Stephen Ross's story begins with the "Stephen Ross Dooley wine story" in Minnesota, where in my teenage years curiosity in wine led Stephen to make rhubarb and apple wines in the family basement…

Things progressed on a nice upward trajectory from that point. Curiosity evolved into a passion for winemaking, which led to a degree in Enology from The University of California, Davis;  then 10 years of winemaking (all vinifera from here on out, thankfully) in the Napa Valley, two southern hemisphere harvests, and seven years in the Edna Valley before launching his brand, Stephen Ross.  Paula joined the team soon after Stephen hired their first employee in 2005. A companion brand, Flying Cloud, was launched in 2003. 

Stephen Ross was founded on the principles of working with quality vineyards and hand-crafting the best wines possible from the grapes they yield. 

The best part of this whole experience was just sitting around this table with lovers of the industry, chatting under that shaded oak tree on a cool Sonoma morning. The owner and wine maker, Mac has an amazing story and he tells it well. Growing up in Texas, he was the son of a moonshine maker. After tasting his first bottle of fine Italian wine at the age of 12, he vowed to become a wine maker. And that's exactly what he did. He became a great one. After 1.5 hours of driving, we arrive at Vision Cellars. Down this winding road we go. Small country road where large parts had eroded. We turn into a driveway through a farm gate and park in front of a barn. To the left is a house. To the right is another barn and a newer living quarters. Behind all of that are rows of vines. Um, where's the paved road leading to the fountain in front of a lavish tasting room? Not here. No sir. Great wine with a vintner who has history to share. Vision Cellars is a boutique winery featuring Pinot Noir. Know that as you enjoy your first, it won't be your last glass of Vision Cellars wine. Sipping with Mac, is where it's at!

Ken Deaver, with his signature denims and cowboy hat, bends his broad shoulders to uncork a bottle of Zinfandel, a task that reveals his deep knowledge of both wine and grapes.

A tour across Deaver's 300 acres offers a glimpse of history, with 140-year-old Zinfandel vines and eight acres of Mission vines, originally brought from Mexico by Jesuits and Franciscans. These Mission vines were planted around 1854 by Ken Deaver's great-grandfather, John Davis, and a decade later, Ken’s grandfather planted the now-famous Zinfandel vines.

For years, Deaver's "old vine" grapes were sold primarily to home winemakers. The first vintage of Deaver Vineyards Zinfandel was bottled under the "Lakeshore" label in 1985.

Today, Deaver Vineyards is celebrated worldwide for its velvety Zinfandels. The Tuscan-like climate of Amador County also provides ideal conditions for producing exceptional Sangiovese, Barbera, and rich Ports.

With over four generations of Deavers cultivating grapes in Amador County, Deaver Vineyards boasts a deep heritage. Known for its velvety Zinfandel and some of the oldest vines in the region, their wines are widely regarded as true classics.