Grenache

Grenache

Los Pilares Wine

Grape Cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

At Los Pilares it has to be local. For the folks at this winery that means 100% San Diego County grapes. It has to be the appropriate varieties. We want nature to choose the varieties, not marketing. Coleman, Jay, Michael and Pelin don’t look for Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay in San Diego’s provençal backcountry, rather for varieties like Grenache, Carignane, and Mourvedre. There’s not a lot of it growing here yet. Fortunately, the growers who have it tend to share Los Pilares Wine philosophy. The fruit has to be harvested at the right time — that means not overripe; we want to bring you fresh, bright, crisp flavors that show off the variety that San Diego can deliver (variety of the grapes, of the farms, of the vintage), not generic, thick, plummy, hot fruit.

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.

Hobo Wine Company

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Kenny Likitprakong explains the name Hobo Wine Company; "Instead of becoming a hobo, I became a “Hobo Winemaker.” Of the two ways to make wine, with and without money, the first should probably be the only, but a few of us slip through the cracks and do it on the skinny. No winery, no vineyards, no truck, no warehouse, no employees…nothing. There are advantages. Making small lots comes naturally, the flexability to pick and choose grape type, vineyard, appellation, and winery on an ongoing basis, and a larger circle of people involved which means more ideas and expertise."

Cedarville Vineyard

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In 1995, Jonathan Lachs & Susan Marks found the perfectly situated 20 acre property at 2,500 ft. elevation, located 1/2 mile up a dirt road from Fair Play Road, which would become Cedarville Vineyard. With Cedarville Vineryard 15 acres of vineyard coming into maturity, in 2000 Jonathan & Susan built the winery here on the estate. The panoramic views from the top of our vineyard spread from Mount St. Helena to the west to Pyramid Peak in the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada to the east. Jonathan and Susan chose the name, Cedarville, in honor of a nearby ghost town (founded in 1852) that boomed for ten years during the Gold Rush. Now, 150 years later, little remains of the original town, but the winemakers feel connected to the spirit of the pioneers of this historic area.

Cantiga Wine Works

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Cantiga Wineworks is a small family winery nestled in California's Sierra Foothills. They craft wines using classical methods that are rarely seen today, reviving the art of winemaking designed for long-term cellaring. Their focus is on producing food-friendly wines, reclaiming wine's traditional role at the dinner table. Cantiga’s wines are made through gentle, minimal intervention techniques, and are fermented without malolactic fermentation to preserve the natural varietal character, acidity, and balance. They also use minimal sulfites and avoid unnecessary processing.

Winemaker Rich Rorden has been involved in winemaking for as long as he can remember, learning much of his technique from his father, Bud. In making wine for Cantiga Wineworks, Rich seeks to preserve the family’s winemaking methods while adapting them to meet the unique challenges of commercial production. Before founding Cantiga, Rich worked as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he spent over a decade at TRW in Manhattan Beach, designing satellites for both commercial and government projects. Rich now applies the same meticulous attention to detail to his winemaking craft.

 

 

Alexander Andrew Murray Vineyards

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Andrew Murray fell in love with the emerging Rhône varieties, Syrah and Viognier, in the late 1980’s while traveling through France’s Rhône Valley. Leaving his UC Berkeley paleontology studies behind, he pursued his new mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia. As Robert Parker, Jr. put it, “…Andrew Murray’s offerings are a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices – reader take note.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

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This place has one of the best views in Temecula, and it an excellent place to enjoy some wine outside. I loved their terrace overlooking the valley. They have a pretty broad selection of wines to choose from and their tasting prices are pretty comparative to what I've experience with other local vineyards. They also have this really neat self-serve area, where you buy a prepaid card, and can select whatever wine you want as a taste, half pour or full pour. Our first card didn't work, but the cashier came out and swapped it for us, and the second one was fine. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this beautiful winery. This was my first time out wine tasting and I can honestly say that I found a favorite at Callaway! We visited two others wineries on our trip and Callaway is the most memorable. The service was fantastic and welcoming. Really enjoyed their Summer Jazz concerts.

Martin Ranch Winery

Winemakers Thérèse and Dan Martin

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.

MOHI Ranch

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At MOHI Ranch, the farm-to-table philosophy isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life! This delightful haven grows its own produce, ensuring that every event is graced with the freshest ingredients straight from the land. The ranch is not just a stunning backdrop; it’s the very heart of their culinary magic, bursting with vibrant fruits, vegetables, and herbs that bring the best of each harvest right to your table.

But MOHI Ranch doesn’t just host events—they create unforgettable experiences! Their dedicated team focuses on every detail, ensuring that your celebration, whether a dreamy wedding, a corporate retreat, or a family reunion, perfectly reflects your vision and values. Picture saying "I do" amidst blooming flowers or dancing under a canopy of stars—MOHI Ranch is the ultimate setting for life’s most cherished moments. Come and discover the unique farm-to-table experience that makes this ranch truly special!

Established at the turn of the 20th century as Marchetti Ranch, a family vineyard and winery before Prohibition, Sycamore Creek Vineyards has undergone an incredible transformation over the years. The most significant change came in 2005 when Bill and Carolyn Holt of Morgan Hill took the reins. With Bill’s passion for agriculture and commitment to quality, Sycamore Creek blossomed into an award-winning winery known for its unique, hand-crafted wines.

Initially celebrated for its Zinfandel and Carignane, the winery expanded its repertoire under the Holts to include delightful Viognier, Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and bold Bordeaux-style blends. In 2015, the winery joined the Léal Portfolio under Frank Léal, further elevating its prestige.

Today, nestled in the scenic hills west of Morgan Hill and Gilroy, MOHI Ranch continues this rich legacy, producing some of the Central Coast's most coveted wines. Looking ahead, the ranch plans to enhance its agricultural efforts, cultivating a variety of produce alongside its renowned vineyards, enriching both the land and the community.

Set along the picturesque banks of Uvas Creek in Uvas Valley, MOHI Ranch is the perfect escape. Visitors can unwind and enjoy award-winning wines while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. The charming ranch and boutique winery is located in the historical Uvas Valley, just west of the delightful towns of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Don’t miss the chance to relax on the outdoor patio, savor a tasting, and indulge in their unique, delicious wines.

Visit MOHI Ranch Wine Tasting Room:
12775 Uvas Road
Morgan Hill, CA
Availability: Year-round
Phone: 408.779.4738

Great wine and unforgettable memories at MOHI Ranch!

David Coffaro Estate Winery

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The wines here were very good really enjoyed them. They charge a $5 tasting fee, which is definitely worth it to try some of their nice blends as well as the Zin, Cab, and Petite Sirah. Nice winery with a great personality. The barrel tasting experience is great. The lobster bisque was very good. The wine selection made it all worth the trip and the picnic area really took things to a new place.

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