Drive out on Highway 46 for a bit and you will find tucked away Rocky Creek Cellars. Rocky Creek is a homey little tasting room with the charm of a rustic cabin. The folks that run this place, like most of the wineries and tasting rooms in the area, are a family, so you can tell a certain amount of personal flair and attention has been put into everything right down to the tasty crackers they serve with their flights.
Croad Vineyards is nestled within California's wine country surrounded by the majestic views of west side Paso Robles. The winery & tasting room are located near Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles.The Mission style architecture blended with New Zealand "KIWI" influence bring a truly unique experience to your visit.
Jessie’s Grove Winery in Lodi specializes in crafting small-batch, artisanal wines that showcase the vibrant flavors of the region’s renowned grape varietals, such as Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane. Visitors can explore the newly renovated tasting room, the historic barn, or enjoy a glass at the outdoor pouring stations, each offering a unique and personalized wine-tasting experience for every occasion.
With a commitment to sustainable farming, Jessie’s Grove ensures that each grape is carefully nurtured, resulting in wines that capture the true essence of Lodi. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, exclusive barrel tastings at the historic estate, or peaceful picnics amidst the tranquil beauty of the Lodi countryside.
When Mike and Kara Dunn established Retro Cellars in 2003, their goal was to honor the rich history of both the vineyards and their family's legacy in the Napa Valley wine industry. Mike's family had founded Dunn Vineyards on Howell Mountain in 1978, the same year Kara's family began Pecota Winery in Calistoga. Upon meeting, Mike and Kara discovered that they shared similar experiences growing up in the Napa Valley of the 1970s, a time when the community was comprised of modest farmers.
They chose the name "Retro" to pay tribute to the generational groundwork that had been laid for their venture. This sense of continuity is further reflected in the label artwork, which was created by their then 11-year-old son, Alex. Now 28, Alex is a graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, a part-time cellars hand at both Dunn Vineyards and Retro Cellars, and a builder of hiking and biking trails in Napa and Sonoma counties.
It all started back in 1988 when Eric’s parents purchased the land where the winery and vineyard sit today. Eric was still attending Cal Poly earning his BS in Ecology and Systematic Biology at the time but helped his dad by designing and planting the vineyard. After getting the vineyard planted and producing, Eric began to expand his wine knowledge. Biologist as his day job, Eric went back to school, attending UC Davis’s enology extension courses. Eventually, landing his first wine job with Ken Volk at Wild Horse Winery in Templeton and then moving into a position with Kendal-Jackson Winery. Eventually in 1998, Eric made the first official vintage of Zenaida Cellars and has been working on developing the wines ever since.
In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property situated on the floor of Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s—Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark—and, like many others of that era, ventured westward in search of a place to call home.
The property, nestled just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga, was home to a small Zinfandel vineyard. However, with the onset of Prohibition in 1920, prunes quickly became the dominant cash crop in Napa Valley. In response, the Petersons planted a plum orchard to help support their large family. Caring for the orchard, along with a large vegetable garden and numerous farm animals, became a full-time job for the entire family, including their six sons and three daughters.
When the time came to pass the property on, it was the daughters—not the sons—who took on the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked diligently to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden, and livestock. Vera tended to the land, Carrie managed the books, and Mae returned each summer to assist with the harvest.
McKahn Family Cellars the winemaker Charles McKahn took up working with wines at the age of 15 years old. Charles mother worked in the export department of a well know LIvermore winery Wente Vineyards when he was very young and his mothers work there made an impression on him. Winemaking seemed like an interesting career although he wouldn't be old enough to legally comsume it for a number of more years. Charles learned winemaking from the gound up. In addition to studying Enology at Cal Poly he did his fair share of blue collar work and he learned craft that is old and to be respected. McKahn Family Cellars has the word family in it for a reason. Charles, two of his parents and his wife work hard at carry on this family tradition of winemaking. When in Livermore Wine Country be sure to stop in and try their wonderful wines their Syrah being their flagship wine.
Hours:
Fri- 12:00 to 5:00pm
Sat- 12:00 to 5:00pm
Sun- 12:00 to 5:00pm
Also by appointment
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.
Quixote is truly magical with astonishing architecture that is highlighted by vibrant colors and unorthodox design concepts such as no straight lines. In addition to the beautiful, grounds, the fun atmosphere and the charming hostesses, the wine was excellent! 4 stars for the architecture designed by Hundertwasser - colorful and whimsical. Lots of fine details - the wonderful wood floor in the tasting room and by all means do not miss the bathroom with a great tiled shower and tile framed mirror, even the loading dock is artful. This is a must see place. Make an appointment and don't forget your camera.
Miro Tcholakov was born and raised in Northern Bulgaria, a region with many millennia of winemaking history. He was exposed to wine and wine making at a very early age from his grandfather who taught him how to make wine in the old tradition that had been tested through generations.
