Mac got into food and wine during his early twenties via his friends and coworkers at Trader Joe's in Southern California. He soon began taking trips up to the Central Coast to just to taste, but quickly found himself volunteering his time on his days off to help out at a number of wineries. After learning the process for a few years and spending more and more time on the Central Coast, Mac was ready to start making wine for himself.
SummerWood Winery & Inn has joined together a dedicated team of industry professionals who share a passion for wine, food and hospitality along with their enthusiasm for living on the Central Coast and being a part of the exciting Paso Robles wine region.
In the heart of Sonoma County, this small, family-owned winery offers a remarkable portfolio for wine lovers drawn to California's unique wine country experience. Specializing in old-vine, vineyard-designated Zinfandels and red Rhône and Spanish varieties—including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah—their wines capture the character and depth of these heritage grapes. They also produce three distinctive white wines, two of which are crafted from historic, old-vine vineyards, alongside Sonoma County’s first-ever Grüner Veltliner.
Committed to bold, intensely flavored wines that reflect both their vintage and vineyard origins, the winery’s approach emphasizes balance, complexity, and nuance. Each bottle embodies their philosophy of doing just enough to enhance the fruit’s natural qualities while striving to deliver exceptional, accessible wines at a fair price.
Demetria Estate produces two separate portfolios of wines including, Burgundian varietals and Rhone-style blends that capture the singularity of the vineyards and the region from which they originated. The Burgundian offerings comprise of varietal honest manifestations of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, farmed sustainably in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County. The Rhone blends feature a rich, aromatic array of wines that are well-balanced, and intensely flavorful. The Rhone blends are styled after the famous Chateauneuf du Pape reds and are made from varieties of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache. The white Rhone wines are blends of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc.
Image: Corks and Glass
What makes Lodi wine so unique is that it is actually grown and made in seven different AVA’s; each one boasting its own distinct character, soil conditions and micro-climate. In fact, conditions here make it possible to grow more kinds of varietals from around the world than anywhere else in California. Anywhere else, period. The results of which you’ll discover as you navigate your way around these parts. Enjoy.
Bella Grace, like many other Plymouth wineries, is lovely and sophisticated without pretension. I must say that I am always pleased with the friendly service and warm greetings we receive when we arrive. Their 2010 Barbera is a multi-award winner. I have to say that this is a must-have! I've rarely tasted anything like it. Super friendly staff here, and the owner was very nice as well. The wine cave was worth checking out; its cool temperature was a haven from the summer heat. And...tasting is free! Wine Cave - 22715 Upton Road Plymouth, CA Open Saturday & Sunday 11-4 during winter Sutter Creek Tasting Room 73 Main Street Sutter Creek CA Open Thursday - Monday 11-5
Wilson Creek Winery is warm and friendly, comfortable yet exhilarating, simple yet elegant, all inspirations from the Estate wines, vineyards and Mount Palomar in the distance. What makes this Winery for me is the grounds. Tons of places to sit and enjoy your wine tastings. I think what makes it for me, is that I don't feel confined to standing at the tasting bar. I can walk around with my tastings. I don't particularly feel as free to do that at other Wineries. This winery has a lot to offer to visitors that are looking to do a little wine tasting in Temecula Wine Country.
Saxum Vineyards focus is primarily with Grenach, Syrah and Mourverdre based blends from the Templeton Gap/Willow Creek area of Paso Robles, California. This Central Coast Winery produces 3,000 to 4,000 cases a year from these winegrapes.
Begun in 1992 by Bruce and Barbara Neyers, Neyers Vineyards produces about 15,000 cases of wine annually. About 25% of Neyers Vineyuards' production is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on their 50-acre, organically farmed Conn Valley ranch. Neyers is far from the Napa Valley floor of over-run wineries. This winery requires a reservation; the reservations can be difficult to get but it is worth it. You will get a tour of their facilities and sample their high quality wines. The offering is three Chardonnays, three Syrahs, two Zinfandels, two Cabernet Sauvignons and one Merlot.
Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf.
