Our family established Miramont Estate Vineyards. Nestled in the Sierra foothills, our vineyard and boutique winery are located in the Lodi appellation in California. Our Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes thrive in the Mediterranean climate where they are bathed in golden sunlight, caressed nightly by cool Pacific breezes, and then harvested under starlight to protect their luscious flavor at its peak.
Bernardus Winery, founded by the well-traveled and discerning Bernardus (Ben) Pon, is situated in the picturesque Carmel Valley. Pon could have chosen any location worldwide for his namesake winery, yet he selected Carmel Valley for its ideal west-facing orientation, warm days, cool nights, and breathtaking scenery. He was confident that this unique environment would allow his vineyards to produce wines that could compete with the finest globally. Over 25 years later, Pon achieved this goal with his acclaimed estate Bordeaux blend, Marinus, named after his middle name, as well as a distinguished collection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Nearly two decades ago, Pon also anticipated the needs of wine enthusiasts by opening the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. He transformed the former Bank of America building into a welcoming space for wine tasting and education. Today, the Village hosts over 20 tasting rooms, with the Bernardus Tasting Room offering not only exceptional wines but also a charming outdoor patio, a private room for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.
Following Ben Pon’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery continues under the leadership of his business partner, Robert van der Wallen. A fellow Dutchman and advocate for quality, van der Wallen shares Pon’s vision and commitment to maintaining the winery's high standards. He has also founded Bernardus Golf reflecting the same emphasis on innovation and excellence as Pon’s legacy. With a passion for fine art, golf, and wine, van der Wallen is dedicated to advancing the Bernardus legacy for years to come.
Meridian is the leading winery in California's Central Cost, yielding exceptional varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Website was under being worked on at the time of this post.
Maple Creek Winery, Ranch and Vineyards is the dream of Vintner's Tom Rodrigues and Linda Stutz. Tom and Linda work to combine their passions of Art and Wine. Maple Creek Ranch boasts 180 acres, 7 springs, natural gardens and fruit orchards. We have edible mushrooms and wild boar and wildlife and an abundance of fresh food and water on this land. Creek Winery is "off the beaten path" situated 1/2 mile up a paved road. It is a beautiful drive past the vineyards and into the hills of Southern Mendocino. The tasting room is open daily from 10:30-5, although during the winter, the hours may be shortened. It is possible that if you arrive in the winter months, you may see a "honk for wine" sign. If that's the case, Tom or Linda will arrive shortly to open for your private tasting.
This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.
Hafner Vineyard is a small family winery tucked away in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. For 30 years we have been making Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay only from grapes grown at our winery. Wines are sold directly to patrons and to leading California restaurants, but not in any stores.
Our guide, Aida, was very welcoming, non-pretentious, and warm. She poured generously for our tasting and provided us with detailed history of the vineyard, and the couple that started it all. Still owned by the original family, this winery is beautiful, rustic, and definitely a place to stop by for good wine and some wonderful scenery. Make an appointment even if it's the same day.
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.
Magito Wines are created to reflect the Spirit of the Magi, an ancient tribe that was revered for sharing their cultural heritage. Magito (muh-GEE-toe) means to give, to share, and to enjoy with friends. Magito Wines' specialty is blending grape varietals from great vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and other California wine country regions. Producing an affordable and tasty Zinfindel blend.
Papapietro Perry Winery specializes in small lots of handcrafted, single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Zinfandel produced from the finest grapes the Russian River, Anderson and Dry Creek Valleys have to offer.
