A Napa Valley rarity, they have free tastings here. I went all the way to Anderson Valley and most of those places still charge $5. And it's not like Heitz is pouring low-priced wine. I tasted an $80 cab that was four years out of vintage which was a joy to drink. They also sell a decades worth of library vintages from both Trailside and Martha's Vineyards. If $75 to $150 cabs are too much, then pick-up a balanced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for $20.

The Denner Winery was completed in time for the 2005 harvest. Ron and John believe that great architecture blends with the environment. Denner Winery, therefore is designed to fit into the rolling hills and is complementary to the geography and culture of the Central Coast and the wines they produce.

Inspired by Sylvia and William “Bill” Lytton, Avensole Winery was born into a family deeply rooted in tradition. The Lyttons had a profound love for music, wine, and family. Over the years, Sylvia and Bill, along with their children Sheldon and Maribeth, often traveled to Sylvia’s hometown of Vienna, Austria, to visit extended family. Austria, with its enchanting vineyards and centuries-old winemaking traditions, captivated them. Vienna, a European hub of music, wine, and food, played a special role in their lives. The fragrant aromas, picturesque landscapes, and time-honored winemaking customs left an indelible mark on the family, influencing their future.

Sylvia and Bill's shared passion for music is what brought them together. Sylvia, a talented pianist, performed throughout Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, often with a partner as part of a duo called "The Melody Twins." Bill, a skilled musician, played both the saxophone and clarinet. During his college years, he formed a band called "The Purple Syncopaters," which performed across the U.S. and Asia. When Sylvia moved to America, she and Bill were introduced, and their mutual love of music created an immediate bond. Their love endured throughout 54 years of marriage and continues through their children and grandchildren.

Inspired by their parents, Sheldon and Maribeth worked diligently to honor Sylvia and Bill’s legacy. Like his father, Sheldon became a lawyer, while Maribeth followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an accomplished concert pianist. Despite their careers, the siblings never forgot their family vacations and sought to capture the essence of their memories spent among Austria's elegant vineyards. In the Temecula Valley of California, they found a landscape and climate that reminded them of Austria, and they chose to establish their winery there, paying homage to their childhood memories.

Sylvia’s favorite wine was Gewurztraminer, a varietal she loved for its fragrant aromas and fruity notes. When Sheldon and Maribeth discovered that Gewurztraminer was already planted in the vineyard destined to become Avensole, they were surprised and saw it as a “sign” that they were “home.” Avensole became a part of the Lytton family heritage.

Today, Avensole Winery stands as a tribute to Sylvia, Bill, and Sheldon, who passed away in 2019. With every bottle produced, the winery honors the Lytton family’s vision. Their wines embody a harmonious blend of tradition, artistry, and the rich heritage of the vines.

Visitors are invited to experience the fruits of the Lytton family’s labor and be transported to a time of elegance, adventure, and the timeless magic of music and wine.

Located in Sonoma County, California, one of the world's premier wine producing areas, McIlroy Wines is a small, family based winery that creates outstanding wines. Only a small number of cases are produced each year.