Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

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

Tedeschi Family Winery

Tedeschi Family Winery is a great boutique winery to visit and tour. Tedeschi produces approx. 2,000 cases each year. At the time of adding the winery to our California Winery Directory we learned from Stephanie Trotter- Zacaria the Directory or Sales and Marketing that Tedeschi Family Winery took some recent medals for their wines. Congradulations to Emil Tedeschi, vintner & the winery owner, to Emilio Tedeschi the Winery's General Manager and not for forget Mario Tedeschi winemaker.  We will be updating the winery in the future and getting a better picture assigned to the listing soon *

Hours:

By Appointment Only 

Hanna Winery

wine barrel - Pixabay

Hanna Winery was founded in 1985 by Dr. Elias Hanna, a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, who was eager to find a place in the country to continue the farming heritage of his upbringing in Syria. In the 1970s he realized his dream with the purchase of 12 acres in the Russian River Valley. Dr. Hanna's oldest daughter Christine now runs the winery. Great location, excellent views and a really nice and modern tasting room. Hanna makes a wide variety of wines and I was taken by their Elias Pinot Noir.

ALEXANDER VALLEY TASTING ROOM                                             RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY TASTING ROOM
9280 HWY 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448 | 707.431.4310 x116             5353 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 | 707.431.4310 x140
Open Daily: 10:00am – 4:00pm                                                           Open Daily: 10:00am – 4:00pm           

Bella Grace Vineyards

winery sign

Bella Grace, like many other Plymouth wineries, is lovely and sophisticated without pretension. I must say that I am always pleased with the friendly service and warm greetings we receive when we arrive. Their 2010 Barbera is a multi-award winner. I have to say that this is a must-have! I've rarely tasted anything like it. Super friendly staff here, and the owner was very nice as well. The wine cave was worth checking out; its cool temperature was a haven from the summer heat. And...tasting is free! Wine Cave - 22715 Upton Road Plymouth, CA Open Saturday & Sunday 11-4 during winter Sutter Creek Tasting Room 73 Main Street Sutter Creek CA Open Thursday - Monday 11-5

Rusack Vineyards

wine pouring into the glass - Piabay

Rusack was established in 1995 by Geoff Rusack and Alison Wrigley Rusack with a commitment to creating world-class wines. In the years since then, this dedication to quality has meant some dramatic changes at the winery. The most visible change is in the vineyard. Following the 2001 harvest, many of the original vines were pulled out and replanted. Utilizing cutting edge technology and taking advantage of Ballard Canyon’s unique terroir, varieties to be grown were carefully chosen and limited to those clones best suited to the microclimate. Syrah, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc have been planted, along with smaller lots of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot to be blended into the renowned "Anacapa."

Blackjack Ranch Vineyards & Winery

Wine Swirling in the glass - Pixabay

Recently the World’s most respected wine critic, Robert Parker, Jr. awarded Blackjack Ranch a Five-Star rating for the production of Bordeaux varietals, specifically Billy Goat Hill Merlot and for Harmonie. Blackjack Ranch Vineyards & Winery is one of only two wineries outside Napa/Sonoma to achieve his highest ranking. In issue #148 of The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker included the following pronouncement: “Blackjack Ranch is one of the best-run wineries in Santa Barbara.

Image: Saman Teher - Pixabay

Sarha's Vineyard

women enjoying wine together

Sarha's Vineyard

Marilyn “Sarah” Otteman purchased 10 acres in south Santa Clara County's Hecker Pass area in 1977. She began the vineyard with an initial planting of seven acres of Chardonnay. The winery itself was founded 1978. Tim Slater took the helm at Sarah’s Vineyard when he purchased the vineyards and winery in 2001. Tim in his former life has been a DJ, a musician, and a successful “micro-machining” engineer with many patents to his name. He brought a scientific approach to replanting and modernizing S.V., finely balanced by an artist’s sensibility and a traditionalist’s love of the land.

Tim is a very hands-on proprietor. He is both grower and winemaker, constantly experimenting in the vineyard and in the cellar. Tim is often to be found in the tasting room, sharing his latest discoveries with guests.    

Patz & Hall

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Spend your day with us at The Sonoma House, our striking tasting room just south of Sonoma Plaza. Enjoy indoor or outdoor wine tastings as you sip our single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay selections.

Reservations are required for all experiences. To book a reservation within 24 hours, or for groups larger than six, please contact us at 707-265-7700 or info@patzhall.com.

Navarro Vineyards & Winery

glass of red wine being poured - Pixabay

We arrived on a sunny May day and it was easily over 90 degrees. We stopped by Navarro and I have to say - the grounds were gorgeous! There was a bench with a picnic table for those who wanted to lunch and wine. It overlooked gorgeous green lushy grass on a hill. The tasting room was very cozy and small but definitely very welcoming. Our pourer was friendly and gave us a great restaurant recommendation.

Chateau St. Jean

grape clusters - Pixabay

The tasting rooms and grounds are beautiful and well kept. There are shaded areas to enjoy a glass of wine, as well as a great deal of manicured lawns to have a picnic or catch some rays. If you arrive with sufficient time, they gladly give tours of the production rooms, which I found interesting. Each time I've gone to a tasting here, the staff has been welcoming and informative, without being pretentious. The selection of wines for the regular tasting is good and includes several of my favorite wines from this winery. They usually give away the tasting for free if you buy a bottle.

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