Bruce Ahnfeldt moved to the Napa Valley in the mid 1980’s. While Ahnfeldt Wines did not begin until 2002, the Ahnfeldts developed and planted their first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1985. Grapes from the Ahnfeldt vineyards have been sold to BV (Bealieu), Markham, Sterling, Kendal Jackson and Hagafen wineries. These mature vineyards produce such fine quality grapes, that they are now used in their wines.
n 1996, Don and Trish Stephens found their 35-acre property on Howell Mountain Road in the Saint Helena area of the Napa Valley. The old olive orchard that had been planted in the early 1850s and neglected since the early 1900s was a beautiful attraction to the land. After relocating most of this still-producing olive orchard, they made room to plant the seven and one-half acre Moose Valley Vineyard. In 2002, the first wine from this property was released, the D. R. Stephens Estate 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Moose Valley Vineyard.
Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.
In 1945 retired Sheriff Deputy Amos Beauregard purchased 157 acres of which 13 acres have been planted with winegrapes. Cabernet Saugivgon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and an old grape know as Charabono were originally planted in 1880. Over the years Jim Beuregard has planted hundreds of acres of vines throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains and still maintains his 68 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Jim and his family live on the estate and Ryan Beauregard is the Winemaker.
THE PROMISE OF GOLD
California was founded on the promise of gold and that is the standard we hold ourselves to.
Inspired by breathtaking natural beauty and a sense of discovery, 1850 Wine Cellars exemplifies the gold standard of wine. Sustainably farming and sourcing grapes from vineyards located primarily in Amador County, Fair Play, El Dorado County, and other Sierra Foothill growing regions, we produce high-quality wine meant to be a part of your next adventure.
Tasting Room & Picnic Grounds: Clos Du Val boasts one of the most friendly, down-to-earth winery experiences in Napa Valley brought to you in an incomparably beautiful setting. Clos Du Val offers everything from a casual tasting at their tasting bar, to formal tours and tastings with the winemaker, to large group wine tasting and blending seminars. Beautifully manicured grounds provide the perfect setting for romantic interludes or picnics with family and friends.
Today's wine tasting tour began at 1:00. Rob was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun.
The underground cave is a wonderful experience. There is even an underground waterfall & an underground creek!
At the end of the tour you sit in a tasting room with one of the best Brie as well as Goat cheese plates and plain crackers that we have ever had.
6 glasses of 6 different wines. You get to experience the change in taste (richer/bolder/smoother) when a glass of wine sits for 10 minutes.
Over all experience was excellent.
Wow. Pretty big wines and pretty reasonable prices. It was hard to find one that wasn't a match for us, and had a re-pour of one of the Cabs to confirm the one we loved the most.
Pinots with 92-97 points, and very nice Cabs. Craig and Ziggy were just as cool as mentioned, and even helped us push our appointment time back after running a bit behind.
If you are like us, making appointments is sometimes tough. However, this place is totally worth planning your entire day around. Provided it's your only appointment of the day.
The Steven Kent Winery was started in 1996 with one mission: to make Cabernet in the Livermore Valley that rivals in quality the greatest wines made anywhere in the world. A must stop when you plan to visit Livermore and taste her wines. Be sure to try their Malbec – a beautiful wine.
icest folks, best wine.. however if you like fruit or oak bombs or over ripe alcohol bombs this is not for you. These wines are for the lover of a more classical earlier picked style of wine like; the Cali wines from say 25 years ago. If you love old school european wines, these are the wines for you.
Doug is wonderful as well as the whole crew.
Open every Saturday 12pm-5pm. By appointment all other days.
