Before founding Grey Fox Vineyards in 1996, the Arrigoni and Cecchi families spent much of their free time pursuing their passion for flying small planes. It was on these getaways that conversations turned to dreams of planting a vineyard and building a winery. Bruce's family had a tradition of making wine at home and Gary had a good chemistry background. A seed was planted and it began to take hold.
These tasty little wines were introduced nationally in 2008 from California’s Central Coast and represented a finely crafted, fruit-forward, indulgent and eminently approachable style of wine. The inaugural release included Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Adam has used his experience and relationships around the world to add seven international wines to the lineup. http://underdogwinemerchants.com/
In 1965 most people were tinkering with cars in their garage. Davis Bynum was tinkering with wine. He created Barefoot Bynum Burgundy in that tiny room. But our spirited ways really began with our founders, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey. In 1986, they took a sleepy label and gave it Sole. Both agreed it was time for a wine that didn't take itself too seriously. So, Barefoot Cellars was created. Winemaker:J ennifer Lynne Wall is a native Californian born in Sacramento. Originally she intended to attend medical school after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. However, she moved to Sonoma County following graduation in 1991, where she took her first winery position at Vinwood Cellars-Gauer Estates, a custom wine-processing facility. She started on the ground floor there, working in the lab and checking fermentation tanks daily. During the harvest of 1995, Jennifer started her career as the winemaker for Barefoot Cellars Winery.
The gentleman in the tasting room, Scott, was friendly, knowledgeable and just nice to be around making our visit even better. He told us the tasting room have been open only three weeks which was hard to believe given the fabulous design, product displays and sense of organization. Oh dog friendly too!
The Irving family immigrated to the United States from Nova Scotia. Grandfather John Irving worked in the Comstock Lode silver mines near Virginia City, Nevada before moving to Jackson, California to mine gold. In 1890, they acquired an 84 acre ranch east of Placerville. It was known as the four mile ranch because it straddled the main road east, formerly the route of the Pony Express. An existing house on the property was present at the time of their acquisition and is listed on the county tax rolls from 1885.After years of clean up and restoration, the ranch has become one of the show places in the Apple Hill area. The property has approximately 16 acres of wine grapes, as well as, peaches and eight varieties of apples farmed by a local retail fruit operation.
Palumbo Family Vineyards This is a smaller, family run winery that is a bit out of the way of Temecula's bigger wineries. Tours don't come here often because they don't allow large busses or limos. However, I was happy that I was able to discovered this place. The tasting room is small, the family that makes the wine and their few employees pour your tastes. You definately get a very intimate feel here. As for the wine, it is delcious and the prices are not too high which is a giant plus given that the quality of the wines is fantastic.
Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery is committed to small lot, handcrafted wines from varieties that are grown on small block, sustainably farmed wine vineyards.
Nick Palumbo, Owner/Winemaker
is a past President of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The highlights for me were the Viognier/Roussane and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Will definately return when in the area. If you are like me, looking for a winery that is a gem and adds to the winery experience in Temecula, CA I just might see you there one day.
Where is the bottle? What’s the most delicious way to enjoy acclaimed wines without a hefty price tag? Lose the bottle. In 2003, Black Box Wines redefined the category by becoming the first U.S. vintner to offer super-premium, appellation-specific, vintage-dated wines in a box. Since then our expanding repertoire has earned 28 gold medals in wine competitions nationwide, yet still costs 40% less than comparable bottled wines.
Since its founding in 2005, Carica Wines has stayed true to its vision. Producing small lots of single-vineyard designated wines, Carica makes Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, Carica Wines produces a Rhône-style red blend, combining Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum has also added a Rosé to the Carica portfolio.Carica Wines is a new winery started in 2005 by two friends, Dick Keenan and Charlie Dollbaum, to produce small lots of premium Sonoma County wines. They produce 2 wines for now. A Sauvignon Blanc and the kick ranch Syrah.
The Syrah is very balanced. Very nice ruby red color. It has a very long finish of dark chocolate, pepper and smoked meat. Big rich dishes would benefit from this wine. I will be excited to try there Sauvignon Blanc when it comes in. After all it is one of my favorite Varietals.
Out back winery in the Apple Hill Area has a large following. The wines are unpretentious and you will likely enjoy their Zinfandels and Syrahs.You will find that the taste of the wine does very considerably year to year, however, they have all been good and at the price point.
Cove Crest Farm / Griggs Winery is a small, family owned farm/vineyard and winery in the mountains of northeastern Shasta County, California.
