Located in Sonoma County, California, one of the world's premier wine producing areas, McIlroy Wines is a small, family based winery that creates outstanding wines. Only a small number of cases are produced each year.

Inspired by Sylvia and William “Bill” Lytton, Avensole Winery was born into a family deeply rooted in tradition. The Lyttons had a profound love for music, wine, and family. Over the years, Sylvia and Bill, along with their children Sheldon and Maribeth, often traveled to Sylvia’s hometown of Vienna, Austria, to visit extended family. Austria, with its enchanting vineyards and centuries-old winemaking traditions, captivated them. Vienna, a European hub of music, wine, and food, played a special role in their lives. The fragrant aromas, picturesque landscapes, and time-honored winemaking customs left an indelible mark on the family, influencing their future.

Sylvia and Bill's shared passion for music is what brought them together. Sylvia, a talented pianist, performed throughout Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, often with a partner as part of a duo called "The Melody Twins." Bill, a skilled musician, played both the saxophone and clarinet. During his college years, he formed a band called "The Purple Syncopaters," which performed across the U.S. and Asia. When Sylvia moved to America, she and Bill were introduced, and their mutual love of music created an immediate bond. Their love endured throughout 54 years of marriage and continues through their children and grandchildren.

Inspired by their parents, Sheldon and Maribeth worked diligently to honor Sylvia and Bill’s legacy. Like his father, Sheldon became a lawyer, while Maribeth followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an accomplished concert pianist. Despite their careers, the siblings never forgot their family vacations and sought to capture the essence of their memories spent among Austria's elegant vineyards. In the Temecula Valley of California, they found a landscape and climate that reminded them of Austria, and they chose to establish their winery there, paying homage to their childhood memories.

Sylvia’s favorite wine was Gewurztraminer, a varietal she loved for its fragrant aromas and fruity notes. When Sheldon and Maribeth discovered that Gewurztraminer was already planted in the vineyard destined to become Avensole, they were surprised and saw it as a “sign” that they were “home.” Avensole became a part of the Lytton family heritage.

Today, Avensole Winery stands as a tribute to Sylvia, Bill, and Sheldon, who passed away in 2019. With every bottle produced, the winery honors the Lytton family’s vision. Their wines embody a harmonious blend of tradition, artistry, and the rich heritage of the vines.

Visitors are invited to experience the fruits of the Lytton family’s labor and be transported to a time of elegance, adventure, and the timeless magic of music and wine.

Quality wine begins in the vineyard, and the estate's vineyards are a constant source of pride, concern, and inspiration. Ponte Family Estate Winery cultivates 21 varieties across nearly 300 acres, making their vineyards among the largest in Temecula. The vineyard team diligently stays informed about the latest viticulture techniques and works tirelessly to ensure the grapes thrive year after year, allowing them to deliver the exceptional wines that their guests cherish.

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.