Merlot

Merlot

Madonna Estates

Painting of two friend enjoying wine

Since 1922 the Bartolucci Family has consistently created a perfect marriage of grapes and wine at Madonna Estate. Located in the world-renowned Carneros region, an area known for its fertile lands and cool climate, the Bartolucci family has found success with their organically grown grapes and Estate Bottled wines. In addition to practicing natural farming methods, they also combine traditional and modern winemaking techniques. As the third oldest winemaking family in the Napa Valley, it is important to them that they continue the commitment to farm naturally and preserve the winemaking traditions of past generations. Art work by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski - Agata Art Gallery 

Russian River Vineyard

wine by the fireplace - Pixabay

In 2008, a fourth-generation farmer and aspiring winemaker Giovanni Balistreri, under the tutelage of award-winning winemaker Anthony Austin, set out to reclaim the rich history and enormous untapped potential of one of Sonoma County’s finest wine-making estates.  The estate lies in the heart of the Russian River Valley and thus proudly and appropriately bears the Russian River Valley appellation. 

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The winemakers understood the potential of this small estate, but even more importantly, they had come to know the special region in which it sits.  This was not a place to build a large, corporate winery to produce wine in high volume.  It was a place where a careful, patient approach could produce world-class wine.  And in the decade since, the venerable estate has been returning to its former glory. 

Solitary Cellars

Winery logo name and image of a key

Solitary Cellars - here you have the result of over 40 years of experience in serving in some of California's most dangerous prisons and a love for wine coming together. Stop by and share the experience of chasing the American dream of creating award winning wines and making friends all along the way. Enjoy this wineries theme while you enjoy their wines.

De Tierra Vineyards

De Tierra Vineyards tasting room in Carmel Village

De Tierra Vineyards

Monterey and Carmel are beautiful places to visit at any time of the year. De Tierra Vineyards has a tasting room in the lovely Carmel Village that you just must stop in and experience for yourself. Join Alix and her team to experience some wonderful wines. The De Tierra winemaking team works hard and with passion to produce "in the glass" wines that define the vineyard that the grapes came from without a lot of manipulation during the process. Experience the end results for yourself at De Tierra Vineyards and tell them California Corks sent you. If you love Reds, be sure to try the Russel Estate Cab Franc and the Monterey Pinot Noir. Whites, SLH Chardonnay and Monterey Riesling.~

Hours:

Mon     2:00 to 8:00 pm
Tue      2:00 to 8:00 pm
Wed     2:00 to 8:00 pm
Thu      2:00 to 8:00 pm
Fri      12:00 to 8:00 pm
Sat     12:00 to 8:00 pm
Sun    12:00 to 8:00 pm

Marilyn Wines

wine swirling in a glass - Pixabay

While collectors have made Marilyn Merlot one of the fastest-appreciating wines on the market, it is wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor who have long enjoyed the playful spirit behind Marilyn Merlot wines that are now also seeking the Marilyn Merlot because of the emphasis on making a notable wine from prized Napa Valley grapes. While the concept and engaging label of these wines has given these bottles a degree of fame, it is the wine in the bottle that merits the enthusiasm of those who seek it out every year.

Laguna Canyon Winery

people sharing wine at the beach

Laguna Canyon Winery, located between the scenic beauty of Laguna Beach and the urban surroundings of Orange County, was founded by award-winning vintner J.J. Huber. The winery brings a Canadian urban winemaking ethos to life, using grapes sourced from Napa and Sonoma Valley. With its use of Italian winemaking methods and equipment, the winery blends cultural influences to produce exceptional wines that consistently earn medals at the OC Fair Commercial Wine competition.

Visitors are invited to enjoy these meticulously crafted, award-winning wines while taking in the sounds of Rock 'n' Roll on a 10-foot screen, offering a truly unique wine-tasting experience in the heart of Laguna Beach, California—a hidden gem in Orange County.

Whether planning a corporate gathering, a private event or simply seeking a delightful daytime wine tasting, guests can also explore the offerings of the winery’s exclusive wine club and savor the complex aromas and flavors of its boutique wines.

Laguna Canyon Winery, located between the scenic beauty of Laguna Beach and the urban surroundings of Orange County, was founded by award-winning vintner J.J. Huber. The winery brings a Canadian urban winemaking ethos to life, using grapes sourced from Napa and Sonoma Valley. With its use of Italian winemaking methods and equipment, the winery blends cultural influences to produce exceptional wines that consistently earn medals at the OC Fair Commercial Wine competition.

Visitors are invited to enjoy these meticulously crafted, award-winning wines while taking in the sounds of Rock 'n' Roll on a 10-foot screen, offering a truly unique wine-tasting experience in the heart of Laguna Beach, California—a hidden gem in Orange County.

Whether planning a corporate gathering, a private event or simply seeking a delightful daytime wine tasting, guests can also explore the offerings of the winery’s exclusive wine club and savor the complex aromas and flavors of its boutique wines.

Laguna Canyon Winery, located between the scenic beauty of Laguna Beach and the urban surroundings of Orange County, was founded by award-winning vintner J.J. Huber. The winery brings a Canadian urban winemaking ethos to life, using grapes sourced from Napa and Sonoma Valley. With its use of Italian winemaking methods and equipment, the winery blends cultural influences to produce exceptional wines that consistently earn medals at the OC Fair Commercial Wine competition.

Visitors are invited to enjoy these meticulously crafted, award-winning wines while taking in the sounds of Rock 'n' Roll on a 10-foot screen, offering a truly unique wine-tasting experience in the heart of Laguna Beach, California—a hidden gem in Orange County.

Whether planning a corporate gathering, a private event, or simply seeking a delightful daytime wine tasting, guests can also explore the offerings of the winery’s exclusive wine club and savor the complex aromas and flavors of its boutique wines.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski Women enjoying wine

 

 

 

 

 

Hitching Post Wines

grape clusters - Randy Caparoso

Their passioned focus has been to work with the California Central Coast's best vineyards produce many Pinot Noirs, a couple Syrahs and a Cabernet Franc blend. With a cool marine-influence climate and unusually long growing season, many of these grapes make wines that drink well when young and had have shown the ability to improve and age gracefully for many years. Frank & Gray work with some of the best growers in Santa Barbara County, from the quality vineyards of Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills and Los Alamos.

 

Image: courtesty Randy Carparoso

Tobin James Cellars

women enjoying wine

Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease!  The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles.  If you are serious about your wine, the owners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be.  It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*

Hours:

Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM

 

Frei Brothers Winery

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Frei Brothers Reserve is a winemaking story more than a century in the making. In 1890, Swiss immigrant Andrew Frei purchased the core of what is now Frei Ranch in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. The superb stretch of land was already a vineyard, but Frei brought it to prominence when he built a winery that produced 20,000 cases of wine annually by 1895. In 1903, Frei turned the winery over to his sons, Walter and Louis, who adopted the name Frei Brothers.

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