One of the very best wineries in the Napa Valley for visitors; conveniently off of highway 29, the Hall team produces superior wines- Cabernet Sauvignons from their Napa Valley bottling to the Kathryn Hall Reserve, the wines stand as some of the best in USA. Don't miss their Sauvignon Blanc as well, it is racy and bright and very varietal with its beautiful ripe melon and dry citrus flavors.
In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith embarked on his journey with Blacksmith Cellars, debuting his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This elegant wine quickly captured the attention of wine enthusiasts, showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of exceptional independent winemaking.
By 2005, Smith expanded his repertoire with the release of his first white wine, the 2004 Monterey Chenin Blanc, which earned a prestigious 4 Star Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition.
While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc remain the flagship offerings of Blacksmith Cellars, Smith’s passion for exploration is evident in his diverse portfolio. Over the years, he has introduced classic varietals like Syrah and Chardonnay, alongside lesser-known treasures such as Torrontés and Verdelho. Wine lovers can also savor his exceptional proprietary blends, “Adamantine” and “Hephaestus,” making a visit to Blacksmith Cellars a must for those seeking unique and high-quality wines in California's vibrant wine country.
In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith launched Blacksmith Cellars with the release of his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant wine that celebrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of great independent winemaking. Rock Wall Wine Company represents a new chapter in the East Bay urban winemaking scene. Founded and operated by a group of industry veterans, including Kent Rosenblum and his daughter, winemaker Shauna Rosenblum. Rock Wall wines are founded on the philosophy of the right grape in the right place and are the result of many long-term relationships with acclaimed vineyards. Grapes are sourced from all over California.
Image-painting women with wine by wine artist Agata Zamborowski
Rooted deeply in the history, winegrowing, and agricultural heritage of Napa Valley, a visit to Spottswoode offers an intimate experience that highlights the winery’s dedication to producing exceptional wines that authentically reflect their time and place.
Estate Tasting
Spottswoode eagerly welcomes guests to experience their current release wines. Visits are available by appointment only, with tastings potentially held outdoors, weather permitting. Due to their use permit with the City of St. Helena, reservations are limited. It is recommended to inquire about availability as early as possible when planning a visit.
Fun, unassuming tasting room. The service was really friendly and I got the impression that the "$10 for 5" tasting is rarely a sticking point. Meaning, they poured my group additional samples and even asked me which one I wanted to try one last time as I was paying. Never with the feeling I was being pressured to buy anything, far from it. Ample picnic area in the back. BYO whatever and enjoy the scenery and play a game of bocce ball in one of their 2 courts. This is a perfect stop on your way to the beach or when heading back home.
Sample handcrafted wines made with grapes from the beautiful vineyards of San Diego County at Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery located in the heart of the Ramona Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA). Taste award winning reds, a dry rose and interesting whites in our quaint tasting room or on our lovely view tasting terrace, often along with artisan cheese samples. Family owners/wine-makers Micole Moore and Teri Kerns focus on vineyard specific, single varietal wines like their Double-Gold Estate Tannat, Paccielo Reserve Sangiovese and smooth drinking Cadillac Cab. White wines include a dry Muscat, Viognier and a newly released Dessert wine called “Indulgence,” made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
The Ojai Vineyard, owned by Adam and Helen Tolmach, works closely with a dozen different vineyards on the Central Coast of California and produces wines from syrah, grenache, mourvedre, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. About 6000 cases are produced each year, divided between 15 bottlings, most of which are vineyard designated wines.
Read more about other Ojai Wineries and Vineyards.
The founders, Mario and Linda Clough, were enjoying a glass of wine on the hilltop of their beautiful property when Mario shared his dream of owning a vineyard and winery. This dream quickly evolved into a shared passion, leading to the founding of Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery. With the support of friends, family, and their five children, the vines were planted in 2000. Since then, this stunning, view-filled vineyard in Grass Valley has remained family-owned and operated.
The Land
The 20-acre vineyard and winery is nestled in the Sierra Foothills, offering breathtaking views of Nevada County and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The southwestern exposure of the land maximizes sunlight, allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly, resulting in concentrated flavor, color, and texture. The finest grapes in the Sierra Foothills grow here, serving as the foundation for their artisanally crafted wines. The Cloughs’ love for the land is reflected in every bottle, and they hope visitors can taste this passion while enjoying wine tastings at their beautiful Grass Valley winery.
The Wines
Lucchesi Vineyards specializes in traditionally crafted wines produced in small lots to capture their varietal character and regional qualities. The winery currently grows 16 different varietals, including Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot, along with three Portuguese Port varietals: Tinto Cão, Tinta Negra Molé, and Touriga Nacional. They invite everyone to come for wine tasting at the vineyard, which is open daily from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso
In June 2023, Teneral Cellars acquired Wilderotter Vineyard, establishing a new home to share our passion for wine, community, and a sense of place. Thus, Teneral Cellars at Wilderotter Vineyard was born! Our 40-acre estate, nestled in the heart of the Sierra Foothills AVA in Plymouth, CA, Amador County, offers stunning scenery, outdoor seating perfect for picnics, and an exceptional bottle of wine. Our beautiful tasting room boasts a wonderful selection of wines. White wine enthusiasts will delight in our viognier, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay, while red wine lovers can savor our tempranillo, barbera, syrah, mourvedre, and zinfandel.
When volcanoes last erupted in Lake County, people had just migrated to this region. That was 11,000 years ago. Still, in geological time, that is recent. The area around Mount Konocti bears evidence of this volcanic activity, including its famous red soil and ubiquitous obsidian rock. Today, those rocks gleam in the sun, their shiny silica surfaces reflecting their origin – and lend their name to the business Peter Molnar helped build alongside partner Michael Terrien, brother Arpad, and their family: Obsidian Ridge Vineyards.
The beautiful terraces of Nuns Cliff Vineyard arise at 1400 feet, high above the cliffs overlooking Nuns Canyon. The west facing vineyard slopes are planted in red volcanic soils, considered by many winemakers to be the best Cabernet Sauvignon ground on the Mayacamas Mountain Range dividing Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. Blue/black in the glass, this wine exhales a heady perfume of juicy black fruits, toffee, and spicy notes of peppercorn and sage.
