To experience wine country’s best view, Cellar360 offers private tastings for up to 20 people in the luxury Club room with views of the bay and Alcatraz . This room is available by special reservation only, and for members of our Wine Club.

Fontanella Family Winery was started in 2005 by Karen and Jeff Fontanella. Jeff had been making wine in the Napa area for 11 years and studied viticulture at UC Davis, and Karen was an attorney working in both business development of small wineries and real estate investment law. Their joint backgrounds were primed for moving in the direction of their dream, to build a family winery. Their winery, located in the up and coming Mount Veeder area of Napa, was completed in July of 2008 and now in it’s second year, produces 1000 cases annually. Fontanella Family Winery focuses on three main varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Chardonnay, all from the Napa Valley. These wines are rich, luscious and complex. Jeff’s specialty is matching different winemaking techniques with specific vineyards. In this, he helps the wine to achieve it’s full potential as he shepherds the grapes from crush to bottle. They also have a unique offering for wine enthusiasts across the country. A ‘Blend Your Own’ Wine Club, where you’ll get to blend your very own Cabernet Sauvignon from the all inclusive kit they send you (including four half bottles of ultra premium Napa Valley wine). After blending, Jeff will customize a case to your liking and ship it to your doorjust in time for that special celebration! And yes, you do get the bragging rights! Fontanella Family Winery is open by appointment so be sure to phone ahead.

Paul Kalemkiarian and Ed Masciana taste Merlot, 2007. Frosted Cake from Napa, California; Riesling, 2008. Lucas & Lewellen from Santa Barbara, California; Nero d’Avola, 2008. Lamura from Sicily, Italy; and Pinot Grigio, 2008. Villa San Maurice from California. For more visit: wineofthemonthclub.com wineofthemonthclub.tv facebook.com/WineoftheMonthClub twitter.com/WineoftheMonth

my husband and i went to san francisco about a year and a half ago to visit his brother and weren’t really thinking we’d go back… but now we’re thinking about heading back in December of this year. We’d like to be members of maybe two or three wine clubs by the time we go out there (just as a hint about our preferences – we prefer Sonoma as opposed to Napa because we feel like Napa is heavily commercialized). So anyway, we joined the Forchini (Carla’s Wine Club) yesterday and we were thinking about joining Sebastiani (Cherryblock Club), but we weren’t sure if anyone else had any good suggestions. We were members of the Viansa wine club after we went out there a year and a half ago, but started to get nervous because their billing and shipments were off a majority of the time. any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Wine Tasting of Sonoma County is located in Historic Duncans Mills, just minutes from the coast. Most of the original buildings have been renovated and Duncans Mills has become a quaint little destination with restaurants, specialty shops and an absolutely cozy tasting room called Wine Tasting of Sonoma County. At Wine Tasting of Sonoma County, the proprietors Joanne Duffy and Michael Ott, offer a selection of over 130 wines available for purchase from small family vineyards in Sonoma and nearby counties. They usually have a selection of fifteen wines available for tasting. They also sell wines by the glass! An uncommon practice at most traditional tasting rooms. Along with the wines, they offer cheese plates, chocolate tasting, specialty foods, a beautiful patio in the Spring, Summer and Fall, and a cozy fireplace when weather sends you indoors. They say, “Many people come to sample wine and hang out. They often bring their dogs and enjoy a glass of wine, nibble and play boardgames. It’s that kind of place – where you feel comfortable doing just that.” And, I couldn’t agree more! Wine Tasting of Sonoma County is dog friendly, an easy destination for wine and shopping and a great way to learn about wines in an non-intimidating atmosphere. They pride themselves on teaching people how to ‘taste wine’ for the first time and make it very comfortable for people to ask questions and just be themselves. They also have a ‘custom wine club’ where you get to decide the terms: one …

Interview with Bo Barrett – Winemaker of Chateau Montelena in Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA for AOPA Wine Club.

Interview with John Trefethen – Owner of Trefethen Family Vineyards for the AOPA Wine Club

Interview with Tom Burgess – Owner of Burgess Cellars for the AOPA Wine Club.