Author: Allison Levine

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Thacher Winery and Vineyard [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/thacher.winery/" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/thacherwinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]8355 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles thacherwinery.com Region: Paso Robles Owner/Winemaker: Sherman Thacher About: Our mission is to grow unique, and food-friendly wines that purely express the terroirs we farm throughout the Central Coast. We strive to make elegant wines with more nuances than sheer power. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsault What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? 2015 Cinsault What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The unique expression that these forgotten grapes can produce.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="937" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="938" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Tomi Cellars [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/tomicellars" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]140 Industrial Way, D2, Buellton, CA 93427 tomicellars.com Region:  Santa Ynez Valley Owner: Denise T. Davis Winemakers: Boyd Shermis About: Our goal each year is to make the finest wines possible from the best vineyards on the Central Coast of California. We practice post-modern wine-making techniques to bring old world-style wines into the new world. We do work with some the more popular grapes, but even with these we try to bring someting unique to each small lot we make. We also work with some of the more -off-the-beaten-path grape varietals, including Albariño, Picpoul Blanc, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Tempranillo, Grenache, Mencía, Tannat, Barbera & Sangiovese. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Don't have a particular favorite. I like doing different, interesting and challenging things. I like to bring new experiences to people. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Can't remember the first time, but I've been tasting European wines for decades now and wines such as Spanish Albariños & Tempranillos, Italian Barolos and Veneto wines, Austrian Grüner Veltliner, French Tannat & Rosés of Grenache have always...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Trail Marker Wine Co. [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/trailmarkerwineco" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/trailmarkerwineco" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1160 Hopper Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95403 www.trailmarkerwineco.com Region:  Sonoma County Owners/Winemakers: Drew Huffine and Emily Virgil About: We're purists at Trail Marker and Kid Sister. We source fruit from small, yet responsibly farmed and passionately cared for vineyards, anywhere from Mendocino to Santa Cruz. Our traditional winemaking style allows us to make wines that are high acid, low alcohol — well balanced expressions of these uncommon places. They're wines we like to drink and share, and we think you will too. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Trousseau What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Jura Trousseau What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? That people just taste from a place of pleasure rather than what they THINK the wine should taste like (as is the case with more typical varietals).[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="965" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="964" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="963" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1710629602554{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Tres Sabores Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/tressaboreswinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/tressabores" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]PO 238, Rutherford CA 94573 www.tressabores.com Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley Owner: Julie Johnson Winemakers: Julie Johnson About: Tres Sabores is nestled into the western hills of Rutherford where Julie Johnson and Jon Engelskirger make their home and grow dry-farmed, no till, CCOF and Napa Green certified Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Pomegranates, Meyer Lemons, and Heritage Olives (and raise Golden Retrievers, Sheep, Goats and Guinea Hens, too!). The estate vineyard has a storied history. Originally planted in the 1890’s, then to pears and walnuts during prohibition, then again to grapes in 1972, wine was produced for Frog’s Leap beginning in 1987 and then for Tres Sabores from 1999 through today. The adventure into truly “uncharted” territory began in 2014 when, almost (not quite, but almost) on a whim, Jon sourced over half of California’s St Laurent production from Dale Ricci’s vineyards in the Carneros and the magic began. Soon, the serendipity factor really kicked in! A chance meeting with Beckham Vineyards owner and ceramic artist, Andrew Beckham, led to the purchase of...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Twice Tyger [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/twicetyger" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/twicetyger" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]15230 Oak Glen Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 www.twicetyger.com Region: Santa Clara Valley Owner: Billoo Rataul Winemaker: Bobby Graviano About: Nestled in western Morgan Hill on the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Twice Tyger is a boutique producer of estate wines, olive oil and honey. Committed to nurturing the land through regenerative and biodynamic practices, our wines embody this journey - honoring timeless traditions while embracing the renewed vitality of our soil. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? At the moment, Petit Verdot, a Bordelaise grape often referred to a “blender”. However a single varietal offering changed such a notion as the variety offers great color, medium-weight, and overall complexity. Grown in California, this variety ripens towards the end of the season yet even still has great freshness and is jam-packed with broad layers of fruit tones. The variety produces a very food-friendly and engaging style of red wine with enough uniqueness that it sets itself apart from more homogenized, market-popular varieties. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? The first...