2026 Wineries San Jose

24 Sep Lyons Vineyard

Posted at 19:33h in 2026 Wineries, San Jose 2026

Lyons Vineyard

3564 Sagunto St., Suite 302 Santa Ynez CA 93460
www.lyonsvineyard.com

Region: Santa Barbara County

Owners: Skye Lyons & Sarah Lyons

Winemakers: Ryan Carr with Skye & Sarah Lyons

About: Located in the Los Olivos District AVA, in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, Lyons Vineyard is a small family-run vineyard founded in 2017 with a focus on Rhône varietals. After years of growing Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Viognier for some of Santa Barbara’s top winemakers, we launched our own label in 2022. We make limited-production, small-batch wines that let the fruit and the land shine through. Our signature style is balance; wines with depth and interest that still hold their freshness and acidity. We’re excited to showcase two Grenache clones side by side, showing just how different the same varietal can be. Along with two vintages of our 100% Mourvèdre that capture the influence of Mother Nature from year to year. We love how tasting these comparisons can spark curiosity, open up conversations, and remind us that wine is at its best when it’s bringing people together!

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? We LOVE Grenache! It can be incredibly elegant yet with layers of flavor. We always try to introduce Pinot Noir lovers to lighter-style Grenache because we think it’s a great gateway to new varieties; more people should discover it!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? We have wonderful memories traveling to Tuscany with Skye’s late father (Stephen Lyons, to whom our vineyard name is a tribute) when we were much younger in our wine journey. We were hopping from one little town to the next to try the local food and wine. One of our favorites was a white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of the Vernaccia grape grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. The wine was inexpensive yet expressive and full of character!

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? We love to show our friends how wonderful these grapes can be! Providing so many more options for different moods, food pairings, gatherings with friends or just a random Tuesday night. We believe part of the fun of being on a wine journey is learning and tasting! What better homework is there than that?

27 Nov m2 Wines

Posted at 06:23h in 2026 Wineries, San Jose 2026, Wineries

m2 Wines

2900 E Peltier Rd, Lodi, CA
www.m2wines.com

Region: Lodi

Owner: Layne Montgomery

Winemaker: Layne Montgomery

About: Since 2004 our focus and purpose has been creating dynamic artisan wines from distinctive vineyards in Lodi, the Sierra Foothills, and Napa Valley. From stellar examples of Lodi Zinfandel to exciting Rhone wines from the Sierra Foothills to wonderful lesser-known grape varieties, m2 wines are created to fully express the character of the vineyard and the fruit of the vine as wine that is true to itself – balanced, complex, approachable and age-worthy.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Carignan – It is versatile and can be used as varietal, a blending component, or a rose. It comes from old vines and has lots of character; it is not a boring grape.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Viognier – It reflects the region and the soil/place of the vineyard.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They are fun, not boring!

19 Dec Madroña Vineyards

Posted at 02:35h in 2026 Wineries, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Madroña

P.O. Box 454, Camino, CA 95709
www.MadronaVineyards.com

Region: El Dorado, Sierra Foothills

Owners: Maggie and Paul Bush

Winemaker: Paul Bush

About: Madroña is a family-owned and operated winery started in 1973. Located in the cooler foothills of the Sierra Nevada (El Dorado), our family pioneered high-elevation grape growing and wine production in California. With 70 acres of naturally farmed grapes (no herbicides, all organic products), sustainability is a driving force for our winery. Our wines are a reflection of the unique volcanic soils and cool climate of our vineyards, with my winemaking style being more hands-off than hands-on. After 50 years, we’ve learned that our vineyards produce structured and varietally focused wines with good natural acidity, meant to be enjoyed at table with friends and family.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? I would say Nebbiolo. Nebbiolo is so totally unlike any other variety in the world, both in the vineyard and in the winery, that it surprises me every vintage. It’s light in color, heavy in structure, bold in the palate yet very elegant in its characters. It’s an enigma in the winery that is best left alone to mature and express itself on its own. Nebbiolo is truly unique!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? To be honest, I grew up in a family that produced grapes and made wines that were suited for our elevation (3,000 feet). I didn’t consider that some varieties are more well-known or less known. They were just Riesling and Gewurztraminer or Nebbiolo and Malbec. And since we sell most of our wines through our tasting room, each individual variety has individual consumers who love it.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I love the surprised look on a winetaster’s face when they taste something new and exciting. It’s like a whole new world has just opened up, which then opens up an interest in trying even more unusual and exquisite varieties.

