Author: Allison Levine

Home > Articles posted by Allison Levine (Page 2)

11 Mar

Posted at 16:54h in Uncategorized

[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"][vc_single_image image="558" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]Thousands of grape varieties exist around the world and more than 110 different varieties are planted in California. But of those 110+ varieties, nine varieties dominate. In fact, those nine varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio on the white grape side, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petit Sirah among red grapes), make up 93% of the total wine grape plantings in California. IT'S TIME TO DISCOVER THE OTHER 7%! Undiscovered Grapes are any of the remaining 100+ wine varieties grown in California that comprise the remaining 7% of total plantings. These are grapes with origins in France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, and right here in California. Some of these grapes were among the earliest vines planted in the state by its original settlers. These grapes are vitally important to the history of winemaking in California, yet are woefully under-represented in the market today. The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes aims to change this. The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes is an opportunity to discover these lesser-known and uncommon wines, and your chance to taste the great history of California winemaking and...

30 Sep

Posted at 02:30h in 2027 Wineries, 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" css=".vc_custom_1741972999423{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}" z_index="" side_padding="0"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1741973180000{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}"][vc_column_text] Arnot-Roberts [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/arnotrobertswinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text]33 Healdsburg Ave. Suite I, Healdsburg, CA 95448 arnotroberts.com Region: Sonoma County (Sourcing from: Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, Chalk Hill, Russian River, Clearlake, Yorkville Highlands, El Dorado, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Cruz Mountains, Moon Mountain District) Owners: Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts Winemakers: Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts About: Founded in 2002 in Healdsburg, CA, by Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts, the goal of Arnot-Roberts is to make site-expressive wines from unique vineyards around California. Working with dedicated and conscientious growers is paramount to this goal, and organic farming is employed across all of our sites. Wines are fermented with native yeasts and mostly aged in neutral oak barrels, founders, and concrete tanks. Our roster of "undiscovered" wines includes: Ribolla Galla, Trousseau, Gamay Noir, Falanghina, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Cinsault and Pelaverga, along with the more traditional varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Our winery in Healdsburg is open for tastings by appointment through the link on our site. What is your favorite...

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...

24 Oct

Posted at 16:58h in 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2027, 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] AVIVO Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/drinkAVIVO" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text]20 Mill Street, Healdsburg CA 95448 AVIVOwines.com Region: Lodi Owner: Ridgely Evers Winemaker: Daniel Fitzgerald About: AVIVO began with an ambition to help reshape California wine by making delicious, thoughtfully grown wines that belong on an everyday dinner table. We grow Sangiovese and Vermentino in Lodi, where these Italian varieties feel right at home in California’s Mediterranean climate. Our commitment to regenerative farming starts with certified organic grapes and carries through to winemaking with minimal intervention, letting the fruit speak for itself. We’re excited to share that spirit of discovery at the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes and help you find a new favorite to bring home for dinner. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Sangiovese gets our vote. We love its versatility, from a fresh rosé to a red with bright fruit and lively acidity. It’s a grape with a long history at the dinner table, and we’re excited to give it a place at yours. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? In 1999, our co-founder Ridgely Evers discovered the Italian grape Sagrantino after being offered a 1994 Paolo Bea...

05 Oct

Posted at 20:40h 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=""] Adelaida Cellars [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/adelaidavineyards" 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/adelaidavineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]5805 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Adelaida.com Region: Paso Robles Owners: The Van Steenwyk Family Winemaker: Jeremy Weintraub About: Located in the mountainous terrain of Paso Robles, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery is built on a vision of excellence: for wine, for community, and for the environment. Sustainable agriculture and a winemaking team guided by nature come together to create classic California wines that convey a sense of this unique place. Our vineyards offer a wide range of mesoclimates, aspects and soil types. We farm them organically, with an eye toward the long-term benefit of our customers, our team, and our land. We invite you to our Ranch to experience first-hand the vibrant, peaceful charm of Adelaida Vineyards, the heart of Adelaida district in Paso Robles. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Picpoul Blanc. Great acidity, food friendly, and a favorite of the family matriarch What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Tasting CA versions of Rhone varietals such as Picpoul and Mourvedre'. Learning there was so much more out there...

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]...

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:...

19 Oct

Posted at 02:45h 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=""] Alamitos Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/alamitosvineyards" 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/alamitosvineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]23505 Alamitos Rd. San Jose, CA 95120 www.AlamitosVineyards.com Region: Santa Clara Valley & Santa Cruz Mountains Owners: Shaun Coleman & Chris Maune Winemaker: George Troquato About: Nestled in the historic hills of New Almaden Quicksilver Park, overlooking the shimmering Almaden Reservoir, Alamitos Vineyards is a labor of love born from immigrant roots and pioneering spirit. Our story traces back to the Azores Islands of Portugal, where Shaun Coleman's grandfather, John Enos Vargas, honed his winemaking craft on the volcanic soils of Faial in the early 1910s. Sailing to California in 1923, he became a cornerstone of Livermore's wine scene, crafting acclaimed whites—including Sauvignon Blanc for the legendary Old Almaden Winery—just miles from our estate. Today, Shaun, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and grandson of that trailblazing vintner, partners with fellow innovator Chris Maune to revive this legacy on land once alive with quicksilver miners from Cornwall, Spain, and beyond. Planted in 2015 with custom UC Davis clones on our five-acre estate, Alamitos honors the past while embracing the undiscovered. We're passionate about unearthing...

09 Sep

Posted at 20:43h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, 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=""] Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/altacolina" 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/altacolina" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]2825 Adelaida Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 altacolina.com Region: Paso Robles Owners: Bob & Maggie Tillman (father/daughter team) Winemaker: Dallas Parnigoni About: Tucked high in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, Alta Colina is a second-generation, organically farmed estate dedicated to distinctive Rhône varietals. We grow wines that reflect our rugged hillside vineyard and share the stories behind grapes that deserve a little more love. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Mourvèdre. When Mourvèdre is farmed in the right place, it transcends its reputation as a savory blender and offers incredible complexity. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Stand alone Mourvèdre was new to us in the 00's and Paso Robles is an incredible place to farm it. When it's grown in a place with the right kind of sunshine, it's always a favorite. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? So often in the US, we're fed the same 6 or 8 grape varieties. Every wine list and every grocery shelf has so many of the same wines....

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;}"...