Overshine Wines, a project of Armida Winery, is deeply inspired by the essence of California. The state's cultural diversity, iconic landscapes, and innovative spirit—from the mountains and redwoods to the beaches and bustling hubs like Hollywood and Silicon Valley—define the winery's philosophy. Overshine captures the magic of California’s golden light, vibrant food culture, and the rich tapestry of influences that shape its identity.

At the heart of Overshine's vision is a belief in inclusivity and environmental sustainability. The team envisions a world where everyone is welcome, and where preserving the health of the land is a top priority. Their holistic approach celebrates diversity and resilience, reflected in their commitment to sustainable farming, producing wines that are both authentic and joyful, and fostering a spirit of connection to the beautiful place they call home.

Overshine was founded by David Drummond, with the collaboration of Sam Bilbro and Thomas DeBiase. David’s deep California roots and passion for wine, combined with his brother’s involvement in the Healdsburg Jazz Fest, led him to Healdsburg. After meeting Sam and Thomas, David was inspired by their wines and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere they embodied. Together, they saw an opportunity to create a future for wine that was both innovative and joyful, and thus, Overshine was born.

Fine wine needs to evolve from a distinct point of view – a self imposed discipline to navigate the siren song of temptation. Otherwise, you may wake up one day to find yourself fabricating a wine to placate a critic or fill a market segment, and discover your craft has devolved into just another recipe for soulless wine.

Having a distinct point of view can also be dangerous. It invites unwelcome criticism from those who make a career out of second guessing the methods or intent of others. Yes, dig deep enough and you can find inconsistencies or incomplete execution in anything, but this is a craftsman’s journey that will only improve with repetition and refinement. The following, gleaned from 35 years of winegrowing, are our rules for great wine from our point of view.

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.

This was our very first stop in wine country and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We had made an appointment for the first tour of the day, and we ended up touring with a very nice man and his sons. Turns out the older gentleman was a wine and liquor distributor down in Silicon Valley (with what sounded like an impressive client list), so we got to hear a lot of industry chatter that was really interesting! Tastings are by appointment. The most amazing wine. Chards, Pinot, wow.