Yelp Yolo County Wineries Passport

As a member of Yelp Elite, I had a great opportunity to try out wine at smaller wineries in Yolo County. Having recently relocated from Southern California, I didn't know much about Yolo County or its wineries. I thought most of great wine was produced in Napa, but after trying every winery on the list, I realized I was mistaken.

Berryessa Gap - I visited their tasting room on Main street. It has both indoor and outdoor areas. The inside was pleasantly dark and had various seating options from bar height tables to comfy lounge chairs and regular restaurant  furniture. It had a great casual feel where you don't need to dress up, but can if you choose to. Their wines were good, some mature, other still left with some time to develop. My favorite was 2018 Zinfandel, which was completely different from 2017 that I had a chance to try because of another gentleman buying the bottle for his table. I bought a bottle. Service was incredible. The associate was very attentive, appeared to be passionate about wine and knowledgeable to describe flavors you can expect. I also admired their clean bathroom (yes, I know, who the heck reviews the bathroom?!). Overall, a great experience. One recommendation I would have for the business is to get different, lower height chairs for their bar-height tables.

Elevation 10 - I made reservation ahead of time, and good thing I did because 30 min after I sat down they closed the tasting room due to capacity (I visited before 6/15). The tasting room is located in the dining paradise of what looked like a mall for wine and food lovers. Just like at Berryessa Gap, seating offered a bunch of options. The associate was really passionate about the wines they're making and provided a brief history on the family who owns the winery. She was prompt with filling our glasses with new wines as we progressed through the tasting menu. I can't say I had a favorite one, but I really enjoyed the sip of port and a chocolate in the end. No bottle purchased since I didn't have a wine that stood out to me.

Great Bear Vineyards - I had high expectations since everyone in the comments mentioned this winery. I made a reservation and arrived on a pretty hot summer day. There was no indoor seating available, but the outdoor tables were nicely arranged allowing space and privacy. Wooden tables gave the space its rustic feel. At the entrance, I was greeted by one of the owners who offered a bouquet of lavender (part of the Yelp passport package, typically $10). I sat at one of the available tables and was served with the first wine by a friendly associate. The atmosphere was laid back and relaxing. A couple of fans or misters could have helped with the heat, but this is Yolo county! I really enjoyed talking with the owner to took the time to explain how they started the winery. My favorite wine was their Petit Sirah that is served cold. It was an everyday kind of dinner wine - low sugar, light and did not leave any tannins in your taste buds. I purchased a bottle. The second favorite was their Zinfandel - more flavorful and sweeter than Petit Sirah, but not as sweet and powerful as a Pinot Noir. Overall, good experience, but I would recommend some cooling options for outdoor seating.

Grindstone Wines - This winery seemed to be located in the middle of nowhere with views of open fields. The outdoor area is separated into two - one is attached to the building and is right on the porch of it, and the other is further back separated by some trees - there was a private event there. I found the space well-utilized, but it did have a more industrial feel and appeared to have been work in progress. Some field equipment was visible from the tasting area, although this is understandable given the fact it is a working winery. With that said, I would recommend creating a more private space with open views. Their wines were good, but felt like most of them lacked maturity, which may be explained by the newness of the winery. Service was efficient, and the seating was comfortable. I also would recommend some sort of misters for a hot day.

Matchbook - This was my favorite winery from those on Yolo Passport. Everything from décor to views impressed me. Let's begin with the views. The outdoor area overlooks the vineyards, and since it's located on a hill, the views are truly incredible. Landscaping is top notch with two fountains flowing on either sides of the stage. Yes, there is a stage for local events. They also have a food truck on certain days. Comfortable lounge chairs and couches invited you to sit there never wanting to leave. Now onto wines. They produce several different labels, each having its distinct quality. I found every wine on the tasting menu amazing. From initial sip I fell in love with 2019 Mossback Russian River Pinot Noir, rich and flavorful, but also mature and low sugar. One bottle for me! Another wine I loved was 2016 Tinto Rey Tempranillo, light and moderately dry. This is wine I can drink every day. Service was incredible. The associate was attentive and friendly, but allowing space and time to enjoy both the views and the wines. I would definitely want to come back to this one!

Beautiful view of the vineyards

Seka Hills - I originally was planning to go to their main location here, but ended up doing a tasting at Old Sugar Mill, right where Elevation 10 was located. The outdoor area was really pleasant. Couches and tables with umbrellas made the visit comfortable and pleasant. Their wines were much more impressive than Elevation 10, fuller body, mature and flavorful. I still did not find my favorite wine there, so no bottles purchased here.

Taber Ranch - This is a beautiful winery! Lots of private seating, plenty of space to walk around, great landscaping and a fountain in the distance. There is also a large indoor area that is probably very highly used on hot days. I came there on a Friday, and there were very few people there. I loved the peace and quiet! Their wines were good. I was really looking forward to their food, but the pizza was only available on certain days. I am not sure if there was anything else. This seems to be a great venue for events and larger gatherings. I enjoyed how spread out it was. I would come back on their "pizza" days with a group of people.

Last, but not least, Turkovich Family Wines - Another winery in Winters, CA right in the heart of the town. This was the first winery I went to for this event, and it did not disappoint. Friendly associates knowledgeable about wines, pleasant atmosphere with lots of natural light coming through large windows. Most of the indoor seating was bar-height tables and chairs, but the area in the back had lots of comfortable lounge chairs outdoors. While this is a small venue, space is well-utilized allowing some sort of privacy. One of my favorite wines was 2019 Viognier that I ended up taking home. I could see myself coming back here when in town for dining.