Unique Varietals

Unique Varietals

Eristavi Winery

wine pouring into a glass

Victor Erostavi is definitely an expert on what he's doing and you should try what he's done with an idea on fusion of old world Georgian wine making tradition in modern California. The results are stunning - loved a fruity aroma and a wonderfully dry white "Symphony", amazing Syrah and good Zinfandel. OPEN FOR WINE TASTING Thursday and Friday 5 - 9pm Saturday and Sunday 1 - 5pm

Mayo Family Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Mayo Family Winery produces small lots of single-vineyard wines under the premise that the world's most interesting and highest quality wines must come from a single-vineyard source that can be expressed in the wines' aroma, taste and texture. Founded in 1993, the winery has two winemaking facilities in Glen Ellen, California, each fitted and equipped to produce particular types of wines. Mayo Family wines are only sold online or in their tasting room attached to the winery in the town of Glen Ellen and their two other tasting rooms in Sonoma Valley.

DeRose Vineyards - Hollister

Grape Clusters

DeRose Vineyards has the single best Negrette I have ever had. Pat DeRose not only has one of the coolest moustaches on the planet, but he and Al (his son) are wine purists, not necessarily in the "Wine Spectator" since, they simply love great wines. Al DeRose search for new endeavors took him to central Chile where he produces and imports his Chilean wines. De Rose VIneyards is one of the oldest operated wineries in the US - 1854. At De Rose VIneyards they are not concerned about anything other than wine... nada. The DeRose family doesn't care about wine spectator's points, they don't care about who endorsed what, and I find that not simply amuzing, but delightful! Their style is very much like the old world where the people of the community get together. The winemakers, the farmers, the butcher and the candlestick-maker all living together, drinking together, eating together and enjoying the celebration of life. At DeRose Vineyards it is,"Good friends, good food and good wine.*

Hours:

Hollister Tasting Room
9970 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA
Hours:
Thursday - Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM

San Martin Tasting Room
255 Fitzgerald Avenue
San Martin, CA
Hours:
Friday: 4 PM – 8 PM

Pavi Wines

glass of wine - Pixabay

Pavi Wines - you can drink (not visit) - have some wonderful Italian varieties...almost the only people in Napa who do. You'll find their wines on a lot of restaurant lists...it's great quality at good prices. I especially love the Pinot Grigio ... way better than the average "nothing there" pinot grigio, very refreshing on a hot afternoon. They sell it by the glass at Calistoga Inn - I'd say it's best on the deck there! You can also find it in St. Helena at Tra Vigne, Farmstead; in Calistoga at Brannan's; and in Rutherford at Rutherford Grill. You can also enjoy a glass at: Napa Wine Company Tasting Room “Cult Wine Central” 7830-40 St. Helena Hwy Oakville, CA 94562

Joseph Swan Vineyards

rows of wine barrels - Pixabay

Mr. Swan makes some very nice California pinot noirs and zinfandels. Sure, this is not OPUS ONE facility-wise, but Rod makes great wine at more than fair prices. I appreciated their willingness to educate people and enjoyed their 07 Tannat.

Alma Sol Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski woman enjoying wine

Alma Sol WInery is a micro-boutique winery that sources premium fruit from top vineyards sites in California. This micro-boutique winery is family-owned and operated with the mission to craft exceptional Bordeaux wine varietals and special blends. All fruit is hand-picked in small lots that respect the fruit and is just one of the hands-on facets of producing the artisan wines of Alma Sol Winery. Owners John and Lisa wanted to make the best possible Cabernet Sauvignon they could and to set out and prove that California's Central Coast could provide a great Bordeaux. Noteworthy is that their inaugural release of 2009 recieved numerouis accolades, including a 90pts review from Wine Enthusiast. *

Hours:

Sat-      2:00pm to 6:00pm
Sun-     2:00pm to 5:00pm

Negociant Winery

grape clusters in vineyard

Négociant Urban Winery is located in the heart of North Park’s Boulevard District at the intersection of Texas Street and El Cajon Boulevard. Négociant joins the rapid influx of businesses and residential developments bursting into the “Boulevard” neighborhood. This revitalization is anchored by improvements to the nearby Lafayette Hotel as well as multiple new major condo developments including one directly south of the winery! The neighborhood is becoming a walking community to fit the life styles of those living in the area. Art festivals, boutique shops, coffee shops, street fairs, and area activities lend to strolling and dropping into Négociant for a pleasant afternoon of wine tasting.

Angeleno Wine Company

people enjoying wine together

Sip on the Unique: Discover Southern California's Hidden Wine Gems

Hey there, wine lovers! If you think California wines are all about Cabernet and Chardonnay, it’s time to expand your palate with a delightful detour into Southern California. Meet Angeleno Wine Co., where winemaking is a canvas for creativity, and unique varietals are the brushstrokes painting a vibrant picture of the region!

The Uncommon

At Angeleno Wine Co., they're on a mission to redefine what Southern California wine can be. Imagine sipping on wines crafted from rare varietals like Tannat, Graciano, Godello, Loureiro, Treixadura, and Alicante Bouschet. Each bottle is a tribute to the diverse terroir where the desert kisses the sea, and every sip is a celebration of elegance and balance. Plus, all their wines are naturally made and 100% vegan!

Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind Angeleno

Let’s raise a glass to the passionate people behind these intriguing wines!

Jasper Dickson grew up in Sunnyvale, California, where his early exposure to winemaking ignited a lifelong obsession. Thanks to his father, a home winemaker, Jasper spent his childhood exploring vineyards, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of fermenting grapes, and soaking up the lush scenery. When he moved to Los Angeles, he met Juan Alonso, and the adventure began!

Then there’s Amy Luftig, who made her way from the outskirts of Cincinnati to the sunny West Coast. While pursuing a career in public policy and healthcare access, she discovered her true passion during a volunteer stint at a harvest. Who knew that shoveling grapes, cleaning barrels, and early morning fruit-picking could be so exhilarating? Amy found her tribe among the spirited souls who embrace the winemaking lifestyle, and she’s been captivated ever since.

Join the Adventure

So, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking to explore something new, Angeleno Wine Co. invites you to join them on a delicious journey. With each glass, you’ll not only taste the unique characteristics of Southern California but also the passion and hard work of two individuals dedicated to their craft.

Another winery to check out is Antilope Valley Winery 

Quady Winery

people sharing wine

Andrew and Laurel Quady left crowded southern California and their jobs in pyrotechnics and merchandising to pursue their dream: a non-urban way of life making wine. Andrew graduated with a Masters in Food Science-Enology from UC Davis and Laurel became a licensed CPA. In 1975, at the urging of friend Darrell Corti, they made their first port from Amador County Zinfandel in Lodi. Today you can experience the passion of this couple that started with their first Amador County Zinfandel Port. Quady Winey is located in the Central Valley of California in Madera along the Madera Wine Trail. Joining the team in 1984 as winemaker Michael Blaylock to manage the growth in the winemaking operations that Essensia Orange Muscat and Elysium Black Muscat Dessert Wines. Now after more than 3 decades later Michael has a lot of award-winning sweet wines to smile about and put a smile on your face as well. Please to have Quady Wines among the wineries listed on California Corks Winery Directory*

Hours:

Mon-Fri           9:00 to 4:30pm
Sat & Sun        12:00 to 4:30pm

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