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Two Shepherds [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/twoshepherds" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/twoshepherdswine" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]7763 Bell Road, Windsor, CA 95492 twoshepherds.com Region: Sonoma County Owner: William Allen Winemaker: William Allen About: Founded in 2010, partners William crafts natural wines organically farmed, from leased vineyard row contracts. He also organically & regeneratively farms Grenache Gris and Noir on his small farm, alongside the adorable mini donkeys and goats. Wines are made in his own facility, from unusual varietals, like Picpoul, Pinot Meunier, and more. Nicknamed “the insane master of small lots” William guides ~15-20 unique wines a year ranging from 25-400 case lots. Wines are vinified with native yeast, small bin fermentations, neutral oak, and a small amount of SO2. Their light-handed approach, and reputation for unflawed wines has been heralded by the press, with articles in the NY Times, Washington Post, SF Chronicle, Sonoma Magazine and more. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Trousseau Gris What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Discovering Trousseau Gris was planted across the street from my farm. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? 93% of the wine made in...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Ulloa Cellars [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080454195147" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/ulloacellars" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]2915 Union Rd. Suite C, Paso Robles, CA 93446 ulloacellars.com Region: Paso Robles Owner: Nancy Ulloa Winemaker: Nancy Ulloa About: Ulloa Cellars is a Latina Winemaker-owned brand based in Paso Robles, specializing in the production of obscure white wines made with intention and a little bit of magic. Nancy began her winemaking journey in 2019 with the creation of her Baby Grüner, a Grüner Veltliner sourced from the historic Paragon Vineyard in Edna Valley. Baby Grüner has become her signature wine and holds a very special place in her heart. The growth of her brand is reflected in the expansion of her production now including 8 obscure varieties such as Picpoul Blanc, Vermentino, Verdejo, and Sémillon, amongst others. Nancy also recently launched a sister brand called "The Witch & The Warlock" with her Husband, Tim Small, focusing on obscure reds including Tannat, Gamay, and Sangiovese. Nancy's wines have captured the hearts of many, not only because of how special the varieties she works with are, but because she uses spiritual and metaphysical...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] UNTI Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/UntiVineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/untivineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]4202 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA www.untivineyards.com Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County Owner: Mick Unti Winemaker: Jason Valenti About: Unti is a family-owned estate with 60 acres of organically-farmed Italian and Rhone varieties ideally suited to our Mediterranean climate in the Dry Creek Valley. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Montepulciano What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Sangiovese in the late 1990's and Grenache, Barbera, Vermentino in early 2000's. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They are ideally suited to our climate because they are native to the Mediterranean-which results in terroir-driven wines with balance. They are easy to make into interesting wines using traditional artisan winemaking methods.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="968" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709947217137{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="969" img_size="800x568" css="" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709947221803{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="970" img_size="800x568" css="" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Vega Vineyard and Farm [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/vegavineyardandfarm" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/vegavineyardandfarm" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]9496 Santa Rosa Road, Santa Ynez, CA vegavineyardandfarm.com Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County Owner: Jimmy Loizides Winemaker: Steve Clifton About: Beautiful winery and world-class restaurant nestled in the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley with amazing experiences around every corner. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Sagrantino What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It's been too long to remember. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Variety! And greater pairings with food.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="1314" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="981" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="1315" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709935363058{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="1311" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="1316" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Vented Fermentation [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/vented_fermentation" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1220 Bennett Way, Spc 13, Templeton, CA 93465 www.ventedfermentation.com Region: Paso Robles Owner/Winemaker: Mitch McMinn About: Vented Fermentation is made in Paso Robles, CA and was based on the idea that when filling or emptying a tank, the tank must be “vented” to prevent an explosion or implosion— similar to a juicebox. It also calls out the idea that one should be calm and collected in a cellar, while also remaining creatively open to new ideas. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Picpoul Blanc What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Gewurztraminer was the first forgotten grape I tried, made by one of my favorite wineries, Union Sacre. I first experienced this grape varietal at Sans Liege under Xavier Arnaudin during my first harvest. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I really enjoy experiencing new and different flavor profiles of forgotten grapes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="977" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="978" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709948960315{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="975" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709935378038{padding-right: 0px...