Ray, the owner/winemaker poured for us and explained his thoughts on Dry Creek type wines. It was personal service and attention to detail that seems rare in a lot of the bigger tasting rooms. To top it off, the wine was fantastic. Highly recommended weather you are new at tasting or an oenophile.
Some would say "Bella Luna Winery" started some 38 or so years ago in the hearts and minds of its founders, Kevin Healey and Sherman Smoot. Kevin just returned from honorably serving his country in Viet Nam and Sherm was training as a Navy fighter pilot preparing to go to Viet Nam. Having grown up together as best friends in the Paso Robles AVA, both developed a real passion for wine.
The imposing redwood and stone barn structure nestles into the cliff side, protected from crashing waves by a flat rock bench eroded over eons. The cellar is filled with French, Hungarian and American oak barrels and specialty equipment suited to handcrafted wine production. The unique location lets magical forces come into play; waves crash into sea caves under the cellar, naturally filtering wine from its sediment. Salt from sea air deposits on barrels accelerating osmosis while creating viscous and dense wines. This is what Sally Ottoson has come to call Pacific Star Winery.
Bill and Teresa Hinrichs were looking for a place to retire and raise their twins, when they found Ranchita Canyon Vineyard. The property fit their criteria with hills, trees, ravines, and "character," plus some outstanding views from the hillside location. The Hinrichs' dove in head first, and have developed the property into a premium wine grape vineyard, with a new boutique winery focusing on small lot Estate Wines.
Hours:
Mon 11:00am to 5:00pm
Tues CLOSED
Wed CLOSED
Thur 11:00am to 5:00pm
Fri 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sat 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sun 11:00am to 5:00pm
The Nine North Wine Company is a unique portfolio of small handcrafted wines from Napa Valley as well as California's North Coast appellation that specialize in offering exceptional quality, worth and value. The portfolio can usually be found in fine wine shops and restaurants around the country. The Nine North Wine Company is located in the prestigious Stags Leap District. Owned and operated by Jim Gill and James Harder, two long time friends from Canada who have fulfilled their dreams by moving to the Napa Valley to produce wine. Working closely with Gill and Harder, is fellow vintner Jim Regusci. The three have developed a unique portfolio of small handcrafted wines. Each brand is under complete ownership and guidance by at least one of the three members.
If you are wondering around El Dorado County and looking for a nice place for a picnic, Iverson is one of the places you should try. They have plenty of tables on their patio. The wine is pretty good too! The people behind the bar are friendly, so don't be afraid to ask questions or make conversation.
You definitely need reservations for this place as it's quite small and off the beaten path. Hopefully next time we visit we'll be able to meet Julie the owner, although our server (whose name escapes me at the moment) was outstanding, very friendly and fun.
Bel Vino Winery is the Temecula home of Fine Wine and Good Times in Southern California in Temecula Wine Country. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of breath-taking vistas, rolling vine-covered hills and panoramic views of the Temecula valley, Bel Vino is the perfect location for an intimate (indoor or outdoor) wine tasting or an exceptional California vineyard wedding. Beautiful winery, with a great feel to it. There was a live band playing at the little outdoor stage when we pulled up. The tasting bar was inviting, and the host was very friendly and very helpful. The reds were good. The Tatria was extremely good, one of my favorite wines from my whole day of wine tasting. Also make a Pepper Jam, which is amazing. It's a nice balance of sweet and spicy, and they served samples on crackers with cream cheese.
Marietta Cellars is located just outside the little town of Geyserville in one of California’s premier wine growing regions, Sonoma County. Owner and winemaker Chris Bilbro initially founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 in a rented cow barn in the Dry Creek Valley. The winery is named after Chris’ great aunt.
Richly flavored, hearty red wines. Italian style which means big grapey textures & body.
Small boutique production. Some varietals are less than 100 cases per year.
