Key Takeaways:
- Modesto Wineries such as Turning Leaf and EJ Gallo Winery have award-winning and affordable wines.
- To save money, consider joining a wine club or visiting during the off-season.
- Visit Booking.com to score cost-friendly rentals, hotels, or airfare before you travel.
Get ready to discover the top wineries in Modesto, California.
You’ll learn about the eleven premier wineries to visit in the area, tips for saving money while wine tasting, and other helpful information.
Let’s start exploring and have a great time!
11 Great Vineyards In and Around Modesto
Are you looking for the perfect destination to enjoy some great wine? Look no further than Modesto, California. Home to eleven premier wineries and vineyards, Modesto is the ideal place for a weekend getaway full of delicious wines and stunning views.
From award-winning Turning Leaf Winery to family-owned EJ Gallo Winery, plenty of options will satisfy your taste buds and wallet!
Read on to learn more about these fantastic wineries in Modesto and helpful tips on saving money while enjoying them.
Turning Leaf Vineyards
Location: Modesto
Turning Leaf Vineyards is a Modesto-based winery that has been producing award-winning wines since the early 2000s. Specializing in white and red wines, the winery produces unique and flavorful wine varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel, which pairs perfectly with different types of food. With affordable prices between $10-$20, Turning Leaf’s commitment to producing high-quality wines sets it apart from other regional winemakers. As a result, the winery has won numerous gold medals, including ones at The International Wine Challenge and The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Visitors can get an immersive experience in the beautiful outdoor setting while learning about the winery’s history, the winemaking process, and the production behind each type of wine. For wine enthusiasts looking to explore exceptional wines that are both affordable and of excellent quality, Turning Leaf Vineyards is a must-visit winery.
E & J Gallo Winery
Location: Modesto
E & J Gallo Winery, founded in 1933 by Ernest and Julio Gallo, is one of the largest family-owned wineries in the world. Located in Modesto, California, their first year of production yielded 177,847 gallons of wine. Today, they continue to produce a wide range of wines made from grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and others. E & J Gallo Winery’s flavor profiles range from dry to sweet, are designed to cater to all types of palates, and come with recommended food pairings.
E & J Gallo Winery offers moderately priced wines distinguished for their unique flavor profiles and use of high-quality ingredients in production. For years, the winery has been recognized globally for its exceptional wines, with multiple gold medals at various international competitions. This demonstrates the winery’s commitment to producing high-quality wines that surpass customer expectations. Visitors can take guided tours around the winery and participate in tastings where they can sample some of their award-winning wines. A gift shop is also onsite where customers can purchase wine and souvenirs.
Barefoot Wines & Bubbly
Location: Modesto
Since opening in 1965, Barefoot Wines & Bubbly in Modesto, California, has become a famous wine producer in the region. The winery was founded by Davis Bynum and his wife, Mary Ann, and named after their family dog. Barefoot Wines & Bubbly offers many wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, and more. The winery selects grape varieties from vineyards across California’s Central and North Coast regions, creating unique and flavorful profiles. Barefoot Wines & Bubbly stands out from other wineries in the area because all their wines are certified organic and sustainably farmed, making them an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts.
They have won numerous quality and sustainability awards, highlighting their dedication to eco-friendly winemaking practices. The price range for Barefoot Wines & Bubbly varies depending on the type of wine purchased. Typically, a bottle of wine ranges between $9-$15. Visitors to the winery can expect to find an extensive selection of delicious, affordable wine. Barefoot Wines & Bubbly’s commitment to quality and sustainability has elevated them among other wineries in the area. Whether you’re interested in a vineyard tour or purchasing great wine, Barefoot Wines & Bubbly is a top choice for anyone in Modesto.
Carlo Rossi Winery
Location: Modesto
Carlo Rossi Winery, located in Modesto, California, has a distinguished reputation in the beverage industry and was established in 1975 by E. & J. Gallo. The winery offers a range of red and white wines, such as Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and other flavors, suitable for connoisseurs and beginners. The wines are known for their excellent balance and smoothness, perfecting them as a standalone drink or paired with food. Additionally, Carlo Rossi Winery provides customers with exceptional quality wines at an affordable price, making their products accessible to a more extensive range of wine enthusiasts.
Carlo Rossi Winery has been recognized numerous times, including the gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Best Buy awards from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Moreover, Wine & Spirits Magazine recognized Carlo Rossi Winery as one of America’s top ten value brands in 2015. Furthermore, customers can conveniently purchase wine from select stores nationwide through their website or store locator tool. In conclusion, wine enthusiasts looking for good quality and affordable wine should be strongly interested in Carlo Rossi Winery; with its exquisite and distinct taste reputation, they offer portability through its website and store locator tool that helps customers find their products easily.
Liberty Creek Wines
Location: Modesto
In Modesto, California, Liberty Creek Wines Winery was founded in the 1970s and 1980s and produces wines from different grape varieties. Among the most famous wines produced at Liberty Creek are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio, each offering a unique flavor profile that ranges from light and fruity to full-bodied and robust. The recommended food pairings for each wine vary from grilled salmon and roasted chicken to creamy pasta dishes.
