Granted, this tasting was free, and they were pouring wine not on the list of tastings. But they were seriously understaffed. It was a bit frustrating that we had to wait and wait and wait… We will try again next visit.
The wines here, though, are excellent. Nice variety of reds, and tasty, smooth flavors.
Caliza is a small, family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located in the coveted Willow Creek district of Paso Robles, California. Carl Bowker, owner, and winemaker, has followed a long yet steady path towards his goal of producing special wines. Born and raised in Hawaii, Carl began his farming experience while tagging along with his father, an irrigation specialist to the local farms. This early introduction left a lasting impression and a true appreciation for soils and farming life. Little did he realize that this childhood curiosity would lead him to the special soils of Paso Robles, California.
This winery's focus is on crafting wines from varietals common to the Rhône Valley of France - Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier, among others. But like many winemakers in Paso Robles, we like to throw a surprise or two in the mix. Our wines reflect what we feel are an excellent example of what the region has to offer – bold, yet elegant wines that drink well today and well into the future.
Rosenblum is famous for being all about Zinfandel – Old Vine Zin, High Altitude Zin, Single Vineyard Zin, BIG Attitude Zin. At Rosenblum, they make over 20 different types. Rosenblum Cellars has some of the highest rated, most-awarded Zins from California’s most highly regarded vineyards. Not just Napa and Sonoma, but all over the state. While a founding member of the Zinfandel Advocates & Producers group (ZAP!), Rosenblum does make other amazing wines, including Rhône-style red wines like Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, as well as Rhône-style white wines and dessert wines.
In 2017 Brain and Natalie Brown moved to Paso Robles and Sona Estate on Vineyard Drive in the Willow Creek District was born. In addition to growing their own fruit the couple have spent years fostering with other wine grape growers as far south down the Central Coast as Santa Barbara, to as far north as Sacramento Delta and Napa Valley. The wines produced are clean, site driven wines with minimal intervention in the cellar. This couple sees eye-to-eye on style and technical details but ultimately the loyalty to a promise never to bottle a wine that both would not drink. Willow Creek Wine Collective is an appropriate name as Brian and Natalie produce wine under multiple brands and have brought them all together under one roof.
Due to possible restrictions during the Pandemic please contact the Willow Creek to make reservations so that you can enjoy their wine selections.
Fleur De Lys Winery is a winery located in Somerset, California. The winery is owned by Robert and Mireille Lajoie. The wine at Fleur De Lys Winery is produced by Robert Lajoie. De Lys Winery produces the following wine varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Syrah, Port, Roussanne, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier and Zinfandel. Fleur De Lys Winery has the following amenities you can enjoy: Barrel Room, Family Environment, Pet Friendly Grounds, Private Events, Private Tastings, Retail Sales, Scenic Views, Wine & Food Pairing.
Rich and Siri Gilpin are the owners and operators of Lavender Ridge Vineyard. Rich has a BS degree in Enology from the University of Davis, CA. He has 25 years of experience in the wine industry and comes from a background of making wine for reputable wineries in Healdsburg, Napa, and the Sierra Foothill regions of California. Rich and Siri both have a passion for organic farming and the use of herbs in the culinary arts, including the use of lavender in special dishes they have created. You'll have to visit them at their tasting room to find out more details.
Tom and Marilyn Stolpman founded Stolpman Vineyards in 1990 after making the decision that Marilyn’s dream of an “investment we can enjoy” could include finding the perfect piece of property that could grow world-class wine grapes.Through extensive experimentation with many varietals, the team has perfected its offerings of Syrah, Roussanne, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc. Limited plantings of Grenache, Viognier, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay serve as blending grapes.
We had a very nice host that was pouring us all sorts of wine. She truely made us feel special because her mission was to find us a wine to like.
It is a nice big tasting room with the big square bar, beautiful water fountain out front and some tables outside to enjoy the view.
I never gave this place a fair chance because I have tried there wine at the grocery store and wasn't pleased. Well now that I have tried all there wines it is very good especially the reds! So give this place a fighting chance and it will not disappoint you.
Another stop on the DePortola Wine Trail. I wish I had the opportunity to walk around the grounds here and check them out, but time was pressing and we had more wineries to get to. Outside there is a very large patio with a wonderful view. There was a pizza booth to purchase a snack and a live band playing. I hope to stop by again next trip to the area. A really nice, friendly atmosphere to relax. Growing classic warm weather Mediterranean varieties of grapes which include Mourvedre, Viognier, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese Brunello are keystone wines at this picturesque winery. Also included are some unique wine varietals such as Tempranillo, Primativo and our a Pinotage. I hope to meet the winemaker Stephen Andrews next time I am in Temecula Wine Country.
Donkey & Goat is a family owned and operated winery located in Berkeley California. Tracey & Jared Brandt craft their natural wines from Rhône varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in the Anderson Valley, Mendocino Ridge and the undiscovered El Dorado appellation in the Sierra Foothills.
