Chateau Montelena boasts a celebrated history, with the Judgment of Paris being just one notable chapter.
While modern technology enhances the creative possibilities in winemaking, it does not replace the artistry or the people behind it. There are no set formulas in their approach.
Every project at Chateau Montelena is driven by careful consideration and a commitment to shaping their future with determination.
Decor at Baily Winery is fun with an amusing assortment of gargoyle and medieval statuary scattered about the very pleasant grounds. We ate on the lovely patio (Carols) with refreshing breezes and the sounds of wind chimes. It was a spectacularly sparkling day and the patio was just delightful.
All of the wines are crafted from grapes grown in the estate vineyards by Winemaker Phil Baily at a state-of-the-art production facility. Specializing in Bordeaux varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon—Baily's red wines are renowned for their smoothness and expressive varietal character. This is achieved by aging the wines in barrels for 24 to 30 months, significantly longer than the typical industry standard of 12 to 18 months. Baily's white wines are celebrated for their crisp, clean freshness and distinctive aromas. The consistency of the wines, honed over more than twenty years of production from the same vineyards, is a quality that few wineries in the region can match.
Additionally, all of Baily's wines are sealed with Nomacorc®, a synthetic cork that offers the benefits of natural cork while eliminating the risk of tainted wines or bottle-to-bottle variation.
Breggo means "sheep" in Boontling, in honor of our place, a 203-acre farm just north of Boonville. Our Craftsman house from the 1920s and random cluster of sideways-tilting outbuildings recently served as headquarters to one of the oldest and largest sheep ranches in Anderson Valley. For 150 years, sheep dominated the agricultural landscape of Anderson Valley. Sheep, like the domesticated vinifera grapevine, occupy and even thrive on the geographic periphery - places too steep, with soils too thin and climates too cold for other types of intensive agriculture. Sheep and vines flourish where the domesticated meets the wilderness. The margins. This is our place.
This winery is fun! They're only open the third weekend of the month. Tucked away down Redwood Retreat Road about 3.5 miles from Watsonville Road, the drive to get here is truly spectacular. They are only open the third weekend of each month and passport weekends. They ask that you sign in and they then give you name tags with your first name on it. The staff was friendly and the owners Therese and Dan were walking around greeting people. Dan and Therese Martin clearly have a passion for making great wine. They have scores of awards for their wine but that's not what they lead with. Their tasting room is welcoming and intimate. The vibe is comfortable and engaging. Martin Ranch produces a variety of wines from Chardonnay to Cab Franc, Sauvignon Blanc to Sangiovese.
These tasty little wines were introduced nationally in 2008 from California’s Central Coast and represented a finely crafted, fruit-forward, indulgent and eminently approachable style of wine. The inaugural release included Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Adam has used his experience and relationships around the world to add seven international wines to the lineup. http://underdogwinemerchants.com/
Castle Rock Winery buys grapes from approximately 40 grape growers, all renowned for their expertise and consistency. In each case, vineyard practices are carried out under the guidance and instruction of Castle Rock Team, all to ensure that quality standards are maintained from start to finish.
Since it first opened its doors in 1994, Castle Rock Winery has earned a stellar reputation for producing top-quality wines that won’t break the bank. This winning combination of excellence and affordability has struck a chord with wine lovers, and the glowing reviews from customers and wine critics alike speak volumes.
Castle Rock sources its grapes from about 40 expert growers, each known for their consistency and dedication to their craft. This allows the winery to maintain high standards across its wide range of wines, ensuring that every bottle delivers on its promise of quality.
Not Open to Public
This vineyard is such a little gem! They are located on top of a hill so the view is gorgeous, and they have an adorable patio area. The servers are extremely knowledgeable, pleasant and attentive, even when the counter is packed full. I appreciated the hospitality. Great view from the patio, a nice place to bring some snacks and enjoy a tasting. A couple nice well behaved dogs hang out with you while you are enjoying your tasting. The Old Vine Chardonnay, Red Wolff, Syrah and Petite Syrah were all good. Many of the wines are particularly good with a cheddar based cracker, check out the deli.
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
