Albini Family Vineyards only sell two kinds of wine - Zinfandel and Merlot. This year, there are three varieties of wine available: First, is the 2008 Zinfandel (500 cases; Russian River Valley); Second is the 2008 Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyard (500 cases; Russian River Valley); Third is the 2008 Merlot (Russian River Valley).
Black Sheep Winery opened in 1984, featuring small releases of wine handcrafted from high-quality grapes grown in Calaveras, and Amador Counties. Black Sheep Winery produces about 2,500 cases of wine per year, specializing in Zinfandels, but also producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and a second label called True Frogs Lily Pad Wines. This wine pays homage to jumping frog heritage here in Calaveras County!
Image courtesy Randy Caparoso
Way out along the Adelaida Road stands a little red farmhouse, home to Tolo Cellars. Josh Gibson, proprietor and winemaker, offers a sumptuous array of wines including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Barbera, and exotic Rhone Blends all sourced from vineyards tucked away in the rustic hills, where once frolicked the pioneers of the Adelaide Township.
This historically adventures area, marked by rugged terrain, offers ideal hillside conditions for vines bearing hardy and distinctive wine grapes.
Josh's goals in winemaking is to allow these vineyards, each with its own "flora and fauna" to express themselves in a glorious harmony. Thus, all his wines are fermented on native yeast, allowing the robust and wild flavors of the vines to exude in the wines. The results are libations of uncommon depth and mysterious character - much like the surrounding hillsides.
Josh opened his tasting room in 2005, though he was well-versed in the Far Out lifestyle long before that. As assistant winemaker at Le Cuvier for several years, Josh learned the tricks of crafting high quality wines in small lots, limiting production to just around 1,200 cases.
Discover the Charm of Terre Rouge and Easton Wines: A Journey Through California's Rhône Varietals
Located in the heart of Amador County, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines is a captivating story of passion and dedication, brought to life by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan. Established in the late 1980s, this winery is a must-visit for any California wine lover eager to explore the unique flavors of the Sierra Foothills.
A Winemaker’s Journey
Bill Easton’s winemaking adventure began in the 1970s when he founded Solano Cellars, a Berkeley wine shop specializing in artisanal wines from around the globe. His experiences in the shop and extensive travels through Europe shaped his refined palate and distinctive winemaking style. Bill's approach celebrates balance and elegance, creating wines that evolve beautifully over time—a practice the French call élevage, or "raising" the wine in the bottle. Each bottle not only offers immediate enjoyment but also hints at its potential for further aging.
In 1986, Bill crafted his first Rhône red blend, marking the start of his serious winemaking journey. By 1994, the couple had moved to their current winery and expanded their portfolio, with Bill earning recognition as one of the original Rhône Rangers and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his pioneering efforts in bringing Rhône varietals to the Sierra Foothills.
Culinary Creativity
Jane O’Riordan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly alongside Bill’s winemaking. She launched her first business, Cottonfield, in 1975, a fabric shop that inspired creativity through quilting and garment making. When the opportunity arose to expand Solano Cellars, Jane took on the role of chef at their Bistro, where she crafted a rotating menu that perfectly paired with Bill’s wine selections. Today, Jane continues to bring her culinary expertise to Terre Rouge and Easton events, delighting guests with her delicious creations.
The Terroir of Terre Rouge
The name Terre Rouge, meaning "Red Earth," beautifully reflects the region's distinctive vermillion soil, a defining characteristic of their vineyards. The land, rich in granite and volcanic minerals, nurtures a diverse array of Rhône varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. The high elevation of their vineyards—reaching up to 3,200 feet—adds complexity and depth to each bottle.
Easton Wines: A Tribute to Tradition
Bill's family name graces the Easton label, which showcases non-Rhône varietals that thrive in the Sierra Foothills. Here, ancient and old-vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc shine, alongside emerging varietals like Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Each wine is crafted with a deep respect for the region's history and potential.
Visit Terre Rouge and Easton Wines
For wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, Terre Rouge and Easton Wines offers more than just tastings; it’s an invitation to explore the artistry of winemaking in one of California’s most beautiful regions. Join Bill and Jane for a sip of their exceptional wines, paired with delightful culinary creations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Amador County’s wine country.
Gamba Vineyards is a small, family owned vineyard and winery business in Sonoma County, California. The over century old 27.5 acre Gamba Estate Vineyard parcel rests on th Eastern edge of the beautiful Russian River Valley Appellation, on gently rolling benchland above the valley floor. Planted to Zinfandel in 1900, the Gamba Estate Vineyard consists primarily of Old Vine Zinfandel, as well as small separate blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon. With ideal This vineyard winery has been family owned since 1900. Gamba Specializes in old vine zines. Gamba Estate Vineyards & Winery is only open on Sunday, by appointment only. The outside looks like a church, while inside olives, meat, cheese, and lots of Zin. It is really something to ask how long the winery has been here and have them respond that "my family planted these grapes in the early 1900s.
