Mac got into food and wine during his early twenties via his friends and coworkers at Trader Joe's in Southern California. He soon began taking trips up to the Central Coast to just to taste, but quickly found himself volunteering his time on his days off to help out at a number of wineries. After learning the process for a few years and spending more and more time on the Central Coast, Mac was ready to start making wine for himself.
Croze Wines is operated by Gary Wooten, a long time resident in the Napa Valley. He has worked as winemaker with several smaller area wineries during their formative stages and helped them become established. He currently runs two labels; Croze wines which includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc and the second label, Smith Wooten featuring a 100% Cabernet Franc (he originally made a barrel of Cabernet Franc to use for blending purposes but after tasting, found this wine to be excellent as a stand along varietal and ended up bottling it) and a Syrah. Croze ages their wines longer than many area wineries and as a result the current vintages are typically several years older than what you usually find on the market. The barrel aging program usually runs up to 40+ months and all the wines are tasted during this time and are removed from barrel when they are ready, in other words the barrel aging program is not locked into a certain amount of time like you may find with some of the larger wineries.
Philo Ridge Vineyards, located in the beautiful hills of the Anderson Valley, produces small handcrafted lots of complex, palate-pleasing wines. Their vineyards are farmed using sustainable methods and the winery is 100% wind and solar-powered. Philo Ridge VIneyards is a small family owned winery that specializes in small handcrafted lots of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Zin, Syrah and Cab. We are 5.33 miles up an all weather road and 100% solar and wind powered. We are open on weekends for tasting by appointment. Closed Tues., Weds. and Thurs.
Impressed by the well manicured grounds, Ron Melville and of course, the wines were very nice. Their syrah had a nice finish and the two pinot noirs tasted said a lot about their expertise in growing grapes. Very impressed with the attention to detail and their very personable service. Could have sat all day there enjoying a glass of wine with the view of the vineyards.
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.
In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith embarked on his journey with Blacksmith Cellars, debuting his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This elegant wine quickly captured the attention of wine enthusiasts, showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of exceptional independent winemaking.
By 2005, Smith expanded his repertoire with the release of his first white wine, the 2004 Monterey Chenin Blanc, which earned a prestigious 4 Star Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition.
While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc remain the flagship offerings of Blacksmith Cellars, Smith’s passion for exploration is evident in his diverse portfolio. Over the years, he has introduced classic varietals like Syrah and Chardonnay, alongside lesser-known treasures such as Torrontés and Verdelho. Wine lovers can also savor his exceptional proprietary blends, “Adamantine” and “Hephaestus,” making a visit to Blacksmith Cellars a must for those seeking unique and high-quality wines in California's vibrant wine country.
In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith launched Blacksmith Cellars with the release of his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant wine that celebrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of great independent winemaking. Rock Wall Wine Company represents a new chapter in the East Bay urban winemaking scene. Founded and operated by a group of industry veterans, including Kent Rosenblum and his daughter, winemaker Shauna Rosenblum. Rock Wall wines are founded on the philosophy of the right grape in the right place and are the result of many long-term relationships with acclaimed vineyards. Grapes are sourced from all over California.
Image-painting women with wine by wine artist Agata Zamborowski
Currently, Kunin Wines makes wines from five different grape varietals: viognier, zinfandel, syrah, grenache and mourvedre. Each varietal requires particular soil and climatic conditions to produce fruit that is of the superior quality that we demand. Therefore, we source our grapes from various vineyards, located throughout the region, to take advantage of the varying conditions and terrain and that each varietal is grown in its optimal environment.
Bill Frick and Judith Gannon started this winery in 1976 with the proceeds from the sale of their 1957 Chevrolet. In the small, cool winery, hidden away on a back road, Bill Frick hand crafts complex, rare wines that reflect the true character of the grape.
This is a small vineyard making only 3500-4000 cases a year. A varitey for wines to choose from. Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Barbera Rosato, Black Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Port, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Shiraz / Syrah, Tempranillo, Verdelho, Vinho Tinto, Viognier, Zinfandel
Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso
Award winning wines. Ramos Torres Winery is committed to crafting wines with intensity, richness and elegance. The estate vineyard, Love Ranch, is a fine example of what meticulous care and sustainable winegrowing can achieve in the Central Valley.
