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Adelaida Vineyards

people enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

You will find in the picturesque rolling foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains near Paso Robles, California, lies a contemporary gem of a winery owned by the Hoffman family. Operated by Dr. Stanley Hoffman and his two sons, David and Michael, this idyllic winery boasts 12-year-old vineyards perched at elevations of 1,400 to 1,800 feet, all dedicated to producing premium estate-bottled wines.

The story of this remarkable winery dates back to 1964 when Dr. Hoffman first planted French varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. He discovered that the unique climate, terrain, and chalky, lime-rich soil of his Central Coast ranch closely resembled the renowned viticulture regions of France.

In 1973, Dr. and Mrs. Hoffman made the bold move from Southern California to Paso Robles, setting out to create a winery focused solely on estate-bottled premium wines. That same year, they welcomed the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff, the “dean of California Winemasters,” as a consultant. With Andre’s expert guidance, the Hoffman brothers began crafting wines that soon garnered prestigious accolades, including a gold medal at an international wine competition in London in 1975.

Tchelistcheff praised the Hoffmans, noting, “Love, devotion, and self-sacrifice are rare in this day but essential for making great wines,” and he believed the Hoffman brothers embodied these qualities. He also referred to HMR Vineyards as “a jewel of ecological elements,” predicting that some of the best white and red Burgundies would emerge from this exceptional region.

For those who adore California wines, the Hoffman family's commitment to quality and their stunning vineyard is a true treasure waiting to be explored!

Levendi Estates Winery

red wine pouring and swirling in the glass - Pixabay

Levendi Estate Winery currently makes their wines at the popular Laird Estate just south of Yountville.Levendi concentrates on 100% varietal wines with the focus being Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon; in addition they typically will not blend multiple varietals into the same wine. They make two Chardonnays - the Red Hen Vineyard from the Wente clone which is known for its very small concentrated fruit and the other from Cold Creek on the Sonoma side of Carneros. Our two favorite wines from Levendi are the Symphonia and Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Both are elegant wines which come from grapes that are grown in entirely different areas.

Benziger Family Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

This is a first class operation! Every employee you see is smiling, friendly, and happy. The tour was fantastic and seeing the inside of the caves they built years ago was memorable. The tasting room was big enough and there was no pressure to purchase any wines or join the clubs. Every wine we tasted was explained in detail and needless to say, superb. We enjoyed seeing the sheep grazing on the hillside and then running back to the barn. This is a don't miss winery and tour in Sonoma County.

Green & Red Vineyard

wine and cheese - Pixabay

I'm hesitant to tell anyone about this gem so I can keep this secret to myself but the zins are so outstanding that I suppose I should share. This is a small production winery that definitely focuses on quality over quantity but their price point is still so reasonable! If I were coming to the Napa Valley and only had time for one winery, I would come here, well worth the extra drive (it's sort of in the middle of nowhere). Appointment only and be prepared for the steep one way driveway.

Mariah Vineyards

wine by the fireside - Pixabay

Dan and Vicki Dooling originally planted the Mariah Vineyard in 1980 and continue to manage it today, along with their children. The Mariah Vineyard sits 2,600 feet above sea level in the Mendocino Ridge appellation. The Mendocino Ridge is unique in the world, as the vineyards must be above 1,200 feet. Situated on the rugged North Coast, just above the fog line. The Mariah Vineyard has sparse soils and is warmed each day before the maritime breezes are drawn westward and cool the vineyard, allowing the grapes to rest each night. These conditions prove challenging for growing grapes but result in fruit with intensity and rich, complex flavors.

Claiborne & Churchill Vintners

pouring wine into glass - Pixabay

Claiborne & Churchill is a small, premium family-owned winery located in the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1983 by Claiborne (Clay) Thompson and Fredericka Churchill Thompson, former University of Michigan teachers, the couple transitioned from academia to the vineyards of California in 1981 to pursue a new life in the wine industry.

With its first crush, Claiborne & Churchill announced its special focus by producing 565 cases of Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, inspired by the fruity but dry dinner wines of the French province of Alsace. Today, Claiborne & Churchill produces about 8,000 cases of wine each year, sourcing grapes from vineyards in the cool maritime valleys of California’s Central Coast and its own small estate vineyards.

Scribe Winery

road sign with picture of a cluster of grapes and crossing

Recently we got introduced to Adam Mariani of Scribe Winery in Sonoma. The winery produces a nice selection of wines without producing so many to miss giving proper attention to each varitiel. Adam and his brother Andrew believe that the best wines are the result of a healthy relationship. between man and nature. The Mariani brothers manage their winery taking into consideration that site-specific wines represent the vineyard, the time and the place from where the fruit grows. The result, the vineyard and it's ecosystem are reflected in the wines produced by Scribe Winery. The winery is closed to visitors at the time of this entery due to the Covid-19 situations that is experienced by us all.  The Mariani's look forward to pouring their wines for your pleasure as soon as circumstances permit. You can make a reservation at frontdesk@scribewinery.com or order some delicious Scribe wines online. 

 

Keever Vineyards

drop of wine in the wine glass - Pixabay

Take the time to make an appointment and visit this hidden gem! We wound our way up the hill through two security gates and pulled into what looked like someone's home. We were greeted with the most beautifully fragrant in-bloom roses under a gorgeous pergola. Magnificent views were everywhere. It was so beautiful I didn't really want to go inside. Inside, however, there were treats in-store. The wine was great. The interior was cool and comfortable with leather club chairs. Again, it felt like someone's home - almost like the family's lab was waiting just around the corner with a ball ready to play. The barrel room was simple with glass-enclosed library room.

McDowell Valley Vineyards & Cellars

pouring a glass of wine - Pixabay

Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains of southeastern Mendocino County, McDowell Valley Vineyards was established in 1970. This vineyard has one of the longest records of continuous wine grape production in California. Syrah and Grenache have been planted on this soil for almost a century, when the Buckman Family made a perfect match in planting Syrah and Grenache vines in the McDowell Valley. It is because of this rich history and distinct growing conditions that in 1982 McDowell Valley obtained one of the earliest BATF viticultural appellations. Today, of the 330 acres of grapes planted in the 500 acre valley, nearly a third are dedicated to Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.

Cordiano Winery

sign at entrance of winery

Nestled in the hills of the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, you'll find Cordiano Winery, a family-owned and operated vineyard that takes pride in the craftsmanship of good wine and of the labor practiced for ages in the old country. The winery is a lifelong dream realized; a reflection of the love and passion of its proprietors, Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano.

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