Someone here is doing something right. These wines are perfectly balanced, complex, except the Rose - it's soft and subtle and perfect in its own right and give any wine drinker a good indication of what prime location and winemaker's expertise can deliver.
Mark West was founded in 1978 with a singular desire—to craft remarkable Pinot Noir that delivers exceptional quality at an affordable price.
The name, Mark West, is an ode to a region in the heart of Sonoma County, one of the world's best places to grow Pinot Noir. It was here that the winery started, igniting a passion for Pinot. The facility in Sonoma has been closed and the wines have become a part of the Gallo Wine Family.
Owner-Operator: Ed Muns, a former technology manager in Silicon Valley, acquired his viticulture knowledge from Northern California wine-growers and extension courses at the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology while establishing his own vineyard. Ed is hands-on in the vineyard, overseeing the crew and handling all the tractor work. Outside the vineyard, Ed is an avid Ham radio contester (W0YK) and holds world records in the field. Both Ed and Mary have enjoyed sailing and racing Hobie Cats and monohulls, though the demands of the vineyard and winery have recently limited their time on the water.
Partner: Mary Lindsay manages marketing and sales for Muns Vineyard wines, marking her second career. Formerly, she was President of Lindsay Public Relations, where she shaped the image and messaging for young high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. Mary also handles marketing for Silver Mountain Vineyards and previously managed their tasting room on Cannery Row in Monterey. She is President of the Viticulture Association of the Santa Cruz Mountains (VASCM), supports various winery groups, and assists in the vineyard, particularly during harvest. Her additional interests include foraging for wild mushrooms, collecting rocks, and knitting.
We hold tours of the vineyard on specific scheduled dates (please see our Events page), and will provide address and directions with your reservation. We participate in Passport Day at Vino Locale, 431 Kipling St., Palo Alto 650-328-0340 .
Dusty Nabor and his wines are born out of a passion for producing site-specific, terroir-driven California Wines. Dusty's focus on wines is Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. While the majority of the wines are obtained via Dusty's mailing list, this little gem has agreed to open it's humble doors to California Corks members. Dusty Nabor Wines is a unique little boutique winery that puts our some wonderful wines and limited in production. Dusty offers two free tastings to each California Corks member so bring a guest. Be sure to make an appointment and perhaps your timing will allow for a barrel tasting experience as well. While tasting is free no current discounts are available due to the limited productions of Dusty's wines. ~
Hours:
By Appointment Only
This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.
David and DeAnn Taylor founded Cordant Winery in 2014 to produce Pinot Noir and Rhone-style wines that would become favorites in their cellar, and hopefully those of friends, family, and customers. Today the Taylors make about 3000 cases of wine per year, from Monterey County in the northern California Central Coast moving south through Santa Barbara County, a distance that covers almost 200 miles.
McHenry Vineyard is a third-generation, family-run estate vineyard and winery located in Bonny Doon, CA. They have been producing wine for over 40 years. The first vineyards were planted in 1970, and the winery was commercially established in 1980. Situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet above the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just north of Santa Cruz, CA, McHenry Vineyard occupies a sandy slope surrounded by redwood forest. Their wines cater to those seeking exquisite small-batch, hand-crafted Pinot Noir made in the Burgundian style.
At this time we are not open to the public, but we will continue to sell wine.
Although we lost our winery facility (built in 1980) in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in August 2020, our vines are still going strong and we plan to rebuild in the coming years. In the meantime, our wines will be made by the generous and highly capable hands of Ryan Beauregard at Beauregard Vineyards and John Benedetti of Sante Arcangeli Family Wines.
Contact us via email or phone if you would like to order.
Phone: (831) 222-0379
Email: mchenryvineyard@gmail.com
Winemaker Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
Laely Heron’s philosophy and wines embody her adventurous, daring, and non-traditional spirit. A global traveler, she has visited or lived on six continents and all 50 states, with a remarkable ability to converse in multiple languages, including French, Danish, and several others.
By age 10, Heron had already lived in 12 states due to her father’s career as a mining engineer and adventurer. The family’s move to Algeria led to extensive travels through southern Africa and other regions before returning to the U.S. for her high school education.
After two years at the University of Colorado, Heron spent her junior year in France, which ignited her passion for wine and led her to the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux. Following her studies, she became the first American employee of Lindeman’s in San Francisco before moving to Denmark to start an import company, open a restaurant, teach wine classes, and pursue Master of Wine certification.
In 1995, Heron founded Heron Wines in San Francisco, breaking new ground as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian, quickly gained acclaim. Over the years, Heron Wines expanded to include a diverse portfolio of wines from California and Spain, earning a reputation as a “cult wine” among sommeliers and top restaurants.
Today, Heron Wines continues to produce California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating 28 years of success in the wine industry.
tercero wines is the brainchild of Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker. He began the brand shortly after graduating with his Masters Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis – but this was well after he had completely switched directions in life and charted a new and exciting path.
Larry started his college career at UC Davis as an undergraduate, but had no interest in wine. The idea of getting into wine was something he had considered in the past – but more on the sales and marketing side because of his background. After graduating with his degree, he joined the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he stayed for nearly a decade before it was time to branch off and concentrate 100% on his own brand – and he could not be happier today.
Larry is adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. Visit his tasting room or follow him on social media to see for yourself.
We stopped here to meet friends while visiting SLO for the first time. We brought sandwiches from an outside sandwich shop and bought a bottle of white wine to share on the benches overlooking the Bocce ball area and vineyards. It really doesn't get any more spectacular in terms of view. Combined with wine and a picnic...it's a recipe for a perfect afternoon.
