LaRocca Vineyards was born in 1984 when Philip and Judy began farming 110 acres of unkept Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wine grapes, on Doe Mill Ridge in Forest Ranch, California. Philip and Judy transformed the vineyard to a thriving, successful certified organic operation. LaRocca Vineyards is located at 2600 feet elevation on the lower southern slopes of Mount Lassen.
Reserving a tasting time was simple, I called in the morning and was able to reserve a tasting time for the afternoon for myself and my guests. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a very gracious host who was very knowledgable in wines and we were served with delicious wines.
Kathy and Rich gave a great tasting and tour. They actually let the wine speak for itself. They were busy telling us about the plots of land and the intricacies of planting grapes in granite, while our small group quietly enjoyed three of their fantastic wines. With wine this good, we didn't need to be told what to look for in the nose, we just enjoyed it. If our glass was empty during the vineyard tour, no problem, Rich kept the bottle in hand and was happy to refill the glass. Oh yeah, and the view. At 1400 feet, the tasting room and patio have an incredible view of the valley. Take the 2:30 tasting so you can watch the sun start to set. Our intended 30 minute run in for a taste turned into more than an hour and a half of winery heaven. I wish we could have spent the evening in their tasting room. Make this appointment first, then plan the rest of your day.
At Souverain the goal is to make authentic wines that are the best expression of each varietal and Alexander Valley. Souverain believes that consumers deserve to drink great wine every night. Souverain love affair with producing wines has stretched back over 60 years and during that time they have produced award winning wines, have received numerous accolades and praise from the wine press.
Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 in beautiful Mendocino County by Barney and Kathleen Fetzer. One of the first California wineries to branch out into serious Chardonnay production, Fetzer remains committed to sustainability and environmentally conscious wine production. Dennis Martin oversees all wine-making at Fetzer and is assisted by Charlie Gilmore and Michael Chupp, who are in charge of white wine making and red wine making respectively.
For over 40 years, the grapes at this vineyard have thrived on volcanic earth, snowmelt waters from Lassen Volcanic National Park, and abundant sunshine in the new AVA of Manton Valley. Genuine farming practices are employed, with friends and neighbors coming to help during the harvest and, of course, to enjoy the wine.
The vineyard's altitude provides cool nights during the hot summer growing season, and the vines are planted in well-drained, volcanic soils on arid slopes. As a result, the grapes exhibit great tannic structure and firm fruit acids. With meticulous attention to detail, the winemakers strive for a distinctive mountain character with focused flavors.
Had a wonderful afternoon enjoying the variety of wines from this lovely little vineyard. John and Linda Alger poured for us and took extra time to explain some of the complexities of the wines. The tasting room and outside deck area are tranquil and relaxing and the wines are excellent. Produces an outstanding Syrah!!
Papapietro Perry Winery specializes in small lots of handcrafted, single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Zinfandel produced from the finest grapes the Russian River, Anderson and Dry Creek Valleys have to offer.
When we visited they had a vintage car display as well as lots of vendors selling their goods and offering food samples. The tasting room is quite large, and while there were lots of groups there, we did not have to wait too long for the tasting. They also have a separate olive oil and balsamic tasting room. B.R. Cohn is a large winery with retail distribution and they make wines using grapes not only from their local estate, but mostly from all over wine country.
Artwork by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery - Gallery | Agata Art Gallery
Fourth generation wine grower Ray Teldeschi and his wife Lori, have some of the oldest zinfandel vines in Dry Creek Valley. In 2005 they released their first vintage of old vine Zin and Cabernet and they’ve been winning blind tastings ever since.
Viano Vineyards enjoys the cooling breezes from the Carquinez Straits, providing the perfect balance of heat and coolness. This location boasts a combination of ideal soil and climatic conditions favorable for growing premium wine grapes, including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, French Colombard, Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel.
Founded by the Viano family in 1920, this family estate, now in its 4th and 5th generations, purchased an already planted vineyard established in 1888. The vineyard reminded the Viano family of their vineyards in Piedmont, Italy. Once named Vine Hill, this area was rich in grapes and home to more than 15 wineries.
Some of the original vines still remain, while the rest of the vineyard has been expanded and replanted to cater to new world tastes and desires. Using the most natural cultural practices possible, combined with traditional winemaking techniques, including natural yeast and aging in small oak cooperage, Viano Vineyards brings fine handcrafted wines to their patrons.
