Port

Port

Trentadue Winery

glass of wine - Pixabay

Trentadue Winery is a great experience from start to finish. This house of ports was impressive from the moment we pulled in the parking lot, which is much larger than most other wineries. As you walk towards the tasting room one can't help but be drawn to the beautiful grounds. There is a large picnic area which can be rented for parties or weddings and would serve as a wonderful backdrop for either. Trentadue was one of the better wineries we went to in Geyserville. Their grounds are really nice for a picnic and the wine was pretty good too.

Hatcher Winery

painting of winery and patio

Hatcher Winery was founded in 2002 by owner/winemaker Matthew Hatcher. His skills as a winemaker have put this winery on the map and the tasting room in Murphys is a very popular stop for wine lovers in the Sierra Foothills. Matthew Hatcher is the owner and winemaker, and his wine making talents have put Hatcher on the don't miss list of Foothill wineries.

Midnight Cellars Winery

wine corks and glass

Their wines were good, and actually moderately priced. The one that really stood out was their Gemini a Zinfandel-Syrah blend?  We also picked up a bottle of their Full Moon a Zinfandel, Syrah and Cab Franc blend. Worth a stop if you are in Paso.

 

Midnight Cellars had its origins in a slightly tipsy, laughter-filled moment on the back patio at Domaine Carneros during the summer of 1993. While enjoying a family getaway to Napa and Sonoma and after several winery visits, Rich made a whimsical statement that would later prove to be life-changing: "Hey old man, when you retire you should buy a place like this and have us run it for you."

Initially laughed off and soon forgotten, the idea resurfaced years later when Robert, ready to retire early from his career as a patent attorney, still brimming with energy and passion, recalled Rich's suggestion. He approached Rich with the proposition, "If you were serious about this winery idea, I'm in."

At the time, Rich was newly married and living in Chicago with his wife Michele, and their first reaction was a firm "no way, Dad." However, after considerable reflection and several glasses of wine, Michele and Rich decided to embrace the unconventional plan. They sold their new house, one of their cars, and made the move to California to start anew. Despite how improbable it sounded, they followed through with the plan. They arrived in California on July 31, 1995, and immediately immersed themselves in country life—one that lacked bars, restaurants, and shopping. The city dwellers from Chicago experienced a significant culture shock.

Each family member took on a specific role and began learning their responsibilities: Robert and Mary Jane focused on the overall operations, Michele managed the tasting room and later took on bookkeeping duties, while Rich learned the intricacies of planting, maintaining, and harvesting the vineyard, as well as winemaking.

After 29 years of steep learning curves, the family remains committed to making wine accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone.

Krupp Brothers Estates

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

Krupp Brothers Estate is a sprawling collection of over 600,000 vines planted on over 1300 acres...and growing! This winery is located 6 miles in at the end of Soda Canyon Road off of the southern part of Silverado Trail. It is a partnership between Dr. Jan Krupp and his brother as well as ownership coming from a Gordon Getty trust as well as other investors. Jan told us that he loves growing things; after growing up New Jersey he left for California for his medical shool and was exposed to California's long growing seasons; as a result he never left the "golden state". The vineyard land was originally cleared for planting in the early 90's.

Zahtila Vineyards

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

We tasted: 2008 Dry Creek Zin - Old vine zinfandel, fruity with oak notes. I tasted pomegranate with some spice. Very enjoyable (too bad there isn't much left!) 2008 Oak Hill Estate Zin - I liked this zin. The grapes are grown on property. Hints of vanilla & caramel with the fruit upon first whif. Then a very silky mouth feel with plum and spice. We all agreed this would pair well with eggplant or other roasted/grilled veggies. 2008 Calistoga Cab Sauvignon - The bottle we tasted had been opened late the day before which helped soften the tannins. Hints of cherry on the palate. 2006 Napa Valley Cab - I liked this more than the 2008 from Calistoga. It was balanced acidity/fruit. 2010 Michael's Muse - Delicious tawny port style wine that they had just bottled! Complex fruit, not too over-poweringly sweet. I think it had zin & petite syrah grapes (I wasn't paying as much attention). Very good!

