Sangiovese

Sangiovese

Amador Cellars

two women at table with wine Amador Cellars: A Family Tradition in Winemaking Amador Cellars is a small, quality-driven, family-oriented winery owned and operated by the Long Family. In 2000, the Longs acquired a 22-acre parcel that included a 20-acre Zinfandel vineyard in Amador County, an area they had previously sourced grapes from for their home winemaking endeavors. The family began constructing winery facilities, and by 2004, Amador Cellars was officially established. Today, this family-run winery thr

Amador Cellars: A Family Tradition in Winemaking

Amador Cellars is a small, quality-driven, family-oriented winery owned and operated by the Long Family. In 2000, the Longs acquired a 22-acre parcel that included a 20-acre Zinfandel vineyard in Amador County, an area they had previously sourced grapes from for their home winemaking endeavors. The family began constructing winery facilities, and by 2004, Amador Cellars was officially established. Today, this family-run winery thrives in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley.

Larry Long, Founder and General Manager
Though winemaking was not his first passion, Larry Long eventually found his calling in the craft, a decision that transformed the course of his life. After earning a bachelor's degree in biological science with a minor in chemistry from UC Davis, he pursued two master's degrees—one in biochemistry from Ohio State University and another in healthcare administration from George Washington University. Larry spent 20 years as a hospital administrator, including 13 years as CEO of Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, California. After settling in Truckee with his wife, Linda, Larry discovered the joy of home winemaking. “I loved the idea of taking grapes and making wine, then enjoying the fruits of our labor. It was a great adventure for the whole family.” His enthusiasm for the hobby led him to take viticulture and winemaking classes through the UC Davis Extension, ultimately inspiring him to retire early from healthcare to pursue his passion.

Linda Long, Co-founder
Linda Long met her future husband, Larry, while attending UC Davis. She raised their three children in Truckee while running her private clinical social practice. For nearly a decade, Linda balanced her work in Truckee with the establishment of the winery, finally retiring in 2012. At Amador Cellars, she plays a vital role in various aspects of the business, managing the tasting room, organizing club events, and coordinating private gatherings in the newly established barn.

Michael Long, Head Winemaker & Viticulturist
Michael Long, the son of Larry and Linda, discovered his passion for grape growing and winemaking while working alongside his father. After gaining hands-on experience, he attended Fresno State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology. Michael values every stage of the grape growing and winemaking process, dedicating his efforts to ensuring that the vineyards and fruit meet the highest standards. He prides himself on being a minimalist winemaker, intervening only when necessary to enhance the intrinsic qualities of the grapes, resulting in sensual, charismatic wines. Michael currently resides in Cameron Park, California, with his wife and college sweetheart, Michelle, their son James, and Oscar, the winery dog.

Amador Cellars offers a welcoming environment for wine lovers seeking quality and a personal touch, reflecting the Long Family's dedication to their craft and the land.

Caparone Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Celebrating forty years as a small artisan winery, they specialize in high-quality red wines. Their approach involves crafting wines that reflect their own preferences, emphasizing complexity, balance, and the right amount of acidity and tannins to ensure aging potential and meal compatibility. By carefully aligning their vines with their microclimate, they produce wines with vibrant fruit and varietal character at a moderate alcohol level. Their passion lies in classic-style wines—those that can age and enhance over decades, offering multi-dimensional profiles without excessive oak influence. This is the essence of what they strive to create.

Benessere Vineyards

wine barrel - Pixabay

Benessere Vineyards is a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The region's soil is exceptionally well-suited for cultivating these types of grapes. The name "Benessere," an Italian word meaning "well-being" or "living the good life," reflects the vineyard's dedication to producing Italian varietals and its commitment to providing warm, welcoming hospitality.

The property was acquired in 1994 by John and Ellen Benish, who immediately began the restoration of the winery and residence, as well as replanting the vineyards. By 1995, they had produced their first vintage of Sangiovese, realizing their dream. Since that inaugural vintage, Benessere Vineyards has expanded its portfolio to include other sought-after Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Moscato di Canelli, Sagrantino, and Aglianico.

In addition to these varietals, Benessere Vineyards also produces a "Super Tuscan" style blend called Phenomenon, as well as two distinctive Zinfandels. One Zinfandel is sourced from the ‘Black Glass Vineyard,’ while the other comes from the ‘Collins Holystone Vineyard’ adjacent to the estate.

