Author: Allison Levine

Home > Articles posted by Allison Levine (Page 2)

01 Jan

Posted at 02:09h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

[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=""] Anaya Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/anayavineyards" 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/anayawines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]21 E. Elm Street, Lodi CA 95240 anayavineyards.com Region: Lodi Owner: Gerardo Espinosa Winemaker: Gerardo Espinosa About: Anaya Vineyards, established in 1944 by Victor Anaya in Clements Hills, California, thrives under the guidance of his grandson, Gerardo Espinosa. Known for crafting low-intervention wines, Gerardo blends tradition with modern enology to create estate-grown wines. The first commercial release, "Vinedos Aurora," was launched in 2007 after years of dedication. Anaya's wines, from robust Cabernet Sauvignon to delicate skin contact Pinot Gris, exemplify elegance with minimalistic, architecturally inspired labeling. Gerardo's commitment to quality ensures every bottle offers a premium experience. Salud! What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Nebbiolo What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Nebbiolo. I was not sure how it would grow in Lodi, but I am growing it in Clements Hills. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They are beautiful wines, fruit-forward with high acids.[/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="2550" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="2553" img_size="full" 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"][vc_column width="1/4" css=".vc_custom_1735696745739{margin: 0px !important;padding:...

20 Jan

Posted at 22:26h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Los Angeles 2027, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027, Wineries

[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=""] Andis Wines & Painted Fields [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/AndisWines" 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/andiswines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]11000 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA 95669 andiswines.com Region: Sierra Foothills Owner: Janis Akuna, Andy Friedlander, Lorenzo Muslia & Jenae Plasse Winemaker: Mark Fowler, Lorenzo Muslia + Philippe Melka (as a consultant) About: Andy and Janis, their two names, combine to create ANDIS. As husband and wife and avid wine enthusiasts, they founded Andis in 2009 to produce world-class wines that express the pure uniqueness of the Sierra Foothills’ soils while maintaining sustainability and environmental commitments. The solar-powered winery includes a spacious tasting room and an outdoor patio area with panoramic views. The Estate Vineyard, a testament to their commitment to quality, was planted in the 1970s at an elevation of 1560 ft. It spans over 20 acres and is home to a variety of grapes; Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Cabernet, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and old vine Zinfandel. They also source additional fruit from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the region, ensuring the exceptional quality of our wines. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Semillon, because we rescued this...

01 Jan

Posted at 02:22h in 2025 Wineries, Wineries

[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=""] Angeleno Wine Company [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/angelenowine" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1646 N. Spring Street Unit C Los Angeles, CA 90012 angelenowine.com Region: Los Angeles County Owner: Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Winemaker: Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig About:  With a focus on unique varietals, Angeleno Wine Co. aims to push the boundaries of what Southern California wine growing can be. Angeleno works with small vineyards in the beautiful, remote corners of Los Angeles County such as Agua Dulce and the Antelope Valley. We only work with vineyards that farm sustainably and we source our grapes from land that is special for different reasons. Tannat, Graciano, Godello, Loureiro, Treixadura and Alicante Bouschet are some of the unique varietals that Angeleno makes into wine every year. We harvest early to preserve natural acidity in the fruit. Our wines are made using minimal intervention and are 100% vegan. We strive to make wines that are elegant, balanced and that express Los Angeles' unique character: a growing region where the desert meets the sea. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Timorasso What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? The first time I traveled to...

14 Feb

Posted at 23:20h in 2025 Wineries, Wineries

[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" css=".vc_custom_1741972999423{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1741973180000{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] August Briggs Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/AugustBriggsWines" 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/AugustBriggsWinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1307 B Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA www.augustbriggswinery.com Region: Napa Valley Owner: Matthew Gacso Winemaker: Matthew Gacso About: August Briggs Winery is a collaboration between Matthew Gacso & Colette Milliman whose philosophy is simple: create delicious wines that express the true nature of the vineyards they come from. We focus on finding unique vineyard sites with ideal climates and soils for growing exquisite grapes and finding hidden ‘heritage varietals’ that were long forgotten by most other wineries. Gentle handling, minimal intervention, and strict monitoring of the wine allow their grapes to speak for themselves. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Carignane What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Having one of our growers bug us about buying Charbono as we already purchased their Zinfandel. We had no idea at the time how to make it or what it was. We decided to give it a shot on his insistence, and it has been an incredible learning experience over the last 20...

09 Sep

Posted at 20:47h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026

[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=""] Beckmen Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/BeckmenVineyards" 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/beckmenvineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441 beckmenvineyards.com Region: Santa Barbara County Owners: Tom and Judy Beckmen Winemaker: Steve Beckmen About: As the first biodynamically farmed vineyard in Santa Barbara County, we focus on what counts: growing great grapes. We go beyond organ­ic farm­ing by treat­ing the farm as a liv­ing organ­ism, avoid­ing the use of her­bi­cides, insec­ti­cides, pes­ti­cides, or nitro­gen based fer­til­iz­er in our vineyards. Our priority is to produce a broad yet deep portfolio of wines to consistently provide a wine experience you can trust, including lesser-known varietals of Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Viognier. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache Blanc. Beckmen Vineyards was the first winery to bottle a 100% Grenache Blanc wine in Santa Barbara County, before it was recognized by our government as a varietal. Since the varietal was not recognized by the government, we had to label our first vintage in 2001 “Grenache White”. We’ve made this wine from a tiny 0.6-acre block every year since. What was your first experience with an undiscovered...

