Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Failla Wines

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Although Failla (pronounced FAY-LA) has a relatively brief history, it is marked by complexity. The first vintage release, under the name Failla-Jordan, was in 1998. That year, Failla debuted its Alban Vineyard Viognier from Edna Valley and Que Syrah Syrah from Sonoma Coast, while simultaneously planting the initial blocks at their Estate Vineyard in Cazadero. The first Estate releases would not emerge for several more years.

Ehren Jordan, the founder, has a passion for experimenting with his favorite varietals, exploring their diverse expressions across different climates—cool, cooler, and coolest—as well as varying soil types and rootstocks.

In 1998, Failla acquired a parcel adjacent to an earlier purchase and planted it with five acres of rootstock in 2002, later grafting Pinot Noir clones the following year. Ehren's viticultural training in France profoundly influences his farming and winemaking decisions. Today, Failla’s eleven acres of Estate vineyards produce Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir that embody the essence of California’s coolest regions.

After honing his skills with Pinot Noir from Keefer Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley in 1999, Ehren sought out unique, cool-climate Pinot Noir sources to fuel his ongoing experimentation and passion.

Spelletich Cellars

wine pouring into glass - Pixabay

Spelletich Family Winery . started with the 1994 harvest in Napa Valley. The first wines produced by winemaker Barb Spelletich, were Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Bodog Red, a blend. With minimal intervention, the Spelletich family – Barb, Timothy, and Kristen -- rely upon its secret weapon: Barb's palate.In 2012, The Spelletich Family Wine Company is united by four brands – Spelletich Cellars, SPELLwine, 3 SPELLS, and Crush 94. Spelletich Cellars produces about 3,000 cases per year made from grapes sourced from some of the finest Napa Valley vineyards. Kristen and Vanessa are so accommodating and helpful that it is impossible not to like what Spelletich Cellars has to offer. For a slice of the Napa Valley without any of the pretense you are likely to find in many of the Valley's high-end tasting rooms, you really couldn't do any better. Great value, great service and a personal touch drawn from years of hard work.

Shafer Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

Tasting visits are available by prior appointment from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Three distinct experiences are offered for guests' enjoyment: The Terrace View Tasting, The Private Collectors Experience, and The Hillside Select Experience.

The Terrace View Tasting
The Terrace View Tasting provides an opportunity to take in the stunning sights of the surrounding hillside vineyards and the breathtaking views of Napa Valley and the Stags Leap District. Guests can enjoy a relaxing session featuring Shafer’s current releases, including Hillside Select, paired with a selection of cheese and charcuterie.

The Private Collectors Experience
Hosted in Shafer’s distinguished private tasting salon or private vineyard suite, The Private Collectors Experience includes a comprehensive lineup of current wines, alongside a library vintage of Hillside Select. This experience is enhanced with an elevated selection of cheese and charcuterie.

The Hillside Select Experience
The Hillside Select Experience is the winery’s most luxurious offering, focusing exclusively on Hillside Select. The visit begins with Billecart Salmon Champagne and Regiis Ova caviar, followed by a private tour of the estate in a Polaris Ranger vehicle. Guests will taste the current vintage of Hillside Select in the heart of the vineyard with panoramic views of the Stags Leap District. The experience concludes with a private seated tasting of three rare library selections of Hillside Select, showcasing Shafer’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon at 5+, 10+, and 20+ years of age.

Diatom Wines

wine drop in the glass - Pixabay

Winemaker Greg Brewer’s primary goal is to capture and convey the essence of the sustainably farmed estate vineyards with clarity and honesty. He believes that each winery should reflect its unique style while embracing the transparency of their specific appellations.

"This objective aims to provide the most authentic voice of our estates," Brewer explains. "While the three labels bear my name, the final product is truly a testament to our entire team. Their dedication to every aspect of the process informs, motivates, and inspires our work."

As both the winemaker and founder, Greg Brewer emphasizes the collaborative spirit that drives the winery's success.

