Tom and Marilyn Stolpman founded Stolpman Vineyards in 1990 after making the decision that Marilyn’s dream of an “investment we can enjoy” could include finding the perfect piece of property that could grow world-class wine grapes.Through extensive experimentation with many varietals, the team has perfected its offerings of Syrah, Roussanne, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc. Limited plantings of Grenache, Viognier, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay serve as blending grapes.
Deer Park annually produces and releases award-winning estate wines available for wine tasting weekends as one of the top things to do in San Diego County (and minutes from Riverside and Los Angeles). The Auto Museum features hundreds of vehicles and Americana collections, and is the recipient of the Antique Automobile Club of America trophy for excellence. Renown collections include a world-famous collection of American convertible cars, vintage radios, TV, antique bicycles, appliances, cameras, tube television sets, neon dealership signs, classic gas pumps and gas stations, vintage vehicle garages, old oil collectibles, license plates, vintage toys and games, Coca Cola room of collectibles, and more.
The staff here was not your typical in-your-face, super-upseller, super high energy and friendly type of pourer-- but she was very helpful, sweet and laid back which was kind of nice for a change. The room itself is worth the stop! All the hand carved wood--surrounding the barrel-made bar in the middle of the room, the tasting bar, and the walls is beautiful. The wood gives this place a super relaxing, comfortable cozy wine tasting environment.
Viszlay Vineyards is a family owned and operated boutique winery located in the Russian River Valley. You can find this little gem just a few miles south of downtown Healdsburg, CA. Viszlay's estate wines are grown on their own 10 acre vineyard. Currently they are pouring their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Caberbet & Merlot blendm Zinfandel and a Petite Sirah wines. In addition to a traditional wine tasting you can also enjoy a Cheese & Wine paring. We just made recent contact with John Viszlay at the winery and we look forward to experiencing his wines and the winery story soon. We will keep you posted!
Stephen Ross's story begins with the "Stephen Ross Dooley wine story" in Minnesota, where in my teenage years curiosity in wine led Stephen to make rhubarb and apple wines in the family basement…
Things progressed on a nice upward trajectory from that point. Curiosity evolved into a passion for winemaking, which led to a degree in Enology from The University of California, Davis; then 10 years of winemaking (all vinifera from here on out, thankfully) in the Napa Valley, two southern hemisphere harvests, and seven years in the Edna Valley before launching his brand, Stephen Ross. Paula joined the team soon after Stephen hired their first employee in 2005. A companion brand, Flying Cloud, was launched in 2003.
Stephen Ross was founded on the principles of working with quality vineyards and hand-crafting the best wines possible from the grapes they yield.
Winemaker Aaron Jackson
Hailing from California's beautiful Central Coast, Aaron Jackson's journey into winemaking began with a thought-provoking question: “How can we write a new story for Central Coast wine, and how do we unlock its potential?” With a thirst for answers, Aaron found himself working in coastal Pinot Noir vineyards near his hometown of Cayucos, alongside crafting wines from the celebrated westside of Paso Robles, especially the distinctive Petite Sirah.
While studying wine at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Aaron pooled together his hard-earned pennies from weekend jobs to launch his own label, debuting with the first vintage of Aaron Petite Sirah in 2002. His career blossomed as he collaborated with several acclaimed wineries in Paso Robles and earned a Master’s degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide in South Australia.
In 2017, Aaron took on the ambitious task of spearheading the creation of the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA (SLO Coast), which proudly gained approval in 2021.
Now, with over 20 years of experience under his belt, Aaron remains committed to pushing boundaries and celebrating his homeland through his wines. Each bottle reflects his authenticity and passion for unearthing the incredible potential of Paso Robles and the stunning San Luis Obispo Coast. For those who love California wines, Aaron Jackson is a winemaker to watch!
Almond Hill Vineyard is a small family owned and operated Estate Vineyard located on a hillside previously planted in almond trees on the West side of the Paso Robles appellation, mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Proprietors Dennis Van Westerhuyzen and his wife Nicole Cavier searched for many years, up and down the California Coast, for some land to plant a small vineyard to keep themselves busy during their retirement years, and also because they both enjoy wine. They bought the property in 1997 The first 2 1/2 acres of Syrah vines were planted in 2000. They were very fortunate to find a buyer for their first harvest in 2002, a great little boutique winery right next door. In 2004 they planted another 4 acres of Syrah and 1 acre of Petite Sirah grafted with budwood from the acclaimed Richard Sauret Vineyard near by.
Terre Rouge and Easton Wines
Founded in the late 1980s by Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines has established itself as a notable presence in the wine industry. Winemaker Bill Easton, one of the original Rhône Rangers, pioneered the cultivation of Rhône varietals in the Sierra Foothills under the TERRE ROUGE label. The EASTON portfolio features Amador County favorites, including old vine Zinfandel and Barbera.
The wines produced by Terre Rouge and Easton are characterized by their balance and elegance, with complexity that evolves as they age in the bottle. This process, known in French as élevage, refers to the "raising" of wine in the bottle. There is a distinct art to this style of winemaking, offering great pleasure in wines that are ready to enjoy while still holding significant potential for future aging.
Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso
The Boeger Winery estate, originally homesteaded during the 1849 Gold Rush by the Fossati-Lombardo family, has a rich history rooted in California's early days. Like many during that era, the Fossati-Lombardo family sought their fortune in the gold fields but soon realized that greater prosperity lay in providing goods and services to miners rather than mining itself. Their land evolved into a thriving fruit and nut farm, which later expanded into a winery and distillery. Using Mission grapes and an early clone of Zinfandel, they produced wines, and a small block of that original Zinfandel still produces wine today.
In 2018, Boeger Winery received the prestigious Wine Lifetime Achievement Award from the California State Fair, a testament to its longstanding impact on the industry.
Decades after Prohibition forced the closure of the last winery in the county, Greg and Sue Boeger discovered the property in 1972 and made it their home. This marked the beginning of Boeger Winery as the first modern post-Prohibition winery in the El Dorado American Viticultural Area. Greg Boeger was no stranger to winemaking, as his grandfather, Anton Nichelini, founded the Nichelini Winery in Napa Valley in 1890. Greg spent much of his youth at his grandfather’s vineyard, gaining hands-on experience that would later fuel his passion for the craft.
Following in the footsteps of the Fossati-Lombardo family and his grandfather, Greg became a pioneer in his own right by experimenting with lesser-known grape varietals, including Barbera, Carignane, Refosco, Charbono, and Aglianico. Among these, Barbera became a standout, earning hundreds of awards for the winery.
As a trailblazer in the El Dorado wine industry and a staunch advocate for agricultural rights, Greg Boeger was recognized with the 2018 Wine Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor placed him among California's most renowned winemakers, including Robert Mondavi, Jerry Lohr, Bob Gallo, and the University of California, Davis.
For those looking to experience the magic of Boeger Winery, visitors are invited to explore the estate, taste its award-winning wines, and take in the history that continues to shape its future.
The Rosenthal Family has been farming grapes sustainably on the north slope of Mt. St. Helena Mayacamus Mountains since the early 70's. The resulting wines are in the 'must taste' category. Home grown, approachable wines for your enjoyment!
Wines available at Hardesters Markets
