Ray is the owner and winemaker, has been in this location for 16 years.
He sources fruit from a variety of places, and has some varietals (wine types) he always makes, and also mixes it up sometime. Besides the 4 varietals usually pouring the current for sale list will have chardonnay, several pinots, gewurztraminer, zin, and more. Total case production for D'Argenzio is only 3k cases a year.
n 1996, the husband and wife winemaking team of Michael and Anne Dashe founded Dashe Cellars. Focused on crafting exceptional single-vineyard wines, Dashe Cellars blends the two winemaker’s combined 40-plus years of experience at such noted wineries as Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château La Dominique, Ridge Vineyards, Cloudy Bay, Far Niente, Chappellet, and Schramsberg Wine Cellars. Drawing on this wealth of experience, the Dashes create vineyard-focused wines that capture the complexity and character of top vineyards throughout Sonoma County and beyond. Winery & Tasting Room: 55 4th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
In 2003 Margaret Davenport took her career in a new direction by starting her own business, Davenport and Company. Under this label she has been making Russian River Pinot Noir, and, more recently, Zinfandel from her Rockpile vineyard, while also providing consulting services for winemakers and winery owners. Margaret directs small-lot production of Cabernet and other Sonoma County varietals at several wineries.
Family feel with lots of character. They have tasty olive oil and wine. It doesn't have the contemporary feel of some nearby wineries. They know who they are and give off that old-fashion feel. A nice, small place to end the day in Russian River Valley.
I had a fantastic experience here. Went during the off season, which helps, as there was no traffic whatsoever. Staff was very helpful, talkative, and positive. Some seriously good Pinot Noirs, as to be expected.
The wines here were very good really enjoyed them. They charge a $5 tasting fee, which is definitely worth it to try some of their nice blends as well as the Zin, Cab, and Petite Sirah. Nice winery with a great personality. The barrel tasting experience is great. The lobster bisque was very good. The wine selection made it all worth the trip and the picnic area really took things to a new place.
David Noyes Wines is a winery in Glen Ellen, California. The winery is operated by David and Grace Noyes. David Noyes is the winemaker at David Noyes Wines. David Noyes vinifies Pinot Noir and other varietals from selected Sonoma County vineyards. The label was launched in 2001 while Noyes was working with the Knude family to create Knude Estate Winery and left there in 2006 to devote himself fully to his his own label.
This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.
This was also a fabulous winery to taste at. They let us picnic in their beautiful courtyard, complete with bocce court, and supplied us with complementary glasses of wine to enjoy while we ate. The employees were chatty, knowledgeable, and not at all pushy.
The wines were good, the grounds are beautiful and there are patio tables out front for pairings- you can get a cheese platter or pizza to go with your wine tasting. The pizzas are baked in an outdoor pizza oven.