The family story is about two families – one named McConnell and the other Wackman – that found their way to Elk Grove, California. The 5th generation from these founding families planted winegrapes in 1993 and began making wine on this historic property in 2002 for you to enjoy.
In a world where wines are marketed with flashy labels and endless award stickers, Beckmen Vineyards stands proudly apart, grounded in traditional family values and a commitment to authenticity. Here, wine lovers can forget the "paradox of choice" and enjoy the comfort of wines that genuinely reflect their origins.
Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Beckmen Vineyards became Santa Barbara County’s first biodynamically farmed vineyard. Rather than chasing trends, they focus on what truly matters—cultivating exceptional grapes. The result? A lineup of critically acclaimed Rhône-style wines enjoyed in prestigious restaurants and homes nationwide, even making its way to the White House.
For California wine lovers, Beckmen’s portfolio offers a reliable, genuine experience every time, celebrating the valley's unique terroir with every sip.
It was a good trip to Ledson, the estate was impressive, and they have a deli market, which was just right when I needed a small bite between wineries. I think the lady ended up giving us 8 or 9 wine. She was generous and knowledgeable. Asked for something really "earthy", the 2004 Cab Franc was a good one. Took a few bottles home.
A Napa Valley rarity, they have free tastings here. I went all the way to Anderson Valley and most of those places still charge $5. And it's not like Heitz is pouring low-priced wine. I tasted an $80 cab that was four years out of vintage which was a joy to drink. They also sell a decades worth of library vintages from both Trailside and Martha's Vineyards. If $75 to $150 cabs are too much, then pick-up a balanced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for $20.
Margerum Wine Company is committed to creating handcrafted wines using only the highest quality grapes so that we can make wines that are indicative of the place where they are grown. We strive to make wines naturally, to make wines that have individual characteristics and to make wines with personality. The scale of production is kept at a level where we can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle – the antithesis of mass production. Margerum Wine Company make wines they personally enjoy – some to drink young, all for the table, and others for long aging in cool cellars for later enjoyment.
What a great experience. I love this tasting room. A must if you are going wine tasting in Sonoma County. Downtown Healdsburg is as quaint as can be and the wines here are excellent, and the people working here are super friendly.
I came here on Sunday at 11am and it was empty! I was so glad we could get personal service. Ryan was friendly and knowledgable. I love the merlot but after the estate tasting, I fell in love with the Altruist as well. As mentioned by others, the exterior of the building is beautiful but the interior looks like a highway rest stop. While sipping our last wine, we were able to browse the gallery containing rock and roll photos which used grace the cover of Rolling Stone. Like other Napa wineries it can get busy in peak season.
One of the best wine tastings/tours I've ever been on! You must make an appointment in advance, but its well worth the effort. For $20, you taste four of their amazing wines while getting a guided tour of the gorgeous estate and wine cave. Lancaster Estate is a producer of small-batch, stellar reds.
Today, Walter Hansel Winery farms 80 acres of grapes and produces roughly 5,000 cases of Pinot Noir; 5,500 cases of Chardonnay; and 1,500 cases of Sauvignon Blanc.
Tin House is a small, family-owned and operated winery. Tin House focuses on two varieties of wine - Pinot Noir and Syrah. Tin House sources their fruit from the Edna Valley and Santa Maria Appellations. Award-winning wines are produced in limited quantities resulting in wines that exhibit intimate craftsmanship and artisan character.
Image - Cabernet Franc grapes - photographer Randy Caparoso
