Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Cockerel Family Wine Estates

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It began as a dream to produce a superb Sauvignon Blanc in the Napa Valley modeled on the best traditions of the incredible Bordeaux blancs of France. In 2005 we were fortunate to locate a beautiful estate vineyard in Calistoga which was planted over 50 years ago on St. George rootstock. Back dropped by the Palisades, the old vines thrive in this dry-farmed vineyard which has deep soil that is well suited to growing Sauvignon Blanc. The result -- our first estate grown wine Terroir Coquerel, followed by Le Petit Coquerel, and in 2008 Cockerel Family estate grown late harvest Sauvignon Blanc, La Douce Revanche. Each wine is distinctive and delicious, reflecting individually the terroir of their original Calistoga vineyard and of the elegant flavors unique to Sauvignon Blanc.

The Cockerel Family's vineyards and winemaking operations are centered around their estate vineyard, "Walnut Wash," located in the afternoon shadows of the Mayacamas Mountains at the northern end of Napa Valley, within the Calistoga AVA. This site benefits from a warm and protected environment, with a mix of deep clay and stony soils. The vineyard currently encompasses seven acres planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Petite Sirah, and Tempranillo. In 2014, four additional acres were planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the stewardship of winemaker Christine Barbe, the vineyard is meticulously managed to achieve low yields and high quality, resulting in exceptional fruit each vintage due to the unique conditions and favorable terroir.

In the realm of winemaking, Christine Barbe has significantly influenced the quality and style of Coquerel wines. Each bottling is crafted by hand in small lots to ensure character and authenticity. The white wines are noted for their brightness, crispness, elegance, and structure, while the reds are characterized by their intensity, aroma, harmony, and lushness. Complexity, concentration, balance, and minerality are the defining features of their wines.

Obrien Estate

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Bart and Barb Obrian's property is a 33 acres of vineyards, a bonded winery, and their home. When you visit, you will be treated to an intimate experience in their backyard sitting at picnic tables under oak trees. Tour and Tasting – a 60 minute tour and tasting experience. Your tour starts outside at a picnic table overlooking hundreds of acres of vineyards. Then you will visit the main fermentation and barrel storage room of the winery and learn about how wine is fermented in our 500 to 3,000 gallon stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels. Your tour will conclude in our bottling line room, where you can see thecrusher/de-stemmer, must pump, and bottling line. $20 per person; fee waved with the purchase of 1 bottle of wine per person or wine club signup per couple.

School House Vineyard

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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.

Emerald Creek Winery

Winery Logo

Emerald Creek Winery is located in Warner Springs on the North slope of Palomar Mountain of San Diego County. The elevation at the winery is at 2,400 ft. from sea level. This area has a unique micro-weather system. The weather at this elevation from April to October is ideal for grape growing. Daytime temperatures are warm and nighttime temperatures are cool. The soil is made from mainly decomposed granite ideal for grapes. At Emerald Creek Winery, we are committed to creating award-winning wines.

Bella Vista Winery

people sharing wine

The vines were planted in 1968 of which 5 acres of the original acres are still producing adjacent to the winery which was built in 1978. The Owner, Imre Cziraki began making wine at the age of 7 with his grandfather. Today the winery produces 19,000 cases each year with its own estate fruit and an additonal 20% fruit sourced for other Temecula vineyards. Enjoy Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Temparanillo White Cabernet and more. Tastings are $12 plus tax or $15 with logo wine glass

Frog's Leap Winery

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Located in Rutherford at the heart of Napa Valley, Frog’s Leap was founded by John Williams in 1981 and is renowned for its commitment to farming. The winery has been certified organic since 1989 and has practiced dry farming since its inception. After forty years, the Williams family and their team continue to receive accolades for Frog’s Leap’s signature style: wines characterized by balance, restraint, and a profound respect for the natural expression of the vine. The estate features the historic Red Barn, constructed in 1884, along with certified organic culinary gardens and fruit orchards. Visitors are invited to experience the winery’s rich history, much of which is true, through engaging stories shared by the Wine Specialist team.

Appointments are necessary for all visits, including same-day reservations. Walk-ins are accommodated by making a same-day reservation online or in-person at the host stand.

Kongsgaard Wine

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I generally prefer the Chardonnay production of the French in Burgundy but Kongsgaard is legendary in here for a reason. It bridges the styles of your American oak-ey/buttery styles with the mineral, citrus and complexities. One of the best California Chards. Kongsgaard Wine is closed to the public and sold to members only and in some fine dinning establishments.

Wente Vineyards

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Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf.

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