Established in 1999, VJB Vineyards & Cellars is small production that blends old world Italian winemaking with the terroir focused California approach. The company's wines are sold exclusively in its tasting room, Club Enoteca. Featured wines sold include Chardonnay, Prosecco, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo and more.
Part of Merryvalle Vineyard, The Schlatter Family Starmont Winery is a production only facility. Sean Foster is senior winemaker for both Merryvale and Starmont. With its tasting room located in St. Helena, Jack Schlatter started his winery in 1996 and opened this wine production plant in 2006. The focus of his vineyards has been on micro-climate, soils and management at this remarkable site. Varietals offered include its proprietary red blend Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Bordeaux varietal grapes. Merryvale/Starmont is a "green" winery powered purely by solar panels.
A number of winery tasting rooms are found along Westside Road, the first being Mill Creek Vineyards. In fact, Mill Creek is technically in the Dry Creek Valley appellation and its selection of wines are the big reds. The tasting room has a rustic air, with a rebuilt water mill spilling into a photogenic pond and plenty of room for picnics.
With case production under 10,000, the winery maintains a family atmosphere: Bill and Yvonne Kreck are the owners, son Jeremy, the winemaker, and son, Brian, is the webmaster. Most wines are estate grown, and tasting room manager Kim Collins is always ready to give customers a sample.
Clover Hill Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located in the beautiful countryside of Breinigsville. Boasting a variety of items they refer to as "everything wine," their vineyard and retail locations throughout the Lehigh Valley offer a full line of wines as well as wine racks, glasses, stoppers, and home bottling supplies. Stop in for a tasting, and be sure to return often to enjoy the seasonal selections and browse their retail shops.
The Hecker Pass Winery is a family-owned and operated winery. In addition to its daily wine tastings, the vineyard's La Vigna event center is available for private events throughout the year.
This is an association that promotes the wines and wineries of Dry Creek Valley with two major events a year. "Passport to Dry Creek Valley" and newly added "Gateway to Passport," which made its debut in 2010, help the more than 60 wineries and 150 wine grape growers communicate why its products are some of the best on the market.
Located near the intersection of Arnold Drive and Highway 121, this small, family owned winery is open daily for tasting, and specializes in wines for the local eateries. The 2008 Pinot Noir is the flagship wine here, as well as its Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Rouge De Noirs and the Late Harvest Riesling. Founded in 1980 by Walter Schug, he now shares his passion with his son, Alex Schug and local winemaker Mike Cox. The Heritage Club wine club offers preferred pricing on wine and gifts, as well as V.I.P. winery tours and tastings. The winery offers private parties in the wine cave with reservations.
Storrs Winery produces handcrafted varietals grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains. offering a rich variety of vintages, flavors and presentations, each wine is unique in body and breath.
The tasting room is located in the historical Old Sash Mill complex, lending itself to the creative, local feel of this place. Small tasting groups get a full compliment of wines to sample with a knowledgeable host serving them personally. Stop in to try some of Santa Cruz's finest wines and enjoy the charming locale.