Zinfandel

Zinfandel

M2 Wines

Picture of M2 winemaker Layne Montgomery

m2 Wines was founded in 2004 with the aim of creating dynamic artisan wines from distinctive vineyards in Lodi, the Sierra Foothills, and Napa Valley. The winery blends traditional and modern winemaking techniques to ensure each bottle captures the true essence of its vineyard. Their wines are enjoyable right away and improve with age. Whether visitors are in the stunning tasting room or savoring a bottle at home, they can feel the passion and care that goes into every wine.

Guests are invited to join for a tasting and experience the dedication and artistry that define m2 Wines. The state-of-the-art facility, surrounded by picturesque vineyards, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying their award-winning wines. From bold Zinfandels to elegant blends, there is something to delight every palate. Visitors can explore the legacy of m2 Wines and become part of its story.

Lago Di Merlo Vineyards & Winery

people enjoying wine

At just five years old, Harry Merlo Sr. began his journey in the wine industry, stomping grapes with his feet beneath the railroad tracks in the Italian section of Stirling City, California. His father, Giuseppe Merlo, an Italian immigrant known as the wine steward of the High Sierra lumber town, would place a washtub on the woodshed floor, dump in a 50-pound lug of zinfandel grapes, and young Harry would eagerly stomp away. Harry often jokes that his years in wine qualify him as a true connoisseur—thanks to his permanently purple feet.

The family tradition flourished when Harry acquired his own vineyard near Geyserville, California, in 1965. By the mid-1960s, he delivered his first truckload of grapes to the Italian Swiss Colony Winery, receiving a receipt priced at $50 per ton after weighing his truck.

This passion for winemaking extended to the next generation, with Harry’s son, Harry Jr., pursuing viticulture and enology at California State University, Fresno. After graduation, Harry Jr. took the reins as Manager of Lago di Merlo Vineyards & Winery at the family’s Merlo Ranch in Sonoma County.

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Loxton Cellars

vineyard in fall colors

The property is small and nothing fancy but more likely than not, your wine tasting will be led by the vintner himself, who came to Sonoma with nothing and built this small winery with his own hands. He's a great host who truly understands and loves wine. It's a delightful experience and the wine is priced very reasonably compared to many other wineries in the area.

Bella Grace Vineyards

winery sign

Bella Grace, like many other Plymouth wineries, is lovely and sophisticated without pretension. I must say that I am always pleased with the friendly service and warm greetings we receive when we arrive. Their 2010 Barbera is a multi-award winner. I have to say that this is a must-have! I've rarely tasted anything like it. Super friendly staff here, and the owner was very nice as well. The wine cave was worth checking out; its cool temperature was a haven from the summer heat. And...tasting is free! Wine Cave - 22715 Upton Road Plymouth, CA Open Saturday & Sunday 11-4 during winter Sutter Creek Tasting Room 73 Main Street Sutter Creek CA Open Thursday - Monday 11-5

Charles Krug

wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

Krug is an incredible piece of Napa history but the wines don't take second seat to this fact. Their tasting room is relaxed, low-key and not overdone. They don't need to distract you from their great wines and great staff. 

Mariah Vineyards

wine by the fireside - Pixabay

Dan and Vicki Dooling originally planted the Mariah Vineyard in 1980 and continue to manage it today, along with their children. The Mariah Vineyard sits 2,600 feet above sea level in the Mendocino Ridge appellation. The Mendocino Ridge is unique in the world, as the vineyards must be above 1,200 feet. Situated on the rugged North Coast, just above the fog line. The Mariah Vineyard has sparse soils and is warmed each day before the maritime breezes are drawn westward and cool the vineyard, allowing the grapes to rest each night. These conditions prove challenging for growing grapes but result in fruit with intensity and rich, complex flavors.

Sobon Estate

white wine grape cluster - Pixabay

Shenandoah Vineyards

Located in Plymouth, CA, Shenandoah Vineyards was founded in 1977 by Shirley and Leon Sobon. The couple relocated from Los Altos, California, where Leon had a successful career as a Senior Scientist at the Lockheed Research Lab. Leon’s passion for home winemaking inspired him to leave Lockheed and embark on a new journey as a winemaker.

The selection of the winery site in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County was a well-researched decision. The Sobon family, including their six children, moved to the historic Steiner Ranch outside Plymouth, where they planted a vineyard and transformed the old stone garage into the winery. In 1989, they expanded their operations by acquiring the D'Agostini winery, leading to the formation of Sobon Estate.

Over the years, Leon has earned numerous national and international awards for the wines produced at Sobon Estate and Shenandoah Vineyards. Both family labels are distributed nationally and internationally, including in Canada, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. Leon is recognized as a leader in the wine industry, having served on various industry boards and committees, and he is frequently invited as a judge for prestigious wine-tasting competitions.

Today, winemaking and business operations remain a family affair. Shirley manages finance and the gallery, while Leon continues to impart his extensive winemaking knowledge into every vintage. Their sons, Paul and Robert, along with son-in-law Tom Quinn, uphold the family tradition that began decades ago, ensuring that Shenandoah Vineyards continues to thrive.

Cakebread Cellars

glasses of white wine - Pixabay

Cakebread Cellars' story begins with a piece of land, a family passionate about wine, and a community of friends and partners who helped bring the winery to life. Since its founding in 1973, Cakebread Cellars has aimed to create quality wines that pair beautifully with good food and good company. The wines reflect the personalities of their estate vineyards as well as the spirit of the entire team. They take pride in sharing these wines—from their family to yours.

Cantara Cellars

Entrance and sign for Cantara Cellars

Cantara Cellars is a tasting room producing a broad selection of award winning red and white wines located in the in the heart of Ventura County. Chris and Mike Brown’s winery specializes in producing wines from grapes they have selected from the Lodi Appellation in Northern California know for in Zinfandel and a host of other varietals. Each wine expresses both the passion for making fine wines, and enjoyment of the distinctive flavors found in Lodi grapes that this couple has a passion for. Cantara Cellars began in 2002 as a private winery at Mike and Chris Brown's Moorpark home. Beginning with just 250 pounds of Chardonnay hand harvested from Mike's parent's vineyards in Lodi California, they fermented their first 18 gallons of wine! Over the next few years they opened a public tasting room in October 2007. 

Hours:
Mon      Closed
Tues     Closed
Wed       3:00pm to  9:00pm
Thur      3:00pm to  9:00pm
Fri         3:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat      12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sun     12:00pm to  7:00pm

 

Novy Family Wines

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Novy Cellars is owned by Adam & Dianna Lee (of Siduri Wines) and Dianna’s family (her parents, Adolph & Rose Marie Novy, and her brothers and sisters-in-law, David & Angela, Bryan & Kathy, and Steven & Marie Novy).

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