Hunt Cellars

people enjoying wine outdoors by wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Discover Hunt Cellars: A Wine Adventure

Hunt Cellars is all about crafting wines that elevate every moment—whether it’s cozying up by the fireplace or pairing perfectly with your favorite meals. These wines are designed to enhance those special occasions and create lasting memories.

How It All Started

When the Hunt Family set out to chase their winemaking dream, they embarked on an adventurous journey, exploring premium wine regions in Oregon, Washington, and California. After extensive travels, they landed in San Luis Obispo County, drawn to Paso Robles for its diverse soils, exceptional growing climate, and unique winemaking styles, all infused with a spirit of graciousness and traditional American values.

After scouring numerous properties, they discovered a stunning 550-acre gem on Highway 41 in Creston. This picturesque land met all their criteria, featuring varied elevations and soil compositions that echo the world’s greatest wine regions—perfect for growing exceptional, intense fruit for their wines.

The Birth of Destiny Vineyard

The Hunts decided to name their vineyard “Destiny Vineyards” in honor of their baby girl, Destiny, who arrived in 1996. And if you ask her today, she’ll proudly tell you which wines reign supreme!

The vineyard’s inaugural planting included an impressive lineup: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Zinfandel. To showcase their premium wines, the Hunts opened a charming tasting room in October 1999.

In 1997, they began producing their first memorable wine releases. The Hunt family quickly learned that great wines start with exceptional fruit. At Hunt Cellars, they pour passion and hard work into every bottle, ensuring that each wine embodies the varietal character, flavor, and velvety finish that has become their trademark.

So, whether you’re planning a celebration or just want to unwind, Hunt Cellars invites wine lovers to explore their delightful offerings and enjoy a taste of their journey!

people enjoying wine outdoors by wine artist Agata Zaborowski

B&E Vineyard

Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Woman enjoying wine with her cats

This is way off the beaten path, but it is worth a stop if you're exploring the East valley or coming in from the 41. We stopped here on a whim after blowing through our wine budget at another winery down the road. I live to regret that. It's easy to miss and the road up to the tasting room makes you initially feel like you're in the wrong place, but the views are great at the top from the dinky building. It's remote, so you'll most likely be alone with your party, anyway. That's good because max capacity feels like it would be around six. The lady working the tasting counter is super cool. This is a no frills place, but that's what I love about the wine culture of Paso. They don't have a big selection of pours here, but what they offer is great. Half of the wines were cuvees, which I enjoy because there is something intimate about them, like enjoying the food of a chef you are a fan of. You submit to their palate. That being said, the Twisted wines are very good, especially the older of the two that were out for sampling. Hands down the best, though, is the cab. Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery  Gallery | Agata Art Gallery

Retzlaff Vineyards

wine swirling in a glass - Saman Teher - Pixabay

Much of the beauty of Retzlaff Vineyards lies in its commitment to organic practices. As a pioneer in organic grape growing, Retzlaff stands out as the only California Certified Organic vineyard in the greater San Francisco Bay region, making it a must-visit for wine lovers.

The vineyard’s dedication to organic methods, along with meticulous canopy management and vineyard health, results in wines of exceptional quality. Visitors can savor the authenticity and complexity of wines crafted from grapes that are free from chemical residues.

The clean, bright, and evenly ripened fruit translates into fresh, delightful wines that showcase the true nature of each grape varietal. The winemaker often likens their approach to savoring an organic, sun-kissed peach plucked directly from the tree, striving to ensure that each berry in the vineyard embodies that perfect peach experience. For California wine enthusiasts, a visit to Retzlaff Vineyards promises not only exquisite wines but also a deep appreciation for the beauty of organic viticulture.

Image  - Saman Teher - Pixabay

Scott Harvey - Clarksburg

people sharing wine - painting by Agata Zomborowski

Introducing Scott Harvey's latest tasting room in the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, CA. Clarksburg is home of some wonderful fruit and delicous wines. Why not check out the tasting lineup at this newest tasting room of Scott Harvey, maybe wonder around a few of the tasting rooms while you are there. 

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