Zinfandel

Zinfandel

Conrad Viano Winery

Viano Vineyards enjoys the cooling breezes from the Carquinez Straits, providing the perfect balance of heat and coolness. This location boasts a combination of ideal soil and climatic conditions favorable for growing premium wine grapes, including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, French Colombard, Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel.

Founded by the Viano family in 1920, this family estate, now in its 4th and 5th generations, purchased an already planted vineyard established in 1888. The vineyard reminded the Viano family of their vineyards in Piedmont, Italy. Once named Vine Hill, this area was rich in grapes and home to more than 15 wineries.

Some of the original vines still remain, while the rest of the vineyard has been expanded and replanted to cater to new world tastes and desires. Using the most natural cultural practices possible, combined with traditional winemaking techniques, including natural yeast and aging in small oak cooperage, Viano Vineyards brings fine handcrafted wines to their patrons.

Duffo Winery

Nestled on the Northeast border of the Temecula Valley sits Doffo Winery. Founded in 1997 by Marcelo Doffo, it is one of a few micro-boutique wineries in the region and the only one built around the former site of a Temecula historic landmark schoolhouse. Situated on 15 acres of rolling vineyards, the winery possesses a unique combination of old world and warm family charm. It is also home to MotoDoffo, the family's private collection of over 100 racing and vintage motorcycles.

Benziger Family Winery

This is a first class operation! Every employee you see is smiling, friendly, and happy. The tour was fantastic and seeing the inside of the caves they built years ago was memorable. The tasting room was big enough and there was no pressure to purchase any wines or join the clubs. Every wine we tasted was explained in detail and needless to say, superb. We enjoyed seeing the sheep grazing on the hillside and then running back to the barn. This is a don't miss winery and tour in Sonoma County.

Dube Vineyards

Dube Vineyards and winery is located in the small unincorporated community of Deerhorn Valley. Dube Vineyards offers the varietals they grow in their own vineyard (Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and beginning with this year's harvest, Zinfandel and Sangiovese), but in addition we go around to other local vineyards to select other varietals to supplement our production. In 2006 and again in 2007 we harvested Zinfandel and Syrah grapes from a vineyard in Campo, and made very nice blends from that.

Chiarello Vineyards

The 2011 Chiara Bianco is made from an Italian white wine grape, Ribolla Gialla, that hails from the northern region of Alto Adige. Just two acres of this grape is grown in Napa Valley. This is one of the few white wines made like a red, with two weeks of skin contact before fermentation, giving the wine wonderful mouth-feel, mild tannins, and enough acidity and structure to pair with range of richer foods.

A. Nonini Winery

A. Nonini Winery logo

A. Nonini Winery (aka Fresno's best-kept secret) was founded in 1936 by Antonio and Angiolina Nonini, and the business carries on managed by the fourth generation. We were pleased to tour the winery, starting with the 1941 Garolla grape crusher from Italy and ending with the finished product resting in the redwood tanks, which can easily be arranged by calling James Jordan.  They also have facilities for hosting special events. Be sure to try the Nonini Winery's Ruby Cabernet. The winery opens its tasting room from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.~

Hours:

Mon - Sat - 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Sunday                Closed

Dutch Henry Winery

Dutch Henry produces some great red wines. Dutch Henry was first recommended to me by an employee at another (very popular) winery. Dutch Henry produces some special edition terrier bottles of wine. Not only is the wine incredible, the artwork on the label is worthy of being saved on the wine rack. There are the cutest terriers at the winery who will great you upon your arrival.
Dutch Henry also sells wine under the name Chafen. Tastings here are $20, but I think it's well worth it if you are interested in trying great wine.

Twisted Roots Vineyard

Centered in the heart of the Lodi appellation, Twisted Roots Vineyard is the work of three generations of family members dedicated to the practice of growing great wine grapes following Sustainable Growing practices. While the family has had an established vineyard in 1918, it wasn't until recently that they began producing their own wines. ​ The family has a tasting room in Carmel Valley, CA.

Hawley Wine

The staff here was not your typical in-your-face, super-upseller, super high energy and friendly type of pourer-- but she was very helpful, sweet and laid back which was kind of nice for a change. The room itself is worth the stop! All the hand carved wood--surrounding the barrel-made bar in the middle of the room, the tasting bar, and the walls is beautiful. The wood gives this place a super relaxing, comfortable cozy wine tasting environment.

Inspiration Vineyards & Winery

Overall pretty delectable wines. Their barrel Syrah was amazing...I'm stoked to see how that one turns out. The sommeliers were all friendly and totally knew their stuff. I'd love to go back and check out their Syrah when it's released. Jon will patiently take you through the symphony of his wines - and if you're lucky, perhaps a barrel sample or 2 - and the process by which he follows.

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