(By guest author: Alyssa Auerbach) Little Vineyards Family Winery is located on Highway 12 next to B.R. Cohen. It is a very small family owned and operated boutique winery specializing in handcrafted reds.
The winery is somewhat hidden from the highway and has a very rustic and peaceful feel. It is only $5 to taste their fleet of current releases which includes Band Blend Track 3 (a red blend), 2006 Zinfandel, 2005 Syrah, 2006 Center Stage (a Bordeaux blend), and a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; the tasting fee is waived if you make a purchase.
The tasting room is very small and personal, and looks through a glass door into the barrel room. There are many fun historical items around the tasting room such as a bar taken from the Jack London Saloon that Jack himself would drink and write at and the original 1971 pickup truck from the show Sanford and Son.
My experience in Little Vineyards tasting room was one of my best experiences with wine. As you arrive you are greeted by the family dogs Max a German Sheppard and Roma a chubby chocolate lab. The tasting room associates are very friendly and are accepting of people with all different ranges of wine knowledge. The tasting room has a laid back feel that is very relaxing and helps you sit and enjoy the wine instead of feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
Even though the tasting room is small, a large group that came in while I was there was handled very well and no one felt neglected. If you call ahead of time the owners Rich and Joan will make a point to be there and meet their visitors. Rich is a musician and will play live music for guests and include them in a “jam session” by passing around shakers and tambourines. Overall this is a very fun and friendly winery and the wines are as spectacular as the experience. http://www.littlevineyards.com/