We were able to do some barrel tasting and i can't wait for the 2012's to be released because they're already outstanding. Kirk, the owner, gave us an education on how they introduce new blends to existing vines through bud grafting and he told us about his neighbors and the wines they're producing. I felt like I was part of their family, just enjoying a glass or two of wine for the day.
If you're looking for a different experience than your typical Napa Valley tasting room, then I highly recommend that you take the trip to Viader. High above the Valley floor, Viader has some of the prettiest views around. They also have excellent wines. In addition to their highly regarded Cab blend, the winery makes a yummy Syrah and under another label, DARE, even does a termpranillo. The tasting is pricey, but the staff really tries to give you your money's worth. If you have time, ask to see the underground wine caves. Art provided by Agata Art Gallery
After 40 years in the hospitality business, we understand the value of building relationships, sharing a table for special moments over food and wine, and experiencing the beauty and bounty of Santa Barbara Wine Country.
With a concentration on our estate vineyard, we have sought to produce wines that are “a window to a place.” Each one of our wines is different in expression, with its own subtle, yet distinctive character and voice. Each year renews in us an intense drive to understand, react to, and work with the vineyard to allow it to reach its full potential. This process, led by our winemaker, Steve Clifton, is crucial for the execution of successful wines.
In this time of multimillion-dollar vineyard estates and celebrity winemaking consultants, when it seems that financial backing has replaced skill as the key to success in enology, it is rare that a simple idea can give birth to wines that stand out for flavor and balance, rather than pedigree alone. Waterstone Winery was formed in 2000 with the simple concept of creating luxury wines at affordable prices. Bringing together previously established relationships with Napa Valley growers and vintners, the winery set out to develop balanced wines of varietal character through intelligent sourcing. Preferring to focus on the wine itself rather than the accumulation of land and facilities, Waterstone owns no vineyards, nor does it own the facility where its wines are made. Dedicated winemaking, strong relationships with top growers and long-term grape contracts are the keys to Waterstone’s quality and success.
How many tasting rooms do you know of where the owner / vintner is there pouring? It's an added bonus that lets you know he's not only interested in his passion, but interested in your enjoyment of his wines as well. Winemaker John Smith is not only very happy to pour for you, but is just as willing to tell his wine's story to a seasoned oenophile or neophyte alike.
Bel Vino Winery is the Temecula home of Fine Wine and Good Times in Southern California in Temecula Wine Country. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of breath-taking vistas, rolling vine-covered hills and panoramic views of the Temecula valley, Bel Vino is the perfect location for an intimate (indoor or outdoor) wine tasting or an exceptional California vineyard wedding. Beautiful winery, with a great feel to it. There was a live band playing at the little outdoor stage when we pulled up. The tasting bar was inviting, and the host was very friendly and very helpful. The reds were good. The Tatria was extremely good, one of my favorite wines from my whole day of wine tasting. Also make a Pepper Jam, which is amazing. It's a nice balance of sweet and spicy, and they served samples on crackers with cream cheese.
The tasting was a blast, the guy behind the counter was knowledgeable and funny. Why can't all tasting rooms have this kind of service? He listened to what we said and altered our tasting to fit our palate. Excellent service.
The reds were all fantastic..I really was pleasantly surprised. Their tasting room has a large table that they invite you to sit at, or , you can go outside and sit at those smaller tables, if you choose to. Wines are fantastic and the people here are passionate, welcoming and knowledgeable. They host a number of fun events and perks for wine club members. They also are well known for their micro-batch wine making - come make your own wine from start to finish (blending, bottling, labeling) with the experts!
Join Antelope Valley Winery/Donato Family Vineyard for tasting, tours, shopping, and vineyard picnics Wed. through Sun., 11AM to 6PM. The winery also sell Grass Fed Buffalo and a large variety of game and exotic meats, like Venison, Pheasant, Wild Boar & Alligator to name just a few! Antelope Valley Winery produces a wide variety of wines to please every palate. *
Hours:
Weds- 11:00 to 6:00pm
Thurs- 11:00 to 6:00pm
Fri- 11:00 to 6:00pm
Sat- 11:00 to 6:00pm
Sun- 11:00 to 6:00pm
Drytown Cellars is a must go to spot when you are in the Plymouth area doing some winetasting.This sweet little find because the people are the most casual and friendly folks.The owner & winemaker, Allen and his wife Suzanne are such a pleasure.The wines are some of the best out there for the price. Especially fond of the Reserve Zin,Cab Franc,Red on Red and Primitivo
