Zinfandel

Zinfandel

Pacific Star Winery

Purple grapes - Art - Pixabay

The imposing redwood and stone barn structure nestles into the cliff side, protected from crashing waves by a flat rock bench eroded over eons. The cellar is filled with French, Hungarian and American oak barrels and specialty equipment suited to handcrafted wine production. The unique location lets magical forces come into play; waves crash into sea caves under the cellar, naturally filtering wine from its sediment. Salt from sea air deposits on barrels accelerating osmosis while creating viscous and dense wines. This is what Sally Ottoson has come to call Pacific Star Winery.

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.

Peachy Canyon Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

The Peachy Canyon "Old Schoolhouse" tasting room, situated in the heart of Paso Robles' wine country along Highway 46 West, is a landmark attraction. The historic Old Bethel Schoolhouse, dating back to 1886, is a must-visit destination. Guests can enjoy tasting the world-famous Estate Zinfandels, along with over 15 other handcrafted small-batch Rhone and Bordeaux varietals that are exclusive to this location.

The last available guided-tasting session is at 4:00 PM, with a by-the-glass option offered until 4:30 PM.

Please note that while reservations are recommended, they are not required. Walk-ins are welcome as long as a team member is available. There is also a new dog policy: while dogs are beloved, they are not allowed inside the tasting room. Well-behaved and properly socialized dogs on a leash are permitted in the designated "dog area" with their owners. However, dogs that bark, growl, or are off-leash will be asked to leave. Tasting service in the dog area is limited to flight service, or one person from the group can come inside to receive the next wine pour.

Peirano Estate Vineyards

winery's logo

In 1992, Peirano Estate Vineyards began bottling and selling wine using their estate grown grapes. Until this point, Lance Randolph, fourth generation Peirano, produced wine simply for his enjoyment and that of his close family and friends. The rest of the grapes were sold to winemakers across the country. It was well-known amongst Lance’s family and friends that he had a knack for making well-balanced, elegant wines but was not interested in selling it to the masses. At their insistence, Lance began bottling and selling his wine to wine enthusiasts throughout the United States.

Fellom Ranch Vineyards

pouring wine - Pixabay

Fellom Ranch was founded in 1928 by Senator Roy Fellom. The land was already planted with vines, but prohibition was in effect at the time. According to reports the vines were tended by local families who harvested the grapes for their own use as payment. The 12 acre vineyard was eventually largely replanted and in 1987 the winery became bonded to sell wines.

Titus Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

f you can get an appointment here, I highly suggest doing it. A lot of the valley wineries are commercial and push sales and have tons of tourists - not here! This is a laid back, family owner, quality one on one experience. We arrived and were the only ones there and were greeted by our tour guide and his dog 29 (aptly named after the highway that runs through Napa). We sat on a bench outside the old house that serves as their headquarters and enjoyed many of their wines and their homegrown olive oil. A small family winery on the Silverado Trail. Just love their reds. Great Deal ! ! Wines are underpriced at least 30%, and no charge for tasting. You need to call for an appointment and it is a little hard to find but worth it.

Secret Ravine Vineyards & Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

Vines were plentiful in 1867 in Placer County. As gold was depleted the miners switched to planting vineyards and orchards to make a living. Secret Ravine's property at one time produced Zinfandel and Tokay grapes. In later years the vines were removed and cows grazed the area. In the late 1900’s the property was used for the raising and training of horses, consequently the need for the large barn (now the winery). In 1998 one acre of the property was once again returned to the production of wine grapes. Currently Secret Ravine has 3.5 acres producing, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc. Hours are Sat. and Sun. from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

Cooper Vineyards

Ancient Zinfandel - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Everyone working there was extremely friendly and generous with the servings. The tasting room has an open layout with a decent-sized counter and several tables. The tasting room is warm and inviting with a rustic feel. Barrels line the walls and serve as the base of the tables.  Ancient Zinfandel - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Mayo Family Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Mayo Family Winery produces small lots of single-vineyard wines under the premise that the world's most interesting and highest quality wines must come from a single-vineyard source that can be expressed in the wines' aroma, taste and texture. Founded in 1993, the winery has two winemaking facilities in Glen Ellen, California, each fitted and equipped to produce particular types of wines. Mayo Family wines are only sold online or in their tasting room attached to the winery in the town of Glen Ellen and their two other tasting rooms in Sonoma Valley.

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