Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah

Carlise Winery & Vineyards

glass of wine - PIxabay

In the heart of Sonoma County, this small, family-owned winery offers a remarkable portfolio for wine lovers drawn to California's unique wine country experience. Specializing in old-vine, vineyard-designated Zinfandels and red Rhône and Spanish varieties—including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah—their wines capture the character and depth of these heritage grapes. They also produce three distinctive white wines, two of which are crafted from historic, old-vine vineyards, alongside Sonoma County’s first-ever Grüner Veltliner.

Committed to bold, intensely flavored wines that reflect both their vintage and vineyard origins, the winery’s approach emphasizes balance, complexity, and nuance. Each bottle embodies their philosophy of doing just enough to enhance the fruit’s natural qualities while striving to deliver exceptional, accessible wines at a fair price.

Michael David Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Michael and David Phillips represent the fifth generation of growers in Lodi, and things are changing. With 650 acres of premium wine grapes, there is plenty of room for experimentation and innovation.

The Phillips Family and Lodi have a long history together. They have been farming the soil since the 1860s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. The founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who raised their families in the vineyard. Now, the 6th generation has joined the team with Mike’s daughter, Melissa. The Phillips Family, more than most, understands the importance of leaving the land better than they found it for future generations. Their family legacy and love of Lodi drive their focus on sustainability.

Green & Red Vineyard

wine and cheese - Pixabay

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.

Preston Vineyards

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Wine tasting at Preston was a fun experience. The tasting room had a welcoming atmosphere with lots of funny books decorating the bookshelves and samples of their olives and sourdough. There were other groups also present, but we were attended quite quickly. Hidden gem. This is what wine country should feel like...to be continued.

Hecker Pass Winery

wine glass, picnic table - Pixabay

Hecker Pass Winery, established in 1972 by a third-generation vintner from Italy, produces wines in a classic European style. The winery embraces traditional methods, including dry farming, head pruning, hand picking, and wild yeast fermentation, ensuring each wine reflects a natural, Italian character. Committed to sustainability, they avoid herbicides, pesticides, and cultured yeast, focusing on crafting authentic wines. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the family proudly continue this legacy, producing old-world wines in a sustainable way for future generations.

Wildhurst Vineyards

Wildhursts makes direct, hand-crafted wines from a winemaker's passion and a farmer's love of his land. Enjoy the fruits of this winemaker's labors when you visit Lake County Wines and Wineries. 
Hours: Sat & Sun | 12 pm - 4 pm

Miraflores Winery

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

There are a lot of wineries to choose from in El Dorado county, but this should be one of the first that you try. The tasting room at Mira Flores Winery is beautiful, and included high ceilings and a nice roomy tasting bar. The patio outside is stunning, and would be a nice place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Dick, our pourer, was friendly, accommodating, and we really enjoyed spending time with him. Five stars for ambiance and service.

Dancing Coyote Wines

clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon - Randy Caparoso

Legend has it, each year at the beginning of the growing season, a band of coyotes from the nearby foothills, sneak into our vineyards, and for no apparent reason other than treachery, chew on our irrigation lines with wild abandon. Following these scandalous acts, they have been known on occasion to join paws and dance around, howling at the moon in celebration.

Lava Cap Winery

pouring red wine into glass - Pixabay

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.

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