Uncork, Sip Back and Relax! That is our motto at Koi Zen Cellars. We are a hidden gem in the Carmel Business park in Carmel Mountain Ranch just down the street from Home Depot. A craft winery that has been named San Diego’s BEST Local Winery 2 years in a row.
Back Road Vines is located in beautiful Suisun Valley, California. Hand picked grapes, trivia night, thirsty Thursday, wine and s'mores on Friday and more... this winery has a very active calendar of events and is well worth looking into for those who love activities surrounded by wine tasting (or vice versa). They even have a Bocce ball court on the premises!
They pride themselves in following the "old school" art of winemaking and use small vessel fermenting along with stainless and French Oak barrel aging. These wines have structure and balance. As of this writing there is a $20 Tasting Fee, which includes a crystal logo BRV Glass and five samplings of their latest release.
They are open daily from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm -
The only wine of Carol's we have enjoyed is her Wild Thing Zin. “Wild Thing” is named for its attitude and uninoculated or “wild” yeast ferment is used to create it. Black raspberry fruit, vibrant and alive in both the nose and mouth, nice oaky-smokiness, hit of black pepper. Smoothly textured in mouth, the finish is long and lushly jammy fruit—dangerously good! Looking forward to visiting and trying her other wines soon.
A hobby gone wild! That is how Idle Hour Winery, formerly Panoche Valley Vineyards, got its start. Winemaker Anna Marie dos Remedios began making wine as a hobby to relieve the stress of her day job as a newspaper journalist/business owner. Anna Marie is focused on small lot, single-vineyard designated wines from some of California's best wine-growing regions. Anna Marie learned traditional winemaking methods from mentor and renowned Pinot Noir producer Josh Jensen at Calera Wine Company. At Idle Hour Winery the focus is on these traditional methods: native yeast fermentation, gravity flow racking and the use of neutral French Oak; all very gentle in nature, applying these to all the varieties Anna Marie ferments. While you will find all of the wines at Idle Hour Winery delightful, be sure to try the Reserve Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc and the Tannat Idle Hour Winery is located in Oakhurst, CA the gateway to Yosemite Park. Idle Hour was include in a short video we did featuring several Central Valley wineries you can view HERE *
Hours:
Mon- 11:00AM-6:00PM
Tues- 11:00AM-6:00PM
Weds- 11:00AM-6:00PM
Thurs- 11:00AM-6:00PM
Fri - 11:00AM-6:00PM
Sat - 11:00AM-6:00PM
Sun - 11:00AM-6:00PM
In 2001, Jeff decided to venture out with the goal of making world class wines. Initially, he limited his production to Pinot Noir from Bien Nacido in 2003, he expanded his horizons a bit and added Pinot Noir from Solomon Hills Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley. Jeff also wanted to produce a white wine so he added a Pinot Blanc from Bien Nacido in 2004 and a Bien Nacido Chardonnay in 2008. Jeff tragically passed away in 2010 just as he was coming into his prime as a winemaker. Remembered as a friend, co-worker, and extraordinary winemaker, the Miller Family, owners of Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards, purchased the J. Wilkes wine label with the intent of paying tribute to all of Jeff's accomplishments and continuing his legacy of making outstanding wines from the Santa Maria Valley.
Matson Vineyards is a family-owned winery located just east of Redding, California. The original vineyard was planted in 1981, and the winery was officially established in 1984. Roger Matson believes in providing high-quality, handcrafted wines at an affordable price. Oscar Matson, the patriarch of Shasta County’s oldest bonded winery, was not always a winemaker. That happened by chance. Before winemaking, he spent several years teaching modern languages—French, German, Spanish, and English and, with his wife Stella, raising a family of four boys. It was a pleasure meet Oscar on my first visit to this little family winery. Today Oscar's son Roger Matson (winemaker/owner) and his winery team make it a treat to visit. Lynette Shaw is the Manager at Matson Vineryards and Mike and Jessica Bettes can be found in the tasting room pouring some of Roger's wonderful creations. Be sure to try Tango a bold and full bodied wine and there is a list of others to please your palate.*
Hours:
Mon-Thurs Closed
Fri - 1:00PM-6:00PM
Sat - 1:00PM-6:00PM
Sun -1:00PM-6:00PM
Discover the Magic of Brassfield Estate Winery in Beautiful Lake County
Perched high in the High Valley AVA of Lake County, California, Brassfield Estate Vineyards & Winery offers a winemaking experience like no other. At an altitude that only 1% of vineyards worldwide can match, this unique estate breaks free from the traditional norms of valley floor wineries.
At Brassfield, precision and sustainable farming form the foundation of their craft. They produce an impressive selection of 17 varietals, ensuring that from vine to bottle, the wines never leave their expert hands. This commitment extends beyond winemaking; they care deeply for the land they inhabit, the wildlife they coexist with, and the guests who visit.
From the breathtaking estate in Clearlake Oaks to your glass, Brassfield Estate invites you to experience the exceptional wines and stunning surroundings that make every visit unforgettable. Join them today and taste the magic for yourself!
At R&B Cellars, wine-making is viewed as an art form with the power and influence of music. It’s meant to inspire, brim with passion, and unite people in celebrating life, happiness, and community.
Situated in the East Bay of San Francisco, owners Kevin and Barbara invite visitors to Riggers Loft, their scenic winery, tasting room, and wine bar in the Port of Richmond, Point Richmond. Here, guests can enjoy a blend of delicious wines and vibrant music in one of the most welcoming communities in the area.
As lifelong musicians, Kevin and Barbara recognize that, much like music, wine is crafted to be shared—whether with old friends, new acquaintances, or the world at large. To suit a variety of tastes and personalities, they offer several varietals at different price points. Riggers Loft is their dream: a place where music and wine harmonize beautifully. The experience is made even more memorable with a sweeping 270-degree view of the San Francisco Bay.
Abundant, beautiful, and joyful, the vineyard expresses an idea that the best things in life are simple and honest. If there is truth in wine, it comes from the plain transition of fruit and soil and sun into a blend of art and fate. Granite Lion Cellars begins with the best vine stock and cherishes the distinctive characteristics that make every variety unique because we understand that all we take through life is ourselves. A young winery, Granite Lion Vineyards presents a rich and distinctive taste intrinsic to the passion of youth.
I'm hesitant to tell anyone about this gem so I can keep this secret to myself but the zins are so outstanding that I suppose I should share. This is a small production winery that definitely focuses on quality over quantity but their price point is still so reasonable! If I were coming to the Napa Valley and only had time for one winery, I would come here, well worth the extra drive (it's sort of in the middle of nowhere). Appointment only and be prepared for the steep one way driveway.
