Merlot

Merlot

F. Teldeschi Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

*Tiny* building with beautiful scenery, Teldeschi let us venture into the back room to see all the Oak barrels with the sweet alcoholic juices we were imbibing. There's something to be said about a winery just being a place for wine.

Albini Family Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

Albini Family Vineyards only sell two kinds of wine - Zinfandel and Merlot. This year, there are three varieties of wine available: First, is the 2008 Zinfandel (500 cases; Russian River Valley); Second is the 2008 Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyard (500 cases; Russian River Valley); Third is the 2008 Merlot (Russian River Valley).

Bogle Vineyards

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Bogle Winery is tucked into the Sacramento Delta among 1,200 acres of vineyard land and sits along side of Elk Slough in Clarksburg, California. Our tasting room, which overlooks the Bogle Home Ranch, is the perfect setting for a quick get away from either the Sacramento Area or the Bay Area. The lush lawn area, nestled between the tasting room deck and the vineyards, makes for the perfect picnicking spot.

Reynolds Family Winery

red wine pouring into wine glass - Pixabay

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career. The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels. By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

Larkmead Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

Larkmead puts out some of the finest Cabs and Sauv Blancs in the valley. The vineyard itself is beautiful, located right on the valley floor. Sonny treated us great, explaining the winemaking process and the unique history behind Larkmead. Not to be missed if you are in Napa. The Larkmead Vineyards tasting room is open from 10am to 3pm, by appointment.

Trefethen Vineyards & Winery

wine by the fireplace - Pixabay

Trefethen Family Vineyards is a winery that should be on your short list of essential Napa Valley wineries to visit. They have a superior line up of wines that should appeal to many different palates. Prices are very reasonable for Napa Valley. It is also easy to reach and has plenty of parking. Shannon, our wine host, provided a great tasting experience thanks to her charm, humor and enthusiasm.

Treasure Island Wines

Glass of white wine at Treasure Island Wines

What I can say, I love visiting this winery. First of all, you get the fantastic views of San Francisco and the East Bay from Treasure Island. Some really great wines The building is a cool space that the Winery uses for tastings, storage, and production of a few other smaller winemakers too. The folks at Treasure Island Wines are extremely knowledgeable. We had an opportunity to sit down with Jim Mirowski and do a little video interview with him. You can take a peek at what your visit to Treasure Island Wines will be like by clicking HERE. Prices are right for most budgets and this is a fun and unique space to visit with friends! Open on the weekends and for special events.~

Hours:

Mon-Fri     Closed
Sat        1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Sun       1:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Robert Foley Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Robert Foley, Winemaker

Robert (Bob) Foley began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley in 1977 after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. His first year was spent at Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.

In 1992, Foley embarked on another 15-year tenure as the founding winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this time, he also crafted the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. Currently, his primary focus is on the wines produced at Robert Foley Vineyards, though he also oversees the creations for Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in Napa Valley.

In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded its production to include a range of notable reds, such as Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, and limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from their estate property. The portfolio also features Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin, a blend that varies in varietal composition each vintage. Additionally, Foley has bottled a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.

Foley’s reputation for crafting expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain in Napa County. The facility, which houses over 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system completed in 2008, supports the production of Robert Foley wines.

Robert Foley Vineyards operates with a full-time staff of three, with Foley himself focusing on winemaking, while Kelly and Shannon manage the office. Occasionally, Kelly’s father, Jerry, assists in the tasting room.

The feline Office Interns, Mina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten, are responsible for treats, naps, and distractions, while Princess Bella and King Tommy serve as the official Winery Cats.

Shadow Mountain Vineyards

Grape Cluster - Pixabay

Shadow Mountain is an ideal grape-growing location with an elevation of 3,500 feet, and it’s blessed with Pacific Ocean breezes and cool, dry nights. Master vintner Alexander McGeary specializes in award-winning viognier, whites, reds and dessert wines such as merlot, Syrah, cabernet, zinfandel and a muscat cannelli.Shadow Mountain Vineyards is a 3rd generation family estate grape growing & wine making business, which was founded by Agusto & Helen Mase, an Italian couple in 1944. The second generation of the family continued in this family tradition, by planting extensive vineyards in the 1960′s and 70′s.

Baily WInery

people sharing wine

Decor at Baily Winery is fun with an amusing assortment of gargoyle and medieval statuary scattered about the very pleasant grounds. We ate on the lovely patio (Carols) with refreshing breezes and the sounds of wind chimes. It was a spectacularly sparkling day and the patio was just delightful.

All of the wines are crafted from grapes grown in the estate vineyards by Winemaker Phil Baily at a state-of-the-art production facility. Specializing in Bordeaux varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon—Baily's red wines are renowned for their smoothness and expressive varietal character. This is achieved by aging the wines in barrels for 24 to 30 months, significantly longer than the typical industry standard of 12 to 18 months. Baily's white wines are celebrated for their crisp, clean freshness and distinctive aromas. The consistency of the wines, honed over more than twenty years of production from the same vineyards, is a quality that few wineries in the region can match.

Additionally, all of Baily's wines are sealed with Nomacorc®, a synthetic cork that offers the benefits of natural cork while eliminating the risk of tainted wines or bottle-to-bottle variation.

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