We always enjoy an afternoon at Grindstone to relax and enjoy some wine. The staff are always so friendly and welcoming. They know us by name and were always so good to our little dog. They have produced such great wines and no matter what type you are looking for they have something you will enjoy. We were there when the Brunch Box food truck was there. Ordered the deep fried ravioli and Grilled cheese with honey. There are plenty of tables and a park area for picnics and music in the park. read more

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I hosted a party at Grindstone in the fall and it was just spectacular. The winery has terrific wines to choose from. They provided everything that we needed from tables to cups to a big water dispenser and of course, working with Tierney was an easy and pleasant experience. Highly recommend. read more

Located in Esparto CA We made it to Grindstone Wines on a Sunday afternoon. The weather was nice and sunny with a little breeze. We were greeted by Tierney who runs the winery and she sat us on their outdoor patio couch which was a reserved area for our event. We sampled some handcrafted wines including: 2019 Chardonnay - aged in neutral oak barrels. This Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay has flavors like kiwi, vanilla, and caramel with a hint of oak. Mmm... no wonder it appealed to me and ended up as my first choice from the rest :) 2016 Cortina Red - it has a deep Ruby in color. Flavors has a black cherry, plum sauce and cedar. With medium tannins this wine presents a velvety mouthful full of blueberry, leather and pomegranate. 2016 Cabernet - this Cab Sauv has a lovely bouquet of roses, black currant and earthy terroir notes. 2016 Cabernet Reserve - a rich Cab with flavors of olallieberry, cocoa, and darkened spices. The wine finishes with velvety tannins. *Tannins are compounds that exist inside grape skins, seeds and stems. You experience the effect of such anytime you drink a wine that creates a dry feeling in your mouth. The compound was nice with plenty of outdoor seating under huge umbrellas. The lawn is open to folks who want to use the grounds for picnic. The wine tasting room is in its early stage, I believe Tierney mentioned that they've only opened the tasting room a year ago. The road to the entrance of the winery (County Road 89) and the road inside the winery to the tasting room is all gravel but eventually it will be gated and paved. Grindstone has a promising future. Come visit! Oh, and we ended up purchasing the 2020 Verdejo which was a Rosè wine. We were able to apply a 15% discount from our purchase. Can't wait to taste! Cheers! Review #2265 read more

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Grindstone Wines is absolutely fabulous! Who knew that a hidden gem like this would be tucked away within Yolo County?! And I mean literally tucked away... in the middle of almost nowhere. On the drive in, I actually thought that maybe I had gone too far. Turned the corner, and then BOOM! This beautiful estate was just peaking at me from the parking lot. You'll have to drive down a dirt road for a short while to get there. But once you make it, it'll be so worth your while. Met a couple of friends here for a tasting and we had a fantastic time! Jody was our host and she was just exquisite. Super bubbly, informative, and fun (and very beautiful as well). We reserved one of their sofas for our tasting and she sat us promptly. It was a super hot day (it got up to about 108 degrees), but luckily our sofa space was shaded and kept us somewhat cool. You can't really control the Yolo County heat, but sippin' on some delicious wine will definitely help with that. They were pouring up 4 of their wines that day; one white and three reds. I actually enjoyed every single wine that I tried here! I was a little hesitant to be drinking red wine in the heat, but even the cabernets were super smooth and delicious. The Chardonnay was light and crisp. It was truly perfect for the warm weather. Price points are extremely reasonable here too. Where I went wrong was not buying. This was the first winery that we went to, and I didn't want to go crazy and buy right away without trying the wine from the other wineries. Bad decision on my part. Grindstone actually had some of the best wines that I tried during my entire wine tasting trip. Lesson learned. If you like something from here, BUY IT! I won't make that mistake again. Their estate is so charming. They've got several covered picnic tables out front, and the cutest décor in their indoor tasting area. You can even lounge out right in front of the vineyards too. Speaking of vineyards; you'll be right next to them. We actually walked right through them and took several pictures. Such a pretty sight! I can't forget to mention to their picnic area right outside of their tasting room! If you have time, make sure to check this beautiful area out as well. Everyone that we encountered in the tasting room was so friendly and cordial. I really enjoyed my time here and would love to come back when the weather gets cooler. And next time around, I'll definitely be buying some wine! read more

