Top 5: California Wineries

Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyard

For a classic and sophisticated foray in California wine history, head to Alma Rosa. Owned by a husband and wife team who have worked together for more than 30 years, they purchased Alma Rosa just last year, in 2014. They specialize in bottles of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pino Blanc. Stopping by for a sample sip became a destination in it’s own right after they designed a brand new, elegant and rustic-chic tasting room worthy of wiling away the hours.

Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma, California © Bernt Rostad | Flickr

Ravenswood Winery

This winery makes it a point to tote the phrase “No Wimpy Wines.” They only embrace the boldest of flavors, and this is aptly reflected in their signature varieties of Zinfandel. While you’re at the winery, check out their new Ravenswood Sriracha sauce, sold to pair with their Zinfandel or Petite Syrah.

Black Cordon Vineyards

This Napa Valley winery is known for wine with layers of flavor. The Cabernet Sauvignon is delightfully complex, invigorating the palate with notes of blackcurrant and spicy black cherry. Keep an eye out for their Reserve Cru wine, a rarity only made in years when they have barrels that significantly outshine the others in flavor and quality. Its rareness makes it exclusively available to BCV members, so if you’re not on the list, you can always make friends with someone who is!

Peachy Canyon Vineyard © Malcolm Carlaw | Flickr

Peachy Canyon Winery

Peachy Canyon is a small, family-owned winery in Westside Paso Robles which also specializes in Zinfandel. You can grab a sip at their “Old School” tasting room, a landmark attraction on the Central California Coast. You can visit the nearby historic Old Bethel School House, or relax on the property under the old-fashioned gazebo, gazing out over the rolling vineyard hills.

Parallel Wines

Another Napa Valley hidden gem. Now in its second decade, Parallel Wines continues to raise the bar (and the glass) in winemaking. Their 2011 First Temptation is marked by a Black Diamond label to signify its superiority in flavor. Only a few of the barrels of wine they produce earn the honor.