Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars offers unparalleled hospitality. Secure a reservation to discover iconic Napa Valley wines, refined food and wine pairing experiences, and stunning views of the famous FAY and S.L.V. vineyards set against the backdrop of the Stags Leap Palisades.
Rick Quinn and David Nichols started as neighbors, became friends, and eventually joined forces to fulfill their shared dream of creating a winemaking legacy in Paso Robles.
In 1997, Rick and David began planting vineyards, and by 1999, they established their family winery in the coastal mountains of the Willow Creek District. They chose the name Opolo to honor Quinn's Serbian heritage, referencing a rosé-style wine native to the Dalmatian Coast.
Although the modern winemaking era in Paso Robles was just beginning, Rick and David recognized the region’s immense potential. They focused on Zinfandel, a heritage grape of Paso Robles, as well as Bordeaux and Rhône varieties that would come to define the area's reputation.
Since then, Opolo has become a cornerstone of the Paso Robles experience, known for its widely acclaimed estate wines, warm hospitality, and legendary wine club. Today, Opolo offers a diverse selection of wines, including the iconic Mountain Zinfandel, limited-release reserves, and vineyard designates. Visitors are invited to explore the world of Opolo at their tasting room.
In 2003, after 35 years as an engineer by day, and a home winemaker by night, Bob Tillman found the 130-acre parcel in Paso Robles' Adelaida District that would become Alta Colina Vineyard. The 31 planted acres and 8 Rhone varieties that make up Alta Colina Vineyard hit the dirt in 2005 and his daughter, Maggie Tillman, came on in 2008 to help in the efforts. With a complete focus on estate-grown Rhones, Bob crafts about 2,000 cases a year and continues to sell the remainder of the fruit to other great Rhone winemakers throughout the Central Coast. Quality, legacy, and love of the land are Bob's signature.
Wine lovers, get ready to dive into the captivating story of L'Aventure, where Stephan Asseo’s passion and innovative spirit have brought world-class wines to life in the stunning Paso Robles, California.
How It All Began
Stephan's journey began at L'Ecole Oenologique de Macon in Burgundy, France, and in 1982, he established Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux. Over the next 15 years, he cultivated his skills as an artisan winemaker, earning a reputation as a maverick vigneron. Yet, constrained by AOC regulations, he longed for the freedom to innovate and explore new possibilities.
The Adventure Begins
In 1998, seeking to expand his horizons, Stephan and his family set off on an adventurous quest to find the perfect location for their winemaking dreams. They traveled through renowned wine regions across the globe—from South Africa to Lebanon, Argentina to Napa—until they stumbled upon the unique terroir of west side Paso Robles. It was here that L'Aventure was born, igniting a new chapter in their winemaking journey.
Stephan's philosophy is centered on crafting wines that truly embody the essence of Paso Robles. Each cuvée is a carefully crafted blend of the estate's premium varieties, enhancing the wines’ authenticity, complexity, and balance.
Celebrating Milestones
In July 2023, L'Aventure proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a journey filled with remarkable achievements. The winery became 100% estate-produced, unveiled a stunning new tasting room and caves, partnered with the Thiénot family, acquired a new vineyard, and embarked on exciting collaborative wine projects. As they continue to innovate and evolve, their commitment to quality remains steadfast, honoring the roots that inspired their adventure.
Join L'Aventure for a tasting experience that embodies the spirit of innovation and passion for wine. Cheers to the journey ahead!
Bokisch Ranches has been in the business of developing vineyards and selling grapes to other wineries throughout California since 1996. Bokish management company farms 1,000 acres of winegrapes within the Lodi Appellation. Bokisch Ranches grow several white varieties including Albarino, Pinot Grigio, Verdelho, Johannesburg Riesling, Viognier and Chardonnay. Our red grape varieties include Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Graciano, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon and customizes their farming to match theirr buyers needs. Bokisch Ranches partners with small and large wineries located in many wine regions throughout California including Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Amador, Santa Cruz and, of course, Lodi!
Another stop on the DePortola Wine Trail. I wish I had the opportunity to walk around the grounds here and check them out, but time was pressing and we had more wineries to get to. Outside there is a very large patio with a wonderful view. There was a pizza booth to purchase a snack and a live band playing. I hope to stop by again next trip to the area. A really nice, friendly atmosphere to relax. Growing classic warm weather Mediterranean varieties of grapes which include Mourvedre, Viognier, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese Brunello are keystone wines at this picturesque winery. Also included are some unique wine varietals such as Tempranillo, Primativo and our a Pinotage. I hope to meet the winemaker Stephen Andrews next time I am in Temecula Wine Country. Painting by Agata Zaborowski
Dan Souza is the winery owner and an entrepreneur of many businesses who has found new passion in the fine art of viticulture and winemaking. He comes from a long line of farmers and cattle ranchers, and cultivating the land with extraordinary results is nothing new to him. Besides successful efforts in many of his ventures, he also greatly enjoys donating his time and resources to those who need it.
Bovino Vineyards is an 83.5-acre property with about 45 acres planted to grapes. There are 16 different grape varieties grown on the ranch. Some, like the sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon. The different clones were selected for the characteristics each brings to the finished wine. There are 27 separate blocks with different rootstock/clone combinations in each. Add this complexity to the fact that there are three primary soil types on the property loam, silt loam, clay loam, the elevation ranges from 1,020 and 1,125 feet above sea level, and the blocks have multiple exposures and sun tracks, and it makes the winemaker glad he does not also manage the vineyard.
Cantara Cellars is a tasting room producing a broad selection of award winning red and white wines located in the in the heart of Ventura County. Chris and Mike Brown’s winery specializes in producing wines from grapes they have selected from the Lodi Appellation in Northern California know for in Zinfandel and a host of other varietals. Each wine expresses both the passion for making fine wines, and enjoyment of the distinctive flavors found in Lodi grapes that this couple has a passion for. Cantara Cellars began in 2002 as a private winery at Mike and Chris Brown's Moorpark home. Beginning with just 250 pounds of Chardonnay hand harvested from Mike's parent's vineyards in Lodi California, they fermented their first 18 gallons of wine! Over the next few years they opened a public tasting room in October 2007.
Hours:
Mon Closed
Tues Closed
Wed 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Thur 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Fri 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Located in Rutherford, west of Hwy 29 off Bella Oaks Lane. The tour/tasting appointment here will last about 60-90 minutes, depending on the group dynamic. Standard cave tour and sit-down tasting. You pay for what you get - pricer than other wineries, but the wines are excellent, full-bodied and rich. Family owned and run, committed to the environment. Great tasting experience.
Just ten minutes up from Highway 29 and you have the view - of Napa Valley. Then, if you book a tasting tour, instead of standing at a bar, or a cold cellar, you will be seated in a room streaming with sunshine. From there a generous sampling of their current releases will be poured, alongside a nice place of cheese, nuts and chocolate. Time to consider the tasting...and what you will buy to have at home. I know that one of my Cabernet favorites.
