F&W American Wine Awards 2011

Courtesy of Alysian

SONOMA
When Gary Farrell sold his first winery back in 2004, he'd had it. He'd been working 60 to 80 hours a week, spending more time on management than winemaking. He was exhausted. The problem is that Farrell can't seem to shake his love of Pinot Noir.Read more about Alysian

Courtesy of Bedrock Wine Company

SONOMA
It's tough making a name for yourself in the shadow of a famous father. It's tougher if you choose the same profession, in the same county. But that's what Morgan Twain-Peterson—the son of Sonoma Ravenswood Winery founder and winemaker Joel Peterson—is doing.Read more about Bedrock Wine Co.

© Mark Wilson

SONOMA
Lioco owns no vineyards. It produces wine from a rented space in a custom-crush facility. Its owners didn't grow up in winemaking families. But the results are very impressive.Read more about Lioco

Kirk Burpee of Ideas to Images Productions

WASHINGTON STATE
The wines of Washington's Milbrandt Vineyards prove that you don't have to bottle a $200 luxury cuvée to make a great debut. Butch and Jerry Milbrandt (with winemaker Josh Maloney) produce a wide range of wines.Read more about Milbrandt Vineyards

Courtesy of Morlet Vineyards

NAPA VALLEY
It's possible to be one of Napa's most vaunted winemakers and still not be satisfied. Luc Morlet, the scion of a French winemaking family, produced critically acclaimed wines for Peter Michael Winery and other properties. But, he says, "Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to start my own winery—it's part of my DNA."Read more about Morlet Family Vineyards

F&W's Pairing of the Day

American Wine Awards 2010

California Wine Travel Guide