Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Etude Wines

wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

Wine Maker Jon Priest and General Manager, is dedicated to inspired winegrowing. His focus is on cultivating grapes in optimal locations with ideal conditions to produce wines of exceptional world-class character. Through his intentional winemaking approach, he aims to express the intrinsic qualities of each varietal while highlighting their unique characteristics and a distinct sense of place.

In 1982, Etude was established in the cool-climate Carneros region with the aim of producing world-class Pinot Noir. 

Pinot Noir is the most appropriate vehicle with which to study wine growing, precisely because of its demanding nature but also because of its delicacy and transparency. Make no mistake it is a humbling pursuit, but when it’s right, Pinot Noir is a glorious and moving thing. It is in the pursuit of that experience that we all work.

Bonaccorsi Wine Company

wine swirling in the glass - pixabay

The Bonaccorsi Wine Company, founded in 1999, emerged from the vision of Master Sommelier Michael Bonaccorsi, who aimed to craft exceptional Burgundian and Rhône-style wines in California’s Central Coast. Recognized as one of the top Master Sommeliers in the world, Mike was a perfectionist and a collaborative force within the local winemaking community. His first vintages garnered acclaim, with some of the highest-rated Pinot Noir and Syrah wines that even graced the tables of the White House and some of the finest restaurants across the United States.

Despite his success and accolades, Mike remained humble, known for his keen sense of humor and generosity. Tragically, he passed away suddenly in January 2004 at the age of 43, leaving behind a loving family, including his wife, Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi, his parents, and 11 siblings, among them Rich and Joe.

From 2004 to 2018, Jenne took the reins of Bonaccorsi Wine Company, continuing the legacy by producing some of the most highly acclaimed wines in the Central Coast. Rich and Joe supported Jenne throughout these years, participating in harvests, pouring wines at tastings, and championing the Michael Bonaccorsi Memorial Scholarship at Allan Hancock College, along with the endowment at the University of California, Davis, aimed at nurturing the next generation of winemakers.

Rich and Joe have always believed in their brother Mike's vision. From the company’s inception, they served as financial partners, wine pourers, informal salespeople, and, most importantly, proud brothers. Now, alongside their wives, Desiree and Mary Clare, they continue to carry forward the Bonaccorsi Wine Company with love, humility, and immense joy, inviting wine enthusiasts to experience the passion and spirit that define their family’s wines.

Image: Saman Teher, Pixabay

Deerfield Ranch Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Deerfield is a winery where you're encouraged to sit and enjoy your wine. You're not crowded around a tasting bar, fighting for space and attention in order to sip your wine. Instead, the tasting takes place in a cave, with tables and chairs everywhere - encouraging everyone to have a seat, enjoy their wine and the sommeliers will be around to pour the wine.

Nicholson Ranch Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

The Club Service Tasting is hosted in our Courtyard. This is a seated tasting of five Estate and Reserve wines. Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the vineyards and the hillsides while sipping on the finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs
$50 per person (max 6 guests). Reservations Required

Hope & Grace Wines

Painting of woman with cat and a glass of wine

We popped into this beautiful tasting room. The lady behind the counter was very informative and sweet, and understood that we were in a bit of a time crunch so she poured our wines quickly while still giving us explanations of the grapes that were used to produce each wine. I thought the wines here were very different because they were blends of grapes grown in different regions. We had the general tasting ($15/person) and particularly enjoyed the pinot noir and the syrah. Art work from wine artist Agata Zaborowski - Agata Art Gallery 

De Loach Vineyards

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

The wines were good, the grounds are beautiful and there are patio tables out front for pairings- you can get a cheese platter or pizza to go with your wine tasting. The pizzas are baked in an outdoor pizza oven.

Shenandoah Vineyards

Leon and Shirley founded Shenandoah Vineyard in 1977. They were one of the first four wineries in Amador County's now well known Shenandoah Valley appellation. From the first offering of 1,200 cases, the winery has continued to thrive, adjusting the portfolio of wines over the years. It is now producing about 25,000 cases per year. Taste the reserve reds for $5 and get to keep the glass. This Vineyard seems to be the last stop, we watched the sunset come down over the Vineyards as they were closing, simply beautiful. Organic wines and passionate wine makers. sting the portfolio of wines over the years. It is now producing about 25,000 cases per year. Demand continues to grow as a result of skilled winemaking, marketing, and strong family commitments to quality and service. Taste the reserve reds for $5 and get to keep the glass. This Vineyard seems to be the last stop every time were in Amador County. We watched the sunset come down over the Vineyards as they were closing, simply beautiful.

Kendric Vineyards

cluster of grapes - ai generated - Pixabay

Kendric Johnson was my Dad and is the person for whom this enterprise was named. He died in 2001 just as we were getting started. Naming the company after him is meant to both honor his memory and to impose his high personal standards upon the undertaking.

Robert Mondavi Winery

glasses of wine grapes -:Pixabay

As one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi Winery innovated many winery technologies that were later adopted by other wineries in the area. Our tour guide went in depth about the history of the winery and showed us different ways of twirling our classes and trying various wines. For me, I felt as if I attended a informative wine class and tasted several great wines.

Trecini Cellars

grape cluster - Pixabay

Reserving a tasting time was simple, I called in the morning and was able to reserve a tasting time for the afternoon for myself and my guests. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a very gracious host who was very knowledgable in wines and we were served with delicious wines.

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