You definitely need reservations for this place as it's quite small and off the beaten path. Hopefully next time we visit we'll be able to meet Julie the owner, although our server (whose name escapes me at the moment) was outstanding, very friendly and fun.
A nice find as we were wine tasting in Livermore last weekend. As you drive into the parking lot, you immediately forget about everything since the grounds are so gorgeous. There's even an outside patio where you can enjoy your wine and a packed lunch you may have brought with you. The tasting room is HUGE!
The staff was super friendly and helpful, especially since we'd never been to McGrail before. Enjoyed the '08 Picazo Merlot and the '08 Picazo Proprietary Red.
Great little find! We were looking for a winery to go to in Monterey, when we found this one. We thought we would be going to an actual winery (vineyard), and were surprised when we ended up in a shopping center along a main road. However, don't let that discount their credibility. They still offer great wines and tastings are only $5 (for all of their wines), unless you buy a bottle valued at $15+, then the tastings are free.
All of us ended up walking out with 2 bottles each. We all really enjoyed the Chardonnay, hands down, and then we each had a different opinion about our favorite red.
Additionally, Ventana has a great patio if you want to take your tastings outside or have a picnic.
Sable Ridge Vineyards released its first wine in 1996 but is clearly on the fast track and becoming something of a cult favorite among its fans. Sable Ridge wines have twice been named Salute to the Arts Peoples' Choice Winery in the annual Sonoma celebration.
We have ordered Ruston wines several times w/ no problems directly from John himself. We were hoping to stop by his place again this March when we are back in town but he hasnt returned any emails! I have seen their wine now on LOT 18 at reduced prices which makes me wonder......
Too bad...their bordeaux blend is as good as it gets in napa for $25!
The people were friendly and even though they didn't have a lot of white wine to taste their red wines were plentiful. The tasting room in Murphys is nice but you have to experience the winery and the trip to the winery to fully appreciate this twisted place. Of course, not everyone is into rubber chickens...
A foodie at heart, Eric likens the wines to a beautiful meal: "If you start out with really good fresh ingredients, I mean really good, you have the fundamental components for something extraordinary." Taking advantage of this premium growing region, and by hand-crafting each vintage, Eric Ross Winery takes that same approach when producing our wines. " Taste The Vineyard" that's what the wine should reflect.
Wellington Vineyards is owned by the father and son team of John and Peter Wellington. John purchased the winery site in 1986. At the time, it consisted of 20 acres of old vines and a few decrepit old fruit and nut trees. Replanting of part of the old vineyard and orchard started in 1988. The winery was completed in time for the 1989 crush.
Rios-Lovell has grown into much more than an award-winning winery— it has become a Livermore Valley destination. Our picturesque grounds feature an event center, concert center, tasting room, picnic grounds, gazebo and gift area surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and an outdoor Tuscan style village. Rios-Lovell Winery’s unique charm makes it the ideal place for everything from tantalizing your palette to hosting your special event.
The building is beautiful, with an open kitchen where they make their light bites from scratch. I've tasted here three times and have really fun and knowledgeable hosts. Bonus points for the vineyard being 100% certified COOF Organic and Biodynamic.
This is also one of the wineries that allows you to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the sun-drenched patio. I love to make this a mid-point stop and enjoy some cured meats, cheeses, and baguette and share a bottle of my favorite Sinskey wine, the lovely Abraxas. Such a great idea! $15 of the $25 tasting fee is refundable with the purchase of two bottles of their reasonably priced wines. Definitely not to be missed during your Napa super happy fun time!
