Wine-ings Post 2: My Top 10 Non-Napa Wineries (right now) and procrastinating doing my taxes

I'm ready to give my top ten wineries - at least they are in this point in time - that are not in or around the Napa area. It's also another attempt to delay doing my taxes a little longer - but I will do them today at some point. Because I was a victim of tax fraud and identity theft, I'm encouraged to do them as soon as I have all the documents I need (got the last one I didn't realize I needed last week) even though I have a special pin they send me so that doesn't happen again. But I feel like talking about wine right now so I'm going to talk about wine. 

Unlike the previous post, I did not order these by number. At the moment I can't choose how to order them in preference because I had such different experiences at each that I liked as well as the others, but I promise if one starts to stand out while I'm writing, I will let you know. Otherwise, pay no attention to the order numbers.

Here goes:

1) Big White House Winery and John Evans Cellars, Livermore, CA 

This is a winery that I love to go back to when I'm in Livermore. I've taken three friends there so far, too. Why? Because their wines are good, affordable, and they have varieties most do not have. You'll notice a few others on this list like this one in their offers of rare varieties because I believe its fun and growing in importance to me personally to try things that are outside of our comfort zones, including wines. 

Think of this winery in this way: Big White House as the main winery with John Evans Cellars as the special wines created by its winemaker, John Evans. Both lines of wines are exceptional. But the best thing about this winery is that it has such an amazing story to it. From just one of the cool little stories, you learn about John Evans personal life and that of his sister's talents as an artist. Her art is displayed in the tasting room and on the bottles. What makes some of it really special is that there is a series of a special wine blend with essentially the same picture on them that changes with the "update" of the winemakers life: when he started courting his now wife, when he got engaged to her (the engagement ring was added to the picture), when they got married (their in wedding attire), when they had a child, etc. They tell the story much better than I can ever do, but it is only one among many others stories of the pictures she paints for the wine bottles. Don't be afraid to ask about them when you are there for your tasting. You just wouldn't think that his plain white barn-like structure in the middle of nowhere (sort of) would hold such wonderful art, wine and cool stories to match them. 

My favorites: Teroldego (not offered right now), Sangiovese, El Capitan, The Debonaire.

Website: www.bigwhitehouse.com

2) Oliver Winery, Bloomington, IN

This one is close to my heart and is the only one on this list not in CA. I personally consider this a more sweet wine winery. They truly excel in their sweet wines, though when I tasted there two years ago this coming June their dry endeavors have really improved. There are not near as many wineries in IN than in CA but throughout all my tastings in CA, Oliver winery still stands out as a great experience in tasting, grounds, and wines. There is a wine for every palate there, and the varieties are growing yearly. My personal favorite is their Creekbend Vineyard wines which are their estate-grown wines. At one point, I will become a Creekbend Club member - but they also offer a sweet wine and a dry wine club. So if you are ever in my former neck of the woods, DO NOT miss an opportunity to taste there. Bonus: for my sign language final in 1999, I signed their wine tour as my final project with my class partner. One of the best experiences I've ever had.

My favorites: Catawba, Moscatos (several flavors), Soft Red.

Website: www.oliverwinery.com

3) Caliza Winery, Paso Robles, CA

Caliza is on this list because I had a great experience in their virtual tasting this past weekend. Four of my friends (two from Indiana and two from California) and myself participated in our first virtual wine tasting. From the initial set up, ordering, and actual tasting, I was super impressed with the winery itself. But then we tasted the wines and they were very good. It was such a good experience that I not only bought two bottles of wine (and I was just notified they'll be here tomorrow!), but I'm committed to actually visit the winery in person the next time I go to Paso Robles. We had a blast, and the wine host was so fun and personable (though he talked just a tad - and I stress just a tad - too much about himself at times). He led us well through the tastings and asked us some good questions - and bonus, he was so knowledgeable about wines. So many wine hosts I've found can't give me the details I seek - and if you know me even a little bit this ability is high on my list if I'm going to have a good wine tasting experience.

