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...
The father-son duo of the Merlo family work together to produce varietals of Merlot, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Syrah, Moscato, and Cabernet Franc. Located on the Dry Creek Valley Appellation, the 200-acre (81-hectare) estate not only grows its own grapes, but also sells the fruit to other wineries. Wine barrel tastings are hosted for visitors to the place, while other events like Winemaker dinner, have its own fan base.
The history of the Bertagna family farming and winemaking began centuries ago in Italy. The Bertagnas have been almond farmers for four generations, a tradition Berton Bertagna continues today. Berton's great grandfather made wine for his friends and family in Italy and continued the practice when he immigrated to Chico through Ellis Island in 1912. While the family continued farming almonds, the art of winemaking skipped two generations before being started again by Berton, through the encouragement of his wife, Carol.
A cozy tasting room and they were even dog friendly! Wine was delicious and owners were really friendly and great to talk to. The tasting was $6 - not bad at all when you compare them to Napa, but a little different when you compare them to all the wineries in Grass Valley who don't charge for tastings. This is more of a place you spend the evening with a good glass of wine rather than a "learn about each type of wine in detail" because there were lots of people in the tasting room and they didn't have a lot of time to explain every wine to us. However, on a recent weekend visit, a Sunday it was far more relaxed.
Karmere is a good gateway winery. It has the light, fruity champagnes almond, raspberry and regular. They offer a wide range of Zinfandels and other reds here too. The wines are named after the females members of the family. Could the the place for a wedding or special occasion, beautifully designed for events. Spent quite awhile there, tasting at the counter and barrel-tasting as well.
We were told about this place from another tasting room; it was said we just have to try it so we did! Oscar was a very gracious host and told us all kinds of facts about the wines, which were great. We ended up with the barrel chaser, nice! A bit pricey for tastings, about $20 for 4, but worth it especially if you buy a bottle. A must try for beginners and winos alike.
TERRE ROUGE means "Red Earth". This vermillion-colored soil is one of the hallmarks of our region. Our vineyards are in soils that are largely granite and volcanic-based. The TERRE ROUGE portfolio is composed of wines made from Rhône varietals grown in the rugged and varying terroirs of this region: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne. High elevation sites up to 3200’ contribute to the complexity of the wines. The TERRE ROUGE portfolio is composed of wines made from Rhône varietals. The winery's winemaker, Bill Easton puts his family name, EASTON, on our non-Rhône varietals wines.
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.
Relic is the label by Mike Herby, one of the Napa Valley winemaking young guns. Mike is also the winemaker for Realm and consulting for Sherwin Family.
This is one of the stop to visit while you are on Spring Mountain, Relic is being housed at Erna Schein (formerly Behrens & Hitchcock). You will find some intriguing Pinots and Syrah, a nice break from the norm on Spring Mountain.
A visit to the Nichelini Family Winery offers an experience of the Napa Valley the way it used to be: serene, rustic, and independent. Get away from the crowds and travel the 8 miles up into the hills east of the Silverado Trail, past Lake Hennessy and through the scenic cliffs of Sage Canyon Road.
It's a small production, historic, pre-prohibition family winery. One is welcomed in almost immediately as family and greeted with a line of fine, well crafted wines that reflect the care and thought that went in to their creation. Winemaker Amy is passionate about her job and the staff are genuinely happy to play host to visitors
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm, or Monday through Thursday by appointment.
