Good wines, friendly owners, fun animals. A field full of alpacas greets you as you enter Oso Libre. The husband and wife owners were absolute gems, but let's face it, unfriendly people simply don't own alpacas. They shared a lot of interesting info about the winery and animals which made for an entertaining conversation. The wines were tasty and the term “wine farm” setting of Oso Libre is a great experience.
Blankiet Estate is nestled high on the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains above Yountville. The vineyard, named Paradise Hills, is planted on one of the most acclaimed viticultural areas of the Napa Valley. The Estate was created in 1996 by Claude & Katherine Blankiet with the single vision of producing wines in the tradition of the great Bordeaux First Growth.
Rexford Winery handcrafts wines in small lots using grapes from select local vineyards. Their focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties. Rexford wines accurately reflect the varietal characteristics of the grapes and the unique microclimates and soils of the vineyards from which they come. Visitors are welcome at the winery located on the west side of Santa Cruz. The winery is open for tasting and sales Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and by appointment. NOTE: Rexford Winery is the new name for Hillcrest Terrace Winery. Rexford is a very small-scale operation that offers high quality wines. Sauvignon Blanc ($19), a Pinot Noir from Monterey ($29) and a Cab Sauv from Carmel Valley ($32). All were delicious and well made. We chatted with the winemaker. He teaches astro-physics at UCSC and decided to break into the commercial wine business after making some good homemade batches. He was knowledgeable and friendly.
Cakebread Cellars' story begins with a piece of land, a family passionate about wine, and a community of friends and partners who helped bring the winery to life. Since its founding in 1973, Cakebread Cellars has aimed to create quality wines that pair beautifully with good food and good company. The wines reflect the personalities of their estate vineyards as well as the spirit of the entire team. They take pride in sharing these wines—from their family to yours.
Caymus Vineyards is located in the center of the Napa Valley. Primary production is Cabernet Sauvignon grown on low-fertility soils on both the valley floor and the mountains that surround the valley. Attention to viticulture details, some dry farming, high-density plantings (with some blocks spaced as close as meter x meter), thinning of the yield, along with healthy vines and harvesting at an elevated degree of ripeness – all of these elements produce a unique and singular style of Cabernet.
While the wine has sufficient tannins and structure for long-term bottle aging, Caymus Cabernet is dark and concentrated, with ripe, luxurious, fruit-driven softness that shows from the day of release.
In addition, Caymus produces a smaller amount of Special Selection Cabernet. A limited bottling of Napa Valley Zinfandel honors winery co-founder Charlie Wagner Sr., for whom it was a favorite. All a part of Wagner Family of Wines.
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.
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 in Campbell? Here is a gem tucked away in the most unexpected of areas. It's right off of Winchester Blvd, easy to visit if you know it's there.
Cuvée Wine Cellars - A great little urban winery that began with a passionate home winemaker intent on producing quality wines. After a run of successes in amateur- winemaking contests Paul Rogerville decided to tackle the daunting task of becoming a bonded winery. Yes, Paul took a great hobby and turned it into a job. The good news is you can tell is that Paul loves what he is doing and when you visit you can tell. The staff is so friendly and we have enjoyed a number of visits with Paul. Often there are delicious appetizers or food and plenty of wine and we haven't had a bad bottle yet. This place is definitely worth a visit. Cuvée Wine Cellars is located on the Central Peninsula, which does not permit them to grow their own grapes. However, this has not proved too much of an obstacle by any means as Paul has partnered with some of the most outstanding vineyards in Northern California. Paul can be seen in a short video presentation made during our visit to the 3rd Annual Mid-Peninsula Summer Wine Walk. ~
Hours:
Fri - 6:00PM-9:00PM
Sat - 1:00PM-5:00PM
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.
