Cobb Wines is a Pinot Noir specialist focusing on single-vineyard wines that was established in 2001 by Stephen and Ross Cobb and their parents David and Diane Cobb. David Cobb owns and farms the 15-acre Coastlands Vineyard and oversees all the vineyards from which the winery sources grapes. David began growing Pinot Noir at the sustainably farmed Coastlands Vineyard back in 1989.
Tasting Room & Picnic Grounds: Clos Du Val boasts one of the most friendly, down-to-earth winery experiences in Napa Valley brought to you in an incomparably beautiful setting. Clos Du Val offers everything from a casual tasting at their tasting bar, to formal tours and tastings with the winemaker, to large group wine tasting and blending seminars. Beautifully manicured grounds provide the perfect setting for romantic interludes or picnics with family and friends.
Discover the Charm of Terre Rouge and Easton Wines: A Journey Through California's Rhône Varietals
Located in the heart of Amador County, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines is a captivating story of passion and dedication, brought to life by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan. Established in the late 1980s, this winery is a must-visit for any California wine lover eager to explore the unique flavors of the Sierra Foothills.
A Winemaker’s Journey
Bill Easton’s winemaking adventure began in the 1970s when he founded Solano Cellars, a Berkeley wine shop specializing in artisanal wines from around the globe. His experiences in the shop and extensive travels through Europe shaped his refined palate and distinctive winemaking style. Bill's approach celebrates balance and elegance, creating wines that evolve beautifully over time—a practice the French call élevage, or "raising" the wine in the bottle. Each bottle not only offers immediate enjoyment but also hints at its potential for further aging.
In 1986, Bill crafted his first Rhône red blend, marking the start of his serious winemaking journey. By 1994, the couple had moved to their current winery and expanded their portfolio, with Bill earning recognition as one of the original Rhône Rangers and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his pioneering efforts in bringing Rhône varietals to the Sierra Foothills.
Culinary Creativity
Jane O’Riordan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly alongside Bill’s winemaking. She launched her first business, Cottonfield, in 1975, a fabric shop that inspired creativity through quilting and garment making. When the opportunity arose to expand Solano Cellars, Jane took on the role of chef at their Bistro, where she crafted a rotating menu that perfectly paired with Bill’s wine selections. Today, Jane continues to bring her culinary expertise to Terre Rouge and Easton events, delighting guests with her delicious creations.
The Terroir of Terre Rouge
The name Terre Rouge, meaning "Red Earth," beautifully reflects the region's distinctive vermillion soil, a defining characteristic of their vineyards. The land, rich in granite and volcanic minerals, nurtures a diverse array of Rhône varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. The high elevation of their vineyards—reaching up to 3,200 feet—adds complexity and depth to each bottle.
Easton Wines: A Tribute to Tradition
Bill's family name graces the Easton label, which showcases non-Rhône varietals that thrive in the Sierra Foothills. Here, ancient and old-vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc shine, alongside emerging varietals like Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Each wine is crafted with a deep respect for the region's history and potential.
Visit Terre Rouge and Easton Wines
For wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines offers more than just tastings; it’s an invitation to explore the artistry of winemaking in one of California’s most beautiful regions. Join Bill and Jane for a sip of their exceptional wines, paired with delightful culinary creations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Amador County’s wine country.
Guests who visit Spring Mountain Vineyard will experience a unique estate established in the 1880s. From the greenhouse garden surrounded by fragrant European and American Beauty roses to the canopy of antique olive trees, a visitor is transported to another place in timeless beauty. A perfect opportunity to experience handcrafted, limited production wines modeled after some of France’s finest.
I had a fantastic experience here. Went during the off season, which helps, as there was no traffic whatsoever. Staff was very helpful, talkative, and positive. Some seriously good Pinot Noirs, as to be expected.
