Grenache

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Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard

Clusters of Chardonnay by photographer Randy Caparoso

Craddled in the breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a true hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. This charming spot began its journey with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, nurturing a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the earth. It all started with horses, then blossomed into an organic vegetable farm, and finally evolved into a flourishing vineyard.

Today, Buttonwood boasts a sun-kissed 42-acre vineyard on the eastern side of its 107-acre property. Since planting its first vines in 1983, the farm has lovingly tended to 38,000 vines—small in the vast wine world but monumental to their passionate team. The tasting room, surrounded by the vibrant bounty of their working farm, is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, vegetables, and, of course, their beloved peaches!

Over the years, Buttonwood has embraced change and innovation, grafting some of their original vines to introduce exciting new varietals. Among the standout additions are the Rhône varieties of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Grenache Blanc, alongside the rich Malbec that complements their red Bordeaux lineup. They’ve also enhanced their white offerings with the Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, adding layers of complexity and aromatic charm. And in 2017, they planted a bit of Chenin Blanc—because let’s face it, outside of the Loire Valley, Santa Barbara County is simply the best place to grow this delightful grape.

For those looking for a unique wine experience, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a must-visit, where sustainable farming meets exceptional wines in the heart of California's wine country. Cheers to the adventures waiting at Buttonwood!

Denner Vineyards & Winery

Corks and glass - Pixabay

The Denner Winery was completed in time for the 2005 harvest. Ron and John believe that great architecture blends with the environment. Denner Winery, therefore is designed to fit into the rolling hills and is complementary to the geography and culture of the Central Coast and the wines they produce.

Prospect 772 Wine Company

grape cluster - Pixabay

Welcome to Prospect 772

Francis Johnson and his wife Kristina recently became the proud new owners of a stunning 25-acre estate in the Sierra Foothills, having purchased this slice of paradise on January 5, 2024. Along with the breathtaking property, they inherited an esteemed line of Rhone wines recognized for their exceptional quality.

Founded in 2001 by Ron Pieretti and Wendy Sandra, Prospect 772 has long been dedicated to producing some of the finest Rhone wines available. As the new stewards of this winery, Francis and Kristina are committed to honoring the legacy established by Ron and Wendy, employing their tried-and-true winemaking techniques to ensure the continued excellence of the wines.

They will carry on the tradition by producing all the legacy wines of Prospect 772, including the beloved Black Tie Charlie. In addition to these established favorites, they plan to introduce two new varietals during their first year, starting with Tatum's Grace, a delightful white wine that will be released in April 2024.

Wine lovers and enthusiasts are warmly invited to stop by and enjoy a glass of wine with Francis and Kristina. They look forward to many years of winemaking and building friendships in the vibrant wine community.

Saucelito Canyon Vineyards

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Discover the Rich Heritage of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard

Nestled in the picturesque hills just five miles east of Arroyo Grande, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard invites California wine lovers to explore its storied legacy. Established in 1880, this vineyard faced abandonment during Prohibition, only to be lovingly revived in 1974 by visionary Bill Greenough, who poured his heart and soul into restoring these historic vines.

As you journey along the winding roads past Lopez Lake and deeper into the serene canyon, you’ll be greeted by a charming Zinfandel vineyard that has flourished amidst the chaparral for over 130 years. Once a pioneer of the Central Coast’s wine scene, this hidden gem has reclaimed its place in California's rich viticultural tapestry.

Bill Greenough saw potential in the gnarled, overgrown vines, and his intuition bore fruit—literally! Today, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard is celebrated for its exceptional Zinfandel, crafted with a deep respect for tradition.

This family-owned winery is now a labor of love spanning two generations, dedicated to producing a diverse range of limited-production wines. Join us in savoring the unique character of our estate-grown Zinfandels, each bottle a testament to our vineyard's remarkable journey and the passion that continues to drive us forward. Come and taste the history!

Saucelito specializes in Zinfandel, and has some really nice ones. Great place to enjoy a picnic and a bottle of wine. The history of Zin presentation on the outside wall should not be missed by lovers of the grape.

Helwig Winery

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Helwig Winery

Located in Plymouth, California, Helwig Winery offers guests a multitude of wine-tasting experiences in a setting that cannot be beaten. With the winery's sweeping vistas overlooking lush vineyards, breathtaking views of the Sierra and Coastal mountains, and sunsets that will take your breath away, we are confident your experience will be a memorable one. If you are going to visit Amador County Wineries be sure to put Helwig WInery on the list. Tell winemaker Scott Helwig we suggested his wines and winery. 

Alta Colina Vineyards & Winery

people enjoying wine together - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

In 2003, after 35 years as an engineer by day, and a home winemaker by night, Bob Tillman found the 130-acre parcel in Paso Robles' Adelaida District that would become Alta Colina Vineyard. The 31 planted acres and 8 Rhone varieties that make up Alta Colina Vineyard hit the dirt in 2005 and his daughter, Maggie Tillman, came on in 2008 to help in the efforts. With a complete focus on estate-grown Rhones, Bob crafts about 2,000 cases a year and continues to sell the remainder of the fruit to other great Rhone winemakers throughout the Central Coast. Quality, legacy, and love of the land are Bob's signature.

