Rita Hills appellation, Foley’s beautiful Rancho Santa Rosa property is home to a 3,500 square-foot tasting room and event center. Located next to the iconic 12,000 square-foot winery building, the Hospitality Center affords visitors spectacular vistas of neighboring mountain ranges, coastal oaks and contoured hillside vines.

stablished in 2001, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is a remarkable destination for wine lovers, known for its unique, ultra-cool climate. Located in the westernmost section of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, it lies at the foot of Point Conception, flanked by the Purisima Mountains to the north and the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south. This mountainous terrain forms a significant corridor leading into the Pacific Ocean, influencing the area's climate and terroir.

Wine enthusiasts are drawn to the AVA’s brisk ocean breezes and the late-morning maritime fog that blankets the vineyards, making Sta. Rita Hills one of the coolest growing regions in the world. The varied soil types—including marine sand, loam, clay, and limestone—contribute to the complexity of the wines produced here. Elevations range from near sea level to 1,800 feet, offering diverse microclimates for grape growing.

The region experiences a semi-arid climate, with an average annual rainfall of just 13 inches, primarily occurring between December and May. This allows vintners to extend the “hang time” of the fruit, free from the threat of fall rains that can challenge other Pinot Noir and Chardonnay regions. The extreme conditions, particularly the cold and windy climate, result in low yields, leading to Pinot Noirs with deep color and intense flavor profiles, making Sta. Rita Hills a must-visit for any passionate wine lover.