May A.

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

Shayla B.

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!

Christine R.

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)!

Darci K.

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.

Christina W.

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.

Hana W.

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".

Alex L.

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!

Jaylena P.

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.

Diomedes L.

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.

Ryan D.

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!