Grenache

Grenache

Circle B Wines

Painting by Agata Zaborowski women enjoying wine

Clara and Steve’s journey into winemaking began after retiring from their long careers in construction management and law enforcement. Eager to leave the hustle and bustle of Southern California behind, they set their sights on Paso Robles, seeking a slower pace where they could enjoy each other’s company. In 2012, they moved into a beautiful home on a 5-acre property, an ideal setting for a peaceful vineyard with breathtaking views.

Their first half-acre of 600 head-trained Grenache vines was planted in June 2012, marking the beginning of their adventure. With 3 ½ acres still untouched, they expanded in 2014, planting Tempranillo, Grenache, Carignane, and Tannat vines to complete their vision. Initially, they believed they would sell most of the grapes, make a small amount of wine, and enjoy the country life. However, they soon realized they had "retired" to an even more demanding job—farming! Managing four acres with 3,900 vines required patience, stamina, scientific know-how, and instinct.

The next logical step was to learn how to make wine and communicate with potential grape buyers. They quickly sourced grapes from friends, producing Circle B’s first wines, which went on to win home winemaking awards. In 2016, Circle B Vineyards & Cellars officially entered the market with their first releases: the 2013 Petite Sirah, 2013 Syrah, and 2015 Rosé de Garnacha, officially becoming a licensed vineyard and winery.

McKahn Family Cellars

Grape Crossing Sign

McKahn Family Cellars the winemaker Charles McKahn took up working with wines at the age of 15 years old. Charles mother worked in the export department of a well know LIvermore winery Wente Vineyards when he was very young and his mothers work there made an impression on him. Winemaking seemed like an interesting career although he wouldn't be old enough to legally comsume it for a number of more years. Charles learned winemaking from the gound up. In addition to studying Enology at Cal Poly he did his fair share of blue collar work and he learned craft that is old and to be respected. McKahn Family Cellars has the word family in it for a reason. Charles, two of his parents and his wife work hard at carry on this family tradition of winemaking. When in Livermore Wine Country be sure to stop in and try their wonderful wines their Syrah being their flagship wine. 

Hours:

Fri-      12:00 to 5:00pm
Sat-      12:00 to 5:00pm
Sun-     12:00 to 5:00pm
Also by appointment

Wente Vineyards

grapes - Pixabay

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.

Europa Village

people sharing wine

Europa Village winery is very charming and beautifully landscaped with indoor tasting bar, outdoor seating. Touring the winery is as much fun as tasting their exceptional wines. Enter the wrought iron gates into a center courtyard with an Olive tree, surrounded by outdoor seating and statues. Our tour-guide greeted us and gave us a brief overview of the winery. We were encouraged to taste the grapes right off the vine as we went and stopped every so often for a brief informational talk and to fill our glass with a different sample of wine. After the winery tour, we sat in the shaded outdoor seating area for a class about the '5 Essences' of wine tasting and enjoyed more wine tastings and covered basic stuff about wine, bread sticks and a *small* cheese, chocolate, crackers and grape plate that was offered part of the package we purchased. They also have an inn on the property where you can stay if you want. This Temecula winery could make for a nice base if you plan to visit Temecula Wine Country over a weekend. 

Moonstone Cellars

pouring a glass of win e

As often happens with family-run wineries, Moonstone Cellars started in the basement of Todd Clift and his dad Muril. The hobby quickly got out of control and became a full-time passion. This little gem has won about 500 wards for his creations, working with California Coastal Grapes. The tasting room is just blocks from where it all started in Cambria and offers to delight your palate with a lighter style Grenache, a full-bodied Zinfandel, a Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, and a dry Gewurztraminer. You can even reserve a room right above the tasting room to spend the night!  How convenient. There is a little something for everyone at Moonstone Cellars - a great little stop right in the heart of Cambria's West Village.~

Hours:

Mon-     11:00 to 5:00pm
Tues-    11:00 to 5:00pm
Weds-    11:00 to 5:00pm
Thurs-   11:00 to 5:00pm
Fri-        11:00 to 5:00pm
Sat-       11:00 to 5:00pm
Sun-      11:00 to 5:00pm

Jeff Runquist Wines

clusters of grapes

About Jeff Runquist Wines

For the adventurous wine drinker eager to explore the diversity of the wine world, Jeff Runquist Wines offers unique varietals sourced from California’s premier appellations, inspired by the curiosity and passion of the growers and winemakers.

