Avanguardia Wines is a small, ultra-boutique winery located in Nevada City. Avanguardia Wines is the the home of non-traditional blended wines, with 100% of their wines being proprietary blends crafted from 2-6 different grape varieties, many of which are Italian, and all of which are pretty much out of the mainstream here in California. The address provided is to their Grass Valley tasting room.
Lone Buffalo Vineyards, launched in 2007 in Auburn, CA is the culmination of owner and winemaker Phil Maddux’s thirty-five year passion for wine making. The buffalo's power and resilience in the face of encroaching civilization symbolizes hope and renewal for humanity and harmony among all people. Here in the Sierra foothills, Lone Buffalo Vineyards symbolizes this same hope and renewal with its contribution to the re-emergence of the wine-making tradition in Placer County.
We strolled in to find a huge courtyard area with lounge chairs surrounding a fire pit and a bar for tasting. We were welcomed by the owners (a husband and wife) and their daughter, who was doing the pouring. We tried a few of their wines, all of which were impressive but I instantly fell in love with the cab franc. The owner then took us on a tour of the facilities, explained their wine-making process, and gave us a taste of some young wines. We also had a chance to chat with the wine maker and and thank him for making such delicious wines.
Cante Ao Vinho is Portuguese for "Sing to the wine" since we love to play beautiful music as we make our wine. Cante Ao Vinho is located just outside the city of Wheatland California, near Camp Far West Lake and Beal Air Force Base
Mark and Therese Adams have deep roots in vine growing and wine making and they have planted these roots in Western Placer County. The vineyards “Syrah Noir” planted in 1999 and “Barbera” planted in 2000 are producing luscious fruit. The Adams selected the Barbera grape because of its rich history in the area. The Italian Barbera was originally introduced to Placer County by the 49’ers during the 19th century Gold Rush. Rancho Roble is; OPEN Saturdays Noon to 4:00 pm; CLOSED Sunday & Monday Open by appointment Tuesday through Friday
The greatest pleasure of these wines is visiting the winery in person. Karen, Bill and Hunter, the family behind this delicious brand, are nothing less than welcoming and feel like family as you exit. While they have continued to produce the dominant Zin for the region they have expanded with branded Sav Blancs, Chards and even a Rosé. While many boutique wineries focus odd blends, high tannins and a focus on eclectic palates, Dono dal Cielo hones in on very "drinkable" wines.
Vines were plentiful in 1867 in Placer County. As gold was depleted the miners switched to planting vineyards and orchards to make a living. Secret Ravine's property at one time produced Zinfandel and Tokay grapes. In later years the vines were removed and cows grazed the area. In the late 1900’s the property was used for the raising and training of horses, consequently the need for the large barn (now the winery). In 1998 one acre of the property was once again returned to the production of wine grapes. Currently Secret Ravine has 3.5 acres producing, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc. Hours are Sat. and Sun. from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Some of the original settlers of Chicago Park were first-generation Italian-Americans from Chicago, Illinois. The orchards and vineyards of Chicago Park bear witness to their quest to start a community in the untamed West that mirrored their homeland. Their spirit lives on at Montoliva Vineyard & Winery. Founded in 2000, Montoliva Vineyard & Winery creates Tuscan-inspired wines of uncommon depth and character.
Try the 2008 Primativo - spicy, black pepper,complexity, a real treat. On Saturdays they have live music to go along with great wine tasting. Gary and Christina Smith continue the fine art of winemaking and vineyard tending that Gary’s father began with his three sons. Now with three sons of their own, the Smiths handcraft small lots of classic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo, Syrah and Chardonnay from their 10 acre certified organic vineyard near Grass Valley, CA.
Mt. Vernon Winery is one of the most unique wineries you will find in the Sierra foothills. Founders Jim & Lynda Taylor and winemaker Ryan Taylor own the largest and most award winning winery in Placer County with a variety of hand-crafted wines for you to enjoy! The tasting room is a beautifully restored old 1950s milk house with elegant gardens that over look the lush vineyards.
