Drive out on Highway 46 for a bit and you will find tucked away Rocky Creek Cellars. Rocky Creek is a homey little tasting room with the charm of a rustic cabin. The folks that run this place, like most of the wineries and tasting rooms in the area, are a family, so you can tell a certain amount of personal flair and attention has been put into everything right down to the tasty crackers they serve with their flights.

Patrick Melley is Winemaker and Co-Founder of Russian Hill and Talawind Ranch wineries.

Patrick’s path to becoming Russian Hill’s Winemaker was fueled by a love of food and wine. A self-taught winemaker, Patrick developed his love of wine through attending FIU, a leading food and beverage college in Florida, coupled with many years of working in the restaurant business. He became a restaurant manager for an international affiliation of restaurants and one of his favorite responsibilities was developing their wine lists. This diverse exposure to wines from around the world refined his palate and sparked a life-long passion for wine and wine and food pairing.

The natural next step was for Patrick to make wine himself. In 1989 he started making wine at home and in 1993, he-co-founded Benicia Cellars Winery, where he was responsible for the general development of the company, grape acquisition and winemaking.

In 1997, Patrick and his partners moved to the Russian River Valley and founded Russian Hill Estate Winery. Here, Patrick could pursue his passion for Pinot noir and other cool climate varietals and make wine from the surrounding estate vineyards.

Vines were plentiful in 1867 in Placer County. As gold was depleted the miners switched to planting vineyards and orchards to make a living. Secret Ravine's property at one time produced Zinfandel and Tokay grapes. In later years the vines were removed and cows grazed the area. In the late 1900’s the property was used for the raising and training of horses, consequently the need for the large barn (now the winery). In 1998 one acre of the property was once again returned to the production of wine grapes. Currently Secret Ravine has 3.5 acres producing, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc. Hours are Sat. and Sun. from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

Friendly service here and good wine. I especially like the Zin and Estate Cabernet. I always appreciate when they pour you something extra in addition to the tasting. Got a little Sangiovese and loved it!