Semillion

Semillion

Imagery Estate Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

They have a beautiful scenic panoramic view. The staff are very personable, knowledgeable, and always willing to be of help. The outdoor patio is perfect for these summer months. They even have horse shoes!!! Nice selection of some pretty nice wines.

Duffo Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - people sharing wine and a table

Nestled on the Northeast border of the Temecula Valley sits Doffo Winery. Founded in 1997 by Marcelo Doffo, it is one of a few micro-boutique wineries in the region and the only one built around the former site of a Temecula historic landmark schoolhouse. Situated on 15 acres of rolling vineyards, the winery possesses a unique combination of old-world and warm family charm. It is also home to MotoDoffo, the family's private collection of over 100 racing and vintage motorcycles.

Robert Foley Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Robert Foley, Winemaker

Robert (Bob) Foley began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley in 1977 after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. His first year was spent at Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.

In 1992, Foley embarked on another 15-year tenure as the founding winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this time, he also crafted the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. Currently, his primary focus is on the wines produced at Robert Foley Vineyards, though he also oversees the creations for Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in Napa Valley.

In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded its production to include a range of notable reds, such as Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, and limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from their estate property. The portfolio also features Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin, a blend that varies in varietal composition each vintage. Additionally, Foley has bottled a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.

Foley’s reputation for crafting expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain in Napa County. The facility, which houses over 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system completed in 2008, supports the production of Robert Foley wines.

Robert Foley Vineyards operates with a full-time staff of three, with Foley himself focusing on winemaking, while Kelly and Shannon manage the office. Occasionally, Kelly’s father, Jerry, assists in the tasting room.

The feline Office Interns, Mina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten, are responsible for treats, naps, and distractions, while Princess Bella and King Tommy serve as the official Winery Cats.

Hawkes Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

The atmosphere of the tasting room is simple but modern. You can tell that they put their real energy into the wines. It's a nice stop with the Jimtown Store right next door where you can pick up a tasty sandwich and sit out back looking over the vineyards. When it comes to the people and service, you really get a feel that this is a family run operation. Stephen Hawkes the owner/farmer/winemaker is there every year at the barrel tasting to share the experience and crafted love that goes into these amazing red wines.

Napa Wine Company

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Great place to taste a lot of boutique wines. Friendly knowledgable staff. Great spot to taste a broad variety of wines from a number of wineries and winemakers! It's a custom crush facility, so a whole array of wines are represented and the tasting menu changes regularly. Pahlmeyer, Blackbird, Ghost Block and more are poured here. It's rather like Ma(i)sonry in Yountville, but without the art. Michael Pozzan's wines are always tasty and very affordable. Rob Lawson's Pavi wines and Fisticuffs also offer high quality at a very reasonable price. Definitely worth a stop to get some variety.

Longboard Vineyards

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

Wines were nice and we really LOVED the vibe in this surfer-chic tasting room. It's a dogs-welcome kind of spot where you want to stand around and chat up all the customers who wander in. Definitely worth a stop when you are in Healdsburg.

Conundrum

wine and cheese - Pixabay

It all began at the dinner table. Charlie Wagner Sr., who co-founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972 with his wife, Lorna, and their son, Chuck, would experiment with blending wines to find the ideal pairing for his meals. At that time, blending wines was unconventional, making his experiments quite revolutionary.

In 1989, this experimentation led to the creation of Conundrum White, which quickly gained popularity with its enigmatic tropical notes and remarkable versatility. Conundrum Red, which is both serious and approachable, was introduced in 2011. Today, it is Charlie’s grandson, Charlie Wagner II, who continues to maintain the original essence of Conundrum.

Arietta Wine

women enjoying wine with cats

Rare wine specialist and wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton founded Arietta in 1996 in partnership with winemaker John Kongsgaard and his wife Maggy. The partnership was born of a shared passion for fine wine and classical music. The vinous inspiration for Arietta was an extraordinary 2.3 acre block of Cabernet Franc on the Hudson Ranch in Napa/Carneros. The fruit from this block of Cabernet Franc serves as the core of the Arietta Red Wine.

Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery

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