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_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Clif Family Winery & Farm [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/cliffamilywinery" 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/cliffamily" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]709 Main Street, St. Helena, California, 94574 cliffamily.com Region: Napa Valley Owners: Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford Winemaker: Laura Barrett About: Founded by Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the co-creators of Clif Bar, Clif Family Winery & Farm has been crafting wine in Napa Valley for 20 years. As a B Corp-certified wine and food company, we focus on sustainable practices and farm over 10 varietals at our organically farmed estate vineyards, including Undiscovered Grapes like Malbec and Viognier. We are passionate about sharing delicious wines and the stories behind them. In the cellar, my low-intervention approach embraces natural acidity, wild fermentation, non-interventionist aging, limited manipulation, and being sensorily vigilant ensuring that each vintage captures pure, vibrant varietal expressions. Inspired by each vintage and varietal, my aging vessels include concrete, stainless steel, and at times neutral French oak puncheons. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Viognier is our winemaker’s favorite because it’s expressive and fun to work with. It produces wines bursting with bright fruit and floral aromas—think ripe peach,...

[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_1758064751099{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Comunità [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/comunitawines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]132 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448 www.comunitawines.com Region: Sonoma County Owner: David Drummond Winemaker: Sam Bilbro About: Comunità began as a love of wine and sharing with friends. There is nothing more human than to open our arms and to come together to foster community. It seemed only logical to embrace more of this feeling through the medium of wine. We farm Northeastern Italian varieties holistically and intervene minimally in the cellar so that we can authentically express the Italian roots of our wines and the California soil on which they are grown. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? My current favorite is Pinot Grigio, which we’re making into an old-school Italian-style Ramato. Ramato Pinot Grigios have the color of a darker rosé, the astringency of a red wine, and the refreshing qualities of a white wine. This variety is definitely not undiscovered, but made this way, it showcases the lesser-known side of a known quantity. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Finding Schioppettino was like finding the opposite other...

[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=""] Copia Vineyards and Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/copiavineyards" 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/copiavineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]5076 Mustard Creek Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446 https://copiavineyards.com/ Region: Paso Robles Owner: Anita and Varinder Sahi Winemaker: Varinder Sahi About: The word Copia is a Latin root word that means abundance or plenty. It’s an apt name for a winery that is created by two people who have always chased the glass half full. The story of Copia Vineyards begins with the passion of Anita and Varinder Sahi, their shared love of wine and the beauty of its source. The Sahis each had different paths to this world. He has an engineering and business background, and she is a restaurant and marketing veteran. He globetrotted for work, and his love for wine grew. She worked side-by-side with some of the finest restaurateurs and Michelin-starred chefs, cultivating her zeal for fine food and wine. Their shared interests, entrepreneurship, and life’s ever-winding path sparked a trip to Paso Robles Wine Country in 2015. Essentially, they never left. In 2017, the Sahis’ search to find a special site to produce world-class Rhône and...

[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=""] Crocker & Starr Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/crockerandstarr" 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/crockerstarr" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]700 Dowdell Lane, Saint Helena, CA 94574 crockerstarr.com Region: Napa Valley Owner: Pam Starr Winemaker: Julie Robertson About: Founded in 1997, Crocker & Starr Winery has grown from a visionary partnership into a thriving, values-driven team with more than 30 years of history in crafting exceptional wines and memorable experiences. What began with founders Pam Starr and Charlie Crocker evolved into a modern estate rooted in authenticity, sustainability, innovation, and genuine connection. In our first decade, Pam and Charlie established the foundation for our legacy—creating world-class wines that earned the respect of top sommeliers and passionate wine lovers. The second decade expanded that vision: our team deepened our commitment to organic farming, elevated our hospitality experience, and broadened our estate wine portfolio. We closed this era with a major milestone: moving into our Napa Green–certified winery on the estate, further aligning our practices with our environmental values. Now at the end of our third decade, we continue to raise the bar. With the arrival of winemaker Julie Robertson and the leadership...

[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=""] CrossHatch Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/crosshatchwines" 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/crosshatchwines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1090 Edison St #104, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 www.crosshatchwinery.com Region: Santa Barbara County Owner: Michelle Vautier Winemaker: Ryan Carr & Michelle Vautier About: At CrossHatch Winery, we celebrate the artistry of co-fermentation, crafting small-batch wines that blend tradition, creativity, and global influences. Inspired by the intricate technique of cross-hatching, we layer flavors and textures to create wines that are both complex and approachable. For us, winemaking is about more than just the wine - it’s about sustainability, storytelling, and the connections we create along the way. CrossHatch is a place where wine, stories, and cultures ferment together - one barrel at a time. What is your favorite forgotten grape? Malbec What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Growing up in Argentina, wine was a part of everyday life- woven into every meal, every gathering, every celebration. Anyone who has been there knows that Malbec is anything but forgotten; it’s the heartbeat of our wine culture. But when I started traveling beyond Argentina, I was surprised to find that Malbec wasn’t the...

