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] Marchelle Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="facebook.com/marchellewines" 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/marchellewines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]2064 Hwy 116 N Ste 102 Sebastopol, CA 95472 Tasting Room: 34 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95447 marchellewines.com Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Owners: Kevin Lee and Greg La Follette Winemaker: Greg La Follette and Evan Damiano About: Marchelle employs traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern innovations to create wines that harmonize balance, finesse, and complexity. The resulting wines display a purity of fruit, precise acidity, and a seamless integration of flavors—a testament to Greg La Follette's artistry and the exceptional vineyards from which the grapes are sourced. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsaut, as it comes from the oldest producing Cinsaut vineyard in the world at Bechthold Vineyard in Mokelumne River AVA in Lodi, originally planted in 1886 What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Colombard, it is Marchelle's origin story as Greg La Follette nursed these old vines back to health at Betty Ann Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The crisp acidity and green apple flavors pair so well with raw oysters. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? It's...

[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=""] Markus Wine Co [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.instagram.com/markuswineco" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]PO Box 236, Victor, CA 95253 markuswine.com Region: Lodi Owner: Markus Niggli Winemaker: Markus Niggli About: We are a small boutique winery focusing on small lots - mostly old vine or ancient vine blocks - creating European style whites and reds What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Carignan is the perfect grape to work with, especially from an ancient vine block grown at the right place What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape?  What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Undiscovered Grapes offer something new to try. I love that people are showing up to discover that there is more than Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.[/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="6521" img_size="full" css="" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="6523" 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" 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=""] Martha Stoumen Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/marthastoumenwines" 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/marthastoumen" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]325 Center St, Healdsburg, CA 95448 www.marthastoumen.com Region: Sonoma County Owner: Martha Stoumen Winemaker: Martha Stoumen About: Martha Stoumen Wines was founded upon the desire to recapture a farming and winemaking culture that has all but faded away: a winemaking culture of patience. Our wines are made from unexpected varietals and offer new takes on California classics. Of the nearly two dozen wines we make every year, blends and flavors change but our desire to share the simple pleasures of natural wine remains the same. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Nero d'Avola What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? My first experience with wine was actually with forgotten grapes. I went to work on a farm in Italy, just outside of Siena, when I graduated from college. They assigned me as a intern in the vineyard and olive orchard. There was an old vine block of mixed whites and reds that I loved—all quite literally forgotten—none of the locals even knew what they were, but they made delicious wine. What...

[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=""] McPrice Myers Wines [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/McPriceMyersWineCompany" 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/mcpricemyerswines" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]3525 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA mcpricemyers.com Region: Paso Robles Owner: McPrice Myers Winemaker: McPrice Myers About: As founder and winemaker of his eponymous winery, McPrice “Mac” Myers makes serious wines with depth and grace. His winemaking philosophy mirrors his approach to life: Dream big. Work hard. Have fun while making great things happen. Mac was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. He earned a baseball scholarship to Rio Hondo College in Whittier, and around that time landed a job at a Southern California Trader Joe’s. That’s where he developed an appreciation for food and wine – and Rhône wines, in particular. These days, this tenacious, self-taught winemaker quietly crafts some of Paso Robles’ most lauded releases. He’s considered the region’s undiscovered genius, yet he’s also known for his low-key demeanor. As his wines rival those made by Domaine du Pégaü, Mac has earned the title of arm-wrestling champ of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on a Hospice du Rhône trip – all while sporting his signature style in Dickies-brand workwear. Mac...

[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=""] Native Bloom Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/wildflowerwinery" 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/nativebloomwinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]4517 Market St Ste 7, Ventura, CA 93003 nativebloomwinery.com Region: Ventura County Owners: Natalie and William Albertson Winemaker: Natalie Albertson About: Founded in 2020, Native Bloom Winery offers low-intervention and natural wines crafted from the premium grapes of California’s Central Coast and Los Angeles County. Embracing a minimalist philosophy, owner Natalie Albertson produces elegant, terroir-driven wines, fermented with native yeasts, using stainless steel and neutral oak aging vessels and are unfined and unfiltered. After living in Sicily for several years, Natalie was inspired by European traditions and brings a fresh, artisanal touch to her wines and tasting room located in Ventura, CA.  What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsault What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I've always loved Viognier, whether from France or California. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They are interesting, usually small lots, and provide a teaching moment with the consumer. Customers who have tried an undiscovered grape usually light up with recognition when seeing the unique 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...

