Confessions of a Winemaker Chef - I always considered winemaking to be “cooking”. Through my entire time as a chef, I wanted to work with the flavors, textures, and aromas of grapes from the California coast. Finally I took the plunge and moved to Napa Valley.
This is a first class operation! Every employee you see is smiling, friendly, and happy. The tour was fantastic and seeing the inside of the caves they built years ago was memorable. The tasting room was big enough and there was no pressure to purchase any wines or join the clubs. Every wine we tasted was explained in detail and needless to say, superb. We enjoyed seeing the sheep grazing on the hillside and then running back to the barn. This is a don't miss winery and tour in Sonoma County.
AronHill Estate vineyard is nurtured on this beautiful hillside where there is the perfect blend of sun, climate, and soil, resulting in excellent fruit. Judy Aron pride herself on her personal hands-on attention to every detail in the finest winemaking tradition. Judy works hand in hand and with deep gratitude to my dedicated vineyard manager, Richard Sauret, and winemaker, Mikel Olsten, to achieve excellent and premium wines. The dry farmed, low yield, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon is estate grown and touted by Cab lovers as smooth and full bodied with a pepper kick. “Unbridled Passion” is how Judy describes AronHill's Vinho Doce port.
Thomas Fogarty Winery was founded in 1978 by inventor Dr. Thomas Fogarty and winemaker Michael Martella. Dr Fogarty’s penchant for innovative thought and Martella’s viticulture instincts allowed them to lead the development of the cool Skyline Ridge area; true pioneers in one of California’s premiere Pinot Noir and Chardonnay regions.
The wines are great. There are two basic tasting menus, the market list and the reserve list. The market list is wine you can find at your local store. Most of these wines are good, but for the really good stuff you won't see in stores spend a bit more and sample the reserve list.
Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease! The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles. If you are serious about your wine, the owners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be. It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*
Hours:
Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Dominick and Gloria Chirichillo’s choice of name for their winery is a reflection of their commitment to their Italian heritage and the tradition of family winemaking. In 1955 in New York, Dominick who is called Domenico in Italian was introduced to these traditions by his Nonno (grandfather), Domenico Giovinazzo. In the basement of their home was a wine press that Nonno showed Dominick; passing down from one generation to another the love of handcrafting wine. Affordable, delicious Santa Cruz Mountain wines, great tasting room, wonderful owners/winemakers. It has been inspiring in seeing Domenico Wines expand and grow. Kudos, and wishing the team the very best on their latest wines and their new tasting room location in San Carlos. Domenico Wines was included in a brief video presentation of wineries that are part of the 3rd Annual Mid Peninsula Summer Wine Trail. You can get a peek HERE We are looking forward to getting an interview (video) with Dominick Chirichillo in the near future.~
Hours:
Mon-Tue Closed
Wed 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Thu 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Fri 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 6:00pm
From the lofty heights of Montebello Mountain the grapes make the journey down to the historic ranch where they are examined, pressed and crushed in the shadow of the original Picchetti homestead house. Under the gaze of the ever watchful and vigilant peacocks, sweet juice is magically turned to wine.
We also had a fantastic little table across the creek in the trees and each wine was explained to us. We really loved our experience and the wine is fantastic. I think this is a great little gem. The level of service, the little snack plate, the wine was amazing and it isn't sold in stores, so you have to know this place. All the reds were great overall, they seem to put a lot of care and time into their wines.
Friendly service here and good wine. I especially like the Zin and Estate Cabernet. I always appreciate when they pour you something extra in addition to the tasting. Got a little Sangiovese and loved it!
