Port

Port

Zahtila Vineyards

We tasted:
2008 Dry Creek Zin - Old vine zinfandel, fruity with oak notes. I tasted pomegranate with some spice. Very enjoyable (too bad there isn't much left!)
2008 Oak Hill Estate Zin - I liked this zin. The grapes are grown on property. Hints of vanilla & caramel with the fruit upon first whif. Then a very silky mouth feel with plum and spice. We all agreed this would pair well with eggplant or other roasted/grilled veggies.
2008 Calistoga Cab Sauvignon - The bottle we tasted had been opened late the day before which helped soften the tannins. Hints of cherry on the palate.
2006 Napa Valley Cab - I liked this more than the 2008 from Calistoga. It was balanced acidity/fruit.
2010 Michael's Muse - Delicious tawny port style wine that they had just bottled! Complex fruit, not too over-poweringly sweet. I think it had zin & petite syrah grapes (I wasn't paying as much attention). Very good!

Tobin James Cellars

Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease!  The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles.  If you are serious about your wine, theowners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be.  It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*

Hours:

Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM

 

Esterlina Vineyards & Winery

Esterlina Vineyards is a family-owned, California boutique winery located near the Mendocino coast, nestled in the highlands above Philo. Esterlina is totally off the beaten path, and we must of driven up and down HWY 128 at least 3 times before we found the right street to turn off. But when we made the windy drive up the hill, it was all worth it. What a spectacular view of the valley from up there! This winery was a sweet recommendation from a friend. I suggest making reservations before you come, especially since it is off the main highway and a bit hidden to find. This place is dog friendly, with outdoor seating and a beautiful view of the valley. It's casual, welcoming, and the best part, not stuffy!

Kachina Vineyards

THIS WINERY HAS CLOSED 

The grounds are beautiful and built to resemble a Tuscan villa and I must say that if you close your eyes while you're out on the patio sipping their Cabernet Sauvignon, you feel like you're miles away from civilization. Greg, the owner was extremely nice and told us that the winery is 100% solar powered and only about 2 yrs old, yet the '07 Cab was drinking deliciously and the '06 Port is worth a return trip by itself!

Ficklin Vineryard

Resting unobtrusively on a back road in Madera County is the home of Ficklin Tinta Port. As it was from the beginning, Ficklin's Port is widely acclaimed as one of California's finest port wines created in the Portuguese tradition.

Kaz Vineyard & Winery

Pulled into the Winery parking lot and the sign said closed.
Some guy, KAZ waved us in and the next couple that pulled in as well.
I was here to try his ports, but he had 7 other wines to try as well. $5 to taste 5.
The varietals are unique and funky like the winemaker. He's a nice guy. Wines were good, especially the ports.

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery

he Lucchesi family origins lie in Provincia Di Lucca, Toscana, and we are the direct descendents from the civilizations of the Etruscans, the native culture of northwestern/central Italy, and first civilization of Italy and the Romans.I remember their Barbera from last fall being excellent, but when I went in last they only offered the "general, grow everywhere" wines, such as Merlot, Carbernet and Syrah. In my opinion the more exotic grapes do better in Nevada County and have a more unique taste.

Peachy Canyon Winery

I recommend the 2011 snow Zin and Westside Zin. Great atmosphere Nice Zins and Malbecs. Friendly staff seem to treat each visitor as a welcome guest. The tasting room is in a super cute building. One side used to be an old school house. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive -- one woman was pouring and keeping many people happy. Many stars for her.

Frey Vineyards

Beautiful vineyard and land. Frey produces organic and biodynamic wines- and is the oldest organic winery in the country. The Frey family, 10 out of 12 children run the vineyard and live on the 90 acres. The wine was tasty. I haven't had a lot of organic wines but I liked the organic Zin and biodynamic Petite Syrah.

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