Milliaire Winery, a small family-owned establishment, was founded by Liz and Steve Millier in 1983 in the cellar of their former home in Murphys, CA. By 1990, the winery had relocated to an old Flying A gas station on Main Street in Murphys. Every part of the building was put to use for daily operations: barrels stacked in the repair bays, wine tanks in the backyard, bottling done in the front yard, and a tasting room set up in the office. Locals joked about the contents of "those tanks," and a friend humorously named it the "Roadside Chateau." Driven by their passion for crafting premium wines from the Sierra Foothills, Milliaire Winery has since expanded to occupy an over 8,000-square-foot facility with a dedicated barrel room and modern crush pad. Despite this growth, the Milliaire tasting room remains in the beloved "Roadside Chateau" at 276 Main Street.
The Winemaker
Winemaker Steve Millier began his winemaking journey in 1975 at David Bruce Winery in Santa Cruz after earning his enology degree with an emphasis in viticulture from Fresno State. With over 40 harvests under his belt, Steve possesses a deep understanding of both the science and art of winemaking and grape growing. Part alchemist, part artist, and part farmer, Steve continues to explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun in the winery. His life's work results in great bottles of wine that everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy.
Milliaire Winery, a small family-owned establishment, was founded by Liz and Steve Millier in 1983 in the cellar of their former home in Murphys, CA. By 1990, the winery had relocated to an old Flying A gas station on Main Street in Murphys. Every part of the building was put to use for daily operations: barrels stacked in the repair bays, wine tanks in the backyard, bottling done in the front yard, and a tasting room set up in the office. Locals joked about the contents of "those tanks," and a friend humorously named it the "Roadside Chateau." Driven by their passion for crafting premium wines from the Sierra Foothills, Milliaire Winery has since expanded to occupy an over 8,000-square-foot facility with a dedicated barrel room and modern crush pad. Despite this growth, the Milliaire tasting room remains in the beloved "Roadside Chateau" at 276 Main Street.
The Winemaker
Steve Millier began his winemaking journey in 1975 at David Bruce Winery in Santa Cruz after earning his enology degree with an emphasis in viticulture from Fresno State. With over 40 harvests under his belt, Steve possesses a deep understanding of both the science and art of winemaking and grape growing. Part alchemist, part artist, and part farmer, Steve continues to explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun in the winery. His life's work results in great bottles of wine that everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy.
Écluse Wines and Lock Vineyard, created by Steve and Pam Lock, is a small, family-owned boutique winery producing estate wines from their Lock Vineyard. In 1997, they purchased 30 acres of gently rolling hillside terrain on the highly sought-after Westside of Paso Robles. The Locks are dedicated to producing limited-production, handcrafted, award-winning wines.
From the start, their philosophy has been that great fruit makes great wine. Owning their own winery onsite allows them the added benefit of picking and crushing small lots throughout the vineyard when the fruit has reached its peak flavors. This control from vineyard to bottle ensures that Écluse wines remain truly remarkable.
A frequently asked question is the origin of the name Écluse. Écluse is the French word for the locks on the canals that gently carve their way through the French countryside. Having enjoyed several beautiful barge trips in France, and with their last name being Lock, the name Écluse for their wines was a natural choice. Their label depicts an “écluse” from a photo taken while traveling down the canals through an actual lock in France.
John and Mancy now offer 4 wines: Chardonnay Pinot noir Zinfandel Mescalanza (a blend) Syrah Mescalanza ( a blend ) All 4 are great. You will be tasting at their house, by appointment only. It is a wonderful intimate experience. The Pinot is amazing.
The grounds are absolutely stunning and picturesque. The owners have taken great pride in maintaining the original tea garden settings, and make a great place for a relaxing picnic or sipping on some of there delicious wines. Great staff. Beautiful scenery.
Adobe Road Winery is a great place to hang.
Uniquely connected to the thrilling world of professional sports car racing, Kevin Buckler understands that achieving victories at speeds of 180 miles per hour requires extreme focus, attention, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. This same dedication applies to his passion for winemaking.
Following the remarkable success of his professional racing team, The Racers Group (TRG), Kevin and his wife Debra established Adobe Road Winery in the heart of Sonoma County in 2002. Their mission is to craft wines that embody the true essence of California’s most esteemed winegrowing regions. “We work hard to ensure that each bottle of Adobe Road wine showcases the best attributes of each individual vineyard within the appellations we source from,” Kevin explains. “We select the finest sites in Sonoma and Napa Valley for our elite Cabernet Sauvignons, while Dry Creek is chosen for our hedonistically rich Syrahs and Zinfandels. The Russian River and Petaluma Gap provide the ideal conditions for our ethereal Pinot Noirs and lavishly flavored yet sleek Chardonnays.”
