Distributed via Retail Outlets and stores. Franzia wines are fresh, delicious and made with a heartfelt commitment. Franzia is a wine first created by the hard work of the Franzia family during the first half of the 1900s. Today, our wines are enjoyed by people in countries all over the globe.
Kings River Winery sits on the 40 acre farm that owner Bob Bagdasarian was raised on. Since 1954, Bob and his family have grown everything from grapes for wine and raisins, to peaches, plums, and apricots. In 2012, Bob decided to follow his passion and focus only on what he loves most, wine. With that passion came a lot of hard work and he planted 12 different varietals of wine grapes on the 40 acres and began building a state of the art winery, with wine making equipment unmatched by any winery in this region. Adding the finishing touches in 2014, Bob’s vision for a premium boutique winery, that would also fill the need for special event venues. Bob and Ashley (the Winery Manager) were so gracious on our first visit and made us feel at home. Bob even took the time to not only walk us through his winery but took John Krause of CaCorks for a walk through the vineyard and we got some video included in a short video presentation on a few of the wineries located in the Central Valley you can see HERE While we haven't tasted all of the wines produced at Kings River Winery, and we will be back, be sure you try: Alicante Bouchet, Barbara, Petite Sirah and Karmir to mention a few.
Hours:
Mon-Fri Closed
Sat 12:00 to 5:00pm
Sun 12:00 to 5:00pm
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.
Bell is an incredible winery in Yountville. If you can, book a private tour and tasting where you'll get the full story behind the single clone Cabernets and their winemaker Antony. If you're lucky, Maggie will do your tour. Brace yourself for the Clone 6!
The imposing redwood and stone barn structure nestles into the cliff side, protected from crashing waves by a flat rock bench eroded over eons. The cellar is filled with French, Hungarian and American oak barrels and specialty equipment suited to handcrafted wine production. The unique location lets magical forces come into play; waves crash into sea caves under the cellar, naturally filtering wine from its sediment. Salt from sea air deposits on barrels accelerating osmosis while creating viscous and dense wines. This is what Sally Ottoson has come to call Pacific Star Winery.
The tale of Oak Ridge Winery is one rich in family, farming, and winemaking. It all began in 1906 when Angelo Maggio immigrated from the Italian coast of Genova to Lodi, California, with his wife, Louisa. In 1928, they planted their first cuttings on the property of their first ranch home, setting the stage for a remarkable journey that would lead to the production powerhouse Oak Ridge Winery is today.
Originally built in 1934, the winery started as a winemaking cooperative, with Angelo, his son Roy, and eventually his grandson Rudy playing vital roles as multigenerational farmers. They grew grapes that were supplied to winemakers across the country. When the winery was put on the market in 2002, Rudy seized the opportunity to expand on their family’s rich legacy by producing quality wines of their own. His vision was not just about reviving history; the Maggio family transformed the winery into a state-of-the-art facility that meets the quality, style, and volume demands of an evolving market.
Laura Durham is the Chief Winemaker at Oak Ridge Winery, where she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her craft. With a background in both viticulture and enology, Laura has dedicated her career to exploring the unique terroir of California’s Lodi region. Her innovative approach combines traditional winemaking techniques with a commitment to sustainability, allowing the grapes to express their full potential. Known for her collaborative spirit and keen attention to detail, Laura has earned a reputation for crafting exceptional wines that reflect the richness of their origins. Under her leadership, Oak Ridge Winery continues to thrive as a destination for wine lovers seeking high-quality, distinctive wines.
Laura Durham has a deep appreciation for a variety of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the regions she works in. While specific favorites can vary, she often highlights the elegance of well-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon and the complexity of nuanced Zinfandel from the Lodi region. Laura also enjoys exploring the vibrant acidity and fruit-forward characteristics of Chardonnay, particularly those that are produced with a mindful approach to oak aging. Her passion for winemaking is reflected in her preference for wines that balance structure and finesse, inviting wine enthusiasts to appreciate both the craftsmanship and the story behind each bottle.
This was homiest and friendliest of the 3 wineries we visited. The view off the hill cannot be beat. It is gorgeous. It was neat to see the vines with fruit hanging off of them. Some of it had been picked and was waiting for pick-up, which happened quite often as the owner whizzed by on his ATV. We could see people in the back taking the grapes he had just delivered and running them through a press.
Come for the Wine. Stay for the View.
Guests are invited to savor award-winning, small-batch wines while enjoying breathtaking canyon views. With a production of only 1,500 cases each year, these wines are exclusively sold through the Sales Room. Reservations are recommended, and required on weekends in October. Walk-in guests will be seated as space allows. For reservation information, guests are encouraged to reach out.
Dogs are welcome on a supervised leash, and children may visit with parental supervision. Limos are not permitted without prior approval, especially during events and on weekends in September and October. Photographers are welcome during business hours.
Photo courtesy of Photographer Randy Caparoso
Mayo Family Winery produces small lots of single-vineyard wines under the premise that the world's most interesting and highest quality wines must come from a single-vineyard source that can be expressed in the wines' aroma, taste and texture. Founded in 1993, the winery has two winemaking facilities in Glen Ellen, California, each fitted and equipped to produce particular types of wines. Mayo Family wines are only sold online or in their tasting room attached to the winery in the town of Glen Ellen and their two other tasting rooms in Sonoma Valley.
The MACAULEY VINEYARD label was established in St. Helena in the early 1980s by Ann Macauley Watson, who, with the assistance of renowned winemaker Ric Forman, produced a highly regarded late harvest Sauvignon Blanc for several years.
In late summer of 2000, Ann's son Mac began working at Rudd Estate in Oakville. His experience and education there inspired him to revive the family label. Collaborating with winemaker and childhood friend Kirk Venge, Mac crushed his first grapes in October 2001.
Mac and Kirk share a singular goal: to source the highest quality fruit from Napa Valley and create wines of exceptional depth and personality. The grapes they select highlight the terroir of the vineyards, resulting in a remarkable wine-drinking experience.
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When Fess Parker purchased the 714-acre Foxen Canyon Ranch in 1988, he envisioned a future filled with cattle, a modest vineyard, and perhaps one day, a small winery. His dream was to establish a family business that could be passed down through generations.
Today, Eli Parker and his sister Ashley Parker Snider carry forward their father’s vision, managing the family portfolio with the help of Winery President Tim Snider, Ashley’s husband. Many of Fess’s grandchildren are also actively involved in the family business, ensuring the legacy continues.
Fess Parker, an actor and entrepreneur, captivated audiences with his portrayals of frontiersman Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in the 1950s and 60s, earning a devoted following across generations. His down-to-earth charm and hardworking spirit endeared him to many, paving the way for his successful transition from Hollywood to the business world in the early 1970s.
While he continued to star in and produce numerous hits for Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros., Parker laid the groundwork for his second career in real estate development. With his warm Texas demeanor and a keen eye for opportunity, he purchased the Foxen Canyon ranch and dedicated himself to producing high-quality wines from estate-grown grapes and the finest vineyards in the county.
Fess and his wife, Marcella, enjoyed a 50-year marriage and raised two children in Santa Barbara, where they lived for over 30 years. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fess passed away in March 2010, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, warmth, and friendship.
Visitors to the Fess Parker Winery can still feel his presence, as his spirit lives on through his family and the remarkable wines they produce. For wine lovers exploring California's wineries, Fess Parker Winery offers not just exceptional wines, but a heartfelt connection to a beloved figure and his enduring legacy.
