The Denner Winery was completed in time for the 2005 harvest. Ron and John believe that great architecture blends with the environment. Denner Winery, therefore is designed to fit into the rolling hills and is complementary to the geography and culture of the Central Coast and the wines they produce.
Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery: A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
The journey of Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery began in 1995, when Emilio Castelli moved from his beloved Lake Como in Italy to the picturesque landscape of Sonoma County. With him, he brought not only a passion for winemaking but a deep family tradition that had shaped his life for generations.
For Emilio, wine has always been more than just a drink—it’s a part of life. Growing up in Italy, his childhood was filled with vibrant family dinners, where his father and uncles would passionately debate over the wines on the table. As more bottles were uncorked, the discussions grew livelier, filling the room with laughter and memories that stayed with him long after the evening was over.
But the family’s connection to wine goes back even further. During World War II, Emilio’s grandfather’s villa in Como was ransacked, yet the family managed to save a precious collection of wines from Piemonte, Valtellina, and Burgundy—some even crafted by Emilio’s grandfather himself. These bottles, stashed away in their new home, became treasured family heirlooms, and over the years, the men in the family would ceremoniously open them, sparking guessing games about the wine’s origin and how well it had aged.
It’s those early moments—filled with mystery, joy, and tradition—that inspired Emilio’s passion for winemaking. Today, with the Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery firmly rooted in Sonoma County, he and his family are dedicated to crafting wines that capture the essence of this beautiful region. Each bottle is a reflection of their commitment to the land and the shared memories that inspire their work.
Nebbiolo: The Wine of Kings
At Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery, Nebbiolo takes center stage. Though not commonly grown in California, this noble grape thrives in the Russian River Valley’s Green Valley AVA. Native to Northern Italy, Nebbiolo is the grape behind the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, known for their elegance and complexity. The grape’s name, "nebbia" (Italian for fog), speaks to the misty climate of its homeland, which mirrors the conditions in Sonoma County.
Growing Nebbiolo is no simple feat. It’s an early budder and a late ripener, making it susceptible to frost and requiring close attention to the vineyard’s microclimates. But the effort pays off with a wine that’s light in color yet rich in character. Nebbiolo’s intense aromas, balanced by firm tannins and acidity, make it a perfect choice for aging and an excellent companion for meals. It pairs beautifully with classic Northern Italian dishes like mushroom risotto, braised meats, polenta, and aged cheeses.
At Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery, every bottle of Nebbiolo tells a story—a story of tradition, family, and the timeless connection between the land and the people who nurture it. With each sip, wine lovers are invited to share in the passion and history that define the Castelli family’s winemaking journey.
This is a very small, private winery. The Pastericks are super friendly and will share the history of the property and their wine with you. They grow all of their own grapes and only produce one type of wine, Syrah, which is pretty tasty. Tasting is $10. They basically just pour you a glass of wine to drink while you walk around and tour the grounds.
Parsonage Village Vineyard is planted on a seven-acre south-facing hillside bench 500 feet above the Carmel River and a half mile east of the Carmel Valley Village. The mesoclimate(yes, it's not a microclimate which encompasses a larger area than meso) here is ideal for the all red varietals--Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot that make up the Estate Vineyard.
Charles R Vineyard is one of Livermore Valley's big wine secrets - well maybe that's not true with the number of reviews I have found. Charles R is a great little find, here's why: Great wines at decent prices: The Sauvignon Blanc that they just made is light, crisp and delicious and their cabs which are good too. Service with a smile: It doesn't matter how many people are packed into this little tasting room, they always have the nicest people helping visitors and who simply love to chat about wine. The Charles R Experience: From the sitting on their patio nibbling on food you brought while savoring a glass of their wine to tasting in their tasting room, the overall experience is so "laid-back Livermore".
Thacher Winery has been handcrafting wines from superb vineyards throughout California's Central Coast. Their boutique production showcases local subtleties and true terroir, focusing on creating elegant wines with nuanced flavors rather than sheer power. Utilizing diverse varietals from exceptional vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Counties, Thacher Winery emphasizes minimal intervention and native ferments, allowing the fruit, acid, and tannins to balance naturally. Embracing the growing season's inconsistencies and the unpredictability of harvest, they aim to produce wines that reflect the unique character of each vintage rather than a standardized product.
The award-winning winery and tasting room are nestled next to a 100-year-old KR barn, offering spectacular and ever-changing vistas of vineyards, hayfields, and oak trees. Thacher Winery and Vineyard celebrate everything that makes Paso Robles special, inviting visitors to share in their love for this remarkable region.
Back Patio Cellars got it's start on the patio. It was a lot of work to process those first grapes into wine. This husband and wife team are passionate about wine. Starting out as a hobby it was soon a matter of "Go Big or Go Home." Fank and Jen believe that wine always tastes better when you are with friends and family, so you will feel the relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere at Back Patio Cellars.
Hours:
Fri 4:00pm to 7:00pm Or By Appointment
Sat 1:00pm to 7:00pm
Sun 1:00pm to 5:00pm
David Bruce Winery has earned an international reputation throughout more than four decades for its dedication to producing the greatest Pinot Noir in the world. The winery was bonded in 1964, and in 2024 we celebrate our 60th Anniversary.
Our wines are produced from varietals grown in our 45-acre Estate Vineyard located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery has been in the forefront to develop methods that have changed the face of winemaking in California and will continue to do so.
David Bruce Winery was one of 12 California wineries to participate in the now famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris,” in which California Cabernets and Chardonnays outscored French Bordeaux and Burgundies in a blind tasting in France. Since then, David Bruce wines have consistently taken top honors in competitive tastings.
