We arrived on a sunny May day and it was easily over 90 degrees. We stopped by Navarro and I have to say - the grounds were gorgeous! There was a bench with a picnic table for those who wanted to lunch and wine. It overlooked gorgeous green lushy grass on a hill. The tasting room was very cozy and small but definitely very welcoming. Our pourer was friendly and gave us a great restaurant recommendation.
Located in the stunning San Pasqual Valley, just 30 minutes from San Diego, Orfila Vineyards is an ultra-premium, small-production winery that invites wine lovers to indulge in its unique offerings. Conveniently located between Interstate 15 and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this hidden gem boasts a breathtaking tasting room and patio that overlook the sprawling 70-acre estate.
Families will feel right at home in the tree-lined picnic area, complete with grassy knolls and picnic tables—perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends and a bottle of Orfila’s finest.
Orfila is known for producing critically acclaimed wines crafted from Italian and French varietals, including grapes from the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. The winery sources grapes from its estate as well as select vineyards in Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Andrew Wisniewski, Orfila continues its tradition of creating award-winning wines that reflect the essence of San Diego County.
Since opening its doors in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has garnered more than 1,300 medals in national and international competitions, a true testament to the complexity, grace, and opulence of its wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, a visit to Orfila promises a delightful experience filled with exquisite flavors and breathtaking views.
Mt. Vernon Vineyard and Winery is a small, family-owned and operated winery nestled in the grassy foothills of Auburn, California. The Taylor family transforms Sierra Foothills grapes into outstanding, lush aromatic wines, featuring riveting fruit flavors that are fit for a president.
The winery provides a majestic view and a relaxing atmosphere. Regarded as the largest winery in Placer County since Prohibition, Mt. Vernon offers an exceptional selection of wines and unique blends that are sure to captivate the taste buds.
Established in 1996, Mt. Vernon is pioneering the production of various foothill grapes, including Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah Port, Barbera, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gold Country Nectar, and a Sur-lie aged barrel-fermented Chardonnay that is joining the Mt. Vernon collection.
Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso
Casque Wines, an urban winery, is just 5 minutes off of I-80 at the Horseshoe Bar exit in Loomis. A tasting room during the day and wine bar at night on the patio. Casque invites you to listen to some great music every Saturday from 6-9 pm.
When Kory Koehler acquired the property in 1997, all of the estate grapes were being sold to local wineries. Koehler soon recognized that some of the best wines in the valley were being produced with grapes harvested from her own vineyard so she made the resolved to launch her own winery and tasting room. From the start, Kory Koehler's vision was to create a world-class winery committed to making premium wines at affordable prices.
Image: Saman Teher - Pixabay
Winemaker James Foster’s love for the land began as a child growing up on the family farm, the historic Roseland Plantation in Eufaula, Alabama. As a teenager, his love for the land spread to the vine: spending many summers as a “cellar rat” in various wineries, James had a full vineyard-to-bottle view of winemaking. Inspired to learn more, he studied Enology at Fresno State University, then honed his winemaking skills over the last 13 years at The Wine Group. Along the way, he has partnered with grower-winemakers from around the globe on a portfolio of varietally and regionally expressive, exceptional wines at all price points. Since 2009, James has worked with a team of winemakers on crafting flipflop wines. By collaborating closely with partner winemakers at the source, he is able to stay true to each wine’s varietal character.
David Girard Vineyards is nestled in the Sierra foothills near where the south fork of the American River gave up its gold in 1849. At an elevation of some 1,200 feet soil, temperature and conditions, an environment ideally suited to growing the premier grape varietals of southern France's Rhône valley. Twenty years ago the folks at David Girard started with little more than good earth, a tolerance for risk and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. The winery has established a solid reputation for excellence and value by producing Rhône style wines in the heart of one of California's most historic regions.
Terre Rouge and Easton Wines
Founded in the late 1980s by Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines has established itself as a notable presence in the wine industry. Winemaker Bill Easton, one of the original Rhône Rangers, pioneered the cultivation of Rhône varietals in the Sierra Foothills under the TERRE ROUGE label. The EASTON portfolio features Amador County favorites, including old vine Zinfandel and Barbera.
The wines produced by Terre Rouge and Easton are characterized by their balance and elegance, with complexity that evolves as they age in the bottle. This process, known in French as élevage, refers to the "raising" of wine in the bottle. There is a distinct art to this style of winemaking, offering great pleasure in wines that are ready to enjoy while still holding significant potential for future aging.
Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso
The Hope family arrived in Paso Robles in 1978 in search of land and new opportunity. As they’ve planted vineyards, grown grapes and made wine over the past 30 years, Paso Robles has become a viticulture region of significance, capable of producing world-class wines. As one of the pioneering families of this distinctive wine community, the Hope family is dedicated to sustainable farming and making wines that are delicious, accessible and memorable. Still family-owned and operated, Hope Family Wines now makes five individual brands: Liberty School, Treana, Candor, Troublemaker and Austin Hope.
We tasted three pinot's a syrah and two cabs. The three pinot's were from the same vineyard in Sonoma but from three different blocks. Three distinctly different wines. All very Burgundian in crafting but with that amazing Sonoma Coast fruit. My favorite style...French winemaking but with CA fruit! The Syrah was amazing. Once again, very French. Northern Rhone in crafting but with Bennet Valley fruit. The Cabs...well, they were quite simply amazing. Two totally different wines from two different AVA's.
