Just ten minutes up from Highway 29 and you have the view - of Napa Valley. Then, if you book a tasting tour, instead of standing at a bar, or a cold cellar, you will be seated in a room streaming with sunshine. From there a generous sampling of their current releases will be poured, alongside a nice place of cheese, nuts and chocolate. Time to consider the tasting...and what you will buy to have at home. I know that one of my Cabernet favorites.
It started with 20 acres in 1999 and now Tom and Kathleen own 113 acres where they dedicate their energy and resources to providing the best environment for growing premium grapes. The vineyards are operated with sustainable farming practices to ensure that the best fruit possible will still be grown there when their grandchildren operate the farm. The next phase of the dream began in the Spring of 2008 when they broke ground on a 14,000 winery and 5,000 square foot tasting room. Continuing the dedication to providing the best environment possible, the winery and tasting room were designed in partnership with PG&E through their “Savings By Design” program to design buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sound. In August 2012 Pear Valley officially achieved Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard Certification. Attaining SIP Certification demonstrates dedication to vineyard practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically-viable Exceeded expectations are the best words to begin this review. The east side of Paso Robles is a place that at times does not receive the credit due or publicity that the west side has basked in for many years. Despite what some public opinion states there are a growing number of incredible attractively priced wines and well run establishments creating unique experiences all over the east and my recent trip to Pear Valley Winery was something that far and beyond exceeded my expectations. Serving both Rhone and Boudreaux varietals, various blends, and well balanced wines all around they have something for the varying discerning tastes. Throw in some complimentary warm meatballs, a nice cheese spread, various cracker selections, and a friendly staff how could you not enjoy yourself.
The best part of this whole experience was just sitting around this table with lovers of the industry, chatting under that shaded oak tree on a cool Sonoma morning. The owner and wine maker, Mac has an amazing story and he tells it well. Growing up in Texas, he was the son of a moonshine maker. After tasting his first bottle of fine Italian wine at the age of 12, he vowed to become a wine maker. And that's exactly what he did. He became a great one. After 1.5 hours of driving, we arrive at Vision Cellars. Down this winding road we go. Small country road where large parts had eroded. We turn into a driveway through a farm gate and park in front of a barn. To the left is a house. To the right is another barn and a newer living quarters. Behind all of that are rows of vines. Um, where's the paved road leading to the fountain in front of a lavish tasting room? Not here. No sir. Great wine with a vintner who has history to share. Vision Cellars is a boutique winery featuring Pinot Noir. Know that as you enjoy your first, it won't be your last glass of Vision Cellars wine. Sipping with Mac, is where it's at!
Everything we tasted was so good.The staff at the winery are more than willing to talk with you about the history of the wine and the grounds. It is THE place to go for lavender lovers - especially in the Summer when they have their lavender festival.
After three years of traveling to various wine regions of the world, Charles B. Mitchell has returned the vineyards to operate with the highest standards possible. With estate grown fruit this winery strives for the highest quality from vineyard to bottle. Image courtesy of Randy Caparoso
Bogle Winery is tucked into the Sacramento Delta among 1,200 acres of vineyard land and sits along side of Elk Slough in Clarksburg, California. Our tasting room, which overlooks the Bogle Home Ranch, is the perfect setting for a quick get away from either the Sacramento Area or the Bay Area. The lush lawn area, nestled between the tasting room deck and the vineyards, makes for the perfect picnicking spot.
Ray Schnorr and Jeannine O'Brien, owners, farmers, and winemakers, began their journey with a simple landscaping idea—planting 10 Zinfandel vines alongside their home in Rancho Bernardo. They sourced the plants from Sonoma County, stored them in a hotel during a trade show in San Francisco, and planted them in the spring of 2004. A year later, as the vines thrived, the question arose: “What are you going to do with those grapes?” What started as a casual interest in wine evolved into a full-blown passion for winemaking. After acquiring the necessary equipment, building refrigerated storage, and eventually purchasing land for a vineyard, their amateur label, "Slippery Slope," was born.
During this time, Ray immersed himself in winemaking, taking classes at a local community college and online courses from UC Davis. He became active in the local home winemaking community, earning recognition and accolades in county and state winemaking competitions. Jeannine, too, became a winemaker, producing a gold medal-winning vintage. More recently, she passed the rigorous exam to become a Level 1 Sommelier in the Court of Masters.
In 2007, they acquired their property in Highland Valley and began construction on their winery and vineyard in 2009. Acknowledging the region’s rich history of grape growing, which spans over a century, they named their estate Highland Valley Vineyards and designed the winery in a 1920s craftsman style.
Their approach blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern technologies to craft wines of distinction and character. They specialize in producing bold red wines with full body, balanced fruit, and a rich finish. To complement their estate-grown grapes, they source fruit from San Diego (South Coast), Mexico, Paso Robles (Central Coast), Amador County (Sierra Foothills), Lodi, and Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County).
As winemakers and farmers, Ray and Jeannine now oversee the full journey from earth to bottle, practicing sustainable farming to enhance fruit quality while minimizing environmental impact.
This is a reallly pretty winery and lovely italian castle/mansion looking architecture, and really friendly staff and of course lots of cool racing pics all around and other art also.
Wattle Creek Winery has brought Sonoma wine country to the city! The Wattle Creek tasting room is located in San Francisco's historic Ghirardelli Square and is open seven days a week. WInery by appointment only.
Horse & Plow Winery merges the best of old and new world techniques to produce authentic, hand-crafted wines from Northern California. Horse and Plow Winery utilizes organic farming, small lot fermentations and traditional techniques to make balanced, food friendly and site specific wines. The North Coast, including Sonoma, Napa & Mendocino Counties, is where they live and work.
