Small, family owned winery with vineyards in Napa and Cobb Mountain, Lake County. Being primarily farmers, we are able to make our wines entirely from our own vineyards. The small percentage of grapes that we keep for our own label, totals to around 1000 cases annually. We are proud of our quality wines, and Lake County fruit!
Hours: Sat & Sun | 12 pm - 4 pm
It all started back in 1988 when Eric’s parents purchased the land where the winery and vineyard sit today. Eric was still attending Cal Poly earning his BS in Ecology and Systematic Biology at the time but helped his dad by designing and planting the vineyard. After getting the vineyard planted and producing, Eric began to expand his wine knowledge. Biologist as his day job, Eric went back to school, attending UC Davis’s enology extension courses. Eventually, landing his first wine job with Ken Volk at Wild Horse Winery in Templeton and then moving into a position with Kendal-Jackson Winery. Eventually in 1998, Eric made the first official vintage of Zenaida Cellars and has been working on developing the wines ever since.
The tasting room is cozy and charming (there is no better word to describe anything about Carmel), with a Western theme. A major photo opportunity rests in an AMAZING boot shaped chair, do not miss that chance. Bellying up to the tasting bar, tastes are $10 for around 8 options (and when I asked to revisit a couple wines before making my purchase, I was happily obliged), and they had no problem allowing two of us to share a tasting. Major focus on reds, full bodied and strong! My test of a great red wine when I sip it - does it make me want to eat a steak or a plate of pasta? Yes? Sold!
The tasting room wasn't crowded so we were able to linger and explore the room between tastes, and a dish of free dark chocolate was delightful. Our taster even brought out some cheese and crackers to enhance the experience! Low pressure elegance is very appreciated.
Mayo Family Winery produces small lots of single-vineyard wines under the premise that the world's most interesting and highest quality wines must come from a single-vineyard source that can be expressed in the wines' aroma, taste and texture. Founded in 1993, the winery has two winemaking facilities in Glen Ellen, California, each fitted and equipped to produce particular types of wines. Mayo Family wines are only sold online or in their tasting room attached to the winery in the town of Glen Ellen and their two other tasting rooms in Sonoma Valley.
We were immediately greeted by Steve with a big smile. He took our group to a semi-private room to the right of the entrance. We all got the special reserve tasting and enjoyed all the reds - so much that I ended up buying a bottle of each one, oops! The tasting pours were very generous.
They don't have a tasting room but if you're lucky, and know the right people, you might just score an invite up to the property for some tasting and a look around. The property, up at the top of Atlas Peak off the Silverado Trail, is stunning, the vineyard dog is friendly and cute and the wine is great. Trust me, next time you find yourself up this way shoot them an email, see if you can't make arrangements to head up their way. You'll be happy you did!
Winemaker James Foster’s love for the land began as a child growing up on the family farm, the historic Roseland Plantation in Eufaula, Alabama. As a teenager, his love for the land spread to the vine: spending many summers as a “cellar rat” in various wineries, James had a full vineyard-to-bottle view of winemaking. Inspired to learn more, he studied Enology at Fresno State University, then honed his winemaking skills over the last 13 years at The Wine Group. Along the way, he has partnered with grower-winemakers from around the globe on a portfolio of varietally and regionally expressive, exceptional wines at all price points.
Since 2009, James has worked with a team of winemakers on crafting flipflop wines. By collaborating closely with partner winemakers at the source, he is able to stay true to each wine’s varietal character.
Vist this Victorian-Style Farmhouse of this winery nestled in the rolling hills of Temecula. Taste award-winning wines while shopping for gifts or enjoy snacking on their Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread.
Situated in the rolling hills of eastern Napa Valley, Hestan Vineyards is a 56-acre tapestry of small, individually farmed blocks, planted to the five principle red Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
The vineyard is named for owners Stanley and Helen Cheng, who purchased the property in 1996. Cheng is CEO of Meyer Corporation, the world’s second largest cookware company with brands including Anolon, Circulon, KitchenAid and Faberware.
In 2005, the Chengs released their first wines from the property, the 2002 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon; both made by consulting winemaker Mark Herold. The wines were a critical success and were followed in 2008 by the launch of Stephanie, a line of red Bordeaux blends made by consulting winemaker Jeff Gaffner.
THE WINERY HAS CLOSED - Located in Trinity County is Meredith Family Vineyards. The vineyards were planted on the historic Olsen Homestead and the first vines were planted in 1986. The vineyards consist of primarliy with plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sangiovese, with smaller plantings of Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Being on the inland side of the California Coast Range and at an elevation of about 1400 feet, with warm days and cool nights, allows the grapes to develop excellent color and flavor. All of the wines are made with the fruit grown at the vineyard. -
