Merlot

Merlot

Shale Canyon Wines

bottle of wine and glass with chateau in background - PIxabay

Shale Canyon Wines is a new producer vinting small lots . Trry the Blair Pinot Noir, the Shale Canyon Merlot and Shale Cab Franc. Very good wines for a great price.of hand crafted varietals of Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. 2008 and 2009 production will be about 850 cases per year. Long term production goals are between 2,500 to 4,000 cases per year. Production will be focused on six to eight varietals, including our own estate wines from recently planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Mourvedre

Galleo E&J Winery

grapes

E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned winery with fifteen family members, spanning three generations of the Gallo family, actively working in the business. • Established in 1933 and headquartered in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery remains a privately held and ever-growing company that employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. • E. & J. Gallo Winery offers a broad array of products that total more than 100 brands and include table, sparkling and luxury wines, beverage products, dessert wines and distilled spirits. • With products available in more than 100 countries, E. & J. Gallo Winery is an exporter of California wine, and imports wines from Argentina, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. Additionally, Gallo imports spirits from Australia, the Caribbean, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. 

Pope Valley Winery

glass of red wine - Pixabay

This hidden gem of a winery boasts a no-frills approach to great wine. Their taste is a bit different -- fruity & light merlots, light cabs, amazing port. The true gem here is Petra. She's a great conversationist and has remembered me and my friends every time we come. This one is WAY out of the way, but a completely unique experience in Napa. The basic tasting was free, and the reserve tasting was $15. The wine was pretty good and the bocce court outside was a nice distraction. The place is like a deserted farm with dogs wandering around and unfinished road through the vineyard. It is NOT fancy, but it is often deserted and gives you the feel that you are in your own country vineyard.

Bargetto Winery

Glass of wine

Soquel Bargetto has the prettiest tasting room and patio overlooking a creek and wilderness. Getting to the wines, the Sauv Blanc and Pinot Grigio are pretty good and well balanced, the Chard not my preference. The reserve reds are quite delicious and the sweet wines are good if you are into the sweeter wines.

The winemaking heritage of Bargetto began with brothers Phillip and John Bargetto, who emigrated from Castelnuovo Don Bosco, a small town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Bringing with them years of winegrowing experience, they established BARGETTO WINERY on the banks of Soquel Creek in California.

Some History 

Phillip was the first to leave Italy in 1891 at the age of seventeen. In 1909, John joined his brother in San Francisco.

The original Bargetto family winery was located in San Francisco from 1910 to 1917, operating under the name South Montebello Vineyard and Wine Company. With Prohibition on the horizon, the winery was closed, and the brothers relocated to Soquel in 1917.

In 1918, Phillip and John purchased the current site of BARGETTO WINERY and began producing wine in an old barn on the property. During Prohibition (1919-1933), the brothers continued to make wine for family and friends while selling produce to local customers and growing apples at their family ranch in Soquel. When Prohibition ended in 1933, they devoted more time to the wine business, expanding into a wholesale operation while maintaining their produce sales.

Phillip Bargetto passed away in 1936, leaving John as the sole owner of the business during the 1940s and 1950s. John continued to produce and sell wine both wholesale and retail, with the support of his sons Ralph and Lawrence during these years.

Arietta Wine

women enjoying wine with cats

Rare wine specialist and wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton founded Arietta in 1996 in partnership with winemaker John Kongsgaard and his wife Maggy. The partnership was born of a shared passion for fine wine and classical music. The vinous inspiration for Arietta was an extraordinary 2.3 acre block of Cabernet Franc on the Hudson Ranch in Napa/Carneros. The fruit from this block of Cabernet Franc serves as the core of the Arietta Red Wine.

Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery

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."

La Rocca Vineyards

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

LaRocca Vineyards was born in 1984 when Philip and Judy began farming 110 acres of unkept Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wine grapes, on Doe Mill Ridge in Forest Ranch, California. Philip and Judy transformed the vineyard to a thriving, successful certified organic operation. LaRocca Vineyards is located at 2600 feet elevation on the lower southern slopes of Mount Lassen.

Cantara Cellars

Entrance and sign for Cantara Cellars

Cantara Cellars is a tasting room producing a broad selection of award winning red and white wines located in the in the heart of Ventura County. Chris and Mike Brown’s winery specializes in producing wines from grapes they have selected from the Lodi Appellation in Northern California know for in Zinfandel and a host of other varietals. Each wine expresses both the passion for making fine wines, and enjoyment of the distinctive flavors found in Lodi grapes that this couple has a passion for. Cantara Cellars began in 2002 as a private winery at Mike and Chris Brown's Moorpark home. Beginning with just 250 pounds of Chardonnay hand harvested from Mike's parent's vineyards in Lodi California, they fermented their first 18 gallons of wine! Over the next few years they opened a public tasting room in October 2007. 

Hours:
Mon      Closed
Tues     Closed
Wed       3:00pm to  9:00pm
Thur      3:00pm to  9:00pm
Fri         3:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat      12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sun     12:00pm to  7:00pm

 

McManis Family Vineyards

chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso

Founded in 1990, McManis Family Vineyards is owned and managed by Ron and Jamie McManis, fourth generation winegrowers, and is located in the rich agricultural region of the northern California interior. Currently, the family grows a wide selection of grape varieties on 2600 acres of premium vineyard land.

Image - chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso

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