In 1970, San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach and his wife Christine staked their claim in the wine grape business by purchasing 24 acres of old-vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. In the early seventies, the De Loaches decided to acquire additional vineyard land. For several years they watched others make notable wine from their grapes before making the decision to produce wine under the De Loach label in 1975.
Michael and David Phillips represent the fifth generation of growers in Lodi, and things are changing. With 650 acres of premium wine grapes, there is plenty of room for experimentation and innovation.
The Phillips Family and Lodi have a long history together. They have been farming the soil since the 1860s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. The founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who raised their families in the vineyard. Now, the 6th generation has joined the team with Mike’s daughter, Melissa. The Phillips Family, more than most, understands the importance of leaving the land better than they found it for future generations. Their family legacy and love of Lodi drive their focus on sustainability.
Cinnabar Winery is a family-owned establishment that embraces winemaking as a harmonious blend of science and nature's magic. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, their vibrant Saratoga and Gilroy Tasting Rooms serve as the heart of the winery, where they collaborate with local growers to transform California's finest grapes into distinctive and approachable wines.
History
Founded in 1983 by the late Tom Mudd, Cinnabar initially planted vineyards and constructed a majestic winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Following Tom's passing, the estate changed hands in 2007, and Cinnabar relocated to its new home in downtown Saratoga.
In 2019, Ron Mosley, the original vineyard manager, took ownership, completing a remarkable full-circle journey. Ron is dedicated to honoring Cinnabar's legacy while steering the business toward an exciting future. Cinnabar's philosophy remains rooted in the joy of creating serious wine with a sense of fun.
Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.
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.
he Smeding family has a four generation history of working in agriculture in the Napa Valley. It all started in the 1920’s when Lettie’s Scandinavian grandparents Ivar and Saima Asplund came to the Napa Valley, purchased land, and began farming. The Smeding family has long had a love of horses. They all ride Quarter Horses and Arabians on trail and when working their cattle. Current vintages can be tasted and purchased at Napa Wine Company. The Tasting Room At Napa Wine Company Hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm, 7 days a week No appointment necessary; Ideally located in the center of Napa Valley, just across the street from the infamous Oakville Grocery, The Tasting Room at Napa Wine Company invites you to stop in for a unique wine tasting experience.
A visit to the Nichelini Family Winery offers an experience of the Napa Valley the way it used to be: serene, rustic, and independent. Get away from the crowds and travel the 8 miles up into the hills east of the Silverado Trail, past Lake Hennessy and through the scenic cliffs of Sage Canyon Road. It's a small production, historic, pre-prohibition family winery. One is welcomed in almost immediately as family and greeted with a line of fine, well crafted wines that reflect the care and thought that went in to their creation. Winemaker Amy is passionate about her job and the staff are genuinely happy to play host to visitors Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm, or Monday through Thursday by appointment.
A cozy tasting room and they were even dog friendly! Wine was delicious and owners were really friendly and great to talk to. The tasting was $6 - not bad at all when you compare them to Napa, but a little different when you compare them to all the wineries in Grass Valley who don't charge for tastings. This is more of a place you spend the evening with a good glass of wine rather than a "learn about each type of wine in detail" because there were lots of people in the tasting room and they didn't have a lot of time to explain every wine to us. However, on a recent weekend visit, a Sunday it was far more relaxed.
Image Randy Caparoso
Louis M. Martini is one of the old wineries known for their Cabernets. They have a nice patio area where you can bring a picnic while doing your wine tasting. When we walked in the tasting room, we walked up to the counter and selected the $15 tasting of three cabernets. We were give the first pour at the counter and were told we could go into large patio area and sit at one of the tables where our tasting could continue. Meanwhile, we setup our picnic and enjoyed our tastings with our picnic. The sever was very informative and came back with the next pour on our tasting menu when we were ready. The pours were generous and we were also given pours of the Meritage and Monte Rosso in the $20 tasting menu as well. It great place to bring a picnic to have your wine tasting in their nice patio area. Would definitely recommend.
After a day of trekking around Yountville and St Helena I wound up at Girard Winery. Girard stays open till 7, very smart move I must say as they get the overflow of folks looking for a place to continue their wine tasting adventures or a place to grab drinks before heading off to a nice dinner. It's not a showy vineyard or winery so if you are looking for the fluff you will not find it (although it is a nice tasting room). What you will find are some REALLY GREAT WINES.
