San Francisco Wineries

On January 20, 1999, the San Francisco wine appellation became the 79th designated region in the state of California, amidst some controversy because of the borders chosen. There was much celebration by those wineries within the region - in Livermore Valley, Santa Clara County, and Alameda County.

There are around 70 wineries which now qualify for the appellation.

The appellation, set aside by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), was created because the combination of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay create a "mini climate". The cooling air affects this area in a way which differs from the surrounding lands. The vineyards within this appellation, therefore, share a common land and climate.

Critics charged that including San Francisco itself in this appellation diluted its meaning, but most were pleased with the recognition of the historical significance of this region. What are some of the better known wineries in this new appellation?

One well seasoned winery is the Murrieta's Well Vineyard, planted in 1884. This vineyard was begun with grape cuttings from such fine French vineyards as Château d'Yquem. They are especially well known for their Sauvignon Blancs.

The Retzlaff Winery creates fine Cabernets and Cab-Merlot blends, as well as its series of white wines. Hand produced, Retzlaff prides itself on the quality of its output. Its web page has not only descriptions of their wines, but also festival information and a wine quiz.

For easy access, there is Rosenblum Cellars Winery - located in Alameda. Their building was created in 1910, sitting at the edge of San Francisco Bay. They get their grapes not only locally, but also from nearby grape-growing regions.

One of the newer wineries is Stone Ridge Winery, located in the Livermore Valley and established in 1975. They create not only 'typical' wines for the region, but also fresh and interesting Italian-style wines. These include a Malvasia Bianca and a Nebbiolo.

In 1984, the Iván Tamás Winery was begun by a family with centuries of experience behind them. Already their fine wines are garnering praise - the Trebbiano and Sangiovese as much as the Cabernet and Zinfandel. Their newest addition is their Dopo Cena, a delicious dessert wine.

If you have a little more time, head into the Santa Cruz area - this coastal mountain region lies between San Francisco and Monterey. It was awarded an appellation in 1982. Well known wineries in this area include Concannon, Mirassou, and Wente.

In the Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is a destination not only for wine, but for golf and entertainment as well. Begun in 1883, Wente now has over three thousand acres of vines. They do especially well with Sauvignon Blanc, SemilÌlon and Cabernet Sauvignon.

A trailblazer, Concannon Vineyard was the first winery to label their Petite Sirah by its name instead of by the more general (and geographically incorrect) "Burgundy" that other wineries were using. They make this excellent wine as well as fine Sauvignon Blancs and Cabernet Sauvignons.

Mirassou is a name well known throughout the world for its fine wines. With a 144 year history, Mirassou not only makes fine wines but also sparkling wines, plus they host tastings, courses, weddings, festivals, and far more. Well worth the visit for the tour!

These are but a sample of the many, many fine wineries in the new San Francisco appellation, and the nearby Santa Cruz appellation. These wineries are well worth a visit, and if you can spare a week or two, you might be able to get around to visit each one. Each winery around San Francisco has something special to offer, and deserves a look around. Enjoy!

Wineries of California

Wine Region Information Around the World