2027 Wineries

Estate Crush

2 W Lockeford Street, Lodi, CA 95240
estatecrush.com

Region: Lodi

Owner: Bob & Ali Colarossi

Winemaker: Bob Colarossi

About: Estate Crush is a custom crush winery in downtown Lodi focused on high-end, small lot production and created to help new wineries get established with minimal upfront capital. Founders Bob & Ali Colarossi manage day-to-day operations and since starting in 2009 have always offered a full commercial production with only a one ton minimum. Bob leads the winemaking team and over the years has produced more than 1,000 different wines representing 51 varietals including lesser-known varietals such as Arneis, Corvina, Cinsaut, Godello, and Rondinella.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Bechthold Vineyard Cinsaut! Estate Crush has six dedicated rows in the Bechthold Vineyard, own root-planted in 1886. We love this grape because of the flavor profile and versatility. We have made it as a traditional red wine, a rosé, sparking rosé and a white wine.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Arneis because of the beautiful floral notes. We were surprised by the aromatic profile of the stone fruit, apple, pear and light citrus.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? We enjoy the excitement of discovering new varietals and their similarities but even more so, their differences. We enjoy the unique flavor profiles that we’ve discovered through lesser-known varietals.

Estate Crush Winemaker
Estate Crush Winemaker
Estate Crush Winery Glass
Estate Crush Vineyard

Half Full Wine Company

3000-F Danville Blvd., #142, Alamo, CA 94507
halffullwine.com

Region: Northern California

Owner: Family Owned – Tim Harris & Antonia Rozakis, Roger & Jennifer Billeci, Demetrius & Tina Palavos

Winemaker: Tim Harris & Edward Cholakian

About: Half Full Wine Co. started in a garage, where we spent more than a decade learning by doing. We made it official in 2023, but kept the same curiosity. Today, we roam Northern California looking for vineyards, varieties, and ideas worth chasing. Our wines are small-lot, single-vineyard and tied to one vintage. No formulas. No reruns. One vineyard. One vintage. One chance to get it right. That model gives us permission to keep exploring. Albariño and Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg; Grenache from Amador; Cabernet Franc from the Sierra Foothills; and now experiments with Chenin Blanc Pét-Nat and partial-carbonic Valdiguié. We don’t want to make the same wines forever. We want to keep discovering what California can do.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache. We sometimes think of it as a more rustic cousin to Pinot Noir. It can be delicate and aromatic, earthy and savory, or surprisingly serious. It can make a beautiful rosé, a bright lighter red or something with real structure. And it has a way of showing where it was grown without needing much makeup. Mostly, we like that we haven’t figured it all out yet. Every time we work with Grenache, there seems to be another direction worth exploring.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It’s hard for us to point to one grape or one bottle. The discovery itself has always been the part of wine that hooked us. A bottle from somewhere you’ve never been. A grape you’ve never heard of. Traveling somewhere and tasting something that makes perfect sense in that place. Then coming home and wondering what else is out there—and what some of those ideas might look like in California. That curiosity eventually became the model for Half Full. Instead of building a lineup and repeating it every vintage, we gave ourselves permission to keep looking. New vineyards. New grapes. New techniques. New favorites. The adventure of a new wine is still the part that fascinates us most.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? There is always something else to try. That’s what we love about wine in general. You can spend a lifetime exploring it and still barely scratch the surface. Different grapes. Different regions. Different producers. Different styles. And great examples exist in all of them. We love to travel. We love ordering the bottle we don’t recognize. We love tasting someone else’s experiment and having it change the way we think about our own. And we bring that same curiosity into the cellar. Right now, that means exploring Chenin Blanc in a completely different style and experimenting with partial-carbonic Valdiguié. Next year, who knows. There is too much good wine in the world to stop exploring.