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What a perfect day trip up to Grindstone. I called beforehand to make a reservation for the "members only" couch. Hubby and I were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this area is. Molly greeted me warmly with a huge smile as I walked into their stylish tasting room. We arrived an hour early, and she still graciously accommodated us on the chic patio. The tasting flight starts with their crisp 2019 Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay, perfect with sushi. Molly returned with the 2016 Cortina Red, a medium-tannin wine for those who prefer medium reds. The 2016 Cab Sauv was a bolder red that's less fruity, followed by the 2016 Cabernet Reserve with a smooth finish. Talk about save the best for last; this one stole the show. Molly is a superb hostess with the mostess, as she told us about the newly established tasting room, a backstory about every wine she poured, backstory about the winery, and future events. She even offered us cold water, and suggested a great BBQ place we later dined at. She didn't have the rosé available for tasting, but I was so impressed with the winery, I purchased a bottle for a warm sunny day in the Bay. You can't go wrong with a bottle of Syrah Rosé. Additionally, we had to take home the Cortina Red & Cab Reserve. From her stories, their passionate winemakers know exactly what they're doing. Their wines are aged in French Oak just the way I like them, it's the only way j/k. If you join the wine membership, there are two pick-up parties with food trucks & live music. They allow picnics on non-event days. The venue is dog-friendly, it's family-owned and grown. From planting Syrah to Cab and Petit Verdot, delicious Chardonnay & Verdejo, their grapes literally thrive in Arbuckle. There's so much potential to make fabulous sparkling wine, I love bubbles in my life. I can't wait for more exciting vino to be featured i.e., Grenache, Malbec, Barbera, etc. Eventually, they will have a crush facility on-site, perhaps they can have "crush" parties in the future...hint, hint. Grindstone is the Mondavi of Esparto! 'Til next time ~ cheers & see you on Yelp (SYOY)! read more

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Magic does happen in the most unique places !! Grindstone should be on your list of hidden gems, and places to be explored over and over again ! If you're looking for a perfect venue for a special occasion, seriously check out Grindstone. The outside seating areas are truly perfect to sit n sip, or party like a rockstar. Wine and dine me, because Grindstone produces some seriously tasty wines. They served us some generous pours of a variety of wines, and each one was delicious. We had a blast hanging out with Brandon, and chatting about wine and life. He's super nice, and makes you want to hang out and enjoy the experience of being there. Brandon, thank you again for making us feel at home. Tierney and Molly bring their expertise and personal sunshine to the winery. They are a triple treat. Great people, great wine, and a must try! Bring a picnic and enjoy the wine! You don't need reservations per se, but with added popularity, definitely call and request " the couch". Perfect date spot, or a fun trip with friends! Thank y'all for making our afternoon incredible!! We will be back. read more

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We had a great experience here. Had the wine tasting for 2. Staff were friendly. I did want to try the rose and they refused a little disappointed. Reds were just average but did like their Chardonnay even though I do t drink white wines. They do offer a cheese platter for purchase or you can bring your own food. We bought 2 bottles and they waived one tasting. read more

This place is beautiful. We were allowed to bring our own food which was nice, the weekend we came they had an Irish band. It was okay.... Lol Nice to check it out. read more

This winery seemed to be located in the middle of nowhere with views of open fields. The outdoor area is separated into two - one is attached to the building and is right on the porch of it, and the other is further back separated by some trees - there was a private event there. I found the space well-utilized, but it did have a more industrial feel and appeared to have been work in progress. Some field equipment was visible from the tasting area, although this is understandable given the fact it is a working winery. With that said, I would recommend creating a more private space with open views. Their wines were good, but felt like most of them lacked maturity, which may be explained by the newness of the winery. Service was efficient, and the seating was comfortable. I also would recommend some sort of misters for a hot day. read more

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Grindstone is a great place to visit! The staff are knowledgeable and very friendly, the wine is yummy, and the grounds are lovely.

