Talley Vineyards
Great people great service great wine!!! So happy we went here. I want to become a member because of the great prices and people. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Great people great service great wine!!! So happy we went here. I want to become a member because of the great prices and people. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Nice, quaint winery. Has outdoor tables/seating and even cornhole (bean bag toss) game if you wanted to play. And a cute little picnic table for the kids. Our wine guide was friendly and super helpful. Mom enjoyed this spot because it had a nice selection of sweeter wines, e.g. Riesling. Very laid back environment. Bought some sandwiches from the deli just down the street recommended by Hagafen and ate at Hagafen outdoors while enjoying some Riesling. Art work by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski -Agata a Art Gallery
The young man who hosted our tasting was knowledgeable yet casual and easy to talk to - right up our alley. Really appreciated the time he took to do "compare & contrast" tastings! Definitely stop in here for a tasting - whether you linger or quickly move on to the wineries, you'll get a nice intro to wines in the region.
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.
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.
Winemaker James Foster’s love for the land began as a child growing up on the family farm, the historic Roseland Plantation in Eufaula, Alabama. As a teenager, his love for the land spread to the vine: spending many summers as a “cellar rat” in various wineries, James had a full vineyard-to-bottle view of winemaking. Inspired to learn more, he studied Enology at Fresno State University, then honed his winemaking skills over the last 13 years at The Wine Group. Along the way, he has partnered with grower-winemakers from around the globe on a portfolio of varietally and regionally expressive, exceptional wines at all price points. Since 2009, James has worked with a team of winemakers on crafting flipflop wines. By collaborating closely with partner winemakers at the source, he is able to stay true to each wine’s varietal character.
The Gainey Vineyard is part of a large, sustainable farming operation owned and run by the Gainey family for the past 50 years. The Home Ranch, the largest of the three Gainey ranches in the Santa Ynez Valley, is 1800 acres. It is comprised of 100 acres of vineyards, an Arabian horse operation, 1000 acres of rangeland upon which beef cattle feed on native grasses, and 600 acres farmed primarily to organically grown fruits and vegetables. The other two Gainey ranches are located in the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Evan's Ranch and Rancho Esperanza are farmed exclusively to wine grapes. These very cool sites are perfect locations for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and small amounts of Syrah, while the Home Ranch on the warmer, eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley is ideal for growing Bordeaux varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
The young lady serving us was informative and very pleasant. We received a good amount of information regarding the history of wineries in the Sebastopol and Russian River region. The tasting room is simple and no-fuss. Good wine. Nice outdoor patio where we ate our packed lunches. Very affordable wine.
Cornerstone/Stepping Stone didn't disappoint and ended up with a fantastic wine tasting experience from start to finish. Its small, but tasteful wine room makes you feel as if you are being welcomed to the vinter's home. Its cozy tables and bar tables offer some fantastic pours with a plethora of wines whether it is syrah, sauvignon blanc, or syrah. However, it is their cabernet that truly shines. Yet everyone's taste is different and while your experience might be different, I certainly think it is worth the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They aren't pushy, however they explain the nuances between each wine they have crafted and what sets it apart from other wineries in the area. Prices are rather reasonable with a its higher price Cornerstone wines and its "price friendly" Stepping Stone series. Certainly a great wine room when you are on a tour of Napa!
This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.