Half Full winery
Half Full winery
Half Full winery
Half Full winery
Half Full winery
Half Full winery

Hanna Winery & Vineyards

9280 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448
www.hannawinery.com

Region: Sonoma County

Owner: Christine Hanna

Winemaker: Jeff Hinchliffe

About: At HANNA Winery & Vineyards, we consider ourselves iconoclasts, always eager to challenge convention and explore what lies beyond the familiar. We are a family-owned winery with vineyards spanning the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Moon Mountain District. We have a dual identity: as an internationally recognized standard-bearer for Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and as a micro-producer of terroir-driven, lesser-known varietals that reward the curious drinker. We are experimenting with new varieties on our ranches in order to adapt to changing climatic conditions, and satisfy our own zest for new and novel aromas and flavors.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Saint Macaire holds a special place in our hearts. It is a rare Bordeaux variety with a personality all its own, and we are captivated by its distinctive aromatic character. We are still exploring the full range of what this grape can express, which is precisely what makes it so compelling. We love a grape that keeps us curious. And then there is Grillo. Some discoveries are best discussed in person, glass in hand. Ask us about it at the festival—no recording devices, please.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Our first Saint Macaire fermentation in 2015 gave us a moment we will never forget. After pressing, winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe climbed a ladder to smell the tank and was met with an astonishing rush of aromas: ginseng, sarsaparilla, and Kalamata olives. The experience was so unexpected he nearly fell off the ladder.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The ineffable joy of being at the avant-garde—and the smell, taste, and texture of novelty. Lesser-known grapes invite us to question what we think we know about wine. They offer the excitement of experimentation, the possibility of surprise, and the chance to explore expressions of place and varietal character that haven’t yet become part of the mainstream conversation. At HANNA, we love the freedom to follow our curiosity, challenge convention, and bring something genuinely distinctive to the glass.

Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery
Hanna Winery

Harney Lane Vineyards

9010 E Harney Lane, Lodi, Ca 95240
harneylane.com

Region: Lodi

Owners: Kyle and Jorja Lerner

Winemaker: Kyle Lerner

About: As sixth-generation farmers, we’ve learned that high-quality, handcrafted wine requires an immense amount of heart and hard work – nothing can replicate the years we’ve sown into the land and our family’s legacy. Since 1900, with focus and fortitude, we’ve learned that excellence takes endurance, distinction takes determination, and grace takes grit.

That’s why we’ve taken matters into our own hands. We pour our heart into every step of the process – from soil to shelf – we’re committed to making the best possible beverage for our customers and the planet. Our 100% estate-grown wines are produced from sustainably farmed vineyards and meticulously made with no unnecessary additives and an unwavering commitment to quality. The result is a classic collection of naturally smooth, fruit-driven wines, perfect for enjoying in everyday life.

With over a century on Henry Ranch in the heart of Lodi Wine Country, our philosophy has been and will always be: to honestly make wine that is beautifully balanced, and consciously crafted with grace and grit.®

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Our favorite “undiscovered” grape to work with here in Lodi is Tempranillo. While it’s a world-famous varietal in Spain, it remains a true hidden gem in Lodi, and it perfectly embodies our Grace and Grit ethos.

The Grit comes from managing the Tempranillo vine’s tendency to ripen quickly, requiring extremely careful canopy management in our estate vineyards. The reward is the Grace: a deeply-colored, medium-bodied red wine with beautiful balance, bright acidity, and structured tannins.

It gives us those lovely notes of cherry, dried fig, and leather—qualities you might expect from a complex Old World wine—but delivered with the authentic, fruit-forward generosity of Lodi. It’s an elegant, everyday wine that is incredibly food-friendly and continues to surprise both us and our members every vintage. We feel it has an important future in Lodi, and we love being a part of that discovery.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It was about twenty years ago, and the grape was Tempranillo. What genuinely surprised us was the incredible structure and acidity. Lodi is known for big, ripe fruit, but this Tempranillo delivered that beautiful, dark cherry profile alongside a backbone—a savory, earthy complexity and tannic weight—that was unexpected. It had the Grit of a classic Spanish wine but the expressive fruit of our Lodi soil.

That moment completely changed our perspective. It proved that Lodi could not only produce world-class Zinfandel, but that our vineyard’s specific terroir could nurture sophisticated, age-worthy, “undiscovered” varietals like Tempranillo. That single taste committed us to introducing that complexity to our guests.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What we love most is the authenticity and the sheer joy of sharing discovery.
Undiscovered grapes, like our Tempranillo, allow us to honor the pioneering spirit of Lodi—that spirit of Grit that has defined us for generations. They challenge us as farmers and winemakers to truly showcase the potential of our century-old estate vineyards beyond Zinfandel.

