Gold Hill Vineyard was founded in 1980 by Hank Battjes.
Hank worked for 27 years as an electrical engineer at GTE. During those years, Hank increased his knowledge of home wine making, applying it to his hobby and passion. Pursuing his dream he searched for suitable land and when a friend, Bruce, suggested 5 acres of vineyard on an 80 acre parcel near Coloma, California, he bought it.
Tour the Cucamonga Valley’s last (at one time there were over 60) remaining Prohibition Era winery still operating at its original location by its founding family. Wine grapes were planted in the Cucamonga valley by European immigrants, and by the 1930′s vineyards stretched from the Santa Ana River to the San Gabriel Mountains, growing lush in the alluvail fan of deep sandy soil deposited by rivers that flowed down mountain canyons and onto the Cucamonga Valley floor. The average age of the vineyards in the Valley is 90 years, producing much sought after “old vine” wine grapes. At Galleano Winery you can enjoy premium Zinfandels,, Rhone Varietals, a glass of Rose, a nice white and a few dessert wines.*
Hours:
Mon - Sun 9:00am - 5:00pm
Located approximately 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard estate is blessed with cooling coastal breezes that produce exceptional grapes. Located in the smallest American Viticulture Area (AVA) in the state, Orfila wines have put San Diego on the international wine map.Orfila Vineyards & Winery is an award-winning boutique winery nestled in the pristine San Pasqual Valley agricultural preserve, approximately 30 minutes north of San Diego, just 5 minutes off the I-15, on the way to the Wild Animal Park.
Anthony Faustini has been a wine collector for many years. Looking to make the jump from serious collector to wine maker he began his research on Long Island in New York, visiting wineries and trying a number of wines. Looking to expand his palate and wanting to make a California wine he came to the Napa Valley where he was introduced to Crushpad in San Francisco. Faustini's first commercial vintage was small - merely 50 cases in 2005 from the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena.
This vintage was a teaser for Anthony and made him realize how much he wanted to be in the business. He started taking remote courses through UC Davis and because of his work for Cisco frequently found himself in California. While here for work - he also started nurturing vineyard and wine making connections. Today he lives in New York and commutes to Napa a number of times each year.
Faustini currently focus on two labels, Play Date and Faustini with plans to expand. Each one of their wines involves a unique story.
The first Stevenot’s came to the area during the great Gold Rush of the mid 1800’s. During that time vineyards began cropping up throughout the region as miners from France, Germany, and Italy were creating a demand for wine on an unprecedented scale. At one time the Sierra Foothills rivaled the areas of Napa and Sonoma combined in vineyard acreage with over 100 wineries established.
Although the industry eventually declined with the advent of prohibition, it wasn’t long before a 5th generation member of the Stevenot family took up where his family had left off and established the winery in the late 1970’s. Recognized as one of the pioneers of the rebirth of wine production in the Sierra Foothills, Stevenot Winery quickly secured its reputation for producing world class wines and for their innovative and award winning style.
tephen and Jamie had a dream of owning their own vineyard someday. Their idea was to buy 5 to 10 acres in the Napa Valley and establish a vineyard. They created a five year plan to save the money they would need. Meanwhile Napa land prices skyrocketed from $35,000/ acre to well over a million dollars an acre. In the spring of 2000 their search lead them to the historic Amador County.While continuing to work full time jobs, they traveled to their ranch in Amador each weekend. Five wells were dug to find the water they would need to supply the vineyardsIn 2004, they had their first crush as a bonded winery. 2006 saw the first crop from their estate vineyards. They expect to grow the winery production to around 2,000 cases annually, which they only sell in the tasting room and through their web site.They are now open with nine wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Barbera, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Syrah, ZinRah, Petite Sirah and a Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Port.
Woodside Vineyards has been credited with being one of the first wineries to pioneer the "boutique winery" movement in California and is the oldest winery in San Mateo County. Wonder collection of vintage cars on display. Woodside Vineyards is open Sat. & Sunday.
Big White House Winery specialize in handcrafted luxury wines of rare quality served in an informal tasting room that encourages education in a fun environment. Barrel tasting is available nearly every weekend as part of your tasting experience. Most weekends John Evan, John the Elder and Stephanie are pouring in the tasting room with a host of knowledgeable volunteers. Wine club members and their guests receive free complimentary tasting at both locations.
Perched atop Crane Ridge overlooking the beautiful Livermore Valley wine country is where you will discover White Crane Winery. As a guest you can enjoy a wide variety of small lot - limited production ultra premium wines.
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.
