Tag Archives: tasting rooms

Sausal Winery Tasting Room, Sonoma County California

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Where Passion and History and Great Zin merge Sausal Winery, located in beautiful Alexander Valley, is a family run affair – and has been since 1956. Leo Demostene, a second generation winemaker, purchased the Sausal Ranch – a 125 acre ranch that was planted to prunes, apples and zinfandel grapes – in 1956. The ‘old vines’ date back before 1877 and continue to produce small lots of exquisite, elegant zinfandel even today. Leo’s children, Dave, Ed, Peachie & Cindy, grew up on the ranch and helped their father expand their grape crop by planting scores of zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon. And, the rest is history – the four siblings continue to run and operate the ranch, each having their own but important role. When asked if any of them ever considered moving away or taking on another career, the answer was unanimous – “No way! Why go anywhere else? We already live in paradise! What else is there?” And that’s truly the passion that shines through their long history of winemaking. Sausal is best known for Zinfandel and has been making it way longer than all the rest. If you’re a Zin fan, Sausal produces terrific Zins’ that you don’t want to miss: a 50 year old vine Zin, a 90 year old vine Zin, and the ‘cream of the crop’ – a 130 year old vine Zin…….there are just no words that can describe this one!

Wine Tasting of Sonoma County – Unbeatable Charm in Duncans Mills!

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Wine Tasting of Sonoma County is located in Historic Duncans Mills, just minutes from the coast. Most of the original buildings have been renovated and Duncans Mills has become a quaint little destination with restaurants, specialty shops and an absolutely cozy tasting room called Wine Tasting of Sonoma County. At Wine Tasting of Sonoma County, the proprietors Joanne Duffy and Michael Ott, offer a selection of over 130 wines available for purchase from small family vineyards in Sonoma and nearby counties. They usually have a selection of fifteen wines available for tasting. They also sell wines by the glass! An uncommon practice at most traditional tasting rooms. Along with the wines, they offer cheese plates, chocolate tasting, specialty foods, a beautiful patio in the Spring, Summer and Fall, and a cozy fireplace when weather sends you indoors. They say, “Many people come to sample wine and hang out. They often bring their dogs and enjoy a glass of wine, nibble and play boardgames. It’s that kind of place – where you feel comfortable doing just that.” And, I couldn’t agree more! Wine Tasting of Sonoma County is dog friendly, an easy destination for wine and shopping and a great way to learn about wines in an non-intimidating atmosphere. They pride themselves on teaching people how to ‘taste wine’ for the first time and make it very comfortable for people to ask questions and just be themselves. They also have a ‘custom wine club’ where you get to decide the terms: one …

Alexander Valley Vineyards – Sonoma County Wine Tasting Room

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Take a drive through the Alexander Valley almost any time of year and it isnt difficult to figure out why Harry and Maggie Wetzel fell in love with the area. The property they bought in 1962 that eventually became Alexander Valley Vineyards certainly offered beautiful views. It also offered a lot of history.a century before, Cyrus Alexander, one of the first settlers in the area and the namesake for the valley, had built a ranch and a home on the property Harry and Maggie would eventually purchase from his heirs. On the rolling hills, they planted grapes. They sent their son Hank to school to become a winemaker and in 1975, built a winery. Over the next several decades, Alexander Valley Vineyards grew from a small upstart to a winery that now produces more than 100000 cases. But many things havent changed. The winery is still family owned. In fact its Harry and Maggies children and grandchildren that now run the operation. And most of the wines are still estate grown and bottled—from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon. Alexander Valley Vineyards is also home to Sin Zin, one of Americas best known Zinfandels. We also continue to adhere to a philosophy that great wines shouldnt cost a fortune. Visit this historic winery any day of the week. The Tasting Room offers complimentary samples of most wines. Tours that include a visit to the newly expanded wine caves are also available by appointment.

JRickards Winery Sonoma County Tasting Room

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J. Rickards Winery – Hard Work makes a Dream Come True! J. Rickards Winery is a family run operation of both grape farming & wine production, and is located at the northern end of the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. The owner, Jim Rickards, knew he wanted to be a farmer from the age of 12 years old. He grew up in the Big city of San Francisco and found that the city life didn’t quite suit his natural ways and earthy disposition. So, he set his sights on farming and after a varied past including time in the military, cattle ranching in Petaluma, a full time position as an ER Nurse at Memorial Hospital in Petaluma, and fathering three children, he decided with his free time (aka nights) he would revitalize an old vineyard…..which brings us to J. Rickards Winery. Jim and his wife Eliza have been growing grapes for the bulk market and making wine for personal enjoyment since 1991 from their 60 acre vineyard. Encouraged by family & friends, they were inspired to open a winery and did so in 2005. Increasing their production required that they bring on Alex Holeman, their current winemaker, and his specialty is light, sweet, fruity wines that maintain their varietal character. At J. Rickards they make eight great wines all of which are available for complimentary tastings. One of their specialties is ‘Zinfandel Ancestor Vines’ from their Century old Zinfandel vines. Another is their ‘Los Ninos Perdidos Red Dessert Wine’ (The Lost Children) made from grapes that have been …

