Red Wines

Red Wines

McGrail Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

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 though I have enjoyed their Cabernet Sauvginon before this visit.

McGrail Vineyards proudly sits high on the rolling hills of the Livermore Valley and offers wine tasting daily! Visit McGrail Vineyards for several wine tasting experiences or to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the exceptional views.


Open daily from 11:00AM – 5:00PM, last reservation at 3:30PM. Reservations are available for groups up to 6 people. For parties over 6, please call the winery [925-215-0717].

Castillo Hillside Shire

entrance to the winery

At the Shire, the aim is to treat visitors to smooth and savory blends designed to captivate even the most discerning palate. Their oak-aged, handcrafted wine is a drinkable gem, born from vineyards blessed by the serene surroundings only nature can provide. The privilege of planting, nurturing, and harvesting the abundant clusters of fruit that adorn the hillside vines is cherished by all involved.

Visitors are invited to experience the offerings of these vines within the comfort of the gardens of the European-styled estate. Each day in the tasting room, magic happens as guests arrive and rediscover their true selves. Relaxation and camaraderie flourish as patrons meet others who appreciate wine, art, conversation, and music. Friendships form as one strolls through the grounds, greeted by a calm and soothing embrace. Sitting near the pond, visitors can take a moment to reflect or meditate.

The Shire takes great pleasure in sharing this enchanting experience with all who visit.

Capiaux Cellars

wine cellar - Pixabay

Sean Capiaux has an established and notable career at prominent wineries around the world which include: Jordan, Pine Ridge, and Peter Michael in California; Macari, Jamesport and Schneider in Long Island, NY; and Houghton's in Australia. In 1994 Sean launched his own label, Capiaux Cellars, and he presently works as winemaker for O'Shaughnessy winery in the Howell Mountain appellation of Napa Valley

Sean graduated from California State University, Fresno with a B.S. in Enology and a minor in Chemistry. He began his career at Jordan Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley where he worked for two years before joining Houghton Winery located outside Perth in Western Australia. After working the harvest in Australia, Sean returned to the United States to work as the assistant winemaker at Pine Ridge Winery in the Stags Leap district of Napa Valley. Two years later Sean joined Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga as the assistant winemaker where he worked for four years.

Boeschen Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

Boeschen Vineyards

What a hidden gem! They only make four types of wine: sauvignon blanc, rosé, cabernet sauvignon, and a blend. Normally after you wine taste, you would just buy your favorite wines and leave the winery, right? Well, Doug, the vintner and now tour guide, then took us for a tour outside the wine cave and showed us the estate's 200+ year old rose, the extensive car collection residing in a renovated barn, and the fully restored functioning green house.

The wines of Boeschen Vineyards celebrate the land and traditions of Napa Valley. On an estate founded in 1880, our family farms the 11-acre vineyard and crafts the wine from barrel to bottle. Experience a taste of how Napa used to be – and still is at Boeschen Vineyards. 

Titus Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

f you can get an appointment here, I highly suggest doing it. A lot of the valley wineries are commercial and push sales and have tons of tourists - not here! This is a laid back, family owner, quality one on one experience. We arrived and were the only ones there and were greeted by our tour guide and his dog 29 (aptly named after the highway that runs through Napa). We sat on a bench outside the old house that serves as their headquarters and enjoyed many of their wines and their homegrown olive oil. A small family winery on the Silverado Trail. Just love their reds. Great Deal ! ! Wines are underpriced at least 30%, and no charge for tasting. You need to call for an appointment and it is a little hard to find but worth it.

Anarchy Wine Company

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

The winemaker, Christian Tietje, has been shaking up the industry for decades with his bold varietal pairings and his passion for “big ass wines.” Previously, he made his mark while working for others, but now, as a free elf, he is taking extreme winemaking to a whole new level. Tietje is fully exploring the hidden characteristics of pure varietals and creating blends that challenge the conventions of the industry. You can enjoy the wines in Paso Robles' Tin City.