[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] Cuatro Dias Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/Cuatrodiaswines/" 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/cuatrodiaswines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]www.cuatrodiaswines.com Region: Paso Robles,CA Owner/Winemaker: Greg Allen About: Greg Allen's journey through the world of fine wines, as the visionary owner and mastermind winemaker behind Cuatro Dias Winery, is truly inspiring. His passion for winemaking, honed through prestigious programs and his pivotal role at the historical San Antonio Winery, sets the stage for a remarkable story. What's particularly remarkable about Greg's story is his dedication and perseverance. Balancing a demanding primary career as a Firefighter/Paramedic with his winemaking dreams is a testament to his commitment. The unique schedule he devised, with 2 intense 24-hour shifts followed by 4 days off, allowed him to birth Cuatro Dias, dedicating the maximum time he could to his craft. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Albariño What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? My first experience with Albariño. Having enjoyed the characteristics of Albariño, I was contracted by another winery to make the wine for them at a cost of reviving 50 percent of the product for payment. The actual fruit was cloned and named...

[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] Derby Wine Estates [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/DerbyWineEstates" 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/derbywines/" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]525 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles derbywineestates.com Region: Paso Robles Owners: Ray and Pam Derby Winemaker: Sean Geoghegan About: Derby Wine Estate is a boutique, family owned winery with three Estate vineyards across the central coast and a Tasting Room & production facility on the outskirts of downtown Paso Robles. We have a passion for good wine and good company, and strive to share both with everyone who walks through our door. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsault What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I honestly can't remember, I have always looked for lesser known grapes and heritage vines to expand my palate. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The world of flavors and textures that open up when you think (and drink) outside the box.[/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="1369" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1371" 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="1372" img_size="1200x1594" 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="1370" img_size="1200x1594" 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_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Doctor's Orders Natural Wine 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/profile.php?id=61556116635491" 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/drsorderswine" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]801 E Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 https://drsorderswine.com/ Region: Santa Barbara County Owner: Dom O’Reilly and Anna O'Reilly Winemaker: Dom O’Reilly About: A family-owned-and-operated winery situated in the beautiful Upper Ojai Valley, dedicated to producing fresh and lively wines in a serious and terroir-driven style. These are both for everyday drinkers and the most discerning of palates. Sourcing organic grapes from the Ojai Valley and the Central Coast, we take pride in crafting unmanipulated, natural wines that are sophisticated, healthy, and clean. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache and Trousseau What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? When I had a Grenache blend at Zuni restaurant in San Francisco. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Forgotten grapes are more food-friendly. They tend to complement spicy and funky dishes which is food that I particularly enjoy.[/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="3306" img_size="563x800" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="3308" 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_1732158322541{margin: 0px !important;padding: 0px !important;border: 0px initial !important;}" z_index=""][vc_column...

[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=""] Drava Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/dravawines" 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/dravawines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]1378 E Turner Rd, Ste D, Lodi CA 95240 www.dravawines.com Region: Lodi Owners: Steve and William Carson Winemaker: Steve Carson About: Drava Wines is owned and operated by brothers Steve and William Carson. A true garagiste winery crushing around 5 tons per year, focusing on unusual varietals. We make different wines every year so the tasting list changes frequently. Small lot, hand harvested, Lodi Rules Certified Sustainable wines. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Teroldego. It's one of the few wine grapes that consistently delivers good full-bodied wines. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Peloursin, planted by Richard Ripken. He took me barrel tasting at his former winery and there were several varietals he grew and made that I'd never tasted before, and I told him I'll buy one ton of each in the future. I have made all of them since. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Learning new flavor profiles, and the story of where the grapes came from.[/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="6009"...

[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] Dubost [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/DubostWinery/" 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/dubostwinery/" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]9988 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 https://www.dubostwine.com Region: Adelaida District, Paso Robles Region Owners: Kate & Curt Dubost Winemaker: Zachary Raines About: Small lot, handcrafted, award-winning wines, produced in a strawbale winery nestled in the hills of Adelaida. What is your favorite undiscovered grape?  Touriga Nacional What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape?  Negrette. I had no experience with it at all. Our winemaker had an opportunity to purchase some and when it came time to bottle he was going to blend it. It is often used as a blending grape because of its dark color and low tannins. I tasted it and fell in love. We did a single Negrette for many years after that. Sadly, we do not grow it and are no longer producing it. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? My experience with Negrette pushed me to think/taste beyond what I was familiar with in grape varietals. It showed me that there was a world of aromas, textures and flavors out there to be explored....