Red Wines

Red Wines

William Cole Vineyards

grape cluster - PIxabay

When William and Jane Ballentine bought a nineteenth century ghost winery in St. Helena in 1999, little did they know it would take them three years to acquire a permit to open its doors which had been shuttered since Prohibition. The reason: county laws prohibited restoration of abandoned wineries with less than ten acres and the young couple only owned five. After several years working with the county, the Ballentines received a special historic winery ordinance that allowed them to reopen the 1873 winery.

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.

Cardinale Estates Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

When Winemaker Christopher Carpenter envisions each new vintage of Cardinale, he becomes a composer to each of our esteemed Napa Valley mountain vineyards. Together, the Cardinale vineyards create a perfect composition in a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vouchaine Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

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.

Rexford Wines

wine and cheese

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.

Cinquain Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - Woman enjoying wine

Ciento Cellars is a charming boutique winery with an incredibly small yet dedicated team: Dave, Tonia, Jake, and their beloved dog, Oakley! While they may be few in number, the beauty of their wines and the quality of their fruit are the results of a collaborative effort that extends far beyond their small crew.

At the heart of their success are the tireless vineyard crews led by second-generation grape growers Mia and Juan Nevarez, whose hard work nurtures the vines that produce Ciento's exceptional grapes. Equally important are the mentors, teachers, and friends from the vibrant Paso Robles community, whose wisdom and support have shaped their winemaking journey.

And let’s not forget the families and friends whose love and encouragement fuel their passion for winemaking year-round. Ciento Cellars’ estate vineyard spans 14.4 acres, nestled between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level. Here, gently rolling terrain meets steep hillsides, creating a diverse landscape that enhances the complexity of their wines.

The vineyard's soils are rich in calcareous limestone shale, characteristic of Paso Robles' westside terroir. With just the right amount of clay to retain moisture and loamy soils that provide essential nutrients, the ground is perfectly suited for growing premium grapes. Wine lovers are invited to visit the tasting room and check out samples of the limestone shale that contributes to the unique character of their wines!

Most of Ciento's estate vineyard was planted in the spring of 2019, with the Cinsault and Petit Verdot blocks added in 2021. As these blocks come into production in 2024, the team is thrilled to introduce new, intriguing components to their wine portfolio. The Viognier block, situated just below the tasting patio, was planted in 2023, so it will be a couple of years before this block begins to yield fruit.

For those seeking an intimate wine experience filled with passion and community spirit, Ciento Cellars is a must-visit destination in Paso Robles!

Satori Cellars

People enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Satori Cellars: A Tasting Experience in the Heart of Santa Clara Valley

Satori Cellars features an inviting outdoor tasting cabana, surrounded by 15 acres of flourishing, pampered grapes from the Santa Clara Valley. The tasting room is open to the public on the first, second, and third full weekends of each month, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on the fifth Saturday, from noon to 5 PM. Guests can enjoy private VIP tastings and large group celebrations on the fourth (or fifth) weekends of the month, available by reservation. The winery proudly showcases award-winning, estate-grown reds, including Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.

While the focus is on exceptional wine, the atmosphere is equally appealing. Satori Cellars is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and perfect for families and groups. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, listen to live music, catch the game, play bocce, and unwind in a relaxed setting where a memorable Satori story is sure to unfold.

Tastings are offered at $20, which includes one white wine and four red wines. Additionally, guests can enjoy wine by the glass, refreshing mimosas (sparkling wine and orange juice), and a seasonal homemade special-recipe sangria.

While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended to ensure a delightful experience at Satori Cellars.

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People enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Tablas Creek Vineyards

grape cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

Tablas Creek’s 270-acre estate vineyard, rich in limestone, is nestled in the heart of the Adelaida District, within the hills north and west of Paso Robles, approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Their approach to viticulture centers on quality, using dry-farming techniques and maintaining moderate crop levels. Since 2003, the vineyard has held organic certification, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices.

Beginning in 2010, Tablas Creek integrated various Biodynamic methods throughout the estate, which include the use of a mobile herd of sheep and alpacas. This holistic approach aims to capture the unique character of the vineyard’s terroir, yielding grapes of intensity and depth. The estate achieved its Biodynamic certification in 2017.

Tablas Creek views regenerative agriculture as a vital approach to addressing global climate and resource challenges. In pursuit of this mission, they became the first vineyard globally to receive the Regenerative Organic Certified® designation in 2020 and the first Regenerative Organic Certified® Gold vineyard in 2022.

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

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