Sparkling Wines

Sparkling Wines

Cambria Winery

wine corks alnd glass - Pixabay

As one of the first wineries in the Santa Maria Valley, we’ve got some serious cred behind us. In fact, the part of our estate that was originally called the Tepusquet Vineyard was one of the first vineyards planted in the region, back in 1971. More than just a beautiful place for growing grapes, it brought attention to the Santa Maria Valley and inspired others to realize the potential of this unique winegrowing region.

In 1986, our founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, there’s a lotta love and pride here at our estate.

The Singing Winemaker

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

The Singing Winemaker is just one of the wineries at Tesla Vintners, Livermore’s First Community tasting Room and Event Facility. Steve Powell, owner, winemaker, and yes, The Singing Winemaker, can be found singing on any given Saturday or Sunday afternoon as guests taste wines from the Singing Winemaker and other wineries at Tesla Vintners in the 120+ year old farmhouse that is now a beautiful tasting room.

Read our guide to Livermore Wines and Wineries

Garre Vineyard & Winery

wine corks and glass

Garré Winery is located in Livermore California. Historians can trace the viticulture activity in the Livermore Valley back to 1832. We can trace our family wine making back to the early 19th century as well to a small village outside of Genoa Italy.

Wiens Family Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - woman enjoying wine at beach

The wines at Wiens Family Cellars were very good. Not too crowded inside. Good vibe inside. We had a lot of first timers in my group so they were a little unsure of what to do but the staff there were very friendly and eager to answer any questions. The hostess I dealt with was very friendly and had good recommendations. I have to say their "Perspective" blend was a very good red that I enjoyed. I also really like their Cab selection. From what I understand their big reds are in the premier tasting room....that will be my next stop when I return to Temecula Wine and wine country.

Sunset Cellars

pouring wine into a glass - Pixabay

Doug and Katsuko Sparks started their winemaking journey as home winemakers in their garage in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District. In 1997, having completed winemaking courses at UC Davis, Doug and Katsuko took their winemaking hobby commercial and made their first vintage of Sunset Cellars at a shared facility inside Rosenblum Winery in Alameda.

Over the years they built long-lasting relationships with some top growers such as the Teldeschi family in Dry Creek Valley and Wirth Ranch in Solano County Green Valley. Many of these are old vine Zinfandel vineyards, with many vines over 90 years old. Working with such precious fruit, Doug and Katsuko’s goal has been to create supple red wines that emphasize the grapes’ natural fruit flavors. They like to call their red wine approach “Zen Zin,” a minimalist winemaking style that allows the wines to express the flavors and characteristics created in the vineyards.
 

Thomas George Estate

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Step foot into their "cave" and see how the other half lives. The barrel tasting was fantastic and you couldn't help but hang out inside this cavern all day. The conversation was friendly and light while the service remained educated and proper keeping true to most Napa Valley wineries without actually being in Napa. The furniture lightly dressed the hallways as you make your way back out and into their tasting room. The space is equally as refined as their wine-makers palate.

McIntyre Tasting Studio

red wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

Originally planted in 1973, the 80-acre McIntyre Estate Vineyard (with 60 acres planted) is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Another estate property, the 81-acre Kimberly Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, complements the winery’s holdings. Proprietor Steve McIntyre, a highly knowledgeable viticulturist, also owns and operates Monterey Pacific, overseeing 16,000 acres of vineyards in Monterey County. The McIntyre Estate Vineyard was one of the first in the Santa Lucia Highlands to earn SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certification.

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has quickly risen to prominence, with 6,000 acres of vines—primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah—thriving on the terraces below the Santa Lucia mountain range. The region benefits from a unique climate shaped by daily morning fog and strong winds channeled through the Salinas Valley from Monterey Bay. This combination gives the Santa Lucia Highlands one of California's longest and coolest growing seasons.

Had an excellent time here. The gentlemen doing the tasting was very personable and informative, I highly recommend.

Milagro Winery

wine and cheese

Just 50 minutes east of San Diego, our beautiful property boasts a working estate-grown winery, organic farm and orchard, tasting room with scenic vistas and leisure activities, and more. We look forward to welcoming you at Milagro. Whether you love red wine, white wine or rosé, we have a wine club that will suit your taste. With a variety of unique membership perks and VIP experiences, you too, can enjoy being a part of the Milagro Family. WEDDINGS & EVENTS Weddings at Milagro are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Our venue can accommodate up to 200 of your friends and family. Your venue fee is dependent upon your guest count, the season, and the day it falls on (Friday – Sunday). We hold one wedding per day so the venue is private to you and your guests.

Pope Valley Winery

glass of red wine - Pixabay

This hidden gem of a winery boasts a no-frills approach to great wine. Their taste is a bit different -- fruity & light merlots, light cabs, amazing port. The true gem here is Petra. She's a great conversationist and has remembered me and my friends every time we come. This one is WAY out of the way, but a completely unique experience in Napa. The basic tasting was free, and the reserve tasting was $15. The wine was pretty good and the bocce court outside was a nice distraction. The place is like a deserted farm with dogs wandering around and unfinished road through the vineyard. It is NOT fancy, but it is often deserted and gives you the feel that you are in your own country vineyard.

Cactus Star Vineyards

Grape Cluster - Pixabay

Cactus Star Vineyard crafts its wine from grapes grown on the vineyard premises and occasionally from grapes obtained from other Ramona Valley vineyards within the RVA appellation. On-premise grape varieties are: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Pages

Subscribe to Sparkling Wines