Schug was not on our original list to visit while in Sonoma, but we happened across it and were glad we did! Its down a dirt road and still feels privately owned which is my preference. We were tasting in the patio area / courtyard which was much more open and nicer than the indoor tasting room. Tasting was 10 dollars for 6 wines and the team was knowledgeable and friendly. Schug is known for their Pinots, but I thought their Carneros Cab Sauv was also really great.
Following a lifelong fascination for food and wine, James and Rosalind Manoogian established Fog Crest Vineyard in 1998 in the Russian River Valley area of Sonoma County, California. As a restaurateur in San Francisco, James had had close proximity to the great wine-growing regions surrounding the city, and it allowed he and his wife to become knowledgeable about wine, how it accompanied fine dining, and where each varietal excelled locally. Today, Fog Crest Vineyard produces less than 2,500 cases annually of limited production, vineyard-designate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that show off the classic terrior of this small Russian River Valley vineyard.
This isn't your usual winery experience--Cline is surrounded by an impressive property, but this location is also rich with historical relevance. The mission on downtown Sonoma used to actually be located where Cline stands today. The vineyard was cute and cosy. IHas picnic tables in the front lawn laid out so you can have your own snacks to accompany your bottle of wine after your tasting.
Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease! The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles. If you are serious about your wine, the owners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be. It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*
Hours:
Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM
LaRocca Vineyards was born in 1984 when Philip and Judy began farming 110 acres of unkept Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wine grapes, on Doe Mill Ridge in Forest Ranch, California. Philip and Judy transformed the vineyard to a thriving, successful certified organic operation. LaRocca Vineyards is located at 2600 feet elevation on the lower southern slopes of Mount Lassen.
A fun winery to visit during Hopland's Passport event (once in spring and once in fall each year) when it opens up and gives space to local craftspeople. They also make olive oil and process it for others. Fourth generation Mendocino wine family - these people know what they are doing.
Although Caddis is new it is quickly becoming one of my favorite wineries in Livermore. The winemaker Chris has had years if experience in the Livermore Valley and it shows in his wines. It's no surprise the Caddis took home a number of Chronicle wine awards, their wines is phenomenal! Caddis is located next to Wood Family and are only open a select amount of days throughout the year. Just a quick update. Caddis Wines now has two locations, in Livermore and Sonoma.
Caddis Sonoma Plaza
Guests are invited to enjoy a tasting of small lot wines from Sonoma County and the Livermore Valley. Caddis Sonoma Plaza is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on occasion. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended. Parties are limited to a maximum of 8 guests.
Caddis Livermore
Currently, Caddis Livermore is open for public tastings on 7 weekends each year. For more details on tastings and openings throughout the year, visitors should check the Special Events tab. Any questions can be directed to (707) 931-6939.
Read our guide to Livermore Wines and Wineries
Grape Cluster - Pixabay
Novy Cellars is owned by Adam & Dianna Lee (of Siduri Wines) and Dianna’s family (her parents, Adolph & Rose Marie Novy, and her brothers and sisters-in-law, David & Angela, Bryan & Kathy, and Steven & Marie Novy).
Stop by this charming boutique off the beaten path in downtown Napa for a wonderfully personalized experience! The wines are delicious, the atmosphere is casual but trendy, and they have a great partnership with the Michelin rated restaurant next door- you can skip the line there and have a plate delivered right to the tasting room! Definitely worth a visit.
Hit the tasting room in Los Olivos for an afternoon of Pinot drinking. Staff very friendly and fun to taste with. Pinot is solid and enjoyable. This place is nearby several tasting rooms. Upon entering, it was calm and quiet. Since it was a weekday, it was a much different ambiance from the busy weekends as mentioned by the staff. The tasting included three whites and three reds. It was three chardonnays, two pinot noirs, and one syrah.
