Visiting wine country can be one of the most daunting things in the world. Where to eat? Where to taste? Where to stay? These are the things that run through the mind of all wine travellers. While touring and tasting on the beaten path can be the easiest option when visiting wine country, sometimes it pays to search a little harder for that secret winery and forge a path of your own. With a little help from our “secret spies” in wine country, we have compiled this top-secret list of California wine country’s best-kept secrets. Next time you find yourself wine tasting in California, impress your friends and loved ones with a bit of information from this list and suddenly, you have become the seasoned wine country veteran!
1. Moshin Vineyards
In 1989, Rick Moshin made the biggest career change of his life. Teaching mathematics at San Jose State University, Rick decided to pursue his love of wine and winemaking and purchased a 10-acre Pinot Noir vineyard in Sonoma County. Still teaching during his first years as a winemaker, Rick travelled between France and his Sonoma vineyard to learn the old world techniques that would make Moshin Vineyards a must taste Sonoma County winery.
2. Murrieta’s Well
The history of this famed Livermore Valley winery extends all the way back into the 1880’s. Louis Mel bought the “Murrieta’s Well” vineyard, affectionately called that by the Livermore valley residents, in the 1880’s and began to grow cuttings from renowned French vineyards. Fast forward to 2013 and Murrieta's Well continues the traditions begun by Louis Mel in their great Livermore Valley estate blends. The old stone winery, situated in the middle of the 92-acre vineyard, is the centerpiece of the vineyard. Visit Murrieta’s Well to learn about and taste the great wine history of this Livermore Valley winery.
3. Venteux Vineyards
Wine tasting can be exhausting. Driving from winery to winery, tasting all day long, and then the long car ride back to the hotel can take a lot out of any traveller. Venteux Vineyards in beautiful Paso Robles solves the problem of the weary wine traveller by inviting guests to stay and relax. With two rooms available, the Blue and Green rooms, Venteux Bed & Breakfast offers guests the best of wine country luxury. A delicious breakfast each morning, comfortable beds, and spectacular views make this bed and breakfast one of the best kept secrets in Paso Robles wine country.
4. Roxo Port Cellars
Inspired by old-world traditions, Kim and Jeff Steele founded Roxo Port Cellars in Paso Robles, in 2005 to create great Central Coast wines. Specializing in Port wines, Roxo Port Cellars has gained a fantastic reputation for rich and elegant varietals. What most people may not know though is that Jeff Steele has a great passion for cigars and that many of his wines pair excellently with a good cigar. Looking for that perfect gift for the cigar lover in your life? Impress them with an excellently paired bottle of Roxo Port Cellars port and enjoy the praise you will most certainly receive!
5. Cellar 360
Pouring wines from wineries all across California, Cellar 360 is the definitive wine tasting experience. Nestled away in the old site of Meridian Vineyards in Paso Robles, Cellar 360 is not only a great wine tasting experience, but an amazing visual experience as well. Surrounded by vineyards, Cellar 360 has spectacular outdoor and indoor tasting areas. Surprise your friends or that special someone with a tasting at Cellar 360, you won't regret it!
6. Mitchella Vineyards & Winery
Growing up on a 80 acre ranch in East Paso Robles, it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Darren Mitchell would return to Paso Robles to plant a vineyard. In 1987, Darren and his wife, Angela, planted 20 acres of vineyards: 10 Syrah and 10 Cabernet Sauvignon. Mitchella Vineyard & Winery is a small production, producing only 1,800 cases of wine a year. But, that is what makes the winery so special and unique. Each bottle of Mitchella Vineyards is a labor of love. This is a winery you won't want to miss!
7. Sycamore Springs Mineral Resort
Right off of California’s Highway 101 and a short drive up a windy hillside road is the Central Coast’s best-kept resort secret. Sycamore Springs Mineral Resort is the perfect Oceanside retreat. Personal hot tubs outside of every room, nature hikes and daily yoga sessions ensure that a visit to Sycamore Springs Mineral Resort will be a relaxing one. Close vicinity to San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach wineries and restaurants guarantee that there will be no shortage of activities for the adventurous wine traveller.
8. The Cliffs Resort
Nestled away in quiet Shell Beach, The Cliffs Resort has a view like no other in wine country. Overlooking the ocean from the Shell Beach Cliffside, guests of the resort are treated to an outdoor Jacuzzi and swimming area, as well as the award winning Marisol Restaurant and Lounge. The Lounge’s Champagne Sunday Brunch is not to be missed. With impressive Spa services, there is no better place for oceanside relaxation. The cool ocean breeze, fresh sea air and various amenities make The Cliffs Resort the best-kept relaxation secret in all of San Luis Obispo County.
9. Heritage Wine Trail
New to the Napa Valley? No problem! Heritage Wine Trail provides Napa Valley visitors with world-class wine tours and tastings that will impress new, and seasoned, Napa Valley wine travellers. For $99, Heritage Wine Trail guests travel to four wineries, eat lunch in the vineyards and end the day with a tram ride at the legendary Sterling Vineyards. For visitors to the Napa Valley, there is no better way to experience the wine and scenery of California’s wine country.
10. Terra D’Oro
Lovers of Italian varietals and Zinfandel will appreciate the fantastic wines of Terra d’Oro winery in the Sierra Foothills. Â Terra d’Oro, Italian for “land of gold”, embraces the gold rush roots of the Sierra Foothills in every bottle of wine. Incidentally, Terra d'Oro planted the first Zinfandel and Italian grape varieties in the Sierra Foothills, bringing a little bit of Italy to California in the process. If you have any interest in Italian varietals, or great Zinfandel, there is no better winery than Terra d’Oro. Plus, who wouldn't want to experience a little bit of Italy in California?
California wine country is vast and varied. There is no end to the great wineries, hotels or resorts. This small list scratches the surface of all there is to do and see. Take this chance to make your next visit to California wine country an adventure! Go off the beaten path and explore, who knows what kind of secrets you will find!
The following article was provided by our contributing partner — Touring and Tasting Magazine.  Cheers — Ken