California Wines & Wineries

Small Wineries and COVID-19 – How You Can Help!

Posted on March 26, 2020 Updated on March 26, 2020

The COVID-19 is something between Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and living in Toffler’s Future Shock for most of us today. That said being sheltered in place (SIP) or self-quarantined the human spirit is being squashed. Why? We are social beings with a sense of purpose with family, friends and community. We are all cut off and the resulting isolation is unsettling. Even of historical magnitudes and pervasiveness not seen since World War II affecting literally everyone, we will get through this with unwavering enthusiasm and hope, nonetheless a bit scarred but not beaten.

I am writing this today to bring attention to the fact that many small artisan and handcrafted wineries unfortunately may not be as fortunate. They are often single person, husband/wife and family operations of less than five individuals. They have invested their family monies to provide some unique and quality wines for our enjoyment. The financial impact of not holding tastings may strangle the life blood out of a few. Some small wineries have wine clubs and a solid local following. Some have just “opened their doors”. Nevertheless, all are going to be hurting financially shortly as the impact of their marketing and sales is squashed by having the tasting rooms closed.

I just went thru the last four months of these small wineries that I have written about and would encourage you to call the wineries (most are open but not for tastings) and place an order. This will help them immensely as you are helping them make a car payment, mortgage or put food on the table. I personally believe this is money well spent verses picking up a bottle of wine at the supermarket. Even if for one or two bottles the impact will be felt. The larger wineries will be fine in the long run, but these smaller boutique wineries may be pushed to the brink of extinction.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a wonderful bottle(s) of wine and support your neighbors in the wine business. All these wineries are in California. Many more can be found on my website or blog dating back more than four months. I have listed only a few of the varietals they make and clicking the website will give you a complete listing as well as their phone number.

Zuidema Wine Company – Grenache https://zuidemawines.com/
Stringer Cellars – Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon https://www.stringercellars.com/
Mountain Tides – Petite Sirah  https://www.mountaintideswine.com/
Cuda Ridge Wines – Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot https://cudaridgewines.com/
Cellar 13 – Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon https://www.cellar13winery.com/
YoungInglewood – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, blends http://younginglewood.com/
Gossamer Cellars – Unique red & white wines (Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, etc.) http://restless-frog.com/about
Acquiesce – Roussanne, Picpoul, Bourboulenc https://www.acquiescevineyards.com/
Lavender Ridge – Roussanne, Rhone varietals https://lavenderridgevineyard.com/

Prie Vineyard – Barbera, Dornfelder https://www.priewinery.com/
Tenbrink Winery – Petite Sirah, Chardonnay http://tenbrinkvineyards.com/
Tolenas Vineyards – Gamay, Rose, blends http://tolenaswinery.com/
Casino Mine Ranch – Vermentino, Tempranillo, Mourvedre https://www.casinomineranch.com/
Hunter Glenn Wines – Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Syrah https://hunterglenn.com/
Bodega Del Sur Winery – Tempranillo, Spanish varietals https://bodegadelsur.com/
Arroyo Cellars – Chardonnay, Zinfandel https://www.arroyocellars.com/
3 Steves – Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere – https://3steveswinery.com/
Allegorie & Val du Vino – Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Blends https://www.valduvinowinery.com/allegorie-wines
Dusty Nabor Wines – Syrah, Grenache, Viognier http://dustynaborwines.com/
Dracaena Wines – Cabernet Franc, Rose https://dracaenawines.com/
Jazz Cellars – Syrah, Sangiovese, Roussanne/Marsanne https://www.jazzcellars.com/
Laura Michael – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel https://www.lauramichaelwines.com/
Vinoce – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc https://www.vinoce.com/
Detert Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc https://www.detert.com/
Shale Canyon Winery – Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Tempranillo https://www.shalecanyonwines.com/
Tate Wine – Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon http://www.tatewine.com/
Frog’s Tooth Winery – Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Sirah https://www.frogstooth.com/
Porch Wines – Sauvignon Blanc, GSM https://www.porch-wine.com/

Wood Family Vineyards – Malbec, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/

McKahn Family Cellars – Syrah, Grenache, Viognier https://mckahnfamilycellars.com/

Steven Kent Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, blends http://www.stevenkent.com/

Slainte,

Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com