Speckle Rock Vineyard

winery's label

On October 22, 2007, the tragedy of the Witch Creek Fire struck the southeast part of the San Diego Wild Animal Park, located on the other side of the San Pasqual Valley. As the fire fueled itself by over 100 mph winds, it spread up to Bandy Canyon and created a huge firestorm. The fire consumed the majority of Perrin Oak Ranch and almost took the life of our owner, Duane “D.O.” Perrin while he was sleeping. Thankfully, Duane got to safety in time. The fire destroyed structures, farm equipment and, most of all, about 3,000 avocado trees. The only figures left standing after the fire were the valiant speckled boulders of granite. From that tragic memory, Duane decided to rise up from the ashes and start over. Instead of re-planting avocado trees, he decided to plant wine grapes. Through that move, Speckle Rock Vineyards and DG Cellars were born. Currently, the ranch has more than 23 acres of vineyard composed of Grenache, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Clairette Blanche, and Falanghina grapes. Each year we target to plant more acreage to reach our 40-acre goal and ultimately yield 4,000 cases each year and continue to be one of the top vineyards in San Diego, complete with wine tastings, events and much, much more.

Hunt Cellars

people enjoying wine outdoors by wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Discover Hunt Cellars: A Wine Adventure

Hunt Cellars is all about crafting wines that elevate every moment—whether it’s cozying up by the fireplace or pairing perfectly with your favorite meals. These wines are designed to enhance those special occasions and create lasting memories.

How It All Started

When the Hunt Family set out to chase their winemaking dream, they embarked on an adventurous journey, exploring premium wine regions in Oregon, Washington, and California. After extensive travels, they landed in San Luis Obispo County, drawn to Paso Robles for its diverse soils, exceptional growing climate, and unique winemaking styles, all infused with a spirit of graciousness and traditional American values.

After scouring numerous properties, they discovered a stunning 550-acre gem on Highway 41 in Creston. This picturesque land met all their criteria, featuring varied elevations and soil compositions that echo the world’s greatest wine regions—perfect for growing exceptional, intense fruit for their wines.

The Birth of Destiny Vineyard

The Hunts decided to name their vineyard “Destiny Vineyards” in honor of their baby girl, Destiny, who arrived in 1996. And if you ask her today, she’ll proudly tell you which wines reign supreme!

The vineyard’s inaugural planting included an impressive lineup: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Zinfandel. To showcase their premium wines, the Hunts opened a charming tasting room in October 1999.

In 1997, they began producing their first memorable wine releases. The Hunt family quickly learned that great wines start with exceptional fruit. At Hunt Cellars, they pour passion and hard work into every bottle, ensuring that each wine embodies the varietal character, flavor, and velvety finish that has become their trademark.

So, whether you’re planning a celebration or just want to unwind, Hunt Cellars invites wine lovers to explore their delightful offerings and enjoy a taste of their journey!

people enjoying wine outdoors by wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Passaggio Wines

Passaggio Wines tasting room in Sonoma California

Passaggio Wines

Cynthia is the owner and winemaker at Passaggio Wines. Cynthia's focus is small lot boutique wines that include unoaked chardonnay, pinot grigio, rose altogether about 10 varieties of wine. Cynthia went from cop to artisan wine crafter, not a typical journey by any stretch. In 2004, Cynthia left a 15-year Law Enforcement career to pursue that passion and family tradition of winemaking. It has been enjoyable to watch Passaggio Wines grow and see Cynthia follow her dreams. Passaggio's tasting room is gorgeous for either tasting, having wine by the glass, or for a special event. The tasting room staff and winemaker are very friendly and accommodating and make you feel right at home.

Benom Wines

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski - people enjoying wine

Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre moved to California for love. For Guillaume, it was his passion for winemaking and farming without limits that brought him to Paso Robles. This love led him to one of the most prestigious wineries in Paso Robles,

Meet Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre, two brothers from France whose passion for winemaking is deeply rooted in their heritage. Their journey to California was sparked by love—Guillaume's ardor for winemaking and limitless farming led him to the picturesque Paso Robles, where he initially joined one of the region’s most esteemed wineries, L’Aventure, before launching his own venture, Clos Solène.

Arnaud's tale is equally captivating, reminiscent of a romantic film. His move to California was driven by his love for Chloe, leading the brothers—Les Deux Frères Fabre—to settle in the heart of Paso Robles.

But the story doesn’t end there. The Fabre brothers invite wine lovers to discover the intriguing chapters of their journey for themselves. With a deep respect for their family legacy spanning six generations in the Languedoc-Roussillon and Bordeaux regions, their winery, BENOM, beautifully marries the freedom of winemaking in Paso Robles with the exceptional talent inherent in the Fabre lineage.

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski - people enjoying wine

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