14 Feb

Posted at 03:14h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026

[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=""] Benessere Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/visitbenessere" 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/benesserevineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1010 Big Tree Road, St. Helena, CA 94574 benesserevineyards.com Region: Napa Valley Owners: Benish Family Winemaker: Matt Reid About: Benessere Vineyards is a family-owned, estate winery in the heart of St. Helena, dedicated to showcasing the depth, elegance, and age-worthiness of Italian varietals in Napa Valley. Rooted in our estate vineyards and guided by a hands-on, small-lot approach, we focus on wines that balance purity of fruit with structure, texture, and a true sense of place. We’re passionate about championing “undiscovered” grapes—varieties that don’t always get the spotlight, but absolutely deserve it. That’s what makes Benessere a natural fit for the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes: we’ve built our reputation on bringing Italian varietals to the forefront, crafting wines that feel both distinctive and unmistakably Napa. Whether you’re new to these grapes or already a fan, we love sharing the story behind each bottling and why these varieties belong at the table—and in your cellar. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? My favorite undiscovered grape to work with is Falanghina. I always find...

10 Mar

Posted at 00:28h in 2024 Wineries, Wineries

[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] Billy D Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/billydwines" 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/billydwines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]PO Box 846 St. Helena, CA 94574 www.billydwines.com Region: Northern California Owner/Winemaker: Billy Davies About: Bucking the norm with delicious, down-to-earth natural wines you can really drink. Rooted in the adventure days of 60s and 70s Napa Valley, Billy D remembers the best of times and looks to the future. Old school new. Returning to grapes like Chenin Blanc, Carignan, Napa Gamay (Valdiguie), French Colombard, and Barbera for the pure enjoyment of it. Vibrant wines we just want to drink ourselves! What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Napa Gamay (aka Valdiguie) What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Drinking an Inglenook Charbono from the 1970s at Bern's Steak House. (And drinking Petite Sirah from the 1960s before then!) What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Personality, intrigue, and well-matched to the original sites![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="1270" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1272" 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="1267" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1268" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1269" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

09 Sep

Posted at 20:58h in 2026 Wineries, San Jose 2026

[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=""] Bokisch Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/bokischvineyards" 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/bokischvineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]18921 Atkins Road, Lodi, CA 95240 bokischvineyards.com Region: Lodi Owners: Markus & Liz Bokisch Winemaker: Markus Bokisch About: Markus and Liz Bokisch have been producing award-winning Spanish varietals since the early 2000s, inspired by their Spanish heritage and love for the country’s wines. They founded Bokisch Vineyards in the Clements Hills of the Lodi, where they specialize in Spanish varietal wines. The couple met at UC Davis and moved to Spain in 1992 where Markus worked in the renowned Cava-producing town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, while Liz taught English classes. Their love for Spanish food and wine inspired them to produce domestic Spanish varieties upon their return to California. In 1995, they purchased their Terra Alta Vineyards property in the Clements Hills and imported budwood from select Spanish vineyards in 1998. They planted Las Cerezas Vineyard with Albariño, Tempranillo, and Graciano, each occupying one acre. In 2000, they began making wine from their estate-grown, organically farmed fruit. Bokisch Vineyards now produces nine Spanish varietals, including Garnacha Blanca, Verdejo, Garnacha, and Monastrell. In 2012, they launched...

20 Jan

Posted at 22:18h in 2025 Wineries, Wineries

[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=""] Bolt To Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/bolttowines" 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/bolttowines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1330 Flynn Rd Unit E, Camarillo Ca 93012 www.boltto.com Region: Santa Barbara Owner: Karin Langer Winemaker: Karin Langer About: We work alongside the best winemakers and vineyards on the Central Coast to express the best they have to offer, without the pretense or price of a famous name. We seek to collect the expertise and experience of Central Coast wines under one beautiful label. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? My first real encounter with Grenache was visiting Chateau St Nabor in the Rhone Valley. Seeing 50-60-year-old Grenache vines and trying those wines was transformative. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They are unique.[/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="2684" img_size="full" 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" css=".vc_custom_1741973547046{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}" z_index=""][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="2685" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709935363058{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="2683" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1741973553555{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right:...

24 Jan

Posted at 20:17h in 2025 Wineries, Wineries

[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=""] Boucher Wines & Worth-Boucher [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/boucherwines" 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/boucherwines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]6485 Calle Real Ste E, Goleta, CA worthboucherwines.com www.boucherwines.com Region: Santa Barbara County Owner: Mindy Worth & Ray Boucher Winemaker: Ray Boucher About: Mindy and Ray produce two brands. Boucher Wines are label-driven, approachable, and easy-going. Worth-Boucher Wines are site-specific, more classic, age-worthy, collectible wines focusing on unique varieties. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Clairette What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? A Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, a Clairette-dominant blend, was a game- changer. We were so excited to locate some when we relocated our winery from Napa Valley. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Nothing against the noble varietals, however, the wine world has so much more to offer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="2767" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="2768" img_size="900x750" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="2751" img_size="1000x650" 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" css=".vc_custom_1741974967131{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}" z_index=""][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="2747" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1741974905696{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"...