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Qupe Wine Cellars

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

In contrast to the Old World, Qupé focuses on cool climate expressions of Rhône varietals due to a distinctive geographical feature that sets them apart from most other regions of California, as all vineyards are all located in East-West valleys (vs North-South) which function as open windows to the cool Pacific Ocean. The benefit to the vineyards of being along the coast and running East-West is that the cold, moist air gets pulled in and creates a layer of morning cloud cover over the vines which reduces temperatures and sun exposure on the grapes. This is why cool climate varieties excel in the coastal regions of the Central Coast and allows Qupé to focus on cool climate expressions of Rhone varietals.

Vie Winery

wine tasting with assorted bites - Pixabay

Vie comes from the Old French word meaning "to invite" or "to give occasion for". Or, in French today, it is simply translated "Life". Vie Winery is fantastic, it has the look and feel of an urban winery, but the displacement of being on Treasure Island so you are able to feel like it is a bit of an escape. WIth beautiful views of San Francisco and the rest of the bay area, it is an awesome place to spend a beautiful day.

Austin Hope Winery

bottle of wineries 2013 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

The Hope family arrived in Paso Robles in 1978 in search of land and new opportunity. As they’ve planted vineyards, grown grapes and made wine over the past 30 years, Paso Robles has become a viticulture region of significance, capable of producing world-class wines. As one of the pioneering families of this distinctive wine community, the Hope family is dedicated to sustainable farming and making wines that are delicious, accessible and memorable. Still family-owned and operated, Hope Family Wines now makes five individual brands: Liberty School, Treana, Candor, Troublemaker and Austin Hope.

Boutz Cellars, Boutzoukas Family Vineyards

people sharing wine

Boutz Cellars and Boutzoukas Family Vineyards tell the story of a father and son who share a deep passion for the outdoors, farming, and fine wine. Their journey began in Florida, where growing wine grapes proved challenging. When the chance arose to acquire two premium vineyard sites in Paso Robles' Adelaida District, they seized the opportunity.

Today, with over 52 acres of planted vines and 12 different varietals, they have laid the groundwork to achieve their vision. Their commitment to hard work, sustainable farming practices, and a focus on quality over quantity is reflected in their wines, forming the foundation of the legacy they are building.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Cupcake Vineyards

grape cluster

These tasty little wines were introduced nationally in 2008 from California’s Central Coast and represented a finely crafted, fruit-forward, indulgent and eminently approachable style of wine. The inaugural release included Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Adam has used his experience and relationships around the world to add seven international wines to the lineup. http://underdogwinemerchants.com/

Read our guide to Livermore Wines and Wineries

Elyse Winery

wine barrels

It was back in 1987 that Ray and Nancy Coursen crushed 4.5 tons of Zinfandel from the Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford to craft 286 cases of their first wine. While the portfolio has grown over the last 25 years, the focus remains on creating vineyard driven wines that pair well with food. Total production is currently 10,000 cases and the wines are nationally and internationally distributed.

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.

Lone Buffalo Vineyards

grape cluster

Lone Buffalo Vineyards, launched in 2007 in Auburn, CA is the culmination of owner and winemaker Phil Maddux’s thirty-five year passion for wine making. The buffalo's power and resilience in the face of encroaching civilization symbolizes hope and renewal for humanity and harmony among all people. Here in the Sierra foothills, Lone Buffalo Vineyards symbolizes this same hope and renewal with its contribution to the re-emergence of the wine-making tradition in Placer County.

Image Pixbay

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. 

Dashe Cellars - Alameda

red wine swirling in the glass

In 1996, the husband and wife winemaking team of Michael and Anne Dashe founded Dashe Cellars. Focused on crafting exceptional single-vineyard wines, Dashe Cellars blends the two winemaker’s combined 40-plus years of experience at such noted wineries as Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château La Dominique, Ridge Vineyards, Cloudy Bay, Far Niente, Chappellet, and Schramsberg Wine Cellars. Drawing on this wealth of experience, the Dashes create vineyard-focused wines that capture the complexity and character of top vineyards throughout Sonoma County and beyond. 

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