Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, in the western edge of Cuyama Valley, Alere Vineyards produces rhone-varietals and a bit of zinfandel. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, Alere's vineyard flourishes in a climate very similiar to that of the southern Rhone Valley.

Rideau Vineyard was founded in 1997 by New Orleans native, Iris Rideau. Early on in the winery’s inception, Iris Rideau decided to dedicate her estate vineyard entirely to Rhône varietals. She felt that Rhône wines were not only ideally suited to the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, but also instinctively felt that they were best suited to the Creole cuisine of her childhood.

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.

Since its founding in 2005, Carica Wines has stayed true to its vision. Producing small lots of single-vineyard designated wines, Carica makes Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, Carica Wines produces a Rhône-style red blend, combining Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum has also added a Rosé to the Carica portfolio.Carica Wines is a new winery started in 2005 by two friends, Dick Keenan and Charlie Dollbaum, to produce small lots of premium Sonoma County wines. They produce 2 wines for now. A Sauvignon Blanc and the kick ranch Syrah.

The Syrah is very balanced. Very nice ruby red color. It has a very long finish of dark chocolate, pepper and smoked meat. Big rich dishes would benefit from this wine. I will be excited to try there Sauvignon Blanc when it comes in. After all it is one of my favorite Varietals.