This is a Famly business run by four Brothers, all native residents of Napa, and all grew up making wine in their garage as kids.... Needless to say they produce some outstanding wine! The brothers take turns conducting private tours at a cave winery in the southeastern hills of the Napa Valley. It's a great tour and a REAL Napa Winemaking experience.
Shadow Mountain is an ideal grape-growing location with an elevation of 3,500 feet, and it’s blessed with Pacific Ocean breezes and cool, dry nights. Master vintner Alexander McGeary specializes in award-winning viognier, whites, reds and dessert wines such as merlot, Syrah, cabernet, zinfandel and a muscat cannelli.Shadow Mountain Vineyards is a 3rd generation family estate grape growing & wine making business, which was founded by Agusto & Helen Mase, an Italian couple in 1944. The second generation of the family continued in this family tradition, by planting extensive vineyards in the 1960′s and 70′s.
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.
John and Kimberly Cabot set out to be self sufficient and live off of the land. After college on the Humboldt coast they moved inland where more fruits and vegetables could ripen. They grew a wide assortment of organic produce and marketed it through Northern California retailers and Farmer’s Markets. Ten years of growing experience on the Klamath River in Northern California nurtured within them a deep respect for the land. They also developed a deep appreciation for red wine from their families. They set out to bring their love for growing, wine and the land together into one dream… They began planting wine grapes in 1998. It was exciting to pioneer an undiscovered wine area in California. The land is carved by narrow gorges and steep mountains making ideal vineyard sites rare little gems. They now have three small vineyards that they hand planted with small crews of locals. Each of the vineyards is individual and is meticulously tended in accordance with its unique needs.
The variety & quality of the wines were great. The owners were also very friendly & accomodating to our dogs, allowed them in the tasting room and even shut the door so they could run free. It was a gorgeous day and when another group decided to taste outside on the deck, we decided to finish ours there as well, a really nice outdoor space with great views.
Founded in 2014, Markus Wine Co was launched from Lodi’s first boutique winery, Borra Vineyards. Swiss-born winemaker Markus Niggli selects from wisely-planted ancient vines and newly-planted unusual offerings. The wines produced are ageless and memorable – to drink young or with a decade or more of age, and still be elegant. Markus Wine Co wines are fruit-driven, yet balanced with higher acidity than you find in many wines, and with soft, integrated tannins, to be enjoyed with meals. The Markus team believes that the real winemaking happens out in the vineyard and allow the vineyard and the wine grapes show their full expresion in your glass.
Currently offering their delightful wines online through their website. Califonria Corks will be notified when on-site tastings become available.
The property is small and nothing fancy but more likely than not, your wine tasting will be led by the vintner himself, who came to Sonoma with nothing and built this small winery with his own hands. He's a great host who truly understands and loves wine. It's a delightful experience and the wine is priced very reasonably compared to many other wineries in the area.
The vineyard of Chatom Vineyards is nestled in the breathtaking Esmeralda Valley of the Sierra Foothills in Calaveras County. The valley was originally planted with low-field crops, fruits, and nut trees. When Gay Callan, owner and native San Franciscan, purchased the property in 1980, her vision was to plant a vineyard. Her first varietals were planted in 1981, totaling 21 acres of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Today, the vineyard boasts 13 varietals planted on 65 acres, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese and 5 Portuguese varietals. Image - Harvesting Viognier Grapes - Randy Caparoso
Cantiga Wineworks is a small family winery nestled in California's Sierra Foothills. They craft wines using classical methods that are rarely seen today, reviving the art of winemaking designed for long-term cellaring. Their focus is on producing food-friendly wines, reclaiming wine's traditional role at the dinner table. Cantiga’s wines are made through gentle, minimal intervention techniques, and are fermented without malolactic fermentation to preserve the natural varietal character, acidity, and balance. They also use minimal sulfites and avoid unnecessary processing.
Winemaker Rich Rorden has been involved in winemaking for as long as he can remember, learning much of his technique from his father, Bud. In making wine for Cantiga Wineworks, Rich seeks to preserve the family’s winemaking methods while adapting them to meet the unique challenges of commercial production. Before founding Cantiga, Rich worked as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he spent over a decade at TRW in Manhattan Beach, designing satellites for both commercial and government projects. Rich now applies the same meticulous attention to detail to his winemaking craft.
Upon examining the Herzog label, one can discern the drive, passion, and rich history that spans nine generations, bringing the family to its current esteemed position. From the courts of Kaiser Franz Joseph of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, through a Europe ravaged by war, to the bustling streets of New York City, and finally to the sun-drenched vineyards of California, the Herzog story is a testament to a family's enduring commitment to their Jewish identity and their belief in the promise of America.
In a world where many produce wine, some create good wine, and only a select few offer a truly great wine experience, Herzog Wine Cellars stands apart. Here, great California wine is not just a claim; it is a tradition.
With 150 years of winemaking heritage, the Herzog family takes immense pride in every bottle produced. Their commitment to excellence is unwavering, reflecting a legacy built on passion and quality that resonates with wine enthusiasts everywhere.
