www.fresnowines.com

A. Nonini Winery
On a quaint country road surrounded by vineyards you will find Fresno’s best kept secret, A. Nonini Winery founded in 1936 by Antonio and Angiolina Nonini and their oldest son, Reno. Antonio immigrated to the United States from Northern Italy in 1900, and the first vineyards were planted in 1918. The Zinfandel grapes were planted in 1921, and today still produce a robust harvest. The family vineyards also produce a Barbera grape (Barbera wine), an Alicante Bouchet (Chianti wine), a Palomino (Sauterne wine) and other grapes used in the wine production. All varieties are 100% of the grape designated on the label. Many of the redwood tanks used for aging date back to 1936, as does much of the equipment still used in the winemaking. Aged oak barrels are used to finish the premium wines. Reno Nonini’s love of wine and knowledge of the business passed down to his son Tom and grandson James, who continue the family winemaking tradition into the fourth generation. In many ways, time has stood still for A. Nonini Winery, but the quality of the wine produced and the loyal patronage of their customers continues. Tours are available by appointment. The winery and tasting room are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 2640 N. Dickenson, Fresno, (559) 275-1936.

Cedar View Winery
Completed in spring 2003, Cedar Grove ’s new winery building houses not only the winery facility, but the tasting room and new “Winemakers Suite”, an exclusive suite on the second floor. The winery is truly “boutique”, producing small handcrafted quantities of premium wines. All winemaking activities are completed on site including crushing, fermentation, pressing, aging, blending and bottling. Cedar Grove’s flagship wine, Alicante Bouschet, is a Rhone style grape that is steeped in history and grown on-site. Alicante was the number one wine grape in California before prohibition and is unique because of its dark juice. Only 1,300 acres remain today in California. Cedar Grove produces four varieties of Alicante including a Rosé of Alicante called Sequoia Sunset, an Alicante Bouschet “Premier”, as well as traditional and Reserve Alicante. Sequoia View also produces Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and others. The tasting room is reminiscent of Tuscany where all of the wines can be enjoyed. Local artwork, cheeses, olive oils and clothing are also featured. Tasting Saturday & Sunday, 1385 S. Frankwood, Sanger, (559) 787-9412.

Engelmann Cellars
For over 100 years, the Engelman family has been growing quality grapes and making wine in the Fresno area. Fourth generation grape grower and winemaker Bret Engelman started the family’s first commercial winery. The mission was clear, produce premium quality wines from local grapes that are hand processed in this boutique winery located in the beautiful vineyards of the Fresno countryside. His 1999 Vintage, only available to family and friends, won three medals in national competition, and at the 2001 California State Fair the 2000 vintage Sangiovese took a 95 point Gold Medal and Best Sangiovese of California Appellation, proving that great wines can be made in the Central Valley. Tasting and tours every Saturday and Sunday, 12-4:30 p.m. 3275 N. Rolinda, Fresno, (559) 274-WINE(9463).

Fresno State Winery
California State University, Fresno has the first licensed, bonded, commercial winery on a university campus in the United States. Fresno State students have had the opportunity to study the art and sciences of grape growing and winemaking for more than forty years. Since the winery became bonded in 1997, Fresno State has won 87 awards including 27 "super awards" (i.e. Best of Class, Best of Region, etc.). From the 1998 California Syrah which won the "Best Syrah of California" at the 1999 California State Fair to the 2000 President's Reserve Primitivo which won "Best of Class - Italian Varietals" at the 2002 Los Angeles County Fair, the Fresno State Winery is focused on producing wines from grapes that grow best in the climate of the Central Valley. Continuing its winning tradition, 2004 brought California State fair top honors for Fresno State wines, including a rare Double Gold for the 2001 Muscat Canelli. Fresno State Wines are available at local retailers and in the wine cellar at the Fresno State Farm Market at Chestnut & Barstow, Fresno (559) 278-4511.

Los Californios Winery / Full Circle Brewery
A new attraction bringing the Central Valley’s first Meadery to Downtown Fresno. Along with the traditional honeywine, Los Californios brings in some locally grown flavor with their pomegranate and orange blossom varieties. Raise a glass to good cheer at this down home friendly establishment where they also serve a hearty pint of ale (microbrewery). Tasting Thursday – Saturday, 620 F Street, Fresno, (559) 264-6323.

Milla Vineyards
Milla Vineyards is a full-process winery that does everything from start to finish by hand, including growing the grapes, selecting the grapes, picking the grapes and crushing the grapes. Fermentation is created by natural yeast from the grapes, and the grapes are untouched from the time crushed to the time barreled. The winery’s specialties include: a 100% Ruby Cabernet, a light bodied Merlot, and a signature blend. If you are looking for a great wine with lots of upfront fruit to complement your dining experience or just to enjoy the all natural delicious flavor – Milla Vineyards welcomes your visit. Tasting and tours by appointment. 7465 W. McKinley Ave, Fresno, (559) 977-8849.

Tivy Mountain Vintners Winery
Nestled at the base of Tivy Mountain amid rolling hills dotted with orchards are the sun drenched vineyards of Tivy Mountain Vintners Winery and Bed & Breakfast. Utilizing sustainable farming practices winemakers Greg & Vicki Pease produce small lots of sumptious full bodied wine that you will truly enjoy. This boutique winery invites guest to come and visit, where the delightful dalmations are sure to provide a warm greeting. Open for tastings on Sundays from 12 - 5pm and groups by appointment. 2523 N. Pederson Drive, Sanger (Tivy Valley) 93657, (559) 787-9657