Black Hand Cellars

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We have enjoyed visiting Black Hand Cellars tasting room on several occasions and while communicating with Tom Banish the owner and winemaker we have yet to actual talk face to face.  The name Black Hand Cellars, evolved through many stories of the owners great Grandmother on the banished-side of the family would tell about the great wines her husband would make and how the Black Hand Mafia found a liking to his wine and would seek him out for it. With such an intriguing history the name for the winery was chosen and the roaring 20's theme set in motion along with hands stained from the harvest of their rich red wine varietals. Tom and his wife have done a great job with their wines and make it a fun experience all at the same time. Tom and his wife are very much into the entire experience and they have been known to stay a little longer even while closing to share the fruits of their labor and the Black Hand Cellar experience.~

Hours:

Mon-Sun - 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Morgan Winery

Chardonnay grape clusters - by photographer Randy Caparoso

 

Discover Morgan Winery: A Taste of the Santa Lucia Highlands

With over thirty years of experience, Dan Lee has made Morgan Winery a name to know for anyone who loves artisan, vineyard-centric wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey.

Originally hailing from a small town in California’s Central Valley, Dan was on a path to study veterinary medicine at UC Davis. However, as fate would have it, he discovered a passion for enology late in his college career—combining his love for science and agriculture in a delicious way! He quickly enrolled in the graduate enology program and landed a winemaking position at Jekel Winery in Monterey County.

After honing his craft at Jekel, Dan moved to Durney Vineyard, where he continued to create exceptional Monterey wines. While making wine full-time, he dreamed of launching his own label. At a Monterey County Winegrowers Association meeting, he shared his vision with a banker who would not only become his business advisor but also his wife, Donna Lee.

In 1982, Dan and Donna opened the doors of Morgan Winery, and their very first Monterey Chardonnay snagged a Gold Medal at the LA County Fair and a Platinum Medal from Wine & Spirits Magazine. Since those early days, Morgan Winery has blossomed into one of the Central Coast’s most celebrated labels, earning “Winery of the Year” honors from both Wine & Spirits in 1996 and the San Francisco Chronicle in 2003.

As Dan’s expertise grew, so did his focus on the Santa Lucia Highlands and single vineyard releases. In 1996, he and Donna made a significant investment by purchasing the Double L Vineyard, which has since become one of California's most renowned vineyards. Dan’s leadership was further recognized when he was named the first Board President of the Santa Lucia Highlands Winegrowers Association in 2005.

Today, Morgan Winery is synonymous with high-quality, artisan wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey appellations. Located conveniently off Rio Road at Highway One in the Crossroads Shopping Center of Carmel, Taste Morgan invites wine lovers to immerse themselves in the family’s history and craftsmanship through a relaxed tasting experience.

Tasting Experience

Guests can enjoy tastings indoors or on the pet-friendly, heated patio, where they can savor a flight of four locally grown and produced wines from a curated tasting menu. Each flight is just $25, and the fee is waived with a $50 purchase. Club members enjoy complimentary tastings!

Whether visiting as a walk-in or reserving a spot in advance, everyone is welcome to indulge in the latest vintages— Join Morgan Winery for a delightful journey through the flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands!

Chardonnay grape clusters - by photographer Randy Caparoso

Dakaro Cellars

Had a great time visiting with David at his Whitmore winery. The focus at Dakaro Cellars is on Rhone and Bordeaux Varietals, Italian and Spanish Varietals: Syrah, Viognier, Tempranillo, Pinot Grigio. David Roth when asked how he got into winemaking to the point of producing for others to enjoy his reply was; "Well, I took a hobby that I really enjoyed and ruined it by making it into a job." I have do disagree with David as his love for wine and the experience of sharing his wines with others speaks just a little louder. Dakaro produces some nice wines and produces a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourverde and Counoise that is very impressive. If you can get your hands on a bottle take your time and experience the wine change and evolve as you enjoy it. Nice, layers that seem to unfold so nicely if you don't rush through the wine. What a wonderful gem from Shasta Cascade area. Dakaro Cellars is a little of the beaten path, but worth the drive if you are near Redding. We are pleased to have the folks at Dakaro Cellars as one of our winery friends and listed in our California Winery Directory.*

Hours:

Mon-Fri   Closed
Sat-     12:00pm to 5:00pm
Sun-    12:00pm to 5:00pm

 

Riboli Family Wine Estates

Winery Logo

The Riboli Family WInes Estates/San Antonio Winery in LA offers complimentary tasting and winery tours. The Winery features Riboli Family of Wines and a unique and varied selection from around the wine world. Actually have 3 locations in LA, Ontario east of LA and in Paso Robles.

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