Zinfandel

Zinfandel

Blacksmith Cellars

painting women with wine

In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith embarked on his journey with Blacksmith Cellars, debuting his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This elegant wine quickly captured the attention of wine enthusiasts, showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of exceptional independent winemaking.

By 2005, Smith expanded his repertoire with the release of his first white wine, the 2004 Monterey Chenin Blanc, which earned a prestigious 4 Star Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition.

While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc remain the flagship offerings of Blacksmith Cellars, Smith’s passion for exploration is evident in his diverse portfolio. Over the years, he has introduced classic varietals like Syrah and Chardonnay, alongside lesser-known treasures such as Torrontés and Verdelho. Wine lovers can also savor his exceptional proprietary blends, “Adamantine” and “Hephaestus,” making a visit to Blacksmith Cellars a must for those seeking unique and high-quality wines in California's vibrant wine country.

In 2003, winemaker Matt Smith launched Blacksmith Cellars with the release of his 2001 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant wine that celebrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition of great independent winemaking. Rock Wall Wine Company represents a new chapter in the East Bay urban winemaking scene. Founded and operated by a group of industry veterans, including Kent Rosenblum and his daughter, winemaker Shauna Rosenblum. Rock Wall wines are founded on the philosophy of the right grape in the right place and are the result of many long-term relationships with acclaimed vineyards. Grapes are sourced from all over California.

Image-painting women with wine by wine artist Agata Zamborowski

Riboli Family Wine Estates

Winery Logo

The Riboli Family WInes Estates/San Antonio Winery in LA offers complimentary tasting and winery tours. The Winery features Riboli Family of Wines and a unique and varied selection from around the wine world. Actually have 3 locations in LA, Ontario east of LA and in Paso Robles.

Christopher Creek Winery

Grape Cluster - Pixabay

The variety & quality of the wines were great. The owners were also very friendly & accomodating to our dogs, allowed them in the tasting room and even shut the door so they could run free. It was a gorgeous day and when another group decided to taste outside on the deck, we decided to finish ours there as well, a really nice outdoor space with great views.

Quivira Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Tasting room is charming and served by caring staff who know the wines and vineyards. The solar panel roof is amazing. We enjoyed walking around the various garden beds filled with fresh vegetables and flowers. The "chicken condo" is amusing, and must be a delight for visitors with children.

Martin Ranch Winery

Winemakers Thérèse and Dan Martin

This winery is fun! They're only open the third weekend of the month. Tucked away down Redwood Retreat Road about 3.5 miles from Watsonville Road, the drive to get here is truly spectacular. They are only open the third weekend of each month and passport weekends. They ask that you sign in and they then give you name tags with your first name on it. The staff was friendly and the owners Therese and Dan were walking around greeting people. Dan and Therese Martin clearly have a passion for making great wine. They have scores of awards for their wine but that's not what they lead with. Their tasting room is welcoming and intimate. The vibe is comfortable and engaging. Martin Ranch produces a variety of wines from Chardonnay to Cab Franc, Sauvignon Blanc to Sangiovese.

Sones Cellars

woman enjoying wine with an ocean view

Sones Cellars

Sones Cellars is a local, urban family winery producing small lots of fine quality, distinctive wines from grape varieties that flourish in California. Since 2003, Sones has focused on Petite Sirah and Zinfandel from exceptional vineyards in Central California. We also explore other grape varieties for ones that produce top-quality wines reflecting our local environment. All Sones wines are made in small lots with careful attention to detail and with minimal intervention during the winemaking process.

Open every Thursday through Sunday
Thurs: 2-5 PM
Fri: 2-6 PM
Sat: 1-6 PM
Sun: 1-5 PM

Dillian Wines

ancient Zinfandel Vine - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Dillian Wines is a small family winery specializing in Zinfandel, Barbera and Primitivo. Owner Tom Dillian has been growing high-quality grapes in Amador County for over 30 years. The winery tasting room is modeled after the home built by Tom's grandfather in the early 1900s and sits on property owned by the Dillians since 1917. The Dillian family, their fine wines and gracious hospitality remain Amador County trademarks. Dillian Wines is a small family winery specializing in Zinfandel, Barbera and Primitivo. Ancient Zinfandel Vine - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Stuhlmuller Vineyards & Winery

small bites and wine tasting too - Pixabay

Since 1982, Stuhlmuller Vineyards has built a reputation as growers of world-class grapes, selling their coveted fruit to a number of top area wineries. By the mid-‘90s, Fritz Stuhlmuller was so inspired by the complex wines being made from his family’s vineyard that he established a small, artisan winery bearing the Stuhlmuller name.

Raymond Vineyard & Cellar

glass of wine - Pixabay

Raymond Vineyards, founded in 1970 is one of Napa Valley's great estates. Through the years, Raymond Vineyards has built an enduring legacy for elegant wines with beautiful balance, finesse, power, and complexity. Five generations of the Raymond family imbued the winery with a sense of its deep roots in the Napa Valley and a commitment to honor those roots through every wine produced. Today, Raymond is an integral part of Boisset Family Estates. Raymond Vineyards is renowned for its 100% Cabernet Sauvignons made with grapes from the most prestigious Napa Valley appelations.

Peju Province Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

The tasting room is beautiful, especially the natural stone bar in the room furthest from the entrance. The gardens are also worth the visit, with human-high flowers and an eclectic collection of sculptures. Oh yeah, and one of the guys in the tasting room yodels - definitely a forgotten art.

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