Red Wines

Red Wines

Toad Hall Cellars

Toad Hall Cellars is owned by John Komes and his family; if the last name rings a bell it is because this family is also synonymous with Flora Springs Winery. They produced their first vintage in 1984 which was merely 10 cases of a Chardonnay...talk about scraping the bottom of a wine barrel! Today, production runs about 1200 cases (still relatively small) and focuses on three wines; two Pinot noirs and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Toad Hall was started by John as a side project to his family's Flora Springs Cellars. Toad Hall owns several vineyards; their original vineyard is 6 acres just off of Highway 29 in Rutherford planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and they also have a 10-acre vineyard in the Carneros region planted to Pinot noir.

Burgess Cellars

Burgess is a fantastic local independent winery that puts out some amazing wines without the backing of the majors that most of the more well-known wineries in the area have. Their wines are definitely worth seeking out and asking for. I'm sure you will be most pleasantly surprised.

Teaderman Vineyards

Teaderman Vineyards is owned by Stan and Patti Teaderman. Stan is a long time resident of Napa - since 1947 who has been exposed to viticulture and the wine industry for most of his life. He co-founded a propane gas business (headquartered in Napa) and also runs one of Napa's premier barrel storage facilities for premium wineries (Napa Vintage Storage). Their 14-acre vineyard was purchased in 1978 to help satisfy Stan & Patti's long time passion with wine and is located in the heart of Oakville; this is prime Napa Valley vineyard terroir. As a long time Napa grower and vintner, Stan's enthusiasm and energy regarding his own wine is clearly evident, almost as if he was just starting out in the industry! His nearby neighbors are Silver Oak, Groth and Screaming Eagle.

Bremer Family Winery

We also had a fantastic little table across the creek in the trees and each wine was explained to us. We really loved our experience and the wine is fantastic. I think this is a great little gem. The level of service, the little snack plate, the wine was amazing and it isn't sold in stores, so you have to know this place. All the reds were great overall, they seem to put a lot of care and time into their wines.

Chappellet Winery

This is a very interesting place to taste. They take their wine seriously, it is off the beaten path, and reservations are required. View - absolutely breathtaking! Plan to spend some time taking pictures throughout the vineyard and of the lake. This is one of the best spots to get pictures in Napa.

Caddis Wines

Although Caddis is new it is quickly becoming one of my favorite wineries in Livermore. The winemaker Chris has had years if experience in the Livermore Valley and it shows in his wines. It's no surprise the Caddis took home a number of Chronicle wine awards, their wines is phenomenal! Caddis is located next to Wood Family and are only open a select amount of days throughout the year. Just a quick update. Caddis Wines now has two locations, in Livermore and Sonoma. 

Blue Oak Vineyards

Blue Oak Merlot, which is named for the regal blue oak tree in the backyard, is perhaps California's best merlot — Chicago Tribune. We look forward to visting with the folks at Blue Oak, then we can share a little more with our readers.

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.

Allegretto Wines

On a trip to Paso Robles years ago, Douglas Ayres was awed by the beauty of the land, the warmth of the people and the promising wine region. While later traveling through some of the most celebrated wine and cultural areas of the world, the memory of Paso Robles inspired him to return with a vision of owning vineyards, making world-class wine and developing a destination driven wine country resort.

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