Barra Of Medocino

grape clusters - photo Randy Caparoso

As you take a walk through the vineyard with Charlie Barra, you’ll find yourself surrounded by 60 year old, craggily, grapevines that resemble the sunbaked hands of Charlie that has nurtured them. These hearty, twisted vines, located on the bench lands at the headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, CA, are the source of the superior organic fruit that goes into each bottle of wine.

Negociant Winery

grape clusters in vineyard

Négociant Urban Winery is located in the heart of North Park’s Boulevard District at the intersection of Texas Street and El Cajon Boulevard. Négociant joins the rapid influx of businesses and residential developments bursting into the “Boulevard” neighborhood. This revitalization is anchored by improvements to the nearby Lafayette Hotel as well as multiple new major condo developments including one directly south of the winery! The neighborhood is becoming a walking community to fit the life styles of those living in the area. Art festivals, boutique shops, coffee shops, street fairs, and area activities lend to strolling and dropping into Négociant for a pleasant afternoon of wine tasting.

Wiens Family Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - woman enjoying wine at beach

The wines at Wiens Family Cellars were very good. Not too crowded inside. Good vibe inside. We had a lot of first timers in my group so they were a little unsure of what to do but the staff there were very friendly and eager to answer any questions. The hostess I dealt with was very friendly and had good recommendations. I have to say their "Perspective" blend was a very good red that I enjoyed. I also really like their Cab selection. From what I understand their big reds are in the premier tasting room....that will be my next stop when I return to Temecula Wine and wine country.

Passaggio Wines

Passaggio Wines tasting room in Sonoma California

Passaggio Wines

Cynthia is the owner and winemaker at Passaggio Wines. Cynthia's focus is small lot boutique wines that include unoaked chardonnay, pinot grigio, rose altogether about 10 varieties of wine. Cynthia went from cop to artisan wine crafter, not a typical journey by any stretch. In 2004, Cynthia left a 15-year Law Enforcement career to pursue that passion and family tradition of winemaking. It has been enjoyable to watch Passaggio Wines grow and see Cynthia follow her dreams. Passaggio's tasting room is gorgeous for either tasting, having wine by the glass, or for a special event. The tasting room staff and winemaker are very friendly and accommodating and make you feel right at home.

Rodrigue-Molyneaux Winery

Cluster of grapes - Pixabay

At Rodrigue Molyneaux, they believe that the great wine must come from great grapes. Nancy & Garry Rodrigue see to it that their grapes recieve intensive monitoring of the watering and pruning techniques. These farming practices keeps the yield down to three tons or less per acre. Although the yield will be smaller, the grapes will be larger with more fruit flavor. This is the reason Rodrigue Molyneaux red wines are so robust with a fruit-driven complex flavor.

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard

Clusters of Chardonnay by photographer Randy Caparoso

Craddled in the breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a true hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. This charming spot began its journey with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, nurturing a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the earth. It all started with horses, then blossomed into an organic vegetable farm, and finally evolved into a flourishing vineyard.

Today, Buttonwood boasts a sun-kissed 42-acre vineyard on the eastern side of its 107-acre property. Since planting its first vines in 1983, the farm has lovingly tended to 38,000 vines—small in the vast wine world but monumental to their passionate team. The tasting room, surrounded by the vibrant bounty of their working farm, is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, vegetables, and, of course, their beloved peaches!

Over the years, Buttonwood has embraced change and innovation, grafting some of their original vines to introduce exciting new varietals. Among the standout additions are the Rhône varieties of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Grenache Blanc, alongside the rich Malbec that complements their red Bordeaux lineup. They’ve also enhanced their white offerings with the Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, adding layers of complexity and aromatic charm. And in 2017, they planted a bit of Chenin Blanc—because let’s face it, outside of the Loire Valley, Santa Barbara County is simply the best place to grow this delightful grape.

For those looking for a unique wine experience, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a must-visit, where sustainable farming meets exceptional wines in the heart of California's wine country. Cheers to the adventures waiting at Buttonwood!

J. Pedroncelli Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Since 1927, when John Pedroncelli, Sr. purchased vineyard and a small winery in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, two elements remain unchanged: the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family farms vineyards, and the family's dedication to making fine wines.

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