Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Relic Wines

wine pouring into wine glass - Pixabay

The story of Relic is fundamentally the story of Mike Hirby and Schatzi Throckmorton. Their paths crossed in Napa Valley in 2000: Mike had recently relocated to Calistoga after managing the wine program at the innovative restaurant Primitivo in Colorado Springs for two years. His interest in wine had begun during his senior year at Colorado College, and his time at Primitivo intensified his passion for winemaking. Schatzi had arrived in the area the year before, inspired by her great uncle to take a gap year between her studies in African History at Northwestern University and a graduate program at Cambridge. Both were employed at Behrens & Hitchcock Winery—Mike working in the cellar and Schatzi in the office. Through numerous shared meals and wine tastings at Behrens, they discovered a mutual appreciation for similar wine styles. The influence of the Behrens/Drinkward/Hitchcock team was crucial; their vibrant, passionate environment provided the backdrop for the emergence of Relic. Discussions about cherished wines, disliked wines, and fascinating techniques fueled their inspiration, leading them to adopt methods like native yeast fermentation, whole-cluster fermentation, and extended lees aging. These techniques laid the foundation for Relic.

With the support of friends, Mike was introduced to two growers with exceptional vineyards, securing a few tons of Pinot Noir for the 2001 harvest. While still working as the sole employees at Behrens & Hitchcock, they were given the opportunity to produce their first wines with a strict adherence to their ideals: native yeast, native malo, no additions of water or acid, and direct barrel aging. Thus, Relic was born. The couple married in 2005, and Relic continues to be managed with a blend of their individual and shared responsibilities, with Schatzi overseeing the business side and Mike focusing on winemaking, though their roles often overlap.

Growing an Idea

Mike left Behrens in 2002 to become the winemaker at Realm Cellars, while Schatzi remained as the Business Manager at Behrens Family Winery. They were fortunate to produce their wines at Behrens for eight years, during which Relic grew steadily and intentionally, with the aim of remaining an independent winery free from financial partners. This independence allowed them the creative freedom to make bold, uncompromising decisions in winemaking, such as declassifying wines at a financial loss or creating new cuvées based on passion rather than profit. They expanded their production to include Syrah in 2003, which garnered acclaim from a major wine publication, establishing their reputation. Since 2007, their Rhone varietal program has expanded to include heritage varietals from Napa Valley, reflecting their commitment to preserving traditional winemaking practices.

The Fire

In the midst of the 2005 harvest, Mike was at the winery handling evening cap management when he received a distressing call about a devastating fire at the case goods warehouse on Mare Island, south of Napa. The shock was immediate, but there was little they could do but focus on the wines until morning. The following day revealed the extent of the damage: Relic had lost its library and half of its 2004 vintage, which had been shipped a month earlier. This disaster served as a stark reminder of the limitations of their insurance and the severity of their loss. Faced with the choice to either continue their small-scale project or fully commit to making Relic their primary endeavor, they chose the latter. Fifteen years later, they continue to thrive, driven by their dedication and resilience.

Domenico Wines

Domenico wines on a barrel

Dominick and Gloria Chirichillo’s choice of name for their winery is a reflection of their commitment to their Italian heritage and the tradition of family winemaking. In 1955 in New York, Dominick who is called Domenico in Italian was introduced to these traditions by his Nonno (grandfather), Domenico Giovinazzo. In the basement of their home was a wine press that Nonno showed Dominick; passing down from one generation to another the love of handcrafting wine. Affordable, delicious Santa Cruz Mountain wines, great tasting room, wonderful owners/winemakers. It has been inspiring in seeing Domenico Wines expand and grow. Kudos, and wishing the team the very best on their latest wines and their new tasting room location in San Carlos. Domenico Wines was included in a brief video presentation of wineries that are part of the 3rd Annual Mid Peninsula Summer Wine Trail. You can get a peek HERE We are looking forward to getting an interview (video) with Dominick Chirichillo in the near future.~

Hours:

Mon-Tue   Closed
Wed     12:00pm to 8:00pm
Thu      12:00pm to 8:00pm
Fri         12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sat        12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sun       12:00pm to 6:00pm

Fantesca Estate & Winery

over looking the vineyard - Pixabay

Fantesca Estate & Winery stands as a distinguished symbol of refined viticulture with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. In 2004, the estate embarked on a new chapter when Susan and Duane Hoff, driven by their deep passion for wine and extensive industry knowledge, transitioned from their corporate careers to take over as proprietors.

During their transformation of Best Buy into a Fortune 100 giant, Susan and Duane found tranquility in quiet evenings, bonding over shared glasses of wine. This intimate ritual sparked their passion for viticulture and inspired their dream of establishing a family-run business that centers around community and the convivial spirit of wine. Dedicated to crafting rare and exceptional wines, they have created an environment that offers unforgettable experiences for members and guests.