My favorites: Primitivo, Pink, and believe it or not, their Syrah (which is not usually one of my favorites). However, he tempted us with their Tempranillo (a personal favorite grape) so though I wasn't able to taste it, I'm sure it will be added to this list. Bonus: I'll be receiving a bottle of Primitivo and Pink (dry Rose) tomorrow in the mail. 

Website: www.calizawinery.com

4) Justin Winery, Paso Robles, CA

Justin Winery is just different. It's beautifully located in the middle of nowhere Paso Robles - but the dusty, long, winding, country drive is worth it. Every trip I've made there I've left feeling so much better than when I arrived - even if I was already in a good mood. I will be honest and tell you that the wine is different. The terroir is special though and that is what makes the wine special and different. I suggest doing a search on facebook and instagram and watching whatever is available of Justin's owner, Justin Baldwin, and his live podcasts. Better yet, go to their website and watch a series of wine lessons from Justin Baldwin himself. You will learn so much about wine in general, but even more so why this winery is a must to visit.

They are known for their Isosceles, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The 1994 version of this wine launched Justin to international fame in 1997. Since then, Justin has only grown in popularity and its truly distinctive wines. And I even like their triangle-inspired names. In addition to their Isosceles blend, their Trilateral is their version of a GSM, and their Right Angle is their bordeaux-style offering with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. They have two tasting rooms: one in downtown Paso Robles and at their estate. I suggest you go to the estate first and make a reservation at their restaurant - which is an amazing experience itself. The food is phenomenal and is paired exquisitely with their wines. If you have the bank, unlike me at the moment, complete your experience by staying at the winery - Just INN.

My favorites: Tempranillo, Trilateral, Right Angle, Sangiovese. Admittedly, I like their flagship wine, Isosceles (I'd never turn down a glass or a bottle), but it isn't actually my favorite of theirs.

Website: www.justinwine.com

5) Hart Winery, Temecula, CA

Out of the handful of wineries I've been to in the San Diego/Temecula area, this one still stands out. The tasting room is probably the smallest I've been in but it provided one of the best experiences. I went with my friend Kyla and we were able to bring her husky, Ziggy, into the actual tasting room. They are dog fans and even had special treats and water bowls for our four-legged friend. The tasting was so easy, casual, relaxing and their wine hosts were very knowledgeable. I actually want to go back there one of the next times I visit my dear friend and taste a few more of their wines. I remember it so fondly that when I get to the point that I can have multiple wine clubs, its pretty high up on the list.

My favorites: Barbera, Tres Hermanos, Angelica (dessert wine)

Website: www.vinhart.com

6) Fortino Winery and Event Center, Gilroy, CA

This is the only winery where I am currently a wine club member. Its local to me (20-25 minutes depending on traffic) and its tucked away between mountains in the outskirts of Gilroy. Its just a peaceful, beautiful area that I can definitely see how many like to make it their choice for a wedding venue. Personally, I loved the winery from my first visit because of the kind, down-to-earth and fun family that owns it. I've always had a great experience - and the events are some of the most fun I've had in my life since moving back to CA! They also offer some rare wines that you can't find very many places in the states: Carignan and Charbono. These are very distinctive, medium to full-bodied wines that have both fruity and floral notes. They pair well with meats and earthy vegetables. I encourage you to try both and see if you like them. From my experience, those who like drier Cab wines usually like one or both of these.

And if you are in my area, look me up and I'll take you to "my winery" for a relaxing and good time! In fact, I forgot to mention that their winemaker is also a chef. During the pandemic, they were able to open their doors (outside of course) as a restaurant because they have a restaurant license! I went many a weekend just to get away a bit, staying close to my bubble, and was safe at a table in the open air by myself, enjoying great food and good wine!

My favorites: Malbec, Dry Sparkling, Sangiovese, Almond Sparkling, Carignan, Charbono.

