Tom and Mary Stubbs fell in love with West Marin long before they planted their first vines. The fog-shrouded vales just inland from Tomales Bay on their 600 acres are quite similar in climate to that of some major grape-growing areas nearby: Napa's Carneros region, the Sonoma Coast, and the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County.
The winery’s 40 acres of prime vineyards are located in the Fair Play Appellation which has an average elevation of 2500 feet and a soil composition of decomposed granite. The grape growing sites in this vineyard were chosen to bring out the best quality in each varietal and all of the vines are pruned by hand.Perry Creek’s diverse winemaking team of Garrett Buckland, Stefan Tscheppe and Scott Johnson combine experience from Napa, Austria and the Sierra Foothills. They share a vineyard driven approach, developing a personality and character for each wine they produce.
Great wines. Immaculate grounds. Great wines. Affable, extremely knowledgeable, and unpretentious tour guide. Unbelievably awesome garage housing Rolls Royces, Ferraris, Bentleys, a Shelby Mustang, and a Formula One car.
This small family winery is spectacular! The love and care that goes into producing a bottle of pinot is a testament to the pride that the owners have for this vineyard which has been in the family since 1938. Bravo!!Their vineyard is in Rutherford and they only make two wines, a Pinot Noir (yes a Pinot Noir) and a Chardonnay. These are both serious, and not inexpensive wines. That said, they are elegant, have wonderful cherry and raspberry flavors and will reward cellaring. I am a big Russian River Pinot fan, but these are very nice wines. Worth seeking out. Can't wait to sip again!
One of the unique aspects of Heritage Oak Winery is that our customers are always invited to enjoy this beautiful piece of land we live on. To make this possible we have developed a hiking trail down to a secluded beach along the Mokelumne River where you can enjoy a quiet picnic.
Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery is one of the closest, if not the closest winery to the ocean in all of California. From the vineyard you can see the breaking surf and the misty silhouettes of Bodega Head and Pt. Reyes far below. The vineyard’s high elevation above the coastal fog and its proximity to the ocean provide a gentle, sunny and temperate climate that has proved to be very favorable for the slow and even ripening of Burgundian varietals.
“What the heck are people doing growing grapes and making wine from way out on a ridge top above the cold Pacific Ocean? I mean, it is remote. And mountainous. And, frankly, the weather can be a little inhospitable at times.” The quick answer goes something like – this is where our research and luck led us. The longer answer follows.....
Today's wine tasting tour began at 1:00. Rob was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. The underground cave is a wonderful experience. There is even an underground waterfall & an underground creek! At the end of the tour you sit in a tasting room with one of the best Brie as well as Goat cheese plates and plain crackers that we have ever had. 6 glasses of 6 different wines. You get to experience the change in taste (richer/bolder/smoother) when a glass of wine sits for 10 minutes. Over all experience was excellent.
At Brick Barn Wine Estate, a winemaking philosophy is embraced that is deeply rooted in the character of the estate vineyard and the unique attributes of its location. Guided by the essence of the vineyard, the estate follows non-invasive farming practices, allowing the fruit to express its inherent qualities, resulting in wines of remarkable personality and distinction.
The commitment to the "will of the vineyard" is reflected in the estate’s approach, with minimal interventions, purposeful inputs, and a dedication to showcasing terroir clarity. This philosophy demands constant vigilance both in the vineyard and the cellar, where winemaking practices are adapted to the nuances of each variety and vineyard lot.
Under the discerning guidance of Winemaker Adrian Bolshoi, a diverse array of fermentation and maturation vessels, including neutral oak barrels, new oak barrels, oak puncheons, stainless steel, and concrete, are employed. Each wine undergoes a tailored maceration and fermentation process to accentuate and celebrate its unique characteristics.
Brick Barn Wine Estate’s pursuit of excellence remains unwavering. The team is steadfast in their quest to amplify the voice of each vineyard block, continuously exploring new techniques to honor the terroir’s intention and unlock its boundless potential for greatness.
Adrian Bolshoi, the winemaker at Brick Barn Wine Estate, brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to his craft. Growing up in Moldova, a region known for its wine production, Adrian learned the art of winemaking from his family. Inspired by this heritage, he pursued enology studies at the Polytechnical University of Moldova.
After completing his education, Adrian sought to expand his knowledge of winemaking methods and technologies, immersing himself in New World practices in 2011. Since joining Brick Barn Wine Estate in 2019, Adrian has risen to the position of winemaker. His focus on crafting wines that reflect the essence of each varietal has earned him recognition for his exceptional skill and dedication. For Adrian, winemaking is not just a profession, but a passion deeply rooted in family and tradition.
A.J. Simmons is a small wine company dedicated to making simply great wine. By picking the best grapes from outstanding vineyards in Napa and Sonoma
