Zinfandel

Zinfandel

Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery

people sharing wine

Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery If you haven't checked out this winery yet you are missing out. Sure this place doesn't have large gardens or a picturesque picnic area... but this place is amazing where it counts... the wine.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards is a remarkable estate, nestled in the heart of the Temecula Valley. It was one of the last great undeveloped properties in Temecula and has all the characteristics of a great wine estate: rolling hills, different microclimates, three distinct soil types and multiple elevations. The property provides an ideal growing climate as well as scenic vistas from which to enjoy the beautiful landscape that is Temecula.

The property was purchased in 2006. Although a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard existed on a portion of the estate, the majority of the property was virgin soil. This soil was ideal for the planting of several varietals, including Pinot Grigio, Barbera, and Sangiovese. Indeed, it was the diversity of the land that convinced Robert and his family of the potential for the property to become a truly great wine estate.

Summerland Winery

grape cluster - Pixabay

Summerland Winery is a boutique winery dedicated to the production of fine wines from the Central Coast of California. Nebil “Bilo” Zarif founded Summerland Winery in 2002 with the goal of producing premium wines from expressive vineyard sources spanning from Santa Barbara to Monterey. Since then, the winery has built a name synonymous with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 14+ different varietals from 9 renowned vineyards allow the Central Coast and Single Vineyard Collections to showcase their excellent fruit character combined with strong regional character. The winery’s tasting room is located in Summerland’s charming seaside setting, just 10 minutes south of Santa Barbara.

Bonneau Wines

grape cluster - Pixabay

In 1921 August and Catherine Bonneau purchased 70 acres of land in Schellville, about 8 miles south of the town of Sonoma, California. This was a very remote area at the time, requiring a full day's travel time from San Francisco. This area reminded the Bonneaus of the Bordeaux region of France near the area where they were born. This little boutique winery is serving up some way above average wine and atmosphere!! The Bonneau Wine Room is located in the Carneros Deli (you know that great little gourmet deli on the corners of 116 & 121 by the 76 station on your way out to Infinion Raceway??)

Cupcake Vineyards

grape cluster

These tasty little wines were introduced nationally in 2008 from California’s Central Coast and represented a finely crafted, fruit-forward, indulgent and eminently approachable style of wine. The inaugural release included Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Adam has used his experience and relationships around the world to add seven international wines to the lineup. http://underdogwinemerchants.com/

Read our guide to Livermore Wines and Wineries

Caparone Winery

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Celebrating forty years as a small artisan winery, they specialize in high-quality red wines. Their approach involves crafting wines that reflect their own preferences, emphasizing complexity, balance, and the right amount of acidity and tannins to ensure aging potential and meal compatibility. By carefully aligning their vines with their microclimate, they produce wines with vibrant fruit and varietal character at a moderate alcohol level. Their passion lies in classic-style wines—those that can age and enhance over decades, offering multi-dimensional profiles without excessive oak influence. This is the essence of what they strive to create.

Terra Rouge and Easton Wines

clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

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

Ponte Winery

people sharing wine

The winery: Service was great. Wine tasting was nice, definitely do that. Lots to choose from and the chips are really good. The wines were nice as well. We took the tour which was pretty cool. The tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable. He took us on a tour of the winery, told us a little about the surrounding area and the process how the wine is made. 

Thomas George Estate

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Step foot into their "cave" and see how the other half lives. The barrel tasting was fantastic and you couldn't help but hang out inside this cavern all day. The conversation was friendly and light while the service remained educated and proper keeping true to most Napa Valley wineries without actually being in Napa. The furniture lightly dressed the hallways as you make your way back out and into their tasting room. The space is equally as refined as their wine-makers palate.

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

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