Sean Capiaux founded Capiaux Cellars in 1994 with a dedication to producing single vineyard bottlings of Pinot Noir. The philosophy is to produce wines that express the unique location from which they came, a sense of place or distinctive quality that sets them apart. Only high quality, low yielding, select clonal grapes are used from unique viticultural areas.
Boitano Family Wines is operated by four generations of family. The Boitano family started growing Sangiovese grapes in their Mokelumne Hill vineyard in 1999. The six generation mother lode family comes together annually to prune in early spring and harvest in fall.
This is a great place to bring a friend and enjoy the local wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Meet the local wine makers, taste the wines, visit with locals and impress your friends that you knew where Villa Del Monte Winery was and how to find it. It's not hard because it is right off of Summit Road. Villa Del Monte Winery is a participant of California Corks Winery Experience and winemakers John Overstreet and Neil Perrelli welcome you. Be sure to check out their Cabernet Sauvignon, in fact, last I checked there were still a few 2012 & 2013 available at pretty reasonable prices. Simply present you Membership to receive complimentary tasting for Two + and additional 10% discount on purchases.
Hours:
Check their website for tasting days and times
Located off the beaten path and decidedly unpretentious, an afternoon visit to Bouchaine is a favorite. Their wine is quite good, especially considering the mostly modest bottle prices. Their riesling is crisp and wonderful, perfect for a warm sunny afternoon. Their pinots are excellent. There is a self-guided tour through the vineyards that offers great views of the southern Napa Valley.
Starr Ranch is a family owned and operated ranch located in the central coast of California specializing in altar, premium wine, group, production.
Melani, Owner & Winemaker
Melani’s love of wine started when she was a Navy nurse stationed in Naples, Italy, in 2009. While living in Italy, she traveled throughout Europe and gathered wines along the way, creating an impressive collection. She fell in love with the way wine brought people together. Over the next 10 years, she hosted wine gatherings, taught and took classes, and took an informal but fun approach to learning about wine.
In 2017, Melani began volunteering at the Tackitt Family Vineyards for a Warrior Helping Warriors fundraiser, where she fell further in love with the winemaking process, the people, and Paso Robles. She offered to assist the Tackitts at their events and started to learn more about the intricacies of winemaking and viticulture under the tutelage of Leon Tackitt- this is where she realized her dream of owning a winery. Melani knows the importance of the translation of the Bon Niche name- “a good place.” Through the years, she has come to realize that life is about enjoying the people, the place, and the moment. Wine has brought many people, places, and special moments to life for Melani, and her dream is to create a very good place with great wine.
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.
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.
BellaGrace, like many other Plymouth wineries, is lovely and sophisticated without pretension. I must say that I am always pleased with the friendly service and warm greetings we receive when we arrive. Their 2010 Barbera is a multi-award winner. I have to say that this is a must-have! I've rarely tasted anything like it. Super friendly staff here, and the owner was very nice as well. The wine cave was worth checking out, and its cool temperature was a haven from the summer heat. And...tasting is free! Wine Cave - 22715 Upton Road Plymouth, CA Open Saturday & Sunday 11-4 during winter Sutter Creek Tasting Room 73 Main Street Sutter Creek CA Open Thursday - Monday 11-5
Cafaro Cellars produces the following wine varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Syrah/Shiraz. The price of wine tasting is free.