The pricing of their wines varies but typically falls within the range of $10-$20 per bottle. Liberty Creek Wines is dedicated to sustainable and organic wine production, ensuring that all its wines are aged perfectly to provide the best taste. Their commitment to quality has earned the winery multiple awards over the years, including three gold medals in 2020 at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Lucca Winery
Location: 15 miles from Modesto
Lucca Winery is a family-owned winery located in Ripon, California. Established by the Lucchesi family in 2023, the winery is renowned for producing unique wines from regionally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy a range of bold and flavorful red and white wines made from grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Besides, Lucca Winery offers specialty wines like a sparkling Moscato and late harvest Riesling. The pricing of wines typically ranges between $15 to $50 per bottle based on the wine type, and wine club memberships or discounts for bulk purchases are available.
Lucca Winery stands out from others in the region by its commitment to sustainability and organic practices that result in high-quality grapes. All wines produced are certified organic, ensuring environmental protection and sustainability. In recognition of its outstanding wine quality, Lucca Winery has been awarded gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. Along with wine tasting, visitors can join educational vineyard tours to learn about winemaking and view the grapes’ cultivation process nearby. Moreover, visitors can purchase souvenirs or bottled wines from the gift shop upon their visit.
McManis Family Vineyards
Location: 15 miles from Modesto
McManis Family Vineyards, a family-run winery in Modesto, California, has produced high-quality wines since 1990 using sustainable winegrowing practices, traditional small winery methods, and five generations of farming experience. They offer a variety of wines, from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Viognier, and Muscat Canelli. These wines are reasonably priced and excellent for money, perfect to pair with seafood dishes or red meats. Their dedication to sustainable and small winery practices sets them apart, and has become a popular choice among wine enthusiasts.
McManis Family Vineyards has earned a reputation for producing award-winning wines, including a Gold Medal for their 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a Silver Medal for their 2018 Chardonnay at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. They have a website with a list of retail partners across California and offer updates on new releases, special offers, and upcoming events at the winery through their mailing list. Whether you’re planning to visit or purchase their wines, McManis Family Vineyards is a top choice to experience a unique approach to wine production, tasting, and aroma.
Tsymbal Winery
Location: 20 miles from Modesto
Tsymbal Winery, located near Modesto, California, is a family-owned and operated winery that makes handcrafted wines using natural flavors like plum, raspberry, cherry, and honey. Established in 2000 on a 3-acre farm, the winery offers wine tastings and catering services. They produce reds, whites, and meads using grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Their range of wines has a flavor profile that ranges from sweet to dry and recommended food pairings include cheeses, fruits, and desserts. The price range of their wine bottles is between $10 and $40, and they do not use added chemicals or pesticides in their winemaking.
You can visit Tsymbal Winery on Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm to taste their wines. You can also purchase their wine bottles online via their website, turlockwinery.com. The winery specializes in natural ingredients and offers an authentic tasting experience. They have a wide range of wine types and flavors that cater to the different preferences of wine lovers. It’s worth visiting if you enjoy wine.
SK Hira Vineyards
Location: 25 miles from Modesto
SK Hira Vineyards is a family-run estate winery in San Joaquin Valley in sunny California. It was established in 2002 by Satinder and Kamal Hira and aimed to produce high-quality wines emphasizing sustainability. The vineyard specializes in red wines and grows grape varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Their wines, with dark fruit and oak notes, are recognized for their bold flavor profiles. These robust wines are excellent for partnering with hearty meat dishes like steak or lamb. Prices for the wine range from $20-$50 per bottle, depending on the type of wine.
One thing that sets SK Hira Vineyards apart from other wineries in the area is their dedication to sustainability. They use various conservation methods and utilize solar energy to operate the vineyard, which helps minimize their environmental impact. Their sustainable practices have earned them several awards, including gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings offered in the winery’s tasting room from 11 am-5 pm on Thursday to Sunday. Combining private wine tasting with vineyard tours, guests can learn about the winemaking process and witness the onsite grapevines’ growth up close.
Marsella Family Vineyards
Location: 30 miles from Modesto
Marsella Family Vineyards, a family-owned and operated winery, is situated on 44 acres near Modesto, California. History shows that the Marsella family has been growing grapes in the region since the late 1800s, with their winery being officially established in 2014. They specialize in producing red wines from Mission grapes and Angelica, a type of fortified wine. Their wines are known for their robust flavor profiles and smooth finish. Among the popular varietals of Marsella Family Vineyards are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition to this, they also offer a variety of blended wines that combine different grape varietals to create unique flavor profiles.
The wines at Marsella Family Vineyards range between $20 and $50 per bottle. Their recognition over the years speaks for their supreme quality of wines, which includes gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Best Red Blend at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Visitors can book an appointment to experience wine tasting at Marsella Family Vineyards. They can enjoy some of the most famous wines and learn about the winery’s history and production process from knowledgeable staff. Enclosed by idyllic views, their wedding packages offer a perfect setting for couples to create unforgettable memories, with delicious wine adding to the celebration.
