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
Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.
“As we focus on evolving SIMI into a leading premium consumer lifestyle brand, we have made the decision to cease hospitality operations at SIMI Winery early next year,” wrote Alex Wagner, Constellation's vice president of communications in the wine division.
El Dorado's wine area is known for having great Zinfandels, Mourvedres and other reds, but at Holly's Hill Winery there's something there for the white wine lover. Holly's Hill Vineyards is a wonderful family owned and operated winery creating Rhone style wines. Their white wines are solid, dry and not overpowering with strong oakey overtones. You can easily eat food with them - especially the Roussanne and Viognier.
We go down the road less traveled. We appeal to wine drinkers that wish to explore the joys of Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Carmine, Petit Verdot, Alicante Bouschet, Tempranillo, Graciano, Souzao, Touriga National, Grenace, Mourvedre, Montepulciano, Barbera, Dolcetto, or Corvina as blends or varietal wines.
At Souverain the goal is to make authentic wines that are the best expression of each varietal and Alexander Valley. Souverain believes that consumers deserve to drink great wine every night. Souverain love affair with producing wines has stretched back over 60 years and during that time they have produced award winning wines, have received numerous accolades and praise from the wine press.
We were treated to a sit down personalized tasting with about 7 different wines. Andy our host was super nice and informative and gave a great tour. Their Viognier, Rock Pile Zin and Cuvee were nice. Their Cab Franc and Cabernet were really delicious as well.
In the early 1980's, The Guerra Family purchased "Pepper Tree Ranch", a 600 acre, working cattle ranch with amazing vistas, and sprawling hills. With deep agricultural roots, the family embarked on a plan to fulfill Anthony Guerra’s dream to enter the wine/vineyard industry in 2006. They then partnered with neighboring Leal Vineyards to plant twenty acres of vineyard bordered by several acres of olive groves.
Helen and Dave Dart started their dream as home winemakers with a passion for great wines. After winning several awards in that category, they decided to make small lot commercial wines to share with like-minded enthusiasts.
What does a Spanish dancer have to do with a winery that has a French name? Absolutely nothing and everything. It was one of the first artworks created by Dave around the same time he and Helen began making wine at home. This piece has served as the winery's logo since their days as garagistes. Their journey began when they took Best of Show at the Sacramento Home Winemakers wine competition with their very first wine, a 2000 Syrah, igniting their passion for winemaking. Although Helen has French heritage, the name Dart is purely English.
Now residing on their Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, where the winery is located, the tasting room is a feast for the eyes. Dave and Helen have adorned the space with Dave's photo art, reflecting their travels around the world. Most days, Helen is present in the tasting room, eager to share her special wine-pairing recipes and insights into winemaking.
Through the tasting room lies the barrel room, where Dave and his daughter, Jessie, handle the winemaking process. They divide their responsibilities, with Jessie managing fermentation and barrel aging while Dave focuses on master blending and bottling.
The d’Art team is their most valuable asset. Visitors are warmly welcomed in the tasting room, where the couple loves getting to know their customers.
It started over 20 years ago as a fantasy: living on a lush beautiful vineyard, producing your own style of favorite premium varietal wines that are well received and appreciated by those who have discovered the wines and shared them among friends.
Drive along the scenic Highway 46 West, about three miles west of the 101 Fwy at Oakdale Road, you will find this dream has become reality for David Hunt, Winemaker and owner of Hunt Cellars, a winery committed to producing “Memorable Wines.” We believe that great wines leave indelible impressions when poured with wonderful meals and great friends and scintillating conversations.
The Parsons Family, Bill and Mary with daughters Rachael, Ali and Brooke, planted the seven-acre Parsonage Village Vineyard in June 1998. The south-facing hillside vineyard is 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean and a half mile east of the Village on Carmel Valley Road. The vineyard is planted to 3.5 acres of Syrah, 2.0 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.0 acre of Merlot and 0.5 acre of Petit Verdot. The Parsons were the first to plant Syrah in Carmel Valley.
Yields averaged about half a ton per acre for the first harvest in 2000. The tiny yield was just enough to produce 200 cases. Annual production since then has been in the 1500-2000 case range.
Over 20 years later, Parsonage is still very much a family-run vineyard and winery. Ali's husband, Frank Melicia, has been the winemaker and vineyard manager for many years. Ali and Rachael also work full-time while Brooke and her husband, Marshall, help out whenever they can. Bill and Mary live in the center of the vineyard and pretend that they are semi-retired while the business roars around them every day.
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woman enjoying picnic and wine - by wine artist Agata Zaborowski
