Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Terre Rouge & Easton Wines

cluster of grapes

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.

Demetria Estates

Corks and Glass - Pixabay

Demetria Estate produces two separate portfolios of wines including, Burgundian varietals and Rhone-style blends that capture the singularity of the vineyards and the region from which they originated. The Burgundian offerings comprise of varietal honest manifestations of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, farmed sustainably in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County. The Rhone blends feature a rich, aromatic array of wines that are well-balanced, and intensely flavorful. The Rhone blends are styled after the famous Chateauneuf du Pape reds and are made from varieties of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache. The white Rhone wines are blends of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc.

Image: Corks and Glass

Failla Wines

grape clusters - Pixabay

Although Failla (pronounced FAY-LA) has a relatively brief history, it is marked by complexity. The first vintage release, under the name Failla-Jordan, was in 1998. That year, Failla debuted its Alban Vineyard Viognier from Edna Valley and Que Syrah Syrah from Sonoma Coast, while simultaneously planting the initial blocks at their Estate Vineyard in Cazadero. The first Estate releases would not emerge for several more years.

Ehren Jordan, the founder, has a passion for experimenting with his favorite varietals, exploring their diverse expressions across different climates—cool, cooler, and coolest—as well as varying soil types and rootstocks.

In 1998, Failla acquired a parcel adjacent to an earlier purchase and planted it with five acres of rootstock in 2002, later grafting Pinot Noir clones the following year. Ehren's viticultural training in France profoundly influences his farming and winemaking decisions. Today, Failla’s eleven acres of Estate vineyards produce Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir that embody the essence of California’s coolest regions.

After honing his skills with Pinot Noir from Keefer Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley in 1999, Ehren sought out unique, cool-climate Pinot Noir sources to fuel his ongoing experimentation and passion.

Carr Vineyards & Winery

grape vine with many clusters of grapes - Randy Caparoso

Established in 1999, Carr Vineyards & Winery specializes in limited production wines from Santa Barbara County. Owner and Winemaker Ryan Carr also oversees the management of over 100 acres of vineyards, allowing him to handcraft each vintage from grapes grown to his specification. Varietals include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Franc. Visit them in downtown Santa Barbara to experience the art of winemaking.

Imange Provided 

Woodenhead Vintners

glass of wine - Pixabay

The winemaking at Woodenhead is pure and simple or, if you will, Burgundian done California-style. Woodenhead Vintners wine is handcrafted from a hard labor of love in tune to the natural rhythm of the land, the water, the air, and the seasons. No mechanical pumping is employed. Inoculated yeast and malolactic cultures, hand punching, basket pressing, French oak, and California fruit is what you get. Small and unique lots are their goal, ultra premium wine is the result.

Big Basin Vineyards

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

Big Basin Vineyards was founded in 1998 on an historic site in the Santa Cruz Mountains next to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The old ranch property was first settled in the late 1800s. Wine grape cultivation had been started by French immigrants by the early 1900s and continued until 1965 when the property was sold by Justin Lacau, who had named the property "Frenchy's Ranch", to a timber company. By the 1990s, all that remained of the vineyards were redwood stakes and scattered vines hidden by brush and poison oak bushes. The mission has been to restore this historic vineyard site using modern, organic viticultural methods. The winery building was completed in December 2003 on the same site as the original 1890s house/winery structure which burned down in the 1970s. It is a 'Monitor'-style barn with a timber frame construction built using redwood selectively harvested from the estate.

Bien Nacido Vineyards

Bien Nacido Vineyards Image

The Miller Family planted Bien Nacido Vineyards in 1970's. Togther with Winemaker Trey Fletcher this winery produces approx. 2,000 cases of wine a year. Wines produced are Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vioner, Nebbiolo.

Lava Cap Winery

pouring red wine into glass - Pixabay

Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.

Ancien Wines

Bottle of Ancien Wine

A beautiful fall afternoon sitting on the picnic table with 6 bottles of PInot Noir just waiting to be tasted. A tasting at Ancien is a very personal experience. It was just the two of us as the gentleman pouring walked us through their philosophy of wine making. A tour of the barrel cave and a walk through the vineyards tasting a few grapes off the vine . We enjoyed every drop and were soon members waiting for our first shipment. Great wine and very nice people. By appointment only, call ahead, your will not be disappointed

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

Pages

Subscribe to Pinot Noir