09 Mar Marchelle Wines

Posted at 00:06h in 2024 Wineries, 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Marchelle Wines

2064 Hwy 116 N Ste 102 Sebastopol, CA 95472
Tasting Room: 34 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95447
marchellewines.com

Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

Owners: Kevin Lee and Greg La Follette

Winemaker: Greg La Follette and Evan Damiano

About: Marchelle employs traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern innovations to create wines that harmonize balance, finesse, and complexity. The resulting wines display a purity of fruit, precise acidity, and a seamless integration of flavors—a testament to Greg La Follette’s artistry and the exceptional vineyards from which the grapes are sourced.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsaut, as it comes from the oldest producing Cinsaut vineyard in the world at Bechthold Vineyard in Mokelumne River AVA in Lodi, originally planted in 1886

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Colombard, it is Marchelle’s origin story as Greg La Follette nursed these old vines back to health at Betty Ann Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The crisp acidity and green apple flavors pair so well with raw oysters.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? It’s unique and interesting and something most people have not tried. Discovering something special and creating an exceptional wine from it.

01 Jan Martha Stoumen Wines

Posted at 01:40h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Martha Stoumen Wines

325 Center St, Healdsburg, CA 95448
www.marthastoumen.com

Region: Sonoma County

Owner: Martha Stoumen

Winemaker: Martha Stoumen

About: Martha Stoumen Wines was founded upon the desire to recapture a farming and winemaking culture that has all but faded away: a winemaking culture of patience. Our wines are made from unexpected varietals and offer new takes on California classics. Of the nearly two dozen wines we make every year, blends and flavors change but our desire to share the simple pleasures of natural wine remains the same.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Nero d’Avola

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? My first experience with wine was actually with forgotten grapes. I went to work on a farm in Italy, just outside of Siena, when I graduated from college. They assigned me as a intern in the vineyard and olive orchard. There was an old vine block of mixed whites and reds that I loved—all quite literally forgotten—none of the locals even knew what they were, but they made delicious wine.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I don’t just love forgotten grapes—I love forgotten apple varieties, heritage breed animals, heirloom vegetables, and forgotten crafts—in a modern world where shelf life, yield, and the lowest price at all costs reign supreme, we miss out on so many flavors, nutrients, and experiences.

10 Oct McPrice Myers Wines

Posted at 05:35h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

McPrice Myers Wines

3525 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA
mcpricemyers.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owner: McPrice Myers

Winemaker: McPrice Myers

About: As founder and winemaker of his eponymous winery, McPrice “Mac” Myers makes serious wines with depth and grace. His winemaking philosophy mirrors his approach to life: Dream big. Work hard. Have fun while making great things happen. Mac was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. He earned a baseball scholarship to Rio Hondo College in Whittier, and around that time landed a job at a Southern California Trader Joe’s. That’s where he developed an appreciation for food and wine – and Rhône wines, in particular. These days, this tenacious, self-taught winemaker quietly crafts some of Paso Robles’ most lauded releases. He’s considered the region’s undiscovered genius, yet he’s also known for his low-key demeanor. As his wines rival those made by Domaine du Pégaü, Mac has earned the title of arm-wrestling champ of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on a Hospice du Rhône trip – all while sporting his signature style in Dickies-brand workwear. Mac is a humble individual backed by an amazing winery team. Together, they’re strengthening Paso’s reputation as a world-class wine region.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsault. It handles the warm, dry Paso Robles climate extremely well. It provides a lot of floral and more exotic aromatics, so it’s cool as its own and great to blend with.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Graciano. It’s got a surprising energy and color to it, and it surprised me with its complex aromatics. A little goes a long way in blending.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? There is so much more to wine than what you find on the beaten path. Paso Robles’ climate is suitable for so many more grapes than just Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. You’re missing out by not experiencing what’s out there.

21 Nov Omega Road Winery

Posted at 01:27h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Omega Road Winery

2135 S Vasco Rd, Unit C, Livermore, CA 94550
www.omegaroadwinery.com

Region: Livermore Valley

Owners: Alexandra Henkelman, Ken Henkelman, Nicky Henkelman

Winemakers: Alexandra Henkelman + Ken Henkelman

About: Omega Road Winery is more than just a place to enjoy great wine. Our passion is crafting beautiful wines, and our heart and soul go into each bottle we produce. We believe in the magic of wine to spark connection, build friendships, and bring people together.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Torrontés is a delicious and delightful undiscovered varietal – aromas of orange blossom and ginger are present right from the moment grapes are picked in the field, all the way through crush, fermentation, and into the bottle. It’s a bold wine, not by being overpowering, but by the balance of softness and structure. It’s a grape that holds nuance, but also is ready to be enjoyed by everyone.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Our first foray into Torrontés was a bit of a harvest gamble. We took a chance on trying a new varietal that not only had we not tried before, but had never even heard of. With only a week’s notice of when the grapes would be harvested, we bought as many bottles of Torrontés as we could find (in the name of research, of course) and started reading up on the grape. With a lot of excitement and only a hint of trepidation, we jumped in a week later and brought in the grapes. That was in 2019, and we haven’t looked back since!

