Wineries

Wineries

Bella Luna Estate Winery

Grape cluster - Pixabay - AI Generated

Bella Luna Estate Winery, founded in 1998 by lifelong friends Kevin Healey and Sherman Smoot, has a charming story that traces back to their childhood on the Central Coast of California. The duo first bonded while playing t-ball and later became the quarterback and center of their high school football team in Atascadero. After serving their country in the Vietnam War, their paths diverged, but fate brought them back together years later.

The idea for Bella Luna Winery sprouted during a nostalgic night of reminiscing about their shared past. When morning came, the dream of starting a winery still felt enticing, and at the youthful age of 50, they planted dry-farmed Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Ruby Cabernet grapes on their estate.

Both friends are proud fathers. Sherman has a daughter, Carly, and a son, Jimmy. Interestingly, Carly was the only 8-year-old who didn’t dream of having a pony, so Sherman decided to name the vineyard after her. Kevin’s daughter, Nichole, had her own unique experiences in the family business. Often grounded during her high school years, she was assigned to work with her dad in the vineyard or winery as a form of punishment. However, what started as a chore turned into a passion; Nichole loved the vineyard life and eventually pursued a degree in Enology and Viticulture at Fresno State.

After completing her studies, Nichole took her talents to Australia, where a three-month internship in Margaret River turned into a remarkable 7.5-year adventure. There, she fell in love with both the local wine scene and Lukas, a fellow wine industry professional.

For visitors exploring California’s wineries, Bella Luna Estate Winery offers a delightful glimpse into the intertwined lives of friendship, family, and winemaking. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of its founders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to savor exceptional wines and enjoy the warm camaraderie that defines this unique winery.

Bella Piazza Winery

harvest grapes being gathered to bins

The wines produced from the vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley, home to some of the oldest vines in California and are renowned for their intense fruit and deep color. Winemakers, George Bursick and Susan Farrington have added their extensive experience and discerning palates to create wines of intensity with elegance. Starting with rich, mature fruit, he creates Bella Piazza Winery wines in a style that displays both richness and balance. Image - courtesy Randy Caparoso

Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves

rows of wine barrels - Pixabay

This winery is situated in a cave, which makes the wine tasting experience a little different, but pretty cool. Everyone was really nice. Like a lot of wineries, they charge $10 for a tasting fee, but at Bella you get to do much more than just sampling wine. The tasting tour began with the pairing of a Rosé with some portuguese sausage and some friend plantains. You then proceed to the wine caves, which were filled with live Spanish guitar music.

Bella Vista Winery

people sharing wine

The vines were planted in 1968 of which 5 acres of the original acres are still producing adjacent to the winery which was built in 1978. The Owner, Imre Cziraki began making wine at the age of 7 with his grandfather. Today the winery produces 19,000 cases each year with its own estate fruit and an additonal 20% fruit sourced for other Temecula vineyards. Enjoy Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Temparanillo White Cabernet and more. Tastings are $12 plus tax or $15 with logo wine glass

Belle Glos

bottles of wine and cheese - Pixabay

Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions.

While each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant, varying with the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site. Each Vineyard Designate is crafted to distill the purest essence of the locale into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir.

Owner/winemaker, Joe Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir.

Belle Marie Winery

wine corks and a wine glass - Pixabay

Belle Marie Winery and Chateau Dragoo are located on the Escondido Wine and Culinary Campus in North Escondido along Interstate 15. Belle Marie Winery's facility encompasses a 20,000 gallon winery, three tasting rooms, multiple corporate and reception venues, educational facilities, a gourmet garden and a demonstration vineyard with varietals from around the world.

Benessere Vineyards

wine barrel - Pixabay

Benessere Vineyards is a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The region's soil is exceptionally well-suited for cultivating these types of grapes. The name "Benessere," an Italian word meaning "well-being" or "living the good life," reflects the vineyard's dedication to producing Italian varietals and its commitment to providing warm, welcoming hospitality.

The property was acquired in 1994 by John and Ellen Benish, who immediately began the restoration of the winery and residence, as well as replanting the vineyards. By 1995, they had produced their first vintage of Sangiovese, realizing their dream. Since that inaugural vintage, Benessere Vineyards has expanded its portfolio to include other sought-after Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Moscato di Canelli, Sagrantino, and Aglianico.

In addition to these varietals, Benessere Vineyards also produces a "Super Tuscan" style blend called Phenomenon, as well as two distinctive Zinfandels. One Zinfandel is sourced from the ‘Black Glass Vineyard,’ while the other comes from the ‘Collins Holystone Vineyard’ adjacent to the estate.

Benette Lane Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

The wines here are great. If you like big reds you will enjoy their cabs and the famous Maximus. Bennett Lane is quiet and small compare to other more touristy wineries around. The tasting room is decent size but could be crowded if there are larger groups. Staff was helpful and friendly. There are a couple outdoor patio tables overlooking their beautiful vineyard

Benom Wines

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski - people enjoying wine

Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre moved to California for love. For Guillaume, it was his passion for winemaking and farming without limits that brought him to Paso Robles. This love led him to one of the most prestigious wineries in Paso Robles,

Meet Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre, two brothers from France whose passion for winemaking is deeply rooted in their heritage. Their journey to California was sparked by love—Guillaume's ardor for winemaking and limitless farming led him to the picturesque Paso Robles, where he initially joined one of the region’s most esteemed wineries, L’Aventure, before launching his own venture, Clos Solène.

Arnaud's tale is equally captivating, reminiscent of a romantic film. His move to California was driven by his love for Chloe, leading the brothers—Les Deux Frères Fabre—to settle in the heart of Paso Robles.

But the story doesn’t end there. The Fabre brothers invite wine lovers to discover the intriguing chapters of their journey for themselves. With a deep respect for their family legacy spanning six generations in the Languedoc-Roussillon and Bordeaux regions, their winery, BENOM, beautifully marries the freedom of winemaking in Paso Robles with the exceptional talent inherent in the Fabre lineage.

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski - people enjoying wine

Benovia Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Boutique winery. Appointment only but that ensures that they can make time for you to taste in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Very informative and the wines were outstanding. Not inexpensive but not overly pricey either.

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