Viognier

Viognier

Failla Wines

grape clusters - Pixabay

Although Failla (pronounced FAY-LA) has a relatively brief history, it is marked by complexity. The first vintage release, under the name Failla-Jordan, was in 1998. That year, Failla debuted its Alban Vineyard Viognier from Edna Valley and Que Syrah Syrah from Sonoma Coast, while simultaneously planting the initial blocks at their Estate Vineyard in Cazadero. The first Estate releases would not emerge for several more years.

Ehren Jordan, the founder, has a passion for experimenting with his favorite varietals, exploring their diverse expressions across different climates—cool, cooler, and coolest—as well as varying soil types and rootstocks.

In 1998, Failla acquired a parcel adjacent to an earlier purchase and planted it with five acres of rootstock in 2002, later grafting Pinot Noir clones the following year. Ehren's viticultural training in France profoundly influences his farming and winemaking decisions. Today, Failla’s eleven acres of Estate vineyards produce Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir that embody the essence of California’s coolest regions.

After honing his skills with Pinot Noir from Keefer Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley in 1999, Ehren sought out unique, cool-climate Pinot Noir sources to fuel his ongoing experimentation and passion.

Tuscan Ridge Estate Winery

Tuscan Ridge Estate Winery entrance

Lori Silkey are doing something different in Red Bluff, and it appears to be working. In addition to producing some extraordinary, "Old World" style wines, Tuscan Ridge Estate Winery in Red Bluff California is a place where you can participate in special events or enjoy time with friends watching a game on the big screen while Lori and Jeff pour the fruits of their labor into your glass. Savor a quality wine and for a moment be transported to a little corner of Italy as you sip a glass of Zinfandel or Sangiovese. While its is clear that Lori ha been accepted by many of the locals, and it is a fun and friendly winery to visit, Lori take her wine making seriously. The Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cab Franc were very nice as was the Merlot. I decided to bring home the Sangiovese, which is very nice and I did not have any other Sangiovese in my collection. I am looking forward to trying the Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel next visit. If you find yourself driving through Red Bluff, take a little break and visit Tuscan Ridged Estate Winery you will be glad you did. 

Hours:
Mon - Thurs - closed
Fri  -   3:00 pm to 8:00 pm*
Sat -  12:00 pm to 7:00 pm*
Sun - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm*

* Friday and Saturday are is wine and pizza nights (reservations suggested for Friday evening).  Sunday is wine and antipasti. ~

Westbrook Wine Farm

Winemaker Ray Krause

Westbrook Wine Farm the vineyard and winery are located on a mountainous forty acre site at an elevation of 1440 feet in the central Sierra Nevada range of eastern Madera County, California. Close to the hamlet of O'Neals and not far from Bass Lake, the town of Oakhurst and the Southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Niebaum-Coppola Winery

red wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

A Family Ensemble

“When I was a little kid, both my mother and father came from musical families. My father was a great flautist, composer, and conductor and my mother’s father was a wonderful Neapolitan songwriter. Her brother was a fine trumpet player in the same orchestra my father played in. He brought his friend home to dinner one occasion, and that’s how my father met my mother.”
-Francis Ford Coppola

Philo Ridge Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

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.

Vineyard of Pasterick

wine and cheese - Pixabay

This is a very small, private winery. The Pastericks are super friendly and will share the history of the property and their wine with you. They grow all of their own grapes and only produce one type of wine, Syrah, which is pretty tasty. Tasting is $10. They basically just pour you a glass of wine to drink while you walk around and tour the grounds.

Heringer Estates

wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay - Saman Teher

The Heringer Family has always believed in hard work, innovation and resourcefulness. We have always utilized whatever land, crop, or agricultural business opportunities were available to us such that our presence in the industry, the integrity of our family name, and the continuity of the family farm were assured for future generations.This has been accomplished through the generations while maintaining relationships of integrity with venders, customers, employees, and family members.

Alexander Andrew Murray Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

Andrew Murray fell in love with the emerging Rhône varieties, Syrah and Viognier, in the late 1980’s while traveling through France’s Rhône Valley. Leaving his UC Berkeley paleontology studies behind, he pursued his new mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia. As Robert Parker, Jr. put it, “…Andrew Murray’s offerings are a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices – reader take note.

Kendric Vineyards

cluster of grapes - ai generated - Pixabay

Kendric Johnson was my Dad and is the person for whom this enterprise was named. He died in 2001 just as we were getting started. Naming the company after him is meant to both honor his memory and to impose his high personal standards upon the undertaking.

Blacksmith Cellars

painting women with wine

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

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