[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=""] Nicora Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/NicoraWinery" 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/nicorawinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]2945 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446 nicorawine.com Region: Paso Robles Owner: Nick Elliott Winemaker: Nick Elliott About: Nicora winery was founded in 2009 in Paso Robles and we focus primarily on Rhone blends. We source our fruit from Bien Nacido, Edna Valley, and the westside of Paso Robles. We will be pouring our 100% Grenache called "Euphoric" and our 100% Tannat from G2 vineyard in Paso Robles. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Tannat What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? We fell in love with Tannat after being introduced to it by Tablas Creek, which was the first in America to grow it. It has an amazing color, and it's really fun to teach Cabernet lovers about Tannat because they always love it. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The challenge! It's fun to ferment grapes we have never worked with before; we get to have a new challenge every year, and it allows us to make our blends more complex. It's like cooking with a new...

[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] No Love Lost 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/nolovelost.wine" 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/nolovelost.wine" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text]960 Clinton St, Napa CA 94559 www.nolovelost.wine Region: Napa Valley Owner/Winemaker: Jay Nunez About: Napa Valley based natural winery focused on family owned vineyards that are systemic herbicide and pesticide free with sustainable practices. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Counoise What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? It was tasting through the wines of Sicily and The Canaray Islands. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Chasing new experiences and preserving history.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="1501" 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="1504" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1506" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1500" img_size="full" qode_css_animation=""][vc_single_image image="1509" 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_1711320642741{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""] Nunno House Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-instagram" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/nunnohousewinery" 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/nunnohousewinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]3502 Dry Creek Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93060 www.nunnohousewinery.com Region: Paso Robles Owner: James Nunno Winemaker: James Nunno About: Nunno House Winery draws its name and inspiration from James’ father’s cattle brand, reflecting the deep connection between family, tradition, and craftsmanship. The brand serves as a symbol of family heritage, honoring the past while creating wines meant to be enjoyed in the present—whether around a campfire, at family gatherings, or while creating new traditions. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Tannat What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? While wine tasting with my father who had always been a Zin guy, but when we tried a new varietal it completely surprised us. Flavors were bold and smooth and we both instantly agreed it was our new favorite. It wasn't just about the wine but also the moment and creating a lasting memory. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Being able to showcase unknown grapes.[/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="3107" img_size="450x900" 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"...

[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=""] Oak Farm Vineyards [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/OakFarmVineyards" 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/OakFarmVineyards" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi, CA 95242 oakfarmvineyards.com Region: Livermore Valley Owners: Dan & Heather Panella Winemakers: Marilia Nimis Schrader About: Oak Farm is an award-winning, family-owned and operated Lodi winery specializing in Italian and French varietals. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Fiano - Our family is from Avellino in the Campagna region, and we love how well the grape grows in Lodi What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Of course, I have to shout out Fiano first—we grow it ourselves and make wine from it! My initial discovery was a revelation: I expected something crisp and forgettable, but instead got this lush, aromatic white with honey, nuts, and volcanic minerality that drinks like a more elegant Chardonnay. The surprise was how food-friendly and age-worthy it is. What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What I love most about undiscovered grapes is how intimately they speak of a place and its people. They’re not engineered for mass appeal. Essentially, they’re survivors, shaped by centuries of local tradition...

[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=""] Omega Road Winery [/vc_column_text][social_icons type="circle_social" icon="fa-facebook" use_custom_size="no" size="fa-lg" link="https://www.facebook.com/omegaroadwinery" 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/omegaroadwinery" target="_blank" icon_color="#ffffff" background_color="#8b2b7a"][vc_column_text css=""]2135 S Vasco Rd, Unit C, Livermore, CA 94550 www.omegaroadwinery.com Region: Livermore Valley Owners: Alexandra Henkelman, Ken Henkelman, Nicky Henkelman Winemakers: Alexandra Henkelman + Ken Henkelman About: Omega Road Winery is more than just a place to enjoy great wine. Our passion is crafting beautiful wines, and our heart and soul go into each bottle we produce. We believe in the magic of wine to spark connection, build friendships, and bring people together. What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Torrontés is a delicious and delightful undiscovered varietal - aromas of orange blossom and ginger are present right from the moment grapes are picked in the field, all the way through crush, fermentation, and into the bottle. It's a bold wine, not by being overpowering, but by the balance of softness and structure. It's a grape that holds nuance, but also is ready to be enjoyed by everyone. What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Our first foray into Torrontés was a bit of a harvest gamble. We took a chance...