Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Wente Vineyards

grapes - Pixabay

Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf.

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

Aptos Vineyards

grape cluster - pixabay

Visit the Tasting Room in Aptos

Aptos Vineyard invites visitors to its tasting room located in Aptos Village, nestled between Akira and Starbucks. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines on the outdoor patio, which features a fire pit and umbrellas, or inside the cozy space. The tasting room proudly offers a variety of wines, including classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as rare-to-Santa Cruz varietals like Merlot, sourced from multiple winemakers. Visitors are welcome to stop by during open hours or secure their spot with a reservation.

Annapolis Winery

glass of wine - pixabay

The vineyards were planted in 1978, replacing an old apple orchard. After farming for several years, Basil Scalabrini began making wine commercially. With no winery, the first wine was made in a redwood grove at the top of the hill, a 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon… It was a good one! The Scalabrini family built the winery in 1987, and began making wine from each vintage thereafter. A family owned and operated, and the family is involved in every phase of the wine growing process. At Annapolis Winery the focus is on quality, not quantity and the winery produce a very small amount of wine, taking personal care at each step of the process. The results are wines that are naturally lush and intense.

Heron Wines

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

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.

 

Nalle Winery

wine barrels - Pixabay

icest folks, best wine.. however if you like fruit or oak bombs or over ripe alcohol bombs this is not for you. These wines are for the lover of a more classical earlier picked style of wine like; the Cali wines from say 25 years ago. If you love old school european wines, these are the wines for you. Doug is wonderful as well as the whole crew. Open every Saturday 12pm-5pm. By appointment all other days.

Lafond Winery & Vineyards

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Pierre Lafond opened Santa Barbara Winery in 1962. Lafond Vineyard first planted in 1971 and Lafond Winery opened in 2001. Bruce McGuire: winemaker David Lafond: General Manager.Bruce's winemaking philosophy begins in the vineyard. He believes the quality and integrity of the wine is extricably linked to what happens in the field, from pruning in winter, to the harvest in autumn.

Napa Wine Company

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Great place to taste a lot of boutique wines. Friendly knowledgable staff. Great spot to taste a broad variety of wines from a number of wineries and winemakers! It's a custom crush facility, so a whole array of wines are represented and the tasting menu changes regularly. Pahlmeyer, Blackbird, Ghost Block and more are poured here. It's rather like Ma(i)sonry in Yountville, but without the art. Michael Pozzan's wines are always tasty and very affordable. Rob Lawson's Pavi wines and Fisticuffs also offer high quality at a very reasonable price. Definitely worth a stop to get some variety.

Toulouse Vineyards & Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

The vision for Toulouse Vineyards is to grow the highest quality grapes using sustainable farming practices and to produce the finest Pinot Noir infused with the fun and passion of winemaking. For Vern and Maxine Boltz, it has been an exciting journey beginning as fruit growers and evolving into producers of award-winning wines. Wines! Nice, varied selection of wines with some simple to more complex flavors.

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