Who would have guessed that a kid from Amherst, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences (Pre-Veterinary) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian from the University of Massachusetts, would end up in Santa Barbara County as an up-and-coming winemaker? Benjamin Silver did just that after catching the wine bug in 1993 at a summer job at Chicama Vineyards on Martha’s Vineyard.
I went back and forth about stopping here. Ultimately our stop here was a last minute decision. This is Pinot only winery, if you are looking for something else, then skip it. If you're a Pinot fan however, this place is well worth a stop. Cool place to try some Pinot in Paso. Family owned and made, pretty cool. Elegant pinot noirs. A vertical type of tasting, small productions.
THE WINERY:
Otter Cove Wines is a winery located in Santa Lucia Highlands, California. The wines and winery are produced by the owner Richard Oh. You can find Richard pouring in Carmel at the corner of San Carlos and 6th.
THE WINE:
Otter Cove Wines produces the following wine varietals: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Syrah/Shiraz. The price of wine tasting is a fee waived with purchase.
Visiting the Winery
Otter Cove Wines has the following amenities you can enjoy: Family Environment, Gift Shop, Private Tastings, Reception Facilities, Restaurant, Retail Sales, Wine & Food Pairing and Wine Tasting. If you want to visit Otter Cove Wines, it is open at the following times: Monday-Saturday, 12-8pm. Sunday, 12-6pm
Banshee crafts wines of uncommon purity from Sonoma and Napa California. Banshee specialize in Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. Plus they have a special red blend called Mordecai.
Banshee Wines is not your normal wine company. It is a band of wine industry insiders dedicated to producing benchmark wines without the cult wine prices. Banshee specialize in finding hidden gems in other wineries' cellars and then blending those barrels to create killer wines.
The Pedroncelli tasting room seems to be filled with history. The same family is still running it and everyone has a role in the business. The wines are great. They make a lovely Rose, some well-balanced cabs and a port that is delicious; just to name a few. Not sure how they do it, but the prices are extremely affordable. The staff is wonderful, probably since they are all related and are well vested into making it a great experience.
The wines are great. They make a lovely Rose, some well balanced cabs and a port that is delicious; just to name a few. Not sure how they do it, but the prices are extremely affordable. The staff is wonderful, probably since they are all related and are well vested into making it a great experience.
Lovely wines, terrific atmosphere and the people there are super nice. It's not your typical winery experience - off the beaten path for sure . Yes, it's in a corporate park but who cares if you don't care. It's the wine and the people that work there that make the experience. Our tasting consisted of 3 whites and 4 reds with some cheese, crackers to go with it. The wines are already layed out for you when you arrive. I love how things are thoughtfully prepared for you.
Patz & Hall offers seated, private tastings by prior appointment Wednesday through Sunday. Three seating times are available each day: 10:30am, 1pm and 3pm.
For a more casual Salon experience, Patz & Hall offers a seated tasting at the Salon Bar Wednesday through Sunday from 10am-4pm without prior reservation. Advanced notice for groups of 8 or more a reservation is highly suggested.
Stephen Singer founded Baker Lane in 2003 after decades of work in the wine business in the San Francisco Bay area. He was the wine director at Chez Panisse for many years and was married to owner Alice Waters. He has partnered in the restaurants Cesar in Berkeley and Pizza Vino 707 in Sebastopol. Singer farms an estate vineyard just beyond Sebastopol planted to Syrah and Pinot Noir. The winemaker is Steven Canter.
Baker Lane wines have some restaurant and retail distribution and are sold online.
Krug is an incredible piece of Napa history but the wines don't take second seat to this fact. Their tasting room is relaxed, low-key and not overdone. They don't need to distract you from their great wines and great staff. Angie is awesome, friendly and knowledgeable.
Kathleen has a couple of really nice young guys working the tasting room and it looked like the winery's reputation is growing as they had been busy. This vineyard is in Santa Rosa, and Kathleen is producing some amazing wines. While she has been producing at this organic vineyard for 10 years, this seems to be her break out year, because her work is finally be recognized.
Bell is an incredible winery in Yountville. If you can, book a private tour and tasting where you'll get the full story behind the single clone Cabernets and their winemaker Antony. If you're lucky, Maggie will do your tour. Brace yourself for the Clone 6!
