Yvonne Kochanowski

Reviews by Yvonne Kochanowski

Mount Aukum Winery logo

Mount Aukum Winery Review

Venture up the hairpin turns of the narrow driveway perched on the side of the mountain and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views from the Sacramento Valley to the Sierra Nevadas. Mount Aukum Winery is set on the top of this historic location at the southern edge of the Fair Play AVA. Their...

Madrona Vineyards Review

Madroña Vineyards, unique at its high elevation of 3000 feet, actually consists of three different vineyards, all owned by different branches of the Bush family. The tasting room and Madroña Vineyard are in the heart of the Apple Hill® agricultural region of El Dorado County. Two newer...

Boeger Winery Review

Sited on historic wine grape growing land in an agricultural region of El Dorado County, Boeger Winery has been an icon of modern wine production in the area since the land was first purchased by the family in 1972. Take time to enjoy the beautiful shapes of vines dating back to the 1800's that...

Miraflores Winery Review

Driving along the private road leading to the vines and wine at Miraflores is like entering a fine estate or personal park. Towering trees dot the landscape and patches of flowers spring up in unexpected places. But round a corner, and you see it, the tasting room set on top of the hill among...

Lava Cap Review

Come for the wine and stay for the view -and that's not a tagline! Nestled in a peaceful valley with views that extend to the far horizon, Lava Cap offers a great opportunity to escape the everyday with fine wines and a comfortable setting. This is the perfect place to plan a day -and a picnic!...

Villa Toscano Winery Review

Not far from the town of Plymouth, Villa Toscano Winery offers a trip to Italy in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Northern California's foothills. The extensive grounds, tasting room, and patios offer views both close-up and distant at every turn. Its sister winery, Bella Piazza, is...

Andis Wines logo

Andis Wines Review

Round a corner and there it is, its metallic aerodynamic structure set on the hilltop seeming to fly through the constant breezes. Surrounded by vineyards in the heart of Amador County, Andis Wines presents classy wines resulting from innovative production concepts and staged with modern appeal....

Vino Noceto logo

Vino Noceto Review

It may look small and unassuming from the outside, but don't pass up some of the best Sangiovese anywhere! Vino Noceto is nestled at the north end of the Shenandoah Valley and can be easily overlooked among its flashier winery neighbors. What they offer, though, are unique wines, consistent...

Borjon Winery Review

If you love luscious reds, you've found your new favorite place to visit! Borjón Winery (pronounced bor-hown') lies at the north end of the Shenandoah Valley where the foothills start their abrupt climb. Everything about the winery and tasting room speaks to the family's Mexican-American...

Sobon Estate Review

Over 150 years ago, vines from what is now Sobon Estate were already feeding California's growing wine industry. Sobon Estate was founded in 1989, the second winery owned by the Sobon family after its older sister Shenandoah Vineyards located nearby. Today, over 160 acres provides the grapes for...

C.G. DiArie Tasting Room Review

The gently hilly country road takes you through picturesque nurseries and vineyards on your way to C. G. DiArie's tasting room, and a more peaceful spot would be hard to find. Set in what appears to be a former house and backed by a picnic area nestled under towering trees next to a waterfall...

Toogood Estate Winery Review

Hidden from view off a narrow two-lane road in the heart of Fair Play, this winery takes advantage of the rocky outcroppings and protected valleys indigenous to the area. At the time of this review, a new visitors' center with tasting room were under construction, with upcoming wine club events...