Oak Farm Vineyards
Location: 50 miles Modesto
Oak Farm Vineyards is a family-owned winery established in 1864 in Modesto, California. The winery is located on a 70-acre estate surrounded by picturesque grapevines and majestic oak trees along the Mokelumne River. Oak Farm Vineyards produces diverse wines, from classic varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel to unique offerings such as Fiano and Vermentino. Their wines are renowned for their flavor profiles ranging from light and fresh to full-bodied and robust, winning numerous accolades in competitions such as the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and State Fair Wine Competition.
Oak Farm Vineyards’ certified organic wines are reasonably priced, with options ranging from $20 to $50 per bottle. The winery is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. It offers tasting experiences in its tasting room and hosts events throughout the year, such as barrel tastings, food pairings with local chefs, and live music performances. They also offer a wine club membership with exclusive access to limited-production wines unavailable elsewhere. Oak Farm Vineyards is a must-visit for anyone looking to buy top-quality wines or experience an unforgettable tasting experience.
7 Way To Save Money At Modesto Wineries
With over a handful of award-winning wineries, visitors can explore the region’s rich history and taste some of the most premium wines the Modesto, California, area offers. The charming, beautiful countryside provides a perfect backdrop for savoring world-class wine.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a novice enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your wine-tasting experience while saving money. Here are seven expert tips to help you enjoy your Modesto winery visit without breaking the bank.
Research Wineries & Plan Ahead
Before your visit, take some time to research the wineries in the area and make a strategic plan on which ones you would like to visit. Check out various winery websites to learn about their tasting fees, wine clubs, and tour options.
Visit during Off-Peak Season
Visiting during the off-season is another excellent way to save money, avoid crowds, and receive more personalized attention. During peak months, wineries are crowded, and tasting fees may be higher than usual. However, off-season visits usually mean fewer crowds and cheaper tasting costs. Winter months, for instance, have lower $5-$10 tasting fees than the usual $15-$30.
Share Tastings with a Group
Many wineries offer shared tastings, where you and your group can share a bottle of wine at a fraction of the cost of individual tastings. Sharing also means lighter consumption or more varieties within a given budget.
Join Wine Clubs
Wine clubs are a terrific way to save money on wine tasting. Wine club members usually receive discounts on wine purchases, tasting fees, merchandise, and events.
Buy Wines in Bulk
Most wineries, especially those in Modesto, offer discounts on large wine purchases. If you invest in a favorite bottle of wine, you can buy a case and receive a substantial discount.
Bring Your Snacks
Wineries typically have outdoor picnic areas or pleasant indoor spaces to host visitors. Some wineries allow you to bring your food, which is a great way to save costs. If you want a full meal, check out local food trucks or bring pre-packaged foods like fruit, nuts, and cheese.
Take Advantage of Coupons & Deals
Many wineries offer specials or discounts not publicized on their websites. You can call or email them about current deals, coupons, or tasting packages. Groupon and other discount service providers may also offer wine-tasting deals in the area.
Modesto, California, wineries offer an excellent backdrop for sipping high-quality wine.
Following the tips above, visitors can enjoy budget-friendly experiences that maintain unique tastes and occasions. 🙂
FAQ
Where is the wine region in Modesto, CA?
The River Junction AVA is a wine region located in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties in California, situated west of Modesto. It’s where the San Joaquin River and Stanislaus River intersect.
What happened to Gallo Winery?
The Gallo winery in Modesto, California, is still open and producing wines. It’s owned by the E&J Gallo Winery, the world’s largest family-owned winery.
What town in California has the most wineries?
Modesto, located in the Central Valley of California, is a great place to start if you’re looking for the town with the most wineries. With 27 wineries and vineyards, Modesto has a rich history of winemaking, including Lucca Winery and Barefoot Cellars. The Bronco Wine Company, founded by Fred Franzia in 1973, is also a leader in the U.S. wine industry and offers quality wines at affordable prices. Modesto’s wineries are family-oriented, with many having picnic facilities, making them great for weddings and other special occasions. With 90+ varietals from 22 different wineries and vineyards, Modesto is a leader in the U.S. wine industry and a great place to explore excellent wines and celebrate with friends and family.
How much is E & J Gallo worth?
Ernest and Julio Gallo began a winemaking business in a California shed in the 1930s, now a family empire valued at around $11 billion.
Does Gallo own Frei Brothers?
The names Frei Brothers and Frei Brothers logo are trademarked by E. & J. Gallo Winery.
Summary
Modesto, California, is home to some of the most delightful wineries in the state. Following our tips for saving money on wine tastings and tours, you can enjoy an unforgettable without breaking your budget. With much to see and do in a vibrant city, planning a trip has been more accessible. Visit booking.com today to secure rental cars, flights, or hotels before you go! Experience all that Modesto’s wineries offer while enjoying significant savings!
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