To bring their vision to life, the Hoffs assembled a team of esteemed figures from the wine world, including winemakers Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi, and Director DLynn Proctor. Their collective expertise has resulted in a celebrated collection of wines, each bottle reflecting the team’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition.

The Fantesca experience extends beyond the bottle, offering immersive events that capture the essence of winemaking and foster a sense of community. At Fantesca Estate & Winery, every bottle embodies the spirit of Napa Valley, where history, passion, and community converge to create a legacy defined by dedication, craftsmanship, and a profound love for exceptional wines.

Wise Villa Winery

Aglianico Grape Clusters Courtesy of Randy Caparoso

The owner spent a lot of time on us explaining his wines and the winery's history. To be fair, there were not very many other customers. Still, he kept us entertained and conversed with us for well over an hour. We felt very welcome.Love how they work with their grapes. You know! if they promise me a bottle of the Sangiovese that I barrel-tasted today, I would probably give them another star.  Image Aglianico Grape Clusters Courtesy of Randy Caparoso

Michel-Schlumberger

wine barrels - Pixabay

It's almost not fair for me to give this place a review-- as there has recently been a change in ownership. The new owner is renovating and updating a majority of the property. The drive up to Michel-Schlumberger is absolutely gorgeous; at least it is in April because it is not directly off the freeway; instead it is through several windy roads, and then through more curvy windy roads. It feels like you've reached some kind of sanctuary or private retreat in the countryside by the time you've arrived.

McManis Family Vineyards

chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso

Founded in 1990, McManis Family Vineyards is owned and managed by Ron and Jamie McManis, fourth generation winegrowers, and is located in the rich agricultural region of the northern California interior. Currently, the family grows a wide selection of grape varieties on 2600 acres of premium vineyard land.

Image - chardonnay grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso

McIntyre Tasting Studio

red wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

Originally planted in 1973, the 80-acre McIntyre Estate Vineyard (with 60 acres planted) is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Another estate property, the 81-acre Kimberly Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, complements the winery’s holdings. Proprietor Steve McIntyre, a highly knowledgeable viticulturist, also owns and operates Monterey Pacific, overseeing 16,000 acres of vineyards in Monterey County. The McIntyre Estate Vineyard was one of the first in the Santa Lucia Highlands to earn SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certification.

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has quickly risen to prominence, with 6,000 acres of vines—primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah—thriving on the terraces below the Santa Lucia mountain range. The region benefits from a unique climate shaped by daily morning fog and strong winds channeled through the Salinas Valley from Monterey Bay. This combination gives the Santa Lucia Highlands one of California's longest and coolest growing seasons.

Had an excellent time here. The gentlemen doing the tasting was very personable and informative, I highly recommend.

Barterra Wines

glass of wine

We found the Barterra winery, located in Half Moon Bay, to be a delightful place. A husband and wife team run this winery. The staff is friendly and they know their stuff when it comes to wine.

Barterra offers premium wines from the finest vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma, Carneros, Lodi, Amador, Alexander Valley, Mendocino, Lodi, Paso Robles, Russian River Valley and Madera.  All of Barterra Wines is sold directly to the public.

Their quaint tasting room is located on the main street and the pours are generous.  Their standard wine tasting allows you to sample three wines, but the owner let me try an additional port (and it was excellent!).  We enjoyed tasty white wines and their Ruby Cabernet and chocolatey dessert wine were very good. ~

Hours:

Tues-Weds   Closed
Thur     12:00pm to 6:00pm
Fri        12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sat       12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sun      12:00pm to 6:00pm
Mon     12:00pm to 6:00pm

ROAR Wines

glass of wine

Gary and Rosella Franscioni founded ROAR Wines with the conviction that Pinot Noir had a bright future in the Santa Lucia Highlands, coupled with the aspiration that their farming expertise would translate into exceptional grapes and wines. In 1996, they planted Rosella’s Vineyard on their home ranch, followed by Garys’ Vineyard in 1997 in partnership with the Pisoni family. The inaugural vintage of ROAR was released in 2001, crafted from these two vineyards. From the outset, the couple’s mission was to create wines they themselves would enjoy drinking, a vision that garnered critical acclaim almost immediately. About a decade later, they expanded their endeavor by planting two additional vineyards: Sierra Mar and Soberanes. Today, Gary and his sons continue to enhance and innovate in both the vineyards and winery, striving to produce the highest quality wines their land can offer.

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Wine swirling in the glass - Saman Teher - Pixabay

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.

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