Tony and Kimberly Kirk established Birdstone Winery with the goal of producing world-class wines from Madera-appellation grapes. A friends and family effort from the start, Birdstone’s winemaking team includes Tony, Kimberly and their sons Travis & Conner. It’s not uncommon to find Tony & Kim’s siblings, parents or friends behind the bar in the Tasting Room or helping to crush grapes during harvest.
In 1994, Cheryl Emmolo founded Emmolo Wine Company for two key goals: to fulfill a lifelong ambition to make her own wine and to extend her family’s legacy to her three children, Charlie, Joey and Jenny Wagner. It is no surprise that Cheryl was able to secure from her father the crème de la crème of his Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot grapes for her small production. On the first day of harvest for Emmolo's first vintage, in 1994, Cheryl and her three children celebrated their new family enterprise by picking grapes and trucking them to the crush pad together. Starting with just 400 cases of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and 90 cases of Merlot, Cheryl has carefully expanded Emmolo’s production with the help of her sons and winemakers, Charlie and Joey Wagner. With the 2000 harvest, she seized the opportunity to acquire Sauvignon Blanc from Caymus Vineyards’ program, allowing her to extend her distribution in selected national markets.
Tin House is a small, family-owned and operated winery. Tin House focuses on two varieties of wine - Pinot Noir and Syrah. Tin House sources their fruit from the Edna Valley and Santa Maria Appellations. Award-winning wines are produced in limited quantities resulting in wines that exhibit intimate craftsmanship and artisan character.
Image - Cabernet Franc grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso
Janis and Richard own 120 acres of zinfandel in the Lodi Appellation east of Galt, CA. Janis’ grandfather Barsetti came to America from the southern party of Switzerland in 1903. Her grandfather settled in the Galt area in 1911. Janis’ father and grandparents bought the property where the vineyard exists today, in 1941. Up until 1995, when the vineyard was planted, the land supported a dairy, beef cattle and crop operation. The birth of Barsetti Vineyards as a wine label began in 2001.
Good wines, good service, and a nice atmosphere. They have a fantastic assortment of reds, including some interesting ports. Go here for a picnic! They have a great patio and deck. If you call ahead with a big party, they will do their best to make sure you have fun.
Image: thanks to Randy Caparoso
The Fords are renowned for their passion for family, friends, travel, and, of course, wine. John and his wife, Kimiko, have journeyed extensively throughout California, often favoring cozy bed-and-breakfast inns as they explore the local wine scene. With a degree in geology, John’s fascination with science and soil laid the groundwork for his deep interest in the history and technology of winemaking. As their appreciation for wine blossomed, John and Kimiko shared their enthusiasm with family and friends, who became regular companions on wine excursions to Northern and Central California.
By the early 1980s, John and Kimiko began dreaming of creating their own estate winery destination, complete with an elegant Tuscan-style bed-and-breakfast inn. This vision soon attracted the involvement of John’s brothers, Steve and Lance, who also embraced the dream. Captivated by the stunning landscapes of the Central Coast, the brothers were drawn to the rapidly growing wine region.
In 1999, the Ford brothers took a significant step by purchasing a 24-acre parcel of land in Templeton, California, which would become Moss Lane Estates and John Alan Winery. This picturesque property now features an 11-acre vineyard and a beautiful cut flower garden, providing a serene setting for wine lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich viticultural heritage of the area.
For those exploring California’s wineries, John Alan Winery offers a unique experience that reflects the Fords’ love of wine, family, and the enchanting landscapes of the Central Coast.
We tasted some exceptional wine here and the customer service was great here. We were able to enjoy our tasting on their beautiful ground outside while snacking on some really nice cheeses, meats, and crackers that we brought along with us. They poured us some wines that were Members Only wines that we really fell in love with.
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
Craddled in the breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a true hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. This charming spot began its journey with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, nurturing a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the earth. It all started with horses, then blossomed into an organic vegetable farm, and finally evolved into a flourishing vineyard.
Today, Buttonwood boasts a sun-kissed 42-acre vineyard on the eastern side of its 107-acre property. Since planting its first vines in 1983, the farm has lovingly tended to 38,000 vines—small in the vast wine world but monumental to their passionate team. The tasting room, surrounded by the vibrant bounty of their working farm, is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, vegetables, and, of course, their beloved peaches!
Over the years, Buttonwood has embraced change and innovation, grafting some of their original vines to introduce exciting new varietals. Among the standout additions are the Rhône varieties of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Grenache Blanc, alongside the rich Malbec that complements their red Bordeaux lineup. They’ve also enhanced their white offerings with the Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, adding layers of complexity and aromatic charm. And in 2017, they planted a bit of Chenin Blanc—because let’s face it, outside of the Loire Valley, Santa Barbara County is simply the best place to grow this delightful grape.
For those looking for a unique wine experience, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a must-visit, where sustainable farming meets exceptional wines in the heart of California's wine country. Cheers to the adventures waiting at Buttonwood!
Selby Winery Tasting Room is another great tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. The tasting room itself is small and well organized with enough space at the bar for 2-3 small groups. What struck me was the friendliness of the staff and of Susie Selby (the winemaker) herself, who was in the tasting room taking care of some business. The conversation was very comfortable and free flowing and Susie was wonderful. After such a positive initial experience, it was on to the wines, and they did no disappoint.