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Pina Napa Valley

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Definitely one of those places we would miss if it wasn't for recommendations from others we meet along the way. We entered the small tasting room and walked up to the tasting counter. There were wine barrels all around and two guys manning the counter. The one who helped us out was very welcoming and gave us some nice history on Pina. They are known/applauded for their cabs.We got to taste about 5 cabs, a port and a late harvest chard.. Wow, what an experience!. Where else can you sample 90+ rated cabs for no extra "reserve" fee? Left with a bottle of the Howell Mountain cab and the intrguing late harvest chard. Wonderful, relaxing experience in a very unpretentious setting.

Ramona Ranch Winery

one of the winery's wine labels

Sample handcrafted wines made with grapes from the beautiful vineyards of San Diego County at Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery located in the heart of the Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA). Taste award winning reds, a dry rose and interesting whites in our quaint tasting room or on our lovely view tasting terrace, often along with artisan cheese samples. Family owners/wine-makers Micole Moore and Teri Kerns focus on vineyard specific, single varietal wines like their Double-Gold Estate Tannat, Paccielo Reserve Sangiovese and smooth drinking Cadillac Cab. White wines include a dry Muscat, Viognier and a newly released Dessert wine called “Indulgence,” made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Cuvaison Estate Wines

grape cluster - Pixabay

They have a simple tasting room with seats and tables outside facing the vineyards. If the weather is lovely definitely opt for sitting outside! I came here for a girl's wine tasting day. Our wine guide was nice and friendly, he was nice enough to give us two extra tastings. We sat outside and admired the pretty vineyards wine sipping our wine. We got three tastings and just split among the five of us. My favorite was the chardonnay, nice and light and as our wine guide said "can go with anything." Great winery with nice staff. If you're around this area, definitely stop by.

J Wine Company

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

A classy place to taste the bubbly, sample super-gourmet treats, take a tour, or join a class, J specializes in sparkling wine and has a dazzling showroom for visitors. Check out the gardens, drink in the view, and be ready for plenty of tiny bubbles.

Bent Creek Winery

grape cluster - pixabay

For those who cherish California wines and the experience of visiting its picturesque wineries, the story of Bent Creek Winery is truly inspiring. In 1981, Tom Heineman and his wife, Pat, fulfilled their dream of land ownership by purchasing 12 acres in Livermore, CA, with the intention of cultivating grapes for local wineries. Their journey began with viticulture classes at UC Davis, leading to the establishment of Bent Creek Vineyard.

After several years of selling their grapes to Livermore wineries, Tom and Pat teamed up with friends Rich and Carol Howell to take their passion a step further. The two couples delved into enology at UC Davis, turning their vision into reality by opening Bent Creek Winery in 2002. Their commitment to quality quickly paid off, as they began producing award-winning wines.

At Bent Creek, the owners are hands-on in every aspect of wine production—from nurturing the vines and processing the grapes to welcoming guests in the tasting room. Currently, eight to nine of the original 12 acres are in production, featuring 6,000 thriving vines. The winery proudly produces around 3,500 cases of exceptional wine each year, inviting wine lovers to savor the fruits of their labor.

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars

grape cluster

Stephen Ross's story begins with the "Stephen Ross Dooley wine story" in Minnesota, where in my teenage years curiosity in wine led Stephen to make rhubarb and apple wines in the family basement…

Things progressed on a nice upward trajectory from that point. Curiosity evolved into a passion for winemaking, which led to a degree in Enology from The University of California, Davis;  then 10 years of winemaking (all vinifera from here on out, thankfully) in the Napa Valley, two southern hemisphere harvests, and seven years in the Edna Valley before launching his brand, Stephen Ross.  Paula joined the team soon after Stephen hired their first employee in 2005. A companion brand, Flying Cloud, was launched in 2003. 

Stephen Ross was founded on the principles of working with quality vineyards and hand-crafting the best wines possible from the grapes they yield. 

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