With a small overall production, yet making a dozen or more wines, case production is small, with some lots between 50 and 300 cases. Wines are sourced from Los Alamos, Ballard Canyon, and Santa Ynez Valley, as well as the warmer climes of Paso Robles for their Zinfandel, Nebbiolo and El Pomar Syrah. In additional to their individual varietal wines, the winery makes a “Cote du Rhone” style blend, as well as a blend from the Italian grapes of Nebbiolo and Barbera.
The Inspiration Behind Artiste
For Bion Rice, winemaking was more than a family tradition—it was a way to merge two of his greatest passions: wine and art. Growing up immersed in the craft, Bion’s curiosity for blending wines took root early on, fueled by his creative drive. In 2002, he founded Artiste Winery, where he introduced the concept of “Art Inspired Wines,” blending his love for the arts with winemaking in a unique and innovative way.
Meet Bion Rice – Owner and Winemaker
As a fifth-generation winemaker, Bion Rice carries a rich family legacy. His great-great-grandfather worked as a grape grower for renowned Napa Valley wineries in the late 1800s. Bion grew up hearing stories from his grandfather, who fondly recalled his childhood days spent picking grapes on the family’s vineyard. When Bion’s family planted their own 25-acre vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1990, that legacy continued to flourish.
After years of hands-on experience in the cellar and formal enology training under acclaimed winemaker Daniel Gehrs, Bion was ready to make his mark. In 1997, he produced his first vintage as Head Winemaker at Sunstone Vineyard and Winery in Santa Ynez. But Bion’s vision didn’t stop there—he wanted to blend his artistic side with winemaking. His college background in art and filmmaking inspired him to experiment, and in 1999, he created his first Artiste wine, featuring the artwork of James-Paul Brown on the label. This sparked the idea that would eventually become Artiste Winery.
The Opening of Artiste’s Tasting Studio
In 2003, Artiste’s “Tasting Studio” opened its doors, quickly becoming a favorite among wine lovers with an appreciation for the arts. It wasn’t just a place to taste wine; it was an immersive experience. Visitors could paint on large easels, sketch in art journals, and even take part in wine blending classes. It was where art and wine truly came together.
At the heart of Artiste is Bion’s innovative approach to blending wine. His "Art Inspired Wines" are crafted in response to the emotional and sensory impact of artwork. For Bion, each blend is a translation of a visual experience into a sensory one, creating wines that evoke feelings and memories through their aromas, flavors, and textures. Every wine is treated as a limited-edition masterpiece, never to be replicated, ensuring that each bottle is as unique as the artwork that inspired it.
wine corks and glass - Pixabay
The journey began when Winemaker, Philip Krumal and Entrepreneur, Michael Dilsaver met in a wine appreciation class in 1995. Their love of fine wine, great food and inspiring friendships lead to the ultimate dream of “living the wine country dream.” Their first Pinot Noir vineyard was planted in 2002 in the Santa Lucia Mountains overlooking Morro Bay, thus starting the Asuncion Ridge story. Philip and Michael's philosophy is a simple one…” wine begins in the vineyard.”
Asuncion Ridge has expanded from its original location to several other vineyard properties. Multiple vacation rentals have been added. The winery has grown from focusing on Pinot Noir alone to white wines, Rosé, and several red blends, which include the use of Zinfandel, Rhone and Bordeaux varietals.
What started with friendship, food, and wine adventures has become a focused vision and a fulfilled aspiration. Both Philip and Michael feel the purchase of the property located on Peachy Canyon in the Willow Creek District has completed their dream: a place to bring family, frien
SV Wines is able to offer a wide-ranging menu of wines to our customers. In addition, ASV Wines has the flexibility to contract with other wine grape growers to meet any unique customer needs.
Unable to provide tasting times, if available. Can order online. Check back for updates.
The mountain series from Atlas Peak explores the diversity of the Napa Valley region at an entirely different level. Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its lush, full-bodied character with big, bold tannins, and deep, concentrated color.
Jim Clendenen graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with High Honors in Pre-Law in 1976. It was during his "junior year abroad" in 1974, while turning 21 in France, that he discovered life beyond tacos.In 1982, Clendenen decided, along with now ex-partner Adam Tolmach, to start his own winery in leased quarters. Au Bon Climat (which means "a well exposed vineyard") has grown over its history to over 30,000 cases through careful re-investment from its own production.
Aubert Wines is a boutique producer that is owned and operated by Mark Aubert. He is also the winemaker at Colgin, where he took over for Helen Turley. Until 1999, Aubert was the winemaker at Peter Michael. While working for this Knights Valley winery, he developed the exceptional Les Pavots red Bordeaux blend.Aubert Wines offers limited tasting appointments. Please contact the winery for more information.
The tasting room is at the end of the main road in Calistoga, you cant miss it. Its a smaller place with three bars for tasting, all in the same room. Their dog would greet you when you walked in which was kind of nice. I really liked this place because it was smaller, they took their time with your and would answer any questions you had. The other wines were very good too but it was our first winery on the trip so we just picked up the one bottle. We spent about 45 minutes there and will definitely stop back in next time in Calistoga.
August West Wine and Sandler Wines are both produced at the winery located in the industrial area of Bay Shore. Anyone familiar with the area would think what an out of the ordinary place to have a winery, but following the new tradition of the urban winery concept, the location is perfect for their production volume. Ed Kurtzman partner for August West and owner/winemaker for Sandler Wines is a great person and interesting winemaker. He sources his fruit from Gary Francioni, Howard Graham, and Gary Pisoni. His wines are approachable, 3 dimensional with a bright red fruit - raspberry, cherry & strawberry, on the fore-palate with just enough acidity, accompanied by a dense forest-floor, earthy yet a bit of a symphony going on ones palate.