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.
Where is the bottle? What’s the most delicious way to enjoy acclaimed wines without a hefty price tag? Lose the bottle. In 2003, Black Box Wines redefined the category by becoming the first U.S. vintner to offer super-premium, appellation-specific, vintage-dated wines in a box. Since then our expanding repertoire has earned 28 gold medals in wine competitions nationwide, yet still costs 40% less than comparable bottled wines.
The Trinity Oaks winemaking team pays close attention to developing California's top vineyards with a focus on coastal climates proven to produce superior, expressive fruit.
This little hidden gem is very easy to miss while whizzing past on Silverado Trail. But don't overlook this one. You won't be disappointed. Some of the best zinfandel and very good cabernet sauvignon. It is a great value wine that will hold its own against some higher priced wines. This is a very small winery with limited production and only offers a few wines. You won't find this in too many stores so you will need to make a trip out there of go on-line.
Claiborne & Churchill is a small, premium family-owned winery located in the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1983 by Claiborne (Clay) Thompson and Fredericka Churchill Thompson, former University of Michigan teachers, the couple transitioned from academia to the vineyards of California in 1981 to pursue a new life in the wine industry.
With its first crush, Claiborne & Churchill announced its special focus by producing 565 cases of Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, inspired by the fruity but dry dinner wines of the French province of Alsace. Today, Claiborne & Churchill produces about 8,000 cases of wine each year, sourcing grapes from vineyards in the cool maritime valleys of California’s Central Coast and its own small estate vineyards.
DEEP SEA and Conway Wines are produced by siblings Tom, John, and Gillian Conway in Santa Barbara, California.
DEEP SEA Wines are sourced from coastal vineyards to reflect the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Crafted in a contemporary style, these wines cater to the modern wine drinker.
Conway Wines are sourced from the highest quality vineyards in Santa Barbara. The best barrels, lots, or vineyard sources are reserved for this label, which was created for the Conway family. These wines exhibit the most character, complexity, and ageability in the cellar.
Based in Santa Barbara County, much of the land planted with grapevines is located within twenty miles of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air is cooler than inland regions, and the unique geology of Santa Barbara County, particularly in areas like the Sta. Rita Hills, traps cool air and moisture in the valleys. This “ocean effect” allows the grapes used for DEEP SEA wines to ripen over a longer period. The slow, steady development of this fruit leads to the perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and mature flavors, signaling the ideal time to harvest. Wines from this area are known for their balance, bright acidity, and beautiful California fruit, all of which are captured in DEEP SEA wines.
DEEP SEA and Conway Wines are produced by siblings Tom, John, and Gillian Conway in Santa Barbara, California.
DEEP SEA Wines are sourced from coastal vineyards to reflect the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Crafted in a contemporary style, these wines cater to the modern wine drinker.
Conway Wines are sourced from the highest quality vineyards in Santa Barbara. The best barrels, lots, or vineyard sources are reserved for this label, which was created for the Conway family. These wines exhibit the most character, complexity, and ageability in the cellar.
Based in Santa Barbara County, much of the land planted with grapevines is located within twenty miles of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air is cooler than inland regions, and the unique geology of Santa Barbara County, particularly in areas like the Sta. Rita Hills, traps cool air and moisture in the valleys. This “ocean effect” allows the grapes used for DEEP SEA wines to ripen over a longer period. The slow, steady development of this fruit leads to the perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and mature flavors, signaling the ideal time to harvest. Wines from this area are known for their balance, bright acidity, and beautiful California fruit, all of which are captured in DEEP SEA wines.
The views from this winery are beautiful, so we got some great pictures. No wonder people have weddings here!Busy on a Sunday afternoon but Super friendly. Shelly waved us on over and introduced us to the Falkner wines. Enjoyed the reds...especially the Cabernet and the two Meritage blends. Chose the 7 wine tasting for $15. Never had to pay up front like this up in the Central Coast wineries where we frequent. Your tastings are also usually free up there if you buy a few bottles. Falkner does give a $5 coupon toward your purchase of a bottle and you do get to keep the glasses.
Painting by Agata Zaborowski Family enjoying wine
Just ten minutes up from Highway 29 and you have the view - of Napa Valley. Then, if you book a tasting tour, instead of standing at a bar, or a cold cellar, you will be seated in a room streaming with sunshine. From there a generous sampling of their current releases will be poured, alongside a nice place of cheese, nuts and chocolate. Time to consider the tasting...and what you will buy to have at home. I know that one of my Cabernet favorites.
Unlike most wineries where you pick and choose the wines you want to taste, this winery goes down its wine tasting menu for your 6 tastes. The girl at the wine bar was friendly and seemed very knowledgeable about wines in general. She was very generous with the pours.
Tarrica Wine Cellars is a small, family owned winery started in 2000 in the Paso Robles Wine Country. The focus of Tarrica winery is to produce value priced wines that are a clear expression of viticultural origin and varietal flavor.