I enjoy the wine, the setting, as well as when there is a food trucks. The staff are nice also. I haven't been there since summer so I'm looking forward to visiting soon. read more

I stopped while on a leisurely roadtrip on the 5 and I was not disappointed. The grounds and tasting room were nice-looking. The view of the vineyards was wonderful. The tasting room manager was very friendly and shared information on the wines and the area during the tasting, which was very interesting. They happened to be pouring a number of white wines that day, which isn't always the norm. But I love white wines, so I came the right day. All of the wines I tried were great. The white wines were mostly light, dry and not too sweet. The cab blend was also very summer friendly. I especially enjoyed their rose. They have Mimosa flights, using their sparkling viogner (!) I purchased a bottle of the viogner to try at home for brunch and it is lovely. I would definitely return on my next drive down the 5, or if I see any of their wines out in the "wild". read more

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It's a great place. Their wines are good and the owner is always there. Nice to just sit outside and enjoy the place.

Grindstone Wines has quickly become one of my favorite wineries in the greater Sacramento (or Yolo County) area. I now say this not just as a customer, but as a wine club member. Everything here, from the beautiful former home in which the winery is housed to the lovely grounds to the service to, yes, the wines, is fantastic. It's well worth a visit if you love wine tasting and live anywhere near the area. We came through for a tasting on a Saturday and were happy to find a beautiful area on their lovely porch to sit on comfy sofas and enjoy. Every wine we tasted was remarkable, from their cab sauv to their chardonnay to their petit verdot. I don't think of myself as a wine expert, but I know a good wine when I taste one. We eventually migrated inside to do a tasting at the bar with Tierney and staff. All the folks who work here are just lovely and very attentive, making sure you have a top-notch experience. The inside includes another lovely seating area next to a fireplace that I imagine would be a great spot to post up during winter months. The sprawling grounds include plenty of seating, a private grassy area perfect for something like a birthday or a shower and even a place where you can pick flowers. What's not to love? It's a little out of the way, but trust me, this place is worth it! read more

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I'm telling you driving down these dirt roads had me second guessing myself. Turn left down country road number something something covered in gravel and rocks. I slowed to a crawling 8 miles an hour. Let me tell you though, the slow crawl was worth it. I pulled to a lot that looked on to a building nestled against a mini park. Our host Jodie was energetic, friendly and made us feel welcomed and comfortable. I had a few minutes alone before my friends arrived. Our group was seated on the front porch area, anyone having visited a southern home and sat on the front porch understands the importance of comfort. Not only was the lounge settee comfortable we faced the mini park, so the songs from the birds made for a nice experience. * 2019 Chardonnay * 2016 Cortina Red * 2016 Cabernet * 2016 Cabernet Reserve All of the wines were surprisingly good. I say surprisingly because well, it's extremely hot in this region and the area does not have the same air cooling as say Sonoma or Napa. That said, the wines did not disappoint! White wines are typically not my favorite since I get headaches but the 2019 Chardonnay was hitting the spot. I kick myself for not purchasing anything. It was our first stop on a weekend long excursion and I didn't want to be too eager, if you know what I mean. If you like it and you can, buy it. We stayed here for nearly 2 hours and honestly I could have stayed longer. If I can recommend anything, it would be to install misters. With how warm it gets out this way, misters would keep customers cool and potentially lead to more tasting and purchasing. The inside was just as pretty and could have been anyone's living room. I can envision people enjoying a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. Don't forget to explore the mini park and flowers. read more