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? There’s something truly momentous about watching someone taste a wine that’s completely unfamiliar to them. It’s a moment of discovery… a moment of unbridled fascination… a moment of curiosity. That introduction to something new opens a whole new world – not just of wine, but of places and of people. For me (and our team at Omega Road), the beauty of Forgotten Grapes is that it allows our community to expand their palates while expanding their minds. Besides, who doesn’t love getting to be the first to tell their friends about the best new wine they’ve ever tried?

22 Oct Ottavino Wines

Posted at 04:31h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026

Ottavino Wines

1160 Hopper Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
ottavinowines.com

Region: Santa Rosa

Owner: Shalini Sekhar

Winemaker: Shalini Sekhar

About: Shalini’s first passion was playing the piccolo. Now her passion is creating small-lot wines: a natural migration from one form of art and science to another. Ottavino focuses on varieties and winemaking techniques which are less common in California but outstanding nonetheless. Ottavino currently produces Grüner Veltliner, Rosé of St. Laurent, St. Laurent, and Chardonnay in Austrian oak. As an Indian-American woman winemaker originally from New Jersey, Shalini knows a thing or two about being unexpected but exceptional!

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grüner Veltliner – It is unlike working with Chardonnay, which I had a decade+ + of experience making. My favorite Grüners from Austria are from the Kamptal region and ride the line between minerality, spice, and fruit purity. Learning to work with Grüner in California to get the spiciness inherent in the grape to balance with a core of fruit has taken time to understand.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I think it was when I began studying for WSET exams before I changed careers into winemaking. I remember our German unit and tasting Scheurebe for the first time (and learning to pronounce it!). The intensity of the aroma, but truly dry palate felt so distinctly different than Riesling itself.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I’m truly focused on helping people discover these other amazing grapes. I’m applying classic, minimal intervention winemaking, which I’ve done for years with Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, to show that you can make noteworthy wines from grapes you don’t encounter as often.

08 Oct Oxlee Graham Wines

Posted at 05:32h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026

Oxlee Graham Wines

3360 Coffey Ln, Suite E, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
oxleegrahamwines.com

Region: Sonoma County and Mendocino County

Owner: Jennie Murphy

Winemaker: Jennie Murphy

About: Born from our passion for crafting unique wines with authentic stories, the OG wines embody elegance and creativity. Genuine varietal expression in our wines comes from minimal intervention in the cellar and a great focus on detail.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? My Chenin Blanc/Picpoul Blanc blend. It was such a happy accident blending these two the first year I made this wine and it was clear they were meant to be together – it was pure magic!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I got to work with Petit Verdot in my previous role and spent time really learning about how to handle this varietal in a delicate way to bring out her prettier side – this made me fall in love with all the layers. Learning how a wine wants to be made rather than making it in the “traditional” way was really eye opening – when I started my own brand I knew I had to capture it in bottle.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I love having people discover them – it can be so exciting when someone sees how special these lesser known varietals are for the first time.

13 Oct Pali Wine Co.

Posted at 22:21h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Pali Wine Co.

1036 W. Aviation Drive. Lompoc, CA, 93436
paliwineco.com

Region: Santa Barbara County

Owner: Perr Family

Winemaker: Aaron Walker

About: From the Palisades to Santa Barbara County. What started as backyard dinners and a love of wine has grown into a family-run winery with roots across California’s Central Coast. Founded by Tim and Judy Perr in 2005, Pali Wine Co. blends tradition, curiosity, and community—from our early days in a Lompoc garage to our estate vineyard, natural wine project, and coastal tasting rooms. Today, Pali is guided by two generations of the Perr family, our longtime winemaker Aaron Walker, and a commitment to wines that reflect people, place, and purpose.

Pali Wine Co. is our flagship label, focused on small-lot wines that reflect the character of California’s Central Coast. In 2012, we planted Pali Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills—originally with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, now also home to Gamay, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Dornfelder. From sourcing to cellar, our wines are shaped by place, guided by sustainability, and grounded in long-standing grower relationships.

Neighborhood is the sketchbook for Pali—a space to experiment, push boundaries, and explore new ideas. Led by Nick and Carmen Perr, this label is rooted in natural winemaking and shaped by the energy of Los Angeles. Every bottle is wild-fermented, unfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal sulfur.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? A few favorites: Cabernet Pfeffer, Dornfelder, and Orange Muscat.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? We first experimented with Dornfelder when sourcing from our neighbors, Huber Vineyard. Our 2015 vintage was extremely dark in color with a surprisingly light, acid-driven frame. Nearly 10 years later, we planted Dornfelder on our estate property and are producing varietals under Pali Wine Co. and Neighborhood Winery, experimenting with our winemaking for this stunning grape!

On another note, we were privileged to begin sourcing from Enz Vineyard in 2022. We now source Cabernet Pfeffer, Zinfandel, Orange Muscat, and ancient-vine Mourvèdre from their property. We love the opportunity to highlight terroir in each of our wines, whether it’s skin-contact Orange Muscat or carbonic macerated Cab Pfeffer!

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Sharing with our guests and wine club members across our tasting rooms!