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Terre Rouge & Easton Wines

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Discover the Charm of Terre Rouge and Easton Wines: A Journey Through California's Rhône Varietals

Located in the heart of Amador County, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines is a captivating story of passion and dedication, brought to life by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan. Established in the late 1980s, this winery is a must-visit for any California wine lover eager to explore the unique flavors of the Sierra Foothills.

A Winemaker’s Journey

Bill Easton’s winemaking adventure began in the 1970s when he founded Solano Cellars, a Berkeley wine shop specializing in artisanal wines from around the globe. His experiences in the shop and extensive travels through Europe shaped his refined palate and distinctive winemaking style. Bill's approach celebrates balance and elegance, creating wines that evolve beautifully over time—a practice the French call élevage, or "raising" the wine in the bottle. Each bottle not only offers immediate enjoyment but also hints at its potential for further aging.

In 1986, Bill crafted his first Rhône red blend, marking the start of his serious winemaking journey. By 1994, the couple had moved to their current winery and expanded their portfolio, with Bill earning recognition as one of the original Rhône Rangers and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his pioneering efforts in bringing Rhône varietals to the Sierra Foothills.

Culinary Creativity

Jane O’Riordan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly alongside Bill’s winemaking. She launched her first business, Cottonfield, in 1975, a fabric shop that inspired creativity through quilting and garment making. When the opportunity arose to expand Solano Cellars, Jane took on the role of chef at their Bistro, where she crafted a rotating menu that perfectly paired with Bill’s wine selections. Today, Jane continues to bring her culinary expertise to Terre Rouge and Easton events, delighting guests with her delicious creations.

The Terroir of Terre Rouge

The name Terre Rouge, meaning "Red Earth," beautifully reflects the region's distinctive vermillion soil, a defining characteristic of their vineyards. The land, rich in granite and volcanic minerals, nurtures a diverse array of Rhône varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. The high elevation of their vineyards—reaching up to 3,200 feet—adds complexity and depth to each bottle.

Easton Wines: A Tribute to Tradition

Bill's family name graces the Easton label, which showcases non-Rhône varietals that thrive in the Sierra Foothills. Here, ancient and old-vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc shine, alongside emerging varietals like Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Each wine is crafted with a deep respect for the region's history and potential.

Visit Terre Rouge and Easton Wines

For wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines offers more than just tastings; it’s an invitation to explore the artistry of winemaking in one of California’s most beautiful regions. Join Bill and Jane for a sip of their exceptional wines, paired with delightful culinary creations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Amador County’s wine country.

Twisted Oak Winery

cluster of grapes

Twisted Oak Winery

Twisted Oak Winery specializes in crafting unique wines from varietals such as Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, and more. While the team is dedicated to the winemaking process, the real fun begins once the wine is bottled. Visitors are encouraged to click "Visit" for the latest hours and to reserve a tasting time.

Pride Mountain

wine barrels all stacked neatly - Pixabay

We booked the 10am tour and tasting and I was very impressed. The tour was about an hour and a half. We started in the front tasting room, went outside to the vineyards, to the caves where they store the barrels and finally to the room with the tanks. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. She was willing to answer any questions we had. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants the full winery experience!

Falcor Winery

bottle and glasses of wine - Pixabay

The story of Falcor Winery began with a passion for crafting exceptional, internationally acclaimed wines. Their journey is one of dedication, excellence, and a hint of the extraordinary. Each bottle of Falcor wine reflects this commitment, telling a tale of meticulous craftsmanship and heritage.

Guests are invited to indulge in a symphony of flavors, curated from grapes handpicked from premier vineyards. As they explore the essence of Falcor’s wines, they become part of a family-run legacy that celebrates the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Falcor Winery upholds a blend of tradition and innovation, defined by their elegant craftsmanship. The winery invites all to raise a glass to this artistry, savoring every drop and celebrating the beauty of handcrafted excellence.

Sequoia Grove Vineyards

bottle and glasses of wine - Pixabay

The staff was great and wines are amazing. Vicky was very warm and welcoming. We went on a Friday evening it was busy but still attentive to our needs.One of the bigger wineries, open to the public, that gets a lot of foot traffic. But heck, the wines are great! so no complaining. Some really unique blends mixed in with the more traditional. Their at the vineyard only Gewurztraminer was heaven and the Ridiculous Red plus some good Cabs and solid Sauvignon Blanc.

Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard

grape vine with grapes - Randy Caparoso

When Bennie Cassara first set foot on this mountain top retreat he knew this was the place for which he had been looking. Bennie a brick mason by trade was busy running his Masonry construction company in Orange County California, but he was looking for a place where he and his could get away from the daily grind. It was in 1990 the first vines were planted on the tiny hilltop estate. Bennie Cassara chose Pinot Noir grapes at the urging of his friend Brian Babcock of the Babcock Winery. Brian told Bennie his property would be the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir grapes, this variatal is grown on hillsides in France, and Brian knew the combination of warm days and cool foggy nights would be perfect. Much of the rest of the story is in the glass.

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.

Smith Vineyard

grape cluster - Pixabay

Try the 2008 Primativo - spicy, black pepper, complexity, a real treat. On Saturdays, they have live music to go along with great wine tasting. Gary and Christina Smith continue the fine art of winemaking and vineyard tending, which Gary’s father began with his three sons. Now with three sons of their own, the Smiths handcraft small lots of classic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo, Syrah and Chardonnay from their 10-acre certified organic vineyard near Grass Valley, CA.

Dieberg Estate Vineyard

wine drop in the glass - Pixabay

The Dierberg family began cultivating Drum Canyon Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara in 2008. Siblings Ellen Dierberg Milne and Michael Dierberg, now second-generation growers, have embraced a sustainable approach to producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This commitment has established Dierberg as one of the select few California Certified Sustainable vineyards.

Winemaker Tyler Thomas, who apprenticed with the renowned Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, employs a minimalist approach in crafting exceptional wines. His focus is on allowing the unique character of the vineyard site to shine through in every bottle of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

For wine lovers exploring California’s wineries, Dierberg offers not only outstanding wines but also a genuine connection to sustainable viticulture and a commitment to quality that truly reflects the beauty of the Sta. Rita Hills.

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