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When we turned on to the gravel road, I was sure that we were headed to never-never land, but to our surprise, the GPS was correct, and there was this hidden gem. The fact that it is on a dirt road is nice; there weren't too many people there. We parked under a nice shady tree and strolled to the tasting room. There was a large green space where we later found out they have live bands and other events. In fact, they had had one the night before. I will be back to enjoy. We were greeted as we walked up the ramp and ushered into the tasting room, which felt AMAZING btw... the AC was on full blast. I need to stop for a minute and talk to you about this gorgeous tasting room! It was so welcoming with cozy seating and ample lighting due to all the windows. I loved the decor and the raw wood. The stave counter was a nice touch as well. The lighting was super unique, and nothing like I'd seen before. The bathrooms... seriously, check out the bathrooms; they are gorgeous! There is also a wall of swag for sale, so make sure to check it out. There was definitely some cute stuff to purchase, but I resisted; I can't say it won't happen on my next visit, though, haha. Ok, so on to what you are actually here for... the wine! They have a nice variety of whites/roses' and reds--basically something for everyone. The wine is very well done; they even convinced me that I like a white wine. I feel I keep saying that, but more and more places are surprising me here and there with a white I actually like. The attendants were super helpful and funny. They had reserved us a table that we eventually went outside to sit at but enjoyed the nice AC inside. They have a beautiful porch with couches and cushioned chairs reserved for wine club members, so that is a nice perk. For non-wine club members, have an area of tables with umbrellas to enjoy your wine and keep you from frying in the sun. Another perk is that they have a "you pick" flower garden, and they provide you with a cute little jar to put it in. So you not only walk away with yummy wine and cool swag, but you can also take home some beautiful fragrant flowers. read more

What an absolute fantastic day to visit wineries today. It may have been in a warm side but who's complaining. Anyway, I signed up and got in for the June Yolo wineries passport to visit these fairly young wineries. I made reservations to get the special members only couch (you get your own private comfortable seating) . When we got to the area , I always know that this valley is associate with the popular casino Cache Creek. Back in the day, I know this valley grew maybe walnuts and other agricultural fruits (not sure which ones ). I didn't see back then grape vines. We got here and not sure if the tasting room was but it was pretty much hidden from the main road. This place is beautiful amd in the process of Upgrading to cater to more customers. I had the privilege to taste 4 of their wines, our hostess Tierney, was fabulous and have shared brief history of the winery. The four selections are 2019 Chardonnay, 2016 cortina red (their blended red wine) , 2016 Cabernet and the 2016 Cabernet Reserve, I enjoyed the reserve . But has a rich flavor almost taste the skin of the grape in it. I'm not a wine connoisseur but yes that last one was very good. They have other wine options in fact I bought one 2020 Verdejo. Our kids (their adults) love these kind of wines (sweet and fruity). This is really a treasure in Yolo county. Come and enjoy a non touristy , personable wine tasting experience. read more

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Wine is awesome!!!! The family owned winery is flavorful and the people there are so nice.

Every time we go it's like a family reunion. This farming family really knows how to make you feel welcome. They started out small and relied on a couple of their favorites. They just recently started planting new varietals and I cant wait to taste them. Whether it's a food truck day or music in the park, the environment is warming, relaxing, the guests are friendly and quite charming. Definitely a must stop if in the area, or if not, just get there. You won't be disappointed. Wine club is a solid option too. read more

Went here for a music night, and it was so much fun. No pretense, loaded with young kids, food truck, and not to mention the very good wine. Mike and his family have done this right. It fills a gap in what people want in wineries. Everyone in their 30s and 40s wants to be able to take their kids, lawn chairs, and enjoy a few bottles without worrying about how people stare at them. We will be back! read more

Grindstone Wines - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Esparto, California

What a magical place to host a wedding! I had the recent pleasure of photographing this venue, and it's such a lovely spot. It feels so peaceful and private out in the countryside. The main lawn with the grand cypress trees give a feel of intimacy and closeness while the surrounding vineyard and hill views and the perfect backdrop for portraits! Grindstone is a beautifully kept blank slate that is easily transformed for any celebration. I hope to photograph these beautiful grounds again! read more

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Who needs to drive all the way to Napa when you've got much more affordable and less crowded options, like Grindstone wines? They have a newly remodeled tasting room that is just gorgeous and so welcoming. The staff here is friendly and chatty and bc it was a slow day, super attentive! I'm sure post-pandemic it will get busier here, but I kind of enjoyed the quiet and calm of being out "in the middle of nowhere" and sipping a glass of cool wine. They do have a lot of seating and tables, and can even host large events and business gatherings. The tasting flights are $10 each, and as customary...the tasting fee is waived with the purchase of a bottle. We took home a bottle of their lovely rosé which was less than $20 if I remember correctly. What a great deal! They even came out and offered to let us pick and take home some fresh zinnias from their property! They've sat out on our kitchen table all week. read more

