Author: Allison Levine

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08 Mar

Posted at 23:12h in 2024 Wineries, 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_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Boutz Cellars [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/boutzcellars" 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/Boutz_cellars" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]7055 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles Boutzcellars.com Region: Adelaida District, Paso Robles Owner: James & Manoli Boutzoukas Winemaker: James Boutzoukas About: Our story is about father and son embarking on a journey to build a legacy, both of whom have a passion for the outdoors, farming and of course - fine wine! What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Vidiano What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Visiting wineries in Crete that focus on forgotten indigenous grape cultivars of Crete. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Unique and unlike any other white grape produces wines that are rich in texture with aromatics of stone fruits and floral aromas.[/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="1293" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1288" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1739487716916{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;}" 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_1709935371833{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="1287" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709935378038{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="1295" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1739487210811{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right:...

01 Jan

Posted at 01:45h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, 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=""] Brecon Estate [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/breconestate" 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/breconestate" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]7450 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.breconestate.com Region: Paso Robles Owners: Damian and Amanda Grindley Winemakers: Damian Grindley (founding winemaker) and Alex Kemp About: Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery nestled in the rolling westside hills outside of Paso Robles, California. With an international award-winning winemaker, we strive to produce exquisite and inviting wines for you and us to enjoy. Our wines are small-batch ferments. Each has an individual story to tell and is sold exclusively through our tasting room. Such limited batches tend to sell out rapidly. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Depends on the time of day - currently Albarino or Tannat What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It was a weird Green variety tasted in the United Kingdom in the mid-80s. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? These grapes haven't been widely planted or ventured far from their native regions, so if you introduce a forgotten variety to a new location, you'll uncover a whole world of untapped flavors and nuances![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1709930735254{padding-right:...

09 Mar

Posted at 00:54h 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] The Blending Lab [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/thewineblendinglab" 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/theblendinglab" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]5151 w. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90016 https://www.thewineblendinglab.com Region: Los Angeles and Paso Robles Owner: Michael Keller About: The Blending Lab is an urban winery with locations in Paso Robles and Los Angeles. The owners believe that wine is a very personal experience and that drinking wine should be FUN for everyone regardless of their knowledge and preferences. In addition to more traditional tasting flights, The Blending Lab offers a unique opportunity for customers to learn more about making & blending wine in our regularly scheduled wine blending classes. Become a winemaker for the day and make your own wine blend at The Blending Lab Los Angeles or Paso Robles. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Current grape crush Touriga Nacional & Cinsault What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It was Pinotage! I was 18 and in school (college) in Switzerland, exploring a local wine shop and found an African wine. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Discussing them in wine blending classes and opening up their minds as wine...

14 Feb

Posted at 03:14h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 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=""] 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...

13 Dec

Posted at 20:42h in 2026 Wineries, 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_1709930727903{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Brosseau Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/brosseauwines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]3344 Paul Davis Dr. Unit 3&4, Marina, CA 93933 www.brosseauwines.com Region: Monterey County Owner: Bill Brosseau Winemaker: Bill Brosseau About: Brosseau Wines specializes in wines from our certified organic vineyard, Brosseau Vineyard Chalone Appellation.  The vineyard is where Bill grew up and was always fascinated by differing grape varietals and their expression on the land.  The new winemaking facility is less than one mile from the Pacific Ocean in the cool Monterey Bay, Marina, CA. Optimal climate high-end winemaking and cellaring.  Come visit us for a tasting! What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache! What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It was Chalone Chenin Blanc - a very spirited wine with so much vitality and dimension. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The challenge of learning and self-refinement without many renditions in the marketplace to learn from.  I’m a curious winemaker and always game for something different.[/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="6099" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="6102" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="6101" 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_1709946057911{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px...

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...

28 Feb

Posted at 23:00h 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=""] Bushong Vintage Company [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook-f" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/BushongVintageCompany" 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/BushongVintageCompany" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]565 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.bushongvintagecompany.com Region: Paso Robles Owner: Jason Bushong Winemaker: Jason Bushong About: Bushong Vintage Company, where the passion for winemaking meets over two decades of craftsmanship. With a focus on high-fidelity wines, Jason Bushong, Winemaker, and Owner, has dedicated himself to producing exceptional varietals from the Central Coast. Specializing in a selection of crisp & aromatic whites and rich red blends. Sourcing fruit from the esteemed vineyards of Paso Robles and the Central Coast, each bottle bears a label that pays homage to the harmonies of music, reflecting the soulful essence of Bushong Vintage Company Wines. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Tannat What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I fell in love with wine based on the diversity of grapes used in its production. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? It’s a never-ending learning experience, so many varieties regions, techniques, and styles. But the basis is the amazing number of varieties of wine grapes, that’s where a wine starts its life.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"...

29 Jan

Posted at 02:55h 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=""] Byron Blatty Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/byronblattywines" 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/byronblattywines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]5122 York. Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 byronblatty.com Region: Los Angeles Owner: Mark & Jenny Blatty Winemaker: Mark Blatty & Joey Perry About: Byron Blatty handcrafts limited-edition wines of exceptional quality, featuring vineyards in Los Angeles County. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Tannat What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? We produced Tannat in 2015 for a blend and it opened our eyes. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The great thing about forgotten grapes is you never know what to expect, and it's like being new to wine again.[/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="2776" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="2779" 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="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="2778" img_size="full" css="" 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="2777" 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="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1709935356040{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_single_image image="2775" img_size="full" css="" 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="2774" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

09 Sep

Posted at 20:58h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027

[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...

04 Feb

Posted at 06:04h 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=""] Carhartt Family Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/CarharttFamilyWines" 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/carharttfamilywines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1541 Rancho Santa Ynez Rd., Santa Ynez, CA carharttfamilywines.com Region: Santa Barbara County Owner: Mike, Brooke, and Chase Carhartt Winemaker: Brooke Carhartt and Chase Carhartt About: In 1996, Mike and Brooke Carhartt planted a vineyard along with a dream on the historic Rancho Santa Ynez™ property. Today, with their son Chase, the Carhartts grow grapes and craft wines on that same patch of ground. We are a ground-to-glass operation as well as direct-to-consumer. The Carhartts take extreme pride in farming their own fruit sustainably, with the utmost care and consideration for the environment. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Mission Grape What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? We made our first vintage of 'Carhartt Venture Buffalo' in 2012, with the varietal, Cinsaut. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What I love most about forgotten grapes is the opportunity to remind consumers that they exist! With over 3000 registered grape varieties in the world, we have limited our taste buds to a few handfuls of "popular" grapes. When I...