Stopped by in the Fall to do a little tasting on our way up to the hot springs. I first went to this winery about 13 years ago and was a member for years. They have excellent red wines and fun harvest parties - complete with grape stomping! It's a quaint winery away from the crowds in Napa and couple of my favorites were the 2003 Cabernet Bosche and Zinfandel.
So, you're in Napa for a long weekend or maybe even a wallet-draining week. There's plenty of choices to feed your wine fix. This charming little vineyard absolutely, positively needs to make your "must visit" list. No tasting room. No walk ins. No boutique to purchase a variety of goods while visiting. You need to call, make an appointment, and then prepare yourself for a truly personal wine experience given where the family that grows it presents their five or six well-done sophisticated wines.
Another stop on the DePortola Wine Trail. I wish I had the opportunity to walk around the grounds here and check them out, but time was pressing and we had more wineries to get to. Outside there is a very large patio with a wonderful view. There was a pizza booth to purchase a snack and a live band playing. I hope to stop by again next trip to the area. A really nice, friendly atmosphere to relax. Growing classic warm weather Mediterranean varieties of grapes which include Mourvedre, Viognier, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese Brunello are keystone wines at this picturesque winery. Also included are some unique wine varietals such as Tempranillo, Primativo and our a Pinotage. I hope to meet the winemaker Stephen Andrews next time I am in Temecula Wine Country. Painting by Agata Zaborowski
Amizetta Vineyards is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Napa. Located on Howell Mountain in St. Helena, this is unlike any winery in the area. With its terraced vineyards growing on huge rolling hills, this is a hidden gem. This wine is serious, and the mountainous terrain really imparts great characteristics to their juice. With a view of Napa Valley below and Lake Hennessy, you couldn't ask for more.Amizetta is off the beaten path, but worth the effort. The Clark family was very hospitable and clearly proud of their vineyard. The wine is very good; the tour, very interesting; the scenery, beautiful. Make an appointment and see this small production winery. From expert to amateur wine-taster, you will learn something.
The Room, not to be confused with their Estate a few minutes away, is super modern. This is where you want to go if you want a quick stop. If you want to tour/cave experience, take the extra time to go to the estate. If you're your timing is right, you may even get to pipette from the barrel! The Estate:1978 West Zinfandel Lane No Appointment required The Room: 677 St Helena Highway (Highway 29) By Appointment
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars offers unparalleled hospitality. Secure a reservation to discover iconic Napa Valley wines, refined food and wine pairing experiences, and stunning views of the famous FAY and S.L.V. vineyards set against the backdrop of the Stags Leap Palisades.
DeRose Vineyards has the single best Negrette I have ever had. Pat DeRose not only has one of the coolest moustaches on the planet, but he and Al (his son) are wine purists, not necessarily in the "Wine Spectator" since, they simply love great wines. Al DeRose search for new endeavors took him to central Chile where he produces and imports his Chilean wines. De Rose VIneyards is one of the oldest operated wineries in the US - 1854. At De Rose VIneyards they are not concerned about anything other than wine... nada. The DeRose family doesn't care about wine spectator's points, they don't care about who endorsed what, and I find that not simply amuzing, but delightful! Their style is very much like the old world where the people of the community get together. The winemakers, the farmers, the butcher and the candlestick-maker all living together, drinking together, eating together and enjoying the celebration of life. At DeRose Vineyards it is,"Good friends, good food and good wine.*
Hours:
Hollister Tasting Room
9970 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA
Hours:
Thursday - Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
San Martin Tasting Room
255 Fitzgerald Avenue
San Martin, CA
Hours:
Friday: 4 PM – 8 PM
The history of Hidden Oak Winery is a unique story shaped by a deep love of the land, family values, hard work, and tradition. The name "Hidden Oak Winery" reflects this heritage; before grapes were planted, almond trees grew on the property. During the clearing process, a small oak tree was discovered hidden among them, and it was nurtured to thrive alongside the vines. Today, this oak stands over 50 feet tall, a testament to the winery's commitment to the land.
Owners Mike and Martha James may be relatively new to winemaking, but their label has quickly garnered attention in the industry, resulting in numerous awards and reviews that are remarkable for such an emerging winery.
The James family toiled in the vineyard, celebrating their first harvest in 1997. “We learned that it goes beyond just picking the grapes at peak ripeness,” Mike explains. Together, they meticulously monitor the pH and acid levels, ensuring consistency, but they also take the time to taste the grapes, searching for that perfect flavor that indicates readiness for harvest. It’s not uncommon to see them strolling through the vineyard, sampling the fruit directly from the vines.
Their journey into winemaking began with a modest inaugural release intended solely for friends and family. However, encouragement from those who tasted their wines led them to offer their creations commercially. Starting with Merlot, the Jameses soon expanded their portfolio to include Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Zinfandel, and blends crafted from the diverse varietals grown on their property.
For wine lovers visiting California's wineries, Hidden Oak Winery promises a heartfelt experience rooted in tradition and dedication, along with a delightful selection of wines that capture the essence of the land.
Wines were nice and we really LOVED the vibe in this surfer-chic tasting room. It's a dogs-welcome kind of spot where you want to stand around and chat up all the customers who wander in. Definitely worth a stop when you are in Healdsburg.
Tedeschi Family Winery is a great boutique winery to visit and tour. Tedeschi produces approx. 2,000 cases each year. At the time of adding the winery to our California Winery Directory we learned from Stephanie Trotter- Zacaria the Directory or Sales and Marketing that Tedeschi Family Winery took some recent medals for their wines. Congradulations to Emil Tedeschi, vintner & the winery owner, to Emilio Tedeschi the Winery's General Manager and not for forget Mario Tedeschi winemaker. We will be updating the winery in the future and getting a better picture assigned to the listing soon *
Hours:
By Appointment Only