I had a fantastic experience at this winery! I would highly recommend it for the friendly staff (that is primarily family to the winery), the delicious wine, and the beautiful ambiance! Definitely worth the drive to Esparto! read more

Regrettably, I did not take any pictures. I was too busy taking in the view. Google map has not updated the location at this time so, when we got to the end where there's a house, we made a right. I know for sure this was not the correct place so we kept going down until we saw the beautiful stone sign with their name on it. Basically it's the next resident. So don't got past the sunflower field! (Yes there is a sunflower field) -make that right and location is on your left This is an up and coming new wine tasting place! They just planted new vines up close to the house. Beautiful seating with shades and umbrellas. Thank goodness, today was a beautiful day with a slight cool breeze. There are seatings on the porch as well, however they were all filled when we got here. Seatings on the porch seems to have overhead fan which is a nice touch. Designated parking area is not cemented, however the disabled parking is. They have a nice little grass area where they hold their yoga sessions. Seems like a little nice play area for kids to run around as well. They have automatic sliding doors! Takes a couple seconds to sense you but wow! Who likes to open the doors with their hands now anyways? We were warmly welcomed by Miss Molly, our most gracious host who is also in charge of the media platforms for this vineyard. Molly was very nice and told us all about the flight of wine we were about to indulge ourselves in. She's a very friendly host with great knowledge of their wine selection! Wonderful personality! The place is beautifully furnished I am all for this place! Definitely recommending to friends and family! read more

Heading up I-5 north of Woodland, it's easy to look out over the pastoral quilt on either side of you and think the stretches of farmland have little to offer. But if you take a left at Zamora and meander down a few aged and weathered roadways, you'll find an oasis. Grindstone sits behind a curtain of cypress trees that unveils an unexpected bucolic setting, with pinstripes of grapevines coursing off into the distance and a bright white farmhouse as its centerpiece. Given a beautiful makeover by the new owners, that old residence welcomes you with pods of shaded tables in the yard and a wrap-around porch offering sofas under cooling fans. But it's what's inside that really sets it apart. The wines we tasted covered all flavor points: a smooth and buttery chard; a sharp, tangy red; a rich and dangerously gulp-worthy cab; a velvety-dry cab reserve. Something to suit any preference. If you add to that the hospitality, charm, and expertise of the staff--on this day, all women--you have an ambiance that is relaxed and memorable. Grindstone has more to offer, like a grassy park for wine picnics, music events and yoga classes, and the ever-available wine club. Most endearing may be the free cut-your-own-flowers proposition, where you snip blooms from a colorful patch of zinnias and carry them away in a provided repurposed mason jar. A small touch that makes a day at this tasting room that much more enjoyable. And when you leave, it'll be on a dusty gravel road, new bottles clinking, zinnias held secure in a lap, and you'll venture back through that sun-seared patchwork to the fresh energy of the city. But the next time you're on that barren highway corridor, you'll remember Zamora, the country roads, and the exceptional wine from the haven off in the distance. An oasis in the middle of nothing. read more

Love love love this place. It was nice to enjoy our tastings from the members couch which is set on the wrap around porch. Great staff who were very knowledgeable about the wines we were offered. We left with a bottle of what we couldn't taste (Verdejo and rose Syrah). We've already gone through both bottles and especially enjoyed the rose. They have a grassy area with where they activities take place (there was a yoga session wrapping up as we arrived). Definitely looking forward to going again when the new tasting menu is released. read more

Grindstone Wines - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Esparto, California

Such a fantastic place to enjoy some yummy wine. Highly recommend the location even if it's a bit chilly outside they have you covered with a fire pit. Go check them out. read more

Grindstone Wines - Enjoying some yummy wine with amazing friends. - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Esparto, California

First visit was great. Wines were better than expected and the tasting room and grounds were beautiful. I'll definitely be back read more

