Here's a winemaker who goes out of his way to write a warm personal thank you at the end of the year that frankly sets Page apart. Just good business -sure. But more than that I think. Kudos to Bryan Page for a terrific stable of wines and an awareness that the 'why' of what he is doing-making great intimate experiences for his growing wine club - is critical to his success.
Roth Estate is a family-owned winery dedicated to crafting full-flavored wines grown in exemplary Sonoma County vineyards. Beginning in 2001, Roth committed to producing classic Bordeaux varietals in Alexander Valley. A decade later the winery expanded its winemaking to include cool-climate varietals from the Sonoma Coast.
Ancient Peaks Winery Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked beneath the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, the vines unfold along a rare array of soils amid one of the region’s coolest growing environments. The resulting wines express an unmistakable sense of place, with balanced structure and flavors that are native to Margarita Vineyard.
Famous over the years for Weibel Green Hungarian, now known as GH, and their line of California champagnes and naturally flavored sparkling wines, Weibel Family Wines also include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah from their Estate Vineyard in Mendocino County, California.
The secret is out, one of the premier vineyard properties in Sonoma County belongs to Remick Ridge. This vineyard and the Remick Ridge brand belong to Tommy Smothers of the Smothers Brothers fame. When Tommy and his grandfather Ed Remick started looking for vineyards in the early 70's they came upon this property in the hills of Sonoma and as Tom explains; his grandfather stuck out his finger and said "this is it" once you taste these wines you'll know that the finger pointed in the right direction. Tommy Smothers say's, "Making wine is so close to to show business. Wine like comedy, is subjective. Either people like your wine, or your songs, or your comedy, or they don't. Each is a creative process and you're only as good as your last effort.
Palumbo Family Vineyards This is a smaller, family run winery that is a bit out of the way of Temecula's bigger wineries. Tours don't come here often because they don't allow large busses or limos. However, I was happy that I was able to discovered this place. The tasting room is small, the family that makes the wine and their few employees pour your tastes. You definately get a very intimate feel here. As for the wine, it is delcious and the prices are not too high which is a giant plus given that the quality of the wines is fantastic.
Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery is committed to small lot, handcrafted wines from varieties that are grown on small block, sustainably farmed wine vineyards.
Nick Palumbo, Owner/Winemaker
is a past President of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The highlights for me were the Viognier/Roussane and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Will definately return when in the area. If you are like me, looking for a winery that is a gem and adds to the winery experience in Temecula, CA I just might see you there one day.
More than a few small wineries have started in a garage, but we may be the only Winery to begin that way, move on to bigger and better quarters, and still be in a garage. Founded in 1980 in a small garage on the outskirts of town, in 1982 the Winery moved to its present location, the historic Miners Foundry Garage, on Spring St in downtown Nevada City. Remarkably, the Winery is located less than two blocks from where the original Nevada City Winery stood over a century ago. The Winery was begun by Allan Haley, a Nevada County native with a European wine education and a dream of bringing winemaking back to our region. In 1880 there were over 300 acres of grapes in the County. In 1980 when the Winery opened there was one small vineyard, recently planted. Twenty years later there are again well over 300 acres of grapes and the wine industry is flourishing once more.
Anselmo Vineyards is a beautiful winery and ranch that cloaks 15 acres in Northern California. World-class cuisine at Anselmo Vineyards comes from a kitchen that serve their very own beef – a true pasture-to-plate affair. The winery offers a first class wine tasting room that proudly serve a variety of wines. San Anselmo Vineyards serves three red wines: a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a full bodied Merlot, and a smooth blended Majorette.
The wine is really great...but the price point is also really high. Obviously Heidi Barrett, who was the winemaker for Screaming Eagle, has set a uber high standard for herself so perhaps the Amuse warrants the nearly $300 price tag.
This is a first class operation! Every employee you see is smiling, friendly, and happy. The tour was fantastic and seeing the inside of the caves they built years ago was memorable. The tasting room was big enough and there was no pressure to purchase any wines or join the clubs. Every wine we tasted was explained in detail and needless to say, superb. We enjoyed seeing the sheep grazing on the hillside and then running back to the barn. This is a don't miss winery and tour in Sonoma County.
