The Rosenthal Family has been farming grapes sustainably on the north slope of Mt. St. Helena Mayacamus Mountains since the early 70's. The resulting wines are in the 'must taste' category. Home grown, approachable wines for your enjoyment!
Wines available at Hardesters Markets
The Riboli Family WInes Estates/San Antonio Winery in LA offers complimentary tasting and winery tours. The Winery features Riboli Family of Wines and a unique and varied selection from around the wine world. Actually have 3 locations in LA, Ontario east of LA and in Paso Robles.
Belle Marie Winery and Chateau Dragoo are located on the Escondido Wine and Culinary Campus in North Escondido along Interstate 15. Belle Marie Winery's facility encompasses a 20,000 gallon winery, three tasting rooms, multiple corporate and reception venues, educational facilities, a gourmet garden and a demonstration vineyard with varietals from around the world.
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.
Alfaro Family Vineyards is everything a local Santa Cruz Mountains winery needs to be. The owner is incredibly passionate about his work and drove us over his lovingly cared for property in his pick-up truck. It was an adventure to remember! Fun fact: he is so passionate about the local environment that he re-fenced his property so that the deer can go through it, without being able to access his vineyards. I had a great time touring the vineyard and an even better time tasting the wine. There was a wide variety of wines available for the tasting, and all of them were both tasty and very reasonably priced. Everyone we met here was a great conversationalist and really made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I wish I lived closer so that I could come to taste wines every Saturday for their open tastings! Open Saturdays from noon to 5:00 pm year-round; Sundays June 16 - September 1. Enjoy a flight of 7 or more wines.
This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.
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
Altipiano is a boutique vineyard and winery surrounding Peter and Denise Clarke’s grand Tuscan villa with tasting room, barrel room and crush facility. Lush patios and gardens with vineyard and skyline views. Located above San Pasqual Valleys San Diego Zoo Safari Park five miles east of Rancho Bernardo at Interstate 15.
Walt Whelan and his son, Brian Whelan started making wine in their garage with long-time friends Justin Gennock and Tony Storelli. After earning several best of shows in the Fresno Fair, the team entered larger competitions and won State-wide Gold and Silver awards for winemaking. So begins Toca Madera Winery in Madera, CA with the goal to share their love of winemaking and fine wine with everyone. The Toca Madera Winery is located in Madera, California on Avenue 9 just a short drive east of Highway 99 where you will find beautiful undulating hills covered with majestic vines. Toca Madera Winery frequently has local musicians entertaining guest as they enjoy the wines of Shayne Vetter, Winemaker at Toca Madera.~
Hours:
Sat 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Richly flavored, hearty red wines. Italian style which means big grapey textures & body. Small boutique production. Some varietals are less than 100 cases per year.