Grindstone is a must-see hidden gem in Esparto, CA. On our first visit in early 2023, we were immediately smitten by the vineyards, the picturesque view of the hills, and their lush grassy park. Their tasting room also had a nice bridal suite with an amazing view and cozy space for prep and photos. We met with Tierney, Grindstone's brand manager, who is topnotch, responsive and very kind to us. We immediately booked with them, and fast forward Oct 2024, we got ourselves a very enjoyable wine tasting experience, a stress-free venue walk through, and a very nice rehearsal dinner. We chose to hold our reception on their patio area, hoping to have the sunset as our backdrop and main attraction. Tierney was great with all of our vendors and made sure that we had all we needed to make this happen. Lo and behold, shortly after 5:30PM, we were blessed with the most beautiful sunset ever! It was such a beautiful and lasting memory for my husband and I, as well as for our families and friends. Overall, Grindstone is a great venue, with great wine & great people. We highly recommend!!! read more

Absolutely beautiful venue. Tierney and Molly are the best hostess's. Love the wines! And surroundings are crisp and clean. You're treated like family here. After over visiting 50 different wine venues they even have the cleanest bathroom facilities! read more

Grindstone Wines - Molly & Tierney - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Esparto, California

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Outstanding day at Grindstone! Really appreciated the amazing history and wine too! The atmosphere was so nice and relaxing. My team enjoyed the Great service and amazing wines too. read more

We love Grindstone! I am a Wine Club member and love all the wines (the Verdejo and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is delish!) We recently hosted a surprise birthday party and Tierney and the rest of her brigade were very accommodating and willing to work with me on what I needed to reserve a couple of tables for about 20 people for a surprise birthday. The park area is great on a hot day and the staff are very friendly and willing to accommodate as well as they can. They are dog friendly (our boy Barnbay is treated like a celebrity here). please visit and support your local Yolo County Wineries read more

Grindstone Wines - Grindstone allowing us to hold a surprise birthday party! - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Esparto, California

Grindstone wines are excellent and every one of our visits to the winery tasting room has been extremely enjoyable. Tierney and Molly always make us feel welcome with their hospitality and friendliness providing wine tastings. The winery tasting room is a beautiful modern farmhouse and the outdoor seating area is expansive and comfortable. I also highly recommend joining the Grindstone Wine Club. read more

Great wine, great atmosphere, great customer service! Owned and operated by a hard working family from of Arbuckle. Grindestone is my first choice of where I want to go for a relaxing afternoon not far from home. read more

Such a truly special boutique winery/tasting room, that has come to fruition after more than a decade of hard work, commitment and dreams. The M. Doherty family, along with their brand manager, Tierney and delightful tasting room staff, are welcoming, knowledgeable and genuinely excited to share their delicious, award winning wines with everyone (21 and over!) . Just a short drive from Sacramento/Roseville/Folsom, Davis, Vacaville/Fairfield/Vallejo... it's the perfect wine-country getaway without the pretentious hype, traditionally found in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. This winery is a true hidden gem in the up and coming Dunnigan Hills appellation. So... pack a picnic lunch, grab a blanket and settle into their beautiful 'park' setting or pull up a comfy chair on the spacious patio, overlooking the scenic coastal range, all while sipping delicious Grindstone Wines... You'll be glad you did! P.S.- Be sure to check their website for opening hours and special events! read more

Grindstone Wines - Sipping delicious Grindstone Wines at Sunset! - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Esparto, California

Great Experience, with great service! Beautiful place to bring the whole family and pets!

Great little winery with friendly staff. The Cabernet Sauvignon was the standout wine here, but all their reds were fantastic

We have been wine club member for years and LOVE the new facility. Amazing views with varied seating areas letting everyone pick a spot that is just right for them. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Oh and the wine is amazing too! read more

We first visited Grindstone on Valentine's Day weekend, and had the best time!! The place is gorgeous, everything is so well done. We loved chatting with the owners, Mike and Amy, and really enjoyed each wine we tasted. We joined the wine club, and can't wait to go back! read more

Hidden gem! The Cab is killer and very affordable. Rose is nice and dry. Great patio and a field circled with trees as a wind break. Really nice staff. Worth the drive. read more