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Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards

Painting by Agata Zaborowski women enjoying wine

At the top of High Valley AVA in Lake County, CA lives an Estate and winery unlike any other. Planted at an altitude matched by only 1% of vineyards in the world, Brassfield Estate Vineyards & Winery is not bound by the traditions of the valley floor. Precision, sustainable farming is our base to craft 17 varietals; from vine to bottle the wines never leave our hands. We go above and beyond; for the land we reside on, the animals we share it with, the people who join us, and of course our award-winning wines.

Merriam Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Nestled in the warmest edge of the Russian River Valley, Merriam Vineyards invites guests to cross cultures while tasting California-crafted Bordeaux-style wines in a beautifully appointed tasting room designed with the comfort and warmth of a New England-style home. This new winery, representing an east meets west experience, lies in the hub of three major California appellations, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley, and is the gateway to Healdsburg’s wine country.

Castorro Cellars

Logo for Castoro Cellars

Meet Niels and Bimmer Udsen, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Cas­toro Cellars, a fun and inviting winery that has been making waves in Paso Robles since 1983. Their journey began with a simple dream: to create world-class wines from the beautiful grapes of the Paso Robles appellation.

Niels, a Ventura native, first dipped his toes into the wine business while studying Agribusiness at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. His passion for winemaking, combined with Bimmer’s unwavering support, led them to establish their very own winery in the heart of this thriving wine region.

But the path to success wasn’t conventional. The Udsens embraced what they fondly call the “backwards approach”: they started by making and selling wine, then acquired their own equipment, and finally built their winery and tasting room. Talk about an adventure!

You can visit Cas­toro’s charming tasting room in Templeton, right off scenic Highway 46 West, while their winemaking facility is located in San Miguel on the East Side of Paso Robles—both opened their doors in 1990. With the mentorship of Tom Myers, Cas­toro Cellars’ talented winemaker, the Udsen family has transformed from crafting a few barrels for friends and family into a thriving business.

Today, Cas­toro boasts over 1,400 acres of estate vineyards, all certified organic and SIP certified. Niels and Bimmer have built a brand that reflects their values, focusing on approachability and environmental consciousness. Niels' father, a Danish immigrant and successful businessman, instilled in him a deep appreciation for agriculture and entrepreneurship, which shaped their winery’s foundation.

Niels discovered his love for the wine industry during a senior marketing project for a local winery at Cal Poly. After marrying Bimmer in 1981, he honed his winemaking skills in the cellar of Estrella River Winery, learning every aspect of the craft for five years under the guidance of Tom Myers.

In 1983, armed with experience and a sense of humor, Niels and Bimmer launched Cas­toro Cellars, named after the Italian word for “beaver” (Niels’ long-time nickname). Their motto, “Dam Fine Wine,” perfectly captures their playful spirit!

Cas­toro Cel­lars isn’t just about great wine; it’s about family values, too. Their welcoming tasting room is family-friendly, even offering alcohol-free Zinfandel grape juice for the little ones. Plus, the Udsens prioritize a work environment that understands the importance of family flexibility for their employees. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey, Cas­toro Cellars promises a delightful experience filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, exceptional wine!

Hart's Desire Wines

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Hart's Desire had absolutely exceptional wines, and very many at that. They had a lot of varietals that you rarely find elsewhere in Sonoma County except for in blends, such as Malbec, Claret, and Cabernet Franc. Their tasting room has beautiful artwork and has an old school jukebox playing great tunes!

Bell Wine Cellars

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Bell is an incredible winery in Yountville. If you can, book a private tour and tasting where you'll get the full story behind the single clone Cabernets and their winemaker Antony. If you're lucky, Maggie will do your tour. Brace yourself for the Clone 6!

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."

Dry Creek Vineyard

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Dry Creek Vineyard is known for their Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage and, starting with the 1997 vintage, Endeavour Cabernet. Dry Creek Vineyard owns over 185 acres of vineyard land, primarily in the Dry Creek and the Russian River Valleys.

Alfaro Family Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

Alfaro Family Vineyards is everything a local Santa Cruz Mountains winery needs to be. The owner is incredibly passionate about his work and drove us over his lovingly cared for property in his pick-up truck. It was an adventure to remember! Fun fact: he is so passionate about the local environment that he re-fenced his property so that the deer can go through it, without being able to access his vineyards. I had a great time touring the vineyard and an even better time tasting the wine. There was a wide variety of wines available for the tasting, and all of them were both tasty and very reasonably priced. Everyone we met here was a great conversationalist and really made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I wish I lived closer so that I could come to taste wines every Saturday for their open tastings! Open Saturdays from noon to 5:00 pm year-round; Sundays June 16 - September 1. Enjoy a flight of 7 or more wines.

Lange Twins Winery & Vineyard

Picture or the Lange Twins

For five generations our family has been growing sustainable winegrapes in the Lodi Appellation and in 2006 we opened a winery to showcase our passion for growing winegrapes – because great wine starts in the vineyard. Building on our successes as a vineyard management company, the winery was our first step into crafting wines made solely from our estate vineyards. Since opening in 2006, we have continued to expand our state-of-the-art winery to keep up with the demand for our LangeTwins wines as well as private labels and custom winemaking services. Unfortunately, our winery is closed for public tastings. If you are visiting the Lodi Appellation, please visit the Lodi Wine & Visitors Center to try our wines as well as other great Lodi selections.

Frey Vineyards

Painting by Agata Zaborowski women enjoying wine

Beautiful vineyard and land. Frey produces organic and biodynamic wines- and is the oldest organic winery in the country. The Frey family, 10 out of 12 children run the vineyard and live on the 90 acres. The wine was tasty. I haven't had a lot of organic wines but I liked the organic Zin and biodynamic Petite Syrah.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski women enjoying wine

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