I also need to mention Italian Swiss Colony, Nervo and Rege in Alexander Valley. Italian Swiss Colony (Asti) was a big deal in its day (1950s and early 1960s); the biggest tourist attraction in Sonoma County. Nervo in the early 70s made Zinfandel and Pinot St. George and still sold bottles of 1944 Zinfandel (very “redwoody” due to decades in tanks). Rege made jug wine, but surprisingly good jug wine. The “regular” was $2.25 a gallon, while the Reserve was $3.25 a gallon. Ah, the good old days!
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Early on, yes. Later on was problematic.
I think I’ve searched correctly to not duplicate … but WesMar, Zepaltas, and Holdredge are three that hurt for me.
Dirty and Rowdy left a space that is mostly, but not completely, filled by EDWCYeah!
I forgot about Hacienda and Grand Cru. Crawford Cooley owned Hacienda way back when and in 1978 I worked as a cellar rat for then Winemaker Steve MacRostie - who went on to found his own winery.
I loved these wines from Bill Hunter back in the 90s.
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Entre Nous
Bolen
Thomas-Hsi
Salamandre, especially the Primitivo, but also his blends, like the Felix Apollo. Wells and Sandie Showmaker’s place in Aptos, closed down December 2024. Wonderful people, wonderful wines.
I still have a couple of Hunter’s Chauffe-Eau wines. They were great values.
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Not gone yet, but the goodbye’s have been said. Carlisle.
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