The wines are great. There are two basic tasting menus, the market list and the reserve list. The market list is wine you can find at your local store. Most of these wines are good, but for the really good stuff you won't see in stores spend a bit more and sample the reserve list.
Schrader Cellars produces an ultra-premium portfolio of wines from single vineyard estate vineyards from the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Red Hills Lake County appellations. Schrader Cellars offers their wines exclusively via our mailing list and at the finest restaurants and wine shops in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Optima began as a dream producing just 400 cases in 1984, now, the winery is continuing their tradition of producing premium, world class wines. Optima specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel Port, and Chardonnay. Stopped by for Passport weekend. Amazing wines! Hard to find but well worth looking for.
Milano Family Winery specializes in some of the more unknown varietals such as Carignane, Charbono and Valdiguie as well as the more known Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Merlot. Housed in an former hop kiln this quaint tasting room is just off highway 101 just south of Hopland. I was quite impressed with the tasting room staff and the genuine feeling that you get when you first enter the room. The wine itself isn't earth shattering, but it's decent quality enough to keep most visitors interested.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards continues the tradition begun by their ancestors. That of creating the finest of wines for your enjoyment.
When Davis Bynum created Barefoot Bynum Burgundy—the first ever Barefoot wine—in his garage in Albany, California.
We changed our name to Barefoot Cellars, created the famous footprint label and quickly captured the hearts of our fans.
We struck gold. Jennifer Wall, winemaker extraordinaire, joined our team and sprinkled her magic dust on our line of fun, delicious wines.
The tasting room that I like to visit. There is nothing touristy about it - it is simple and understated. And the wine? So good! A great little find. A campy tasting room that includes the aroma of wine laden wooden barrels ended up with some of the most aged wines.
Old Creek Ranch Winery's flagship wine is Zinfandel, a varietal that has been part of the winery's legacy since its inception in 1981. In 1993, the winery expanded its vineyard with the planting of Mourvèdre, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 7) shortly thereafter. By 2000, Syrah Noir was added to their diverse selection.
The winery specializes in boutique wines crafted from these varietals, along with exquisite blends and a unique Syrah Port. Old Creek Ranch Winery is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, welcoming walk-ins with open arms. For parties of six or more, reservations are requested. Appointments are available Monday through Friday for those looking to explore the winery's offerings further.
A family-owned winery located in Redwood Valley, CA—the heart of Mendocino County. Silversmith is named after the family's ancestor, Patrick Cunningham, who worked as a silversmith upon arrival in America in the 1840's.
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.
This was homiest and friendliest of the 3 wineries we visited. The view off the hill cannot be beat. It is gorgeous. It was neat to see the vines with fruit hanging off of them. Some of it had been picked and was waiting for pick-up, which happened quite often as the owner whizzed by on his ATV. We could see people in the back taking the grapes he had just delivered and running them through a press.
Come for the Wine. Stay for the View.
Guests are invited to savor award-winning, small-batch wines while enjoying breathtaking canyon views. With a production of only 1,500 cases each year, these wines are exclusively sold through the Sales Room. Reservations are recommended, and required on weekends in October. Walk-in guests will be seated as space allows. For reservation information, guests are encouraged to reach out.
Dogs are welcome on a supervised leash, and children may visit with parental supervision. Limos are not permitted without prior approval, especially during events and on weekends in September and October. Photographers are welcome during business hours.
Photo courtesy of Photographer Randy Caparoso