Cornerstone/Stepping Stone didn't disappoint and ended up with a fantastic wine tasting experience from start to finish. Its small, but tasteful wine room makes you feel as if you are being welcomed to the vinter's home. Its cozy tables and bar tables offer some fantastic pours with a plethora of wines whether it is syrah, sauvignon blanc, or syrah. However, it is their cabernet that truly shines. Yet everyone's taste is different and while your experience might be different, I certainly think it is worth the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They aren't pushy, however they explain the nuances between each wine they have crafted and what sets it apart from other wineries in the area. Prices are rather reasonable with a its higher price Cornerstone wines and its "price friendly" Stepping Stone series. Certainly a great wine room when you are on a tour of Napa!
Located off the beaten path and decidedly unpretentious, an afternoon visit to Bouchaine is a favorite. Their wine is quite good, especially considering the mostly modest bottle prices. Their riesling is crisp and wonderful, perfect for a warm sunny afternoon. Their pinots are excellent. There is a self-guided tour through the vineyards that offers great views of the southern Napa Valley.
These tasty little wines were introduced nationally in 2008 from California’s Central Coast and represented a finely crafted, fruit-forward, indulgent and eminently approachable style of wine. The inaugural release included Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Adam has used his experience and relationships around the world to add seven international wines to the lineup. http://underdogwinemerchants.com/
Wine lovers, get ready to embark on a delightful journey to Grey Wolf Cellars, a boutique winery nestled along the iconic Highway 46 corridor in Paso Robles, California. Founded over 20 years ago by Joe Sr. and Shirlene Barton in 1994, Grey Wolf Cellars embodies a dream that blossomed into a thriving family business, dedicated to crafting exceptional wines for generations to come.
As the winery began to take shape, their son, Joe Jr., was right there alongside his parents, balancing his studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with the hands-on experience of launching a winery. Tragically, at just 23, Joe Jr. found himself stepping into his father’s shoes after Joe Sr.’s untimely passing in 1998. Rather than falter, he embraced his mission to carry on the family legacy with passion and determination.
Joe Jr. has made it his life’s work to create wines that reflect the unique character of Paso Robles. He sources grapes from dry-farmed vineyards across the Willow Creek, Templeton Gap, and Adelaida District AVAs, honing in on the distinct microclimates that make this region so special. With a keen focus on hand-crafted wines, Joe has curated a dynamic portfolio that includes heritage varietals like Zinfandel, classic Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, and a selection of both red and white Rhône varietals. Each vineyard contributes its own unique essence, allowing Joe to create wines that truly represent the spirit of Paso Robles.
Fast forward to today, and the Barton family continues to thrive. Joe and his wife, Jenny, run the winery together, with Shirlene still playing a vital role in daily operations. This family-run establishment has modernized while retaining its heart, adding a charming urban farmhouse tasting room to the property. In 2013, they introduced Barton’s Kitchen, serving up delicious farm-to-table cuisine in a relaxed setting. And in 2022, the family expanded their horizons with the launch of Grain+Vine Craft Distillery, bringing even more flavor to the table.
After two decades of winemaking, Joe Jr. remains as captivated as ever by the joys of vineyard life—whether it’s revving up a tractor, witnessing bud break, or transforming luscious fruit into exquisite wine. At Grey Wolf Cellars, every sip tells a story, and every visit is an invitation to be part of their rich legacy. Cheers to family, passion, and, of course, exceptional wine!
Mi Sueno isn't your typical winery. It's located in an Industrial complex in the South of Napa and your tasting is in the chilled storage area of the warehouse. Despite the unconventional setting, the private tasting that I enjoyed here was extremely well done and informative. Jaime gave us a quick tour of the facility and we settled down at a grand wooden table and the pours began. Jaime is quite the story-teller, weaving together the story of the owner and the winery with the explanation for each of the wines. We tried 11 of their wines that day, with very very generous pours of each. My favorites were their 2009 Cab and the 2011 Valeria, a petit verdot, from their reserve line, Herrera, but I was also fond of the 2009 Chardonnay (not too oaky) and 2009 Pinot Noir. Give them a call or shoot them an email and make sure you stop and visit this place. A "Hidden Gem of Napa Valley"!
