Our passion at Great Bear Vineyards is to grow the highest quality grapes and to make superb wines. We are a family-run vineyard and winery.

Great Bear Vineyards is the culmination of the Meadows-Smith family’s dream to create world-class wines to share with friends, family and our community.

We proudly tend our vines by hand using sustainable farming practices, working in harmony with nature. Our winemakers, Jenny and Marcus, craft small lots of award-winning wines from our premium grape

Wine and horses, it just doesn't get any better! One feels immediately at home with the owners; Jim & Susan who have made Rust Ridge a World Class Winery, Bed and Breakfast hosting travelers from around the world, and they manage to raise & train first rate Thoroughbreds as well!

The grapevines were planted in the mid-1970s with a variety of varietals, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The winery was established by Susan’s brothers in 1985 and is situated in a renovated cattle barn. Winemaker Susan Meyer and her husband, Jim Fresquez, assumed control of the operation in 1990.

For over 21 years, the legendary winemaker Kent Rosenblum collaborated with Susan to craft the estate-bottled wines produced by RustRidge. The vineyard practices organic cultivation and dry farming. Susan uses the estate's grapes to produce RustRidge’s range of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

The distinctive microclimate of the Chiles Valley, located about 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor, plays a crucial role in the character of RustRidge wines. The daytime climate in this region is comparable to that of the Oakville and Rutherford areas; however, nighttime temperatures are several degrees cooler. This cooler nighttime temperature and higher elevation delay bud-break, which occurs two to three weeks later than in the rest of Napa Valley. Consequently, the grapes are harvested later than those from most other Napa Valley vineyards, contributing to the unique flavor and quality of the wines. The red wines are characterized by notes of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, while the white wines exhibit distinct flavors and aromas of green apple, ripe pear, pineapple, and citrus.

This winery is fun! They're only open the third weekend of the month. Tucked away down Redwood Retreat Road about 3.5 miles from Watsonville Road, the drive to get here is truly spectacular. They are only open the third weekend of each month and passport weekends. They ask that you sign in and they then give you name tags with your first name on it. The staff was friendly and the owners Therese and Dan were walking around greeting people. Dan and Therese Martin clearly have a passion for making great wine. They have scores of awards for their wine but that's not what they lead with. Their tasting room is welcoming and intimate. The vibe is comfortable and engaging. Martin Ranch produces a variety of wines from Chardonnay to Cab Franc, Sauvignon Blanc to Sangiovese.

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.