Sparkling Wines

Sparkling Wines

Marechel Winery

Maréchal Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located a few minutes north of Sanger in Fresno County. Conveinently located on the way to Kings Canyon National Park. Maréchal Vineyards makes wines from both their estate vineyards as well as from partner growers in Fresno, Madera and Paso Robles. Maréchal was good enough to let us drop-in and do some video for a video project we were working onYour can watch that video HERE While the winemaker Josh was busy in the vineyard that day his wife Jenifer Marshall took the time to show us around and even poured a few of their wines on a day they were normally closed. Be sure to stop in for a visit. Haley Washburn is the Winery's Manager and in charge of the tasting room and she always greets with a smile. If you time it right Josh and Jenifer just might be doing the pouring that day. There is a nice variety of wines to enjoy but a hint, be sure to try the Primitivo and the Petite Sirah if it is offered.*

Faustini Wines

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.

Domaine Carneros

Pull up the impressive drive and you will have left Sonoma behind for a little piece of France. The winery is owned by Tattinger and the owners hold this visitor center up to the same standards as their famed winery in Champagne. Pull up the impressive drive and you will have left Sonoma behind for a little piece of France. The winery is owned by Tattinger and the owners hold this visitor center up to the same standards as their famed winery in Champagne.

J. Rickards Vineyard & Winery

When we drove up we were greeted by 2 dogs and Jim the owner. The place is quaint and wine is phenomenal. Jim the owner took his time and explained the wine making process to our group, he even had us taste one of the grapes on the hillside. One of my favorite wines was the wine blend called "Sisters" which is made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec, all estate grown

Stevenot Winery

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.

Trentadue Winery

Trentadue Winery is a great experience from start to finish. This house of ports was impressive from the moment we pulled in the parking lot, which is much larger than most other wineries. As you walk towards the tasting room one can't help but be drawn to the beautiful grounds. There is a large picnic area which can be rented for parties or weddings and would serve as a wonderful backdrop for either. Trentadue was one of the better wineries we went to in Geyserville. Their grounds are really nice for a picnic and the wine was pretty good too.

Bell Wine Cellars

Bell is an incredible winery in Yountville. If you can, book a private tour and tasting where you'll get the full story behind the single clone Cabernets and their winemaker Antony. If you're lucky, Maggie will do your tour. Brace yourself for the Clone 6!

Temecula Hills Winery

Don't overlook this small store and location. This is a great spot to go with friends for a FREE Olive oil tasting. The owner is passionate about his wines and olive oil and will take the time to talk about his passion. When you first walk in you will see a typical wine tasting area (with a wine tasting fee). Bypass that area and go toward the back right corner by the restroom. Here the owner will offer you a free olive oil and vinegar tasting using small pieces of dipping bread! These specialty oil and vinegars are reasonably priced and make great gifts. Then head back to the tasting bar.

Tobin James Cellars

Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease!  The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles.  If you are serious about your wine, theowners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be.  It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*

Hours:

Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM

 

Pages

Subscribe to Sparkling Wines