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.

At Rhys Vineyards we aspire to make great Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from some of California’s most unique and expressive vineyards. This pursuit has led us to search the state for exciting rocky soils that exist within the mountainous, cool, Coastal climate zone.  Over the last 15 years, we have developed seven estate vineyards, six in the Santa Cruz Mountains and one in Anderson Valley, each capable of producing uniquely compelling, distinctive, soil-driven wine.

The Irving family immigrated to the United States from Nova Scotia. Grandfather John Irving worked in the Comstock Lode silver mines near Virginia City, Nevada before moving to Jackson, California to mine gold. In 1890, they acquired an 84 acre ranch east of Placerville. It was known as the four mile ranch because it straddled the main road east, formerly the route of the Pony Express. An existing house on the property was present at the time of their acquisition and is listed on the county tax rolls from 1885.After years of clean up and restoration, the ranch has become one of the show places in the Apple Hill area. The property has approximately 16 acres of wine grapes, as well as, peaches and eight varieties of apples farmed by a local retail fruit operation.

Tyler and Trevor Grace, fourth great-grandsons of Lewis Grace, have established themselves as skilled winemakers through years of education and hands-on experience.

Tyler began his journey with an Earth Science degree from Dartmouth, but after a brief period as a field geologist, he pivoted toward winemaking, earning a degree in enology and viticulture from Fresno State. His global experience started with a year of travel, working at notable wineries such as Heitz Cellars in Napa and in Coonawarra, Australia. This "endless harvest" gave Tyler invaluable opportunities to work under expert winemakers during wine's most crucial stages of development.

Returning to California, Tyler deepened his skills as an enologist at Quail Ridge Winery in Rutherford, followed by a role as assistant winemaker at Bell Cellars in Yountville. There, he specialized in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, while gaining experience with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. In 2007, Tyler arrived in El Dorado County to help establish the family vineyard and winery. His exposure to both traditional winemaking and hand-tended boutique wine production has shaped his current winemaking philosophy. Today, Tyler focuses exclusively on Lewis Grace wines, combining his Napa Valley expertise with Sierra Foothills practices to create high-quality, boutique wines.

Trevor Grace, holding a master's degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis, brings 15 years of winemaking experience in El Dorado and Amador County. Trevor has worked with over thirty grape varieties, honing his craft with an emphasis on high-elevation winemaking, a key aspect of his family’s vineyard. His ongoing mastery of these subtleties complements Tyler’s experience, together producing exceptional wines under the Grace family name.

Relaxed ambience. Take the path less traveled and enjoy the ultimate wine experience here in historic Los Alamos. This is what wine tasting should be with a knowledgeable staff giving each customer one on one attention, great wines that are not main stream, and an unrushed, intimate atmosphere.