Website: www.fortinowinery.com

7) Wrath Wines, Soledad, CA

This is one of my Pinot Noir favorites. It's in a very dusty, dry, windy almost-in-the-middle-of-nowhere place in central California but every taste of their wine is worth the dull drive. Its beautiful in its own way and a jewel to the locals (or so I heard from the three locals I met tasting there). But to really understand why this winery is worth the trip you just plain need to taste there - or at least read the first paragraph on their website that explains how they got their name. Either way, had my Samsung Note 8 not died during my tasting there almost a year ago, I would've stayed for another hour just chatting with my wine hosts! As windy and dusty as it was at the time (and it isn't always that way), I truly enjoyed myself and the wines.

Bonus: if you don't want to drive to Soledad, you can taste their wines at the tasting room in Carmel. Yes, you can enjoy the deliciousness of their wines and, I assume, their exceptional hospitality in one of California's most famous and gorgeous coastal towns.

My favorites: Boekenoogen Vineyard Pinot Noir, KW Ranch Pinot Noir.

Website: www.wrathwines.com

8) Calera Wine Company, Hollister, CA -

This winery may be my second favorite in my area. I think it might have my favorite Pinot Noir so far (yes, even possibly over Williams Selyem Pinot Noir - I'd like to do a side by side taste test one day of both - but alas, I do not buy $100+ bottles of wine yet so I'll have to wait on this). Calera was bought about three years or so ago by Duckhorn wines, a growing wine conglomerate with very high quality wines (you found two of them on my previous wine post). The wine here is so special and the process so good that Duckhorn kept the winemakers process as is, and I'm so glad they did. I'm not sure I have had a better Pinot Noir for my particular palate. And though I didn't come home with that $100 bottle, the $38 bottle was still pleasant and wasn't in my wine rack for long.

This winery is also a small drive in the country near Hollister (45 minutes essentially to my south) but is worth driving the sometimes dirt road. It is tucked besides a hill that overlooks the mountain/hill area that separates one of the many central valleys to the east from the more coastal valleys to the west. The outdoor areas are set up close to the cliff edge - with more than adequate glass-like and rocky-wall barriers, which makes it quiet and peaceful. This is another that I want to take people to for both the outdoor experience and for Pinot Noir lovers.

My favorites: Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard (99 pts!), Mt Harlan Pinot Noir Selleck Vineyard, Viognier, Chenin Blanc

Website: www.calerawine.com

9) Vidovich Vineyards, Cupertino, CA

I am not exaggerating when I say this winery is the best view of San Jose and San Francisco area. It is at the top of the mountains in Cupertino and is not for anyone that isn't prepared for a 15-20 minute drive on very windy mountain roads - but if you can make it up there you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. The views are stunning - and the wines are exceptional. But if you don't like Cabernet Sauvignon's then don't go because that is what they almost strictly produce. They do have a Zinfandel at times and it is one of my favorite Zinfandels (if not my favorite) but its not always offered. 

I have trekked up there on my own four times - so if that is any indication of how much I liked it then get yourself ready for a beautiful, albeit winding drive.

My favorites: Monte Bello 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Monte Bello 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Website: www.vidovichvineyards.com

10) Leal Vineyards, Hollister, CA

This winery is one of those that has multiple options to enjoy: a tasting room, an outdoor venue that hosts summer concerts and small bites food options, a restaurant, and a wedding venue. I've tasted there twice and have found it has my second favorite Viognier (my favorite white wine) and that their reds are quite pleasant. They also own a second winery called MOHI but as its a younger vineyard, I'm not as high on their wines - though they have a pretty good Rose. But my favorite part of tasting there was looking at their surrounding grounds of wild grasses, vineyard groves, and lavender fields. Its truly a fragrant and peaceful area. 

My favorites: Viognier, Godsend (Cabernet Sauvignon), and Petite Sirah.

Website: www.liveloveleal.com

Honorable mentions:

Picchetti Winery, Cupertino, CA

Thomas Fogarty Winery, Woodside, CA

McKahn Family Cellars, Livermore, CA 

Cardella Winery, Mendota, CA

Klincker Brick, Lodi, CA