**** (4 stars)
This is a good stop in downtown Los Olivos. The emphasis is on Rhone varietals, especially Syrah. The style tends toward the fruity end of the spectrum rather than the charred game end. They also make an interesting white Rhone blend.
Tensley Wines Tasting Room
2900 Grand Ave
Los Olivos, CA
93441
(805) 688-6761
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tensley-wines-tasting-room-los-olivos
***** (5 stars)
This was the best producer we visited during our day in the Arroyo Grande area. Their Chardonnays and Sirah were particular standouts. The tasting room has a marvelous view of the vineyards, and there is a nice outside area for relaxing with a bottle. We voted by joining their club!
Talley Vineyards
3031 Lopez Dr
Arroyo Grande, CA
93420
(805) 270-7505
https://www.yelp.com/biz/talley-vineyards-arroyo-grande
*** (3 stars)
This small tasting room also has a nice outside seating area. The server was friendly and informative. The wines are not from the immediate area of the tasting room, as they specialize in zinfandel.
Saucelito Canyon Vineyards
3080 Biddle Ranch Rd
San Luis Obispo, CA
93403
(805) 543-2111
https://www.yelp.com/biz/saucelito-canyon-vineyards-san-luis-obispo
**** (4 stars)
This is a lovely hilltop tasting room. The winery specializes in sparkling wines, and the ones we tried were crisp and well made. Their wine club is a particularly good deal. Our server was friendly and very enthusiast.
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr
Arroyo Grande, CA
93420
(805) 481-1772
https://www.yelp.com/biz/laetitia-vineyard-and-winery-arroyo-grande-2
***** (5 stars)
Some of the very best winemaking in the area, and great hospitality. Standouts include their Cab and Syrah. They also make four Pinot Noirs that express different terroir and winemaker, which makes for a fascinating horizontal.
Dierberg Star Lane Vineyards
1280 Drum Canyon Rd
Lompoc, CA
93436
(805) 736-0757
https://www.yelp.com/biz/dierberg-star-lane-vineyards-lompoc
*** (3 stars)
Definitely the best gift shop of all the area’s wineries! Lots of fun merchandise in a warren of funky little spaces. Plus a great collection of artifacts such as old typewriters ! Serviceable wines, although you’ll find infinitely better product right next for at Melville Vineyards. A fascinating example of the difference in winemaking techniques.
Babcock Winery & Vineyards
5175 E Hwy 246
Lompoc, CA
93436
(805) 736-1455
https://www.yelp.com/biz/babcock-winery-and-vineyards-lompoc
***** (5 stars)
Top notch winemaking, in sharp contrast to some nearby wineries. Pinot Noir and Syrah are standouts here, and you can really see the difference in complexity between the estate and block designated wines. The top end wines are not cheap, but are worth it. Beautiful facility and grounds.
Melville Vineyards & Winery
5185 E Hwy 246
Lompoc, CA
93436
(805) 735-7030
https://www.yelp.com/biz/melville-vineyards-and-winery-lompoc
***** (5 stars)
This is one of the best wineries in the area for visitors, because they have good wines, a nice ambiance and an extensive food menu. The staff is friendly, and on the day we were there they had live entertainment.
One of the reasons their wines are good is because they are making their dry wines from California grapes, not local ones (which are better suited to making sweet wines).
Everything we sampled was well made. Note that there is a fee ($5) for five samples.
Shady Creek Winery
2030 Tryon Rd
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 874-9463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shady-creek-winery-michigan-city
***** (5 stars)
It’s hard to make great dry wines from unusual grapes in difficult growing areas, so Butler winery is to be commended for their excellent results. Lots of wineries in the area produce drinkable sweet wines from local grapes, but Butler is the only one we visited that is making outstanding dry wines using those varietals. Everything we tried was a terrific example of meticulous winemaking.
There’s small attached shop at the entrance, and then a tasting counter staffed by very personable and knowledgeable folks who are justifiably proud of their award winning wines. We purchased a mixed half case of dry whites and reds.
Butler Winery
401 Broadway
Chesterton, IN 46304
(219) 929-1400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/butler-winery-chesterton
**** (4 stars)
Tabor Hill wines share the characteristic struggle of other Michigan wineries, where you can sense the winemaker struggling to overcome difficult growing conditions for vinifera. However the real highlight at Tabor Hill is the restaurant and the ambience of the property. A leisurely lunch on the patio overlooking the vineyard can’t be beat. We enjoyed the charcuterie plate, the fish tacos and the orange shrimp salad. Service was friendly, and the view can’t be beat.
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant In the Vineyard
185 Mount Tabor Rd
Buchanan, MI 49107
(800) 283-3363
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tabor-hill-winery-and-restaurant-in-the-vineyard-buchanan