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Terre Rouge & Easton Wines

cluster of grapes

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.

Brice Station Vintners

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During the late 1800s Brice Station was a popular stage stop on the way to Calaveras Big Trees. In 1993 the first vines were planted at Brice Station on the family ranch by Stuart Mast, a fifth generation California farmer and Dolores Quyle Mast. Guided by sustainable agricultural methods, the highest vineyard in the Sierra Nevada thrives in the mountain air and sunshine at an altitude of 3,300 ft. visit to the ranch today finds a tribute to the creativity of the Quyle family, featuring the rustic Brice Station Vintners tasting room, the Quyle pottery shop, the carefully tended Dolores Quyle Mast vineyards, and an assortment of sheep, geese, horses, and llamas. If you look around you will also discover several antique printing presses, as well as a blacksmith shop where Paul Quyle teaches one Saturday a month.

Karmere Vineyards & Winery

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Karmere is a good gateway winery. It has light, fruity champagnes almond, raspberry, and regular. They offer a wide range of Zinfandels and other reds here too. The wines are named after the female members of the family. Could the the place for a wedding or special occasion, beautifully designed for events. Spent quite a while there, tasting at the counter and barrel-tasting as well.

Cedarville Vineyard

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In 1995, Jonathan Lachs & Susan Marks found the perfectly situated 20 acre property at 2,500 ft. elevation, located 1/2 mile up a dirt road from Fair Play Road, which would become Cedarville Vineyard. With Cedarville Vineryard 15 acres of vineyard coming into maturity, in 2000 Jonathan & Susan built the winery here on the estate. The panoramic views from the top of our vineyard spread from Mount St. Helena to the west to Pyramid Peak in the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada to the east. Jonathan and Susan chose the name, Cedarville, in honor of a nearby ghost town (founded in 1852) that boomed for ten years during the Gold Rush. Now, 150 years later, little remains of the original town, but the winemakers feel connected to the spirit of the pioneers of this historic area.

Le Casque Wines

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We strolled in to find a huge courtyard area with lounge chairs surrounding a fire pit and a bar for tasting. We were welcomed by the owners (a husband and wife) and their daughter, who was doing the pouring. We tried a few of their wines, all of which were impressive but I instantly fell in love with the cab franc. The owner then took us on a tour of the facilities, explained their wine-making process, and gave us a taste of some young wines. We also had a chance to chat with the wine maker and and thank him for making such delicious wines.

Fleur De Lys Winery

wine while camping in tent

Fleur De Lys Winery is a winery located in Somerset, California. The winery is owned by Robert and Mireille Lajoie. The wine at Fleur De Lys Winery is produced by Robert Lajoie. De Lys Winery produces the following wine varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Syrah, Port, Roussanne, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier and Zinfandel. Fleur De Lys Winery has the following amenities you can enjoy: Barrel Room, Family Environment, Pet Friendly Grounds, Private Events, Private Tastings, Retail Sales, Scenic Views, Wine & Food Pairing.

Twisted Oak Winery

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Twisted Oak Winery

Twisted Oak Winery specializes in crafting unique wines from varietals such as Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, and more. While the team is dedicated to the winemaking process, the real fun begins once the wine is bottled. Visitors are encouraged to click "Visit" for the latest hours and to reserve a tasting time.

Ursa Vineyards

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Ursa Vineyards is a collaborative effort between the husband and wife team - Greg Stokes and Deborah Elissagaray. Greg has 25 years of experience with vineyards and winemaking, and Deborah has 18 years in winemaking. Both were part of the winemaking team at David Bruce for years. This small foothill winery produces no more than 2500 cases annually, allowing exceptional attention to be paid in both the vineyard and the cellar. All fruit is fermented in small fermenters and worked by hand. A minimal amount of handling ensures the preservation of the fruit character of the varietal being made. Ursa Vineyard's focus is petite sirah from various vineyards in California, but they also produce merlot, syrah and a unique varietal from the Pyrenees, Tannat. 

Boccali Vineyards & Winery

people drinking wine

DeWayne and Marilyn Boccali have been the heart and soul behind Boccali's Pizza & Pasta, a beloved home-style Italian restaurant in the picturesque Ojai Valley, for over three decades. Renowned for its traditional Italian dishes with a local twist, the restaurant uses farm-fresh produce sourced from their very own Boccali Ranch in Upper Ojai Valley. The rich, fertile soil combined with DeWayne's impressive five decades of farming experience results in a bounty of flavorful fruits and vegetables that give their menu a unique edge. DeWayne also serves as co-winemaker and vineyard manager for the family winery.

Joining him in this venture is his partner and fellow winemaker, Joe Boccali, who also happens to be a musician and educator in Ventura County. Raised in the farming tradition, Joe has been involved in developing the land that is now home to Boccali Vineyards since he was a child. As co-winemaker and cellar master, he continues to deepen his winemaking knowledge and skills.

In 2004, the Boccali family planted their first rows of vines where their Christmas tree farm and seasonal pumpkin patch once thrived. By 2006, they harvested their first crop, which was used to create a small batch of wine exclusively for family enjoyment. The following year marked a milestone with the production of their inaugural vintages: Topa Topa Syrah, Old Winery Zinfandel, and Shangri-La Grenache Blanc, all offered to the public for the first time. Each subsequent year saw the planting of new vineyard sections, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

Today, Boccali Vineyards spans approximately 5 acres and produces between 1,500 and 2,500 cases of wine, depending on the whims of the growing season. For wine enthusiasts visiting the Ojai Valley, Boccali's Winery offers a delightful experience steeped in family tradition, local flavors, and the passion of two dedicated winemakers.

Read our guide to Ojai wineries                                                                                                                                                                       

Saucelito Canyon Vineyards

cluster of grapes

Discover the Rich Heritage of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard

Nestled in the picturesque hills just five miles east of Arroyo Grande, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard invites California wine lovers to explore its storied legacy. Established in 1880, this vineyard faced abandonment during Prohibition, only to be lovingly revived in 1974 by visionary Bill Greenough, who poured his heart and soul into restoring these historic vines.

As you journey along the winding roads past Lopez Lake and deeper into the serene canyon, you’ll be greeted by a charming Zinfandel vineyard that has flourished amidst the chaparral for over 130 years. Once a pioneer of the Central Coast’s wine scene, this hidden gem has reclaimed its place in California's rich viticultural tapestry.

Bill Greenough saw potential in the gnarled, overgrown vines, and his intuition bore fruit—literally! Today, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard is celebrated for its exceptional Zinfandel, crafted with a deep respect for tradition.

This family-owned winery is now a labor of love spanning two generations, dedicated to producing a diverse range of limited-production wines. Join us in savoring the unique character of our estate-grown Zinfandels, each bottle a testament to our vineyard's remarkable journey and the passion that continues to drive us forward. Come and taste the history!

Saucelito specializes in Zinfandel, and has some really nice ones. Great place to enjoy a picnic and a bottle of wine. The history of Zin presentation on the outside wall should not be missed by lovers of the grape.

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