Drive out on Highway 46 for a bit and you will find tucked away Rocky Creek Cellars. Rocky Creek is a homey little tasting room with the charm of a rustic cabin. The folks that run this place, like most of the wineries and tasting rooms in the area, are a family, so you can tell a certain amount of personal flair and attention has been put into everything right down to the tasty crackers they serve with their flights.
The vineyard of Chatom Vineyards is nestled in the breathtaking Esmeralda Valley of the Sierra Foothills in Calaveras County. The valley was originally planted with low-field crops, fruits, and nut trees. When Gay Callan, owner and native San Franciscan, purchased the property in 1980, her vision was to plant a vineyard. Her first varietals were planted in 1981, totaling 21 acres of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Today, the vineyard boasts 13 varietals planted on 65 acres, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese and 5 Portuguese varietals. Image - Harvesting Viognier Grapes - Randy Caparoso
Delicious wine and sparkling views of Napa. I know there are tons of quality wineries around that have similar offerings, but Rombauer is definitely one worth visiting. Gorgeous garden space with some cute little trails to walk along while you enjoy your wine and soak up the Napa Valley air. I prefer to go in Fall or early Spring or during the week. The servers or more relaxed and they seem to have a better time introducing you to their wines and letting you know more of the wine history. You get to sample 5 of their wines including their AMAZING chardonnay and Fiddletown Zin. These are the bottles we always end up with and they are usually priced pretty similar to what you would find in a big store (BevMo, Total Wine, etc.). Most of their pricier zins like the Fiddletown aren't sold in stores however. They give you the wine glasses as part of the tasting as well.
After a day of trekking around Yountville and St Helena I wound up at Girard Winery. Girard stays open till 7, very smart move I must say as they get the overflow of folks looking for a place to continue their wine tasting adventures or a place to grab drinks before heading off to a nice dinner. It's not a showy vineyard or winery so if you are looking for the fluff you will not find it (although it is a nice tasting room). What you will find are some REALLY GREAT WINES.
Viszlay Vineyards is a family owned and operated boutique winery located in the Russian River Valley. You can find this little gem just a few miles south of downtown Healdsburg, CA. Viszlay's estate wines are grown on their own 10 acre vineyard. Currently they are pouring their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Caberbet & Merlot blendm Zinfandel and a Petite Sirah wines. In addition to a traditional wine tasting you can also enjoy a Cheese & Wine paring. We just made recent contact with John Viszlay at the winery and we look forward to experiencing his wines and the winery story soon. We will keep you posted!
Plateau Vineyards planted its first grapevines in 1993 on a beautiful property high above the local valleys on Santa Rosa Plateau. The vineyard is blessed with warm sunny days and cool nights, all making for Plateau to grow some of the finest winegrapes in California. Come taste their small batch premium estate bottles.
A fun winery to visit during Hopland's Passport event (once in spring and once in fall each year) when it opens up and gives space to local craftspeople. They also make olive oil and process it for others. Fourth generation Mendocino wine family - these people know what they are doing.
Love private tours? Perfect for both families and friends. It comes with both a walk tour and a formal sit-down tasting paired with complementary cheese and chocolates. Can a girl ask for more? I'm in particular a fan of their Cabernet Sauvignon - very bold without being overtly tannin-ridden and their Violetta dessert wine - seriously off the charts!
A nice find as we were wine tasting in Livermore last weekend. As you drive into the parking lot, you immediately forget about everything since the grounds are so gorgeous. There's even an outside patio where you can enjoy your wine and a packed lunch you may have brought with you. The tasting room is HUGE! The staff was super friendly and helpful, especially since we'd never been to McGrail before though I have enjoyed their Cabernet Sauvginon before this visit.
McGrail Vineyards proudly sits high on the rolling hills of the Livermore Valley and offers wine tasting daily! Visit McGrail Vineyards for several wine tasting experiences or to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the exceptional views.
Open daily from 11:00AM – 5:00PM, last reservation at 3:30PM. Reservations are available for groups up to 6 people. For parties over 6, please call the winery [925-215-0717].
After three years of traveling to various wine regions of the world, Charles B. Mitchell has returned the vineyards to operate with the highest standards possible. With estate grown fruit this winery strives for the highest quality from vineyard to bottle. Image courtesy of Randy Caparoso