Seghesio Family Vineyards – Sonoma County Wine Tasting Room

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Seghesio Family Vineyards – Wonderful Service and Wines to Match Have you ever been somewhere that you are just so moved by the customer service and genuine care that you just can’t stop talking about it? That’s how we were after several visits to Seghesio Family Vineyards. Every time we left we couldn’t stop talking about what a great experience it was! Warm, authentic, gracious, fun, informative and scrumptious – these are the words I use to describe this longtime, Sonoma wine growing, Family Winery. The Seghesio family name began with Edoardo Seghesio (a transplant from Piedmont, Italy) and his wife Angela, back in 1895 when they planted their first Zinfandel vineyard on some of the current 400 acres in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valley’s – now cultivated by the fourth generation winemakers of the Seghesio family. There story is rich in both local and family history and beckons back to time when rolling up your shirt sleeves and jumping in with your whole heart, was the only way to make one’s dream reality. And from what I see, this ethic is still the operating philosophy behind the modern day Seghesio Family Vineyard. It is a strong and devoted family at it’s core (most of them still work at the winery) yet they have this wonderful ability to create an extended family, to such a degree that it is hard to know the difference, in both their staff and the visitors who walk through their doors. Seghesio is best known for their award winning Zinfandels, but …

Cellar Number 8 – Asti Winery, Sonoma County

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Located on the original property of Asti Winery, located in Northern Sonoma County, Cellar No. 8 pays tribute to the propertys rich history. You might know Asti Winery as the once-famed “Italian Swiss Colony,” founded in 1881 by Andrea Sbarboro, who formed an entire community, with other Italian and Swiss immigrants, around the art of winemaking. They focused on using time-honored methods and techniques from the ‘Old Country. In the 1960′s, the Italian Swiss Colony was the second largest tourist attraction in California, next to Disneyland. In fact, there are many stories of friends who visited this historic winery as children, whose parents had made Asti Winery a regular vacation destination in Northern California. This was a grand place in its day, which hosted many parties for the California elite, including top government officials. The Asti Winery has always been a working winery, but only recently reopened its doors to the public as home to Cellar No. 8. Paul Rydquist, Winemaker for Cellar No. 8, prides himself on using traditional winemaking techniques, and handcrafting rich, complex wines from carefully chosen vineyards, making wines in a way that Andrea Sbarboro would approve. Cellar No. 8 wines are rich in flavor, approachable and affordable. With two different labels and price points, there is something for every palate and pocket. The White Label produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, priced at and is readily available …

Johnson’s Winery – Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

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Johnson’s Winery in Alexander Valley “Dances to the Beat of it’s own Drum” only, it’s a Pipe Organ! Every once in a while you happen upon a place that has something so rare, so unique, so unexpected – that it leaves you in awe. This is how we felt when we visited Johnson’s Winery just off Hwy 128 in the Alexander Valley. This tasting room houses a “working” 1924 Robert Mortan Pipe Organ originally used in the silent movies. And, as if that isn’t enough to make you want to jump in your car and drive on over, the organ is wired with it’s very own percussionist orchestra that helps to create this wonderful cacophony of sound & rhythm, movement & excitement. Truly a wondrous experience! Ellen Johnson, the third generation proprietor, runs the family farm & winery. They sell most of the grapes they grow but, they reserve enough for themselves’ to make 1000 to 2000 cases of an ever changing variety such as Johannisberg Riesling, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wines are sold exclusively at their tasting room. They also have picnic grounds and Basset Hounds so bring your lunch, your family and your camera as you you won’t want to miss this stop!

Geyser Peak Winery – Sonoma County Tasting Room

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Geyser Peak Winery – On Top of the World! Geyser Peak is one of the oldest and most award-winning wineries in Sonoma County. Founded in 1880 by Augustus Quitzow and built in 1882, it’s perched on a hillside overlooking Geyser Peak Mountain where geothermal clouds still billow from it’s summit. Geyser Peak winery is located in Geyserville just north of Healdsburg. It is a pioneer of the beautiful Alexander Valley, a well-known region for Cabernet Sauvignon, and produces fruit-forward, food-friendly wines. The winemakers, Mick Schroeter and Ondine Chatton, are passionate about making wine. They bring forward their unique styles and traditional winemaking techniques and combine them with New World innovations……winning them some of the top reviews and most notable rewards in the industry. Geyser Peak winery has stunning views, stellar wines and gracious service – all wrapped up in a historical setting.

Raymond Burr Vineyards – Sonoma County Wine Tasting

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Visiting Raymond Burr Vineyards is a special treat! Legendary Raymond Burr, of the Perry Mason and Ironside fame, along with longtime friend and colleague Robert Benevides, planted their first Cabernet Sauvignon vines in 1986 and bottled their first vintage in 1992. Raymond was only able to taste this vintage from the barrel before his passing but in his wake he left a style, passion and philosophy that is still inherent in the winemaking today. The wines made at Raymond Burr Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Chardonnay – along with a very small production of specialized Ports – are said to be very much like the man: big, full of gusto, complex and jubilantly alive. Raymond & Robert both had the aptitude for cultivation in their genes, which is what made them fast friends back in the 1950′s when they began to share their mutual passion for the cultivation and hybridization of orchids. This shared hobby grew into a lifelong commercial venture which later became Sea God nurseries. During their time together they were responsible for over 1500 new orchids added to the worldwide catalogue – some of which you can see in when you visit. Today the orchid greenhouses are under the care of both Robert and longtime orchid aficionado Francisco Baptista, and are open for public tours by appointment on Saturdays & Sundays. Visiting Raymond Burr vineyards is a full & rich experience – the history, the orchids, the friendly staff and of course the wines, make it a ‘must …