Winemaker Jeff Runquist produces balanced wines that can be enjoyed in their youth while also having the potential to age and develop more complexity over time. His wines feature a consistent theme of fresh fruit, reflecting the inherent varietal flavors of the grapes. Jeff sources grapes from various regions across California, with plans to crush over twenty different varieties from nine different appellations for the 2013 vintage. While most wines are produced in small, limited quantities, four principal wines are consistently available throughout the year: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Petit Verdot.

Jeff selects grapes from vineyards that yield rich, full flavors without excessive astringent tannins. He has a preference for wines that are vibrant and zesty. "Once I release a new vintage, I rarely revisit the previous year's wine. My father appreciates that; it means more older wines for him," Jeff notes.

His journey in the wine industry began in 1977 when he interned with Seagrams at their Paul Masson Sherry Cellars in Madera while studying enology at UC Davis. After graduating in 1980, he worked in the cellar at Montevina in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley, where he was promoted to winemaker in 1982. Following a three-year tenure at the Napa Valley Cooperative Winery from 1987 to 1990, Jeff became the winemaker for J. Lohr winery in San Jose. It was during his time at J. Lohr that he realized he needed to create wine under his own label.

In 1995, Jeff crushed ten tons of Zinfandel from the Massoni Ranch in Amador’s Shenandoah Valley, and on April 1, 1997, he released 700 cases of that Zinfandel under his own name. In 1996 and 1997, he produced his wines at Sycamore Creek Winery in Morgan Hill, followed by a stint at McManis Family Vineyard Winery in Ripon from 1998 through the 2010 vintage. In 2006, he returned to Amador County after purchasing a small five-acre walnut orchard on Shenandoah Road. In the spring of 2008, Jeff and Margie opened their tasting room, and production facilities followed, allowing Jeff to crush the majority of their production in Amador starting in 2011.

Photo courtesy photographer Randy Caparoso

Tercero Wines

Tercero Wines Santa Barbara County

tercero wines is the brainchild of Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker. He began the brand shortly after graduating with his Masters Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis – but this was well after he had completely switched directions in life and charted a new and exciting path.

Larry started his college career at UC Davis as an undergraduate, but had no interest in wine. The idea of getting into wine was something he had considered in the past – but more on the sales and marketing side because of his background. After graduating with his degree, he joined the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he stayed for nearly a decade before it was time to branch off and concentrate 100% on his own brand – and he could not be happier today.

Larry is adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. Visit his tasting room or follow him on social media to see for yourself.

Cante Ao Vinho

grapes

Cante Ao Vinho is Portuguese for "Sing to the wine" since we love to play beautiful music as we make our wine. Cante Ao Vinho is located just outside the city of Wheatland California, near Camp Far West Lake and Beal Air Force Base

Wilderotter Vineyard & Winery

wine grapes

In June 2023, Teneral Cellars acquired Wilderotter Vineyard, establishing a new home to share our passion for wine, community, and a sense of place. Thus, Teneral Cellars at Wilderotter Vineyard was born! Our 40-acre estate, nestled in the heart of the Sierra Foothills AVA in Plymouth, CA, Amador County, offers stunning scenery, outdoor seating perfect for picnics, and an exceptional bottle of wine. Our beautiful tasting room boasts a wonderful selection of wines. White wine enthusiasts will delight in our viognier, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay, while red wine lovers can savor our tempranillo, barbera, syrah, mourvedre, and zinfandel.

Foxen Vineyard

grape cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

The Foxen Boys (aka Bill Wathen and Dick Doré) have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic on Foxen Canyon Road.

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