Fodor's Expert Review Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards and Winery

During private tastings at this 100-acre property, you may find yourself swept away by husband-and-wife Justin Miller and Karin Warnelius-Miller's passion for their land and determination to craft collector-worthy wines. Justin grew up on the ranch, which his father purchased in 1963; Karin's Swedish-born parents owned vineyards and a winery nearby. Just as his father became an early Alexander Valley adopter of Cabernet Sauvignon, well before many of his peers, Justin embraced sustainable practices early on. Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and the rare-in-California Scheurebe are among the white grapes grown here; Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals go into the flagship Tesserae red blend. Justin and Karin jointly make their small label's wines, only releasing the red after eight years in bottle. Supple upon release, it's built to last. Appointment-only two-hour tastings (book well ahead) include a vineyard tour; there's also a 2½-hour Cabernet library session.