This is the place to go if you want some good valued Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot. I really liked their $20 per couple cheese and wine pairing. The people were very friendly and laid back which really fit this wonderful boutique cozy winery.
The tasting was fun even though it was very crowded in the tasting room. But once we had a good amount of wine in us, we were warmed up and ready to eat. Since it was end of December, it was cold and dreary outside and most of the seating for the restaurant is outside and but luckily I was able to suggest a table for us by a heater which was cozy. We didn't order anymore wine because we had, had enough. We were served bread and butter. Then we order a caesar salad and lobster bisque and the addicting and famous parmesan garlic fries. ALL were very scrumptious! The bisque warmed me right up! Then we shared the lobster mac and cheese because we knew it was going to be a huge portion and it was! And boy...was it delicious!
This is a first class operation! Every employee you see is smiling, friendly, and happy. The tour was fantastic and seeing the inside of the caves they built years ago was memorable. The tasting room was big enough and there was no pressure to purchase any wines or join the clubs. Every wine we tasted was explained in detail and needless to say, superb. We enjoyed seeing the sheep grazing on the hillside and then running back to the barn. This is a don't miss winery and tour in Sonoma County.
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.
Bodega del Sur is the culmination of a dream of Evelyn and Victor Reyes-Umana. Victor began his love affair with wine in his native El Salvador. Moving to California and later in life, traveling around the world, solidified his appreciation for wines and increased his curiosity for the various wine styles of the different regions of the world. While visiting some friends in Chile in 1993, Victor and Evelyn had the great opportunity to visit many of the small, family-owned wineries, and it was then that Victor uttered the fateful words, "This is what I would like to do when I retire".
Image - Randy Caparoso
Robert Foley, Winemaker
Robert (Bob) Foley began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley in 1977 after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. His first year was spent at Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.
In 1992, Foley embarked on another 15-year tenure as the founding winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this time, he also crafted the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. Currently, his primary focus is on the wines produced at Robert Foley Vineyards, though he also oversees the creations for Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in Napa Valley.
In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded its production to include a range of notable reds, such as Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, and limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from their estate property. The portfolio also features Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin, a blend that varies in varietal composition each vintage. Additionally, Foley has bottled a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.
Foley’s reputation for crafting expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain in Napa County. The facility, which houses over 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system completed in 2008, supports the production of Robert Foley wines.
Robert Foley Vineyards operates with a full-time staff of three, with Foley himself focusing on winemaking, while Kelly and Shannon manage the office. Occasionally, Kelly’s father, Jerry, assists in the tasting room.
The feline Office Interns, Mina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten, are responsible for treats, naps, and distractions, while Princess Bella and King Tommy serve as the official Winery Cats.
Eberle Winery is a family-owned producer and marketer of premium wines, including offerings from the Eberle Estate, single varieties, and designated vineyards. Since 1979, Eberle wines have highlighted the history and diverse flavors of the Paso Robles Appellation.
Gary Eberle, who grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, attended Penn State University on a football scholarship. After earning a Bachelor of Science in biology, he continued his studies at Louisiana State University (LSU), focusing on cellular genetics. During his time at LSU, Gary developed an appreciation for wine, which led him to shift his academic focus towards winemaking.
Gary began his winemaking career and became known as a “Pioneer” of the Paso Robles Wine Region by helping establish his family's Estrella River Winery & Vineyards. In the late 1970s, he decided to embark on his own venture and acquired nearly 64 acres of land near Estrella River Winery. Soon after, Gary released his first Eberle wine, a 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon, which featured the iconic boar logo. This logo symbolizes the German origin of the name Eberle, meaning “small boar.”
The staff were super friendly and I think the owner was hanging out outside drinking wine with his show dogs running around. Modern vineyard that has literally everything! From Bocce Ball, Cave Tours, Private Tasting, and to holiday themed events, they have it all. The cave tour and flight of wine was complimentary and exquisite. Their Cotes du Robles Blanc white honeysuckle and candied ginger, tingled delightfully as an opening for the palate. Their Red Barbera gold medal with tones of raspberry. Their Reserve estate Cabernet Sauvignon Cassis (black currant), was clean and smooth.
After following the challenging road up the mountainside we came to this beautiful home overlooking the valley and their fields. While the view from their home porch was breathtaking, and the active hummingbird feeders captivating, the time spent talking to this husband-wife wine making team was fascinating. A visit to this winery not only includes a tasting of their wonderful Syrahs, but also great conversation about wine making, genetics and theories of growing grapes in Napa Valley. A great stop and we will remember this visit each time we open a bottle at home.
Like all great wines, Richard Perry’s story begins with the soil. In 1988, Richard and Sheila Perry planted the first block of what would become 15 acres of hillside vineyards on their ranch in Coombsville, located in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley. The Perry Vineyards were a product of pure passion and an unyielding work ethic. Richard personally carved terraces into the panoramic hillsides of their estate, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a touch of Merlot. They began by selling their fruit to Napa winemakers.
Vines
In those early days, Richard was among a select group of growers who began to recognize the full potential of Coombsville’s soils and climate. To showcase the superior qualities of his fruit and vineyard’s terroir, Richard decided to produce his own wines under the Richard Perry label. Their first commercial vintage was released in 1997.
Wines
Ever curious and committed to improvement, Richard partnered with another Coombsville pioneer, Ken Bernards, who became the winemaker starting with the 1998 vintage. Together, they refined both viticulture and winemaking techniques, ultimately creating wines renowned for their beautiful expression of Coombsville terroir.
Founded in 1999, proprietors Sherrie and Elliot Graham purchased a picturesque 34-acre parcel of rolling hills and sprawling oak and pine trees. The property, which is a portion of the old Meyer’s Ranch, was bare with the exception of a historic barn, once a notable stopping point for miners to change horses en route to Placerville.
An experience in Fair Play showcases the many diverse attractions of El Dorado County. Why not make your adventure to Fair Play more than just a day trip? Busby Cellars offers on-site lodging, and many quaint Bed & Breakfast Inns and Vacation Rentals are also nearby. In addition to over 25 award-winning Fair Play wineries, historic downtown Placerville is just a short drive and features gold-rush charm along with gourmet restaurants and shopping. Wonderful hiking trails and pristine lakes are nearby, and world-class ski resorts are just a one-hour drive to Lake Tahoe. Isn’t it time to experience Fair Play today?