For our guests, it provides that moment of Grace—the elevated experience of tasting something they may have never encountered, right here in the glass at Harney Lane. It creates an opportunity for connection and education, proving that sophisticated, complex, and beautiful wines can come from a laid-back, genuine place like Lodi. It makes the conversation more interesting and the experience more memorable.

Hitching Post Wines

420 E HWY 246 Lompoc CA 93427
hpwines.com

Region: Santa Barbara County

Owners: Frank Ostini & Gray Hartley

Winemakers: Frank Ostini and Weston Hartley

About: Led by Frank Ostini (owner of the Hitching Post 2 Restaurant) and Gray Hartley, Hitching Post Wines has passed its 40th vintage in its ongoing quest to create the finest wines possible of Santa Barbara County. The emphasis is to make intriguing, age-worthy Pinot Noirs featuring Santa Barbara County’s two iconic appellations, the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. However, other lesser-known varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Valdeguie have also caught their attention. With Frank Ostini as Chef Winemaker since its inception, these are food-friendly, handcrafted wines of balance and finesse that express the essence of the great vineyards of the Santa Barbara region. Moving forward, the next generation of Hartleys – Emily (DTC Manager) and Weston (Winemaker) – have joined the team and are doing much of the heavy lifting at Hitching Post Wines.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Valdiguie – It’s Racy. Defined as: (of a wine, flavor, etc.) having a characteristic quality to a high degree.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Valdiguie – It was so fresh and lively, and once in the barrel changed every month, from tart and tangy, then softening as the months passed to being this fresh, racy fruit that continues to get better and better and better.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Great heritage varietals that are lesser known have so much potential when taken seriously and given respect. There is greater freedom to explore old and new techniques and styles.

HitchingPost1

Ironstone Vineyards and Flora Abielle

1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys, CA
ironstonevineyards.com

Region: Lodi

Owners: Kautz Family

Winemaker: Steve Miller

About: At Ironstone Vineyards, our family’s roots in California agriculture span three generations, beginning with the planting of our first Chardonnay vines in 1968 and culminating in the founding of our estate winery in 1988 in Calaveras County near Murphys. Over the years, we have proudly championed distinctive varietals such as Cabernet Franc and Symphony, earning national recognition and numerous awards as leaders in producing wines that express the character and quality of our vineyards.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? My first choice is the uniqueness of the Symphony grape varietal. The intensely aromatic character of the rare Symphony grape, which is a crossing of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris, delivers an explosive floral, peach, apricot, and tropical fruit aromas.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Your first time drinking Obsession Symphony blows you away because the aromatics leap out of the glass with intense orange blossom, ripe peach, apricot, honey, and tropical fruit before you even take a sip.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The natural aromatics and slight touch of sweetness of the Symphony grape make it exceptional with spicy and savory dishes. The hint of sweetness helps cool the heat from foods like Thai curry, Mexican cuisine, or spicy barbecue, while its bright acidity keeps it fresh alongside savory flavors such as roasted chicken, pork, charcuterie, or rich cheeses.

Jennifer Gray Wine

100 Los Padres Way, Unit 7, Buellton, California
www.jennifergraywine.com

Region: Santa Barbara

Owner: Jennifer Gray

Winemaker: Jennifer Gray

About: Jennifer Gray Wine is my small-lot project focused on balance, texture, and drinkability. I work with thoughtfully farmed fruit and take a minimal-intervention approach, guided by intention rather than dogma. I aim to make wines that feel grounded and approachable. These are wines made for the table, for conversation, and for people who enjoy curiosity as much as they enjoy a good glass of wine.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache Blanc: traditionally a blending wine, I believe that it can be very beautiful, nuanced, and textured—very drinkable!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I remember the lightbulb moment of tasting Pinot Blanc and going—wow—this is a relative of Pinot Noir? I’m fascinated by the grape mutations that have led to other lesser-known varieties.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They provide variety in a sea of the same wines that exist in the marketplace and an opportunity to discover new flavors, aromas, and textures in wine!

