Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc

Hidden Oak Winery

grape cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

The history of Hidden Oak Winery is a unique story shaped by a deep love of the land, family values, hard work, and tradition. The name "Hidden Oak Winery" reflects this heritage; before grapes were planted, almond trees grew on the property. During the clearing process, a small oak tree was discovered hidden among them, and it was nurtured to thrive alongside the vines. Today, this oak stands over 50 feet tall, a testament to the winery's commitment to the land.

Owners Mike and Martha James may be relatively new to winemaking, but their label has quickly garnered attention in the industry, resulting in numerous awards and reviews that are remarkable for such an emerging winery.

The James family toiled in the vineyard, celebrating their first harvest in 1997. “We learned that it goes beyond just picking the grapes at peak ripeness,” Mike explains. Together, they meticulously monitor the pH and acid levels, ensuring consistency, but they also take the time to taste the grapes, searching for that perfect flavor that indicates readiness for harvest. It’s not uncommon to see them strolling through the vineyard, sampling the fruit directly from the vines.

Their journey into winemaking began with a modest inaugural release intended solely for friends and family. However, encouragement from those who tasted their wines led them to offer their creations commercially. Starting with Merlot, the Jameses soon expanded their portfolio to include Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Zinfandel, and blends crafted from the diverse varietals grown on their property.

For wine lovers visiting California's wineries, Hidden Oak Winery promises a heartfelt experience rooted in tradition and dedication, along with a delightful selection of wines that capture the essence of the land.

Kamen Wines

glass of wine - Pixabay

In 1980, Robert Mark Kamen came to Sonoma to celebrate the sale of his first screen play. While hiking the rugged hillsides of the Southern Mayacamas Mountians, Robert came upon a piece of property with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. Remote, rugged, and without roads, water or electricity, the 280 acres had an immediate visceral impact on Robert. A week later the property was his. Inky, robust Cabs, just the way I like them. 2005 or 2006, I was having a hard time determining which one I liked better. Just great - these are wines I could drink regularly. Of course, they cost $100/bottle, and aren't all that common - so my desire to regularly drink the '05 Cab will definitely be squashed by price and availability.

Storrs Winery - Santa Cruz

Storrs Winery Sign

Stephen Storrs and Pamela Bianchini-Storrs begn Storrs winery with their first harvest n 1988. Both are trained winemakers at UC Davis, they have wrked at a number of wineries which include Domaine Chandon, Felton-Empire and Almaden before starting their own venture. Stephen and Pamela appreciate the cool Burgundian climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This winery grew to a comfortable 10,000 cases per year and in 2001 realized a dream with the purchase of land in Pleasant Valley district of Corralitos.

Brander Vineyard

winery's bottle of wine

The winery building referred by the staff as "The Barn" was the original structure at Bander. At "The Barn" Fred Bander personally hosted wine tastings inside on a rustic picnic table. This winery today is located on the estate just yards from the nearest vines. This means grapes can almost be immediately processed ater they are harvest, which has a tremendously beneficial impact on the wines produced. Frederic "Fred" Brander, owner and winemaker, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He moved with his family and settled in Santa Barbara, California. Fred started his career in the wine business by working for a local wine merchant, and later went to work in the wholesale business. While attending college, he started his own wine import company, focusing on wines from France and Argentina. Wishing to make his own wines, and with a fondness for Santa Barbara, Fred and his family established The Brander Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1975. The initial planting was mainly Bordeaux grape varietals and in 1977, the first Sauvignon Blanc grapes were taken to a neighboring winery where Fred Brander produced a wine so distinctive it captured Santa Barbara County's first gold medal for a wine at a major wine competition (1978 Los Angeles County Fair).

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!

Niner Wine Estates

people enjoying wine together

They are a family-owned estate winery is in the Willow Creek District of the picturesque Paso Robles. They believe the most memorable experiences occur at the crossroads of exceptional wine and food. Open daily, they offer seated tasting flights and a fresh, seasonal lunch menu sourced from local farms and their Chef’s Garden.

Matini & Prati Wines

wine barrels - Pixabay

Martin Ray Winery's Founder Courtney Benham acquired the historic Martini & Prati winery in July, 2003. The tasting room structure, which dates back to the 1900's, used to serve as a stable and bunkhouse where Italian immigrants stayed during harvest.

Mauritson Vineyards

glass of win e - Pixabay

A great choice for Healdsburg. The area is known for it's Zins and you'll find many decent wines at Mauritson. The tasting is free to Visa Signature card holders. The tasting room isn't terribly fancy but it's nice and there's an outdoor area for warmer days. The staff was quite friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

Miramont Estate Vineyards

wine labels of winery

Our family established Miramont Estate Vineyards. Nestled in the Sierra foothills, our vineyard and boutique winery are located in the Lodi appellation in California. Our Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes thrive in the Mediterranean climate where they are bathed in golden sunlight, caressed nightly by cool Pacific breezes, and then harvested under starlight to protect their luscious flavor at its peak.

Galleo E&J Winery

grapes

E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned winery with fifteen family members, spanning three generations of the Gallo family, actively working in the business. • Established in 1933 and headquartered in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery remains a privately held and ever-growing company that employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. • E. & J. Gallo Winery offers a broad array of products that total more than 100 brands and include table, sparkling and luxury wines, beverage products, dessert wines and distilled spirits. • With products available in more than 100 countries, E. & J. Gallo Winery is an exporter of California wine, and imports wines from Argentina, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. Additionally, Gallo imports spirits from Australia, the Caribbean, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. 

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