Jennifer Gray Wine
Jennifer Gray Wine
Jennifer Gray Wine
Jennifer Gray Wine
Jennifer Gray Wine
Jennifer Gray Wine
Jennifer Gray Wine

JMC Cellars

6800 Greenville Road, Livermore CA 94550
jmccellars.wine

Region: Livermore Valley

Owner/Winemaker: Jessica Carroll

About: JMC Cellars is a small winery owned and operated by women who are all geeks about wine. This small ragtag group is lead by a retired civil engineer who fell in love with wine and never looked back. The JMC Cellars group is all about the weird and wonderful of wine. We like to try new things and are always open for a challenge, which is how we have things on our menu like Teroldego and Grignolino. We are a place where love of wine, meets love of knowledge, and love of people.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Favorite “undiscovered” grape would have to be Viognier. When Jessica was just starting to make wine when she went on a trip to France and in a tasting discovered that in certain regions in France they co-ferment Syrah (her favorite discovered grape) with Viognier, and it makes a beautiful wine. So she started to make it as a single varietal and loves it.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? One of the first lesser-known grapes that Jessica discovered was Roussanne. It was a grape that one of the first wineries she worked at used for a single varietal and it fueled her interest in grapes from the Rhone region in France, as that is where Syrah comes from as well.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? We love learning about undiscovered grapes, they all have wonderful unique flavors and histories that are so interesting to dive into.

JMC Cellar Wines
JMC Cellar
JMC Cellar
JMC Cellar
JMC Cellar
JMC Cellar Vineyard

Heleje Wine Co

5303 east Woodbridge rd, Acampo Ca 95220
Heleje.com

Region: Lodi AVA/Mokolumne River Sub AVA

Owners: Jacob and Shauna DesVoignes and Frank Hartwick

Winemaker: Jacob Des Voignes

About: Heleje Wine Co is a small-batch, boutique winery rooted in the rich soils of Lodi, California. Guided by the heart of a farmer and the mind of a trained chef, each varietal and every vine on our family farms is hand-selected for its harmony with the land, climate, and growing conditions.

We believe exceptional wine begins with exceptional ingredients. That’s why our farming practices start with a simple question: How can we step back and let the vine do its best? By nurturing the vineyard with intention and respect, we bring wines to the table that are as intriguing as they are balanced—celebrating community, family, and the pure pleasure of the drink.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Picpoul Blanc, because It thrives in our area, producing big bunches of crunchy fruit. It has amazing flavor and great acidity.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? One undiscovered grape experience that comes to mind was tasting an unsulfured Fiano from Bryan Harrington. It was complex, refreshing, and lively on the palette. That experience has led to a love of Italian white varieties.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What I love most about undiscovered grapes is the excitement of trying something new. There are many undiscovered wines that offer a completely different sensory experience when tasted for the first time.

Langhart-Hill Wines

480 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448
langharthill.com

Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma

Owner: Dennis Hill

Winemaker: Dennis Hill

About: After decades of successful professional winemaking, our owner-winemaker, Dennis Hill, has shifted his focus to producing a few esoteric wine styles and rare grape varieties. Many grapes are estate-grown in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg. Dennis is not beholden to one specific wine style but prefers to appreciate the great diversity of all wines. One will find both classic and obscure wines and varieties within the Langhart & Hill and Rumpelstiltskin portfolio.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Dobričić is one of the darkest, most tannic grapes on the planet. My goal is to make a more approachable but complex red wine that shows character. Dobričić is the specialty of Šolta, the Croatian island in the Adriatic, from where my grandfather immigrated 100 years ago.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Malvasia Bianca and its siblings are a large and ancient variety(s) grown in many regions of the world and make a wide range of wines, including the sweet Malmsey and other Madeira wines. It does well in warm regions and makes profoundly aromatic wines. What surprised me was the great complexity and vibrancy it can make in more mild climates, showing citrus, honeysuckle, and minerality.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Undiscovered grapes allow me to make something completely new and discover its qualities and characteristics. When we quit learning, life is no longer fun.

Langhart Hill
Langhart Hill
Langhart Hill
Langhart Hill
Langhart Hill
Langhart Hill