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The Top 18 Wineries to Watch in 2021 And The Leaders Behind Them

The Top 18 Wineries to Watch in 2021 And The Leaders Behind Them

These wineries are revolutionizing the industry by combining tradition and modernity for their customers

Somerset Vineyard

Founded by brothers Kurt and John Tiedt, Somerset Vineyard & Winery is a wine lover’s first stop along Temecula Valley’s De Portola Trail. This vineyard upholds a 30-year tradition of delivering exceptional handcrafted wines out of its 13 acres of land. Producing sustainably farmed varieties from Southern France and select regions in Spain, the Tiedt Brothers bear a legacy of simply sharing good times with others.

Fullerton Wines

Winemaker Alex Fullerton crafts elegant and distinctive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Fullerton Wines was founded in 2012 in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The Fullerton family hails from Northern Europe and delights in sharing the language of wine with others. Fullerton Wines believes that holistic viticulture produces energetic fruit, great wine, and a healthier world.

Cielo Estate Winery

Cielo Estate Winery is the closest Foothill winery and wedding destination to the Sacramento region. On 41 acres, the estate offers a wine tasting room, event center, and a lake villa. Winemaker, Justin Gohlke, won a double gold medal for their 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, a gold for their 2014 Tempranillo, and a silver for their 2014 Cabernet Franc—at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Freeman Winery

From Proprietor Ken Freeman comes the Freeman Winery. Grown from the steep slopes of the Sonoma Coast and the coolest reaches of the Russian River Valley, the wines have earned acclaim for their complexity and uncompromising commitment to quality. These soulful, cool-climate wines speak of balance, refinement, and sense of place in ways that have helped redraw the map for great New World Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Shezmu Cellars

Named for the Egyptian god of wine, Shezmu Cellars is owned by Cody Chinn. Shezmu Cellars was rated Best Winery in Georgia for 2020. It is an urban winery producing local honey-wines. They focus on producing exceptional dry meads served carbonated, nitrogenated, and still.

 Main St Winery, Brewery & Cider House

Jim Wade and the Wade family have owned and operated the WMS Winery since 2018. It is located in the beautiful historic district of Ravenna, Ohio. Buying select juices from local farmers and worldwide, Main St Winery, Brewery & Cider House brings the most flavorful and aromatic wines for your enjoyment.

Lover’s Leap Vineyards & Winery

Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery is a family-owned, full-operational, 60-acre farm containing 30 acres of vineyards. It is a go-to stop for wine tasting adventures – guided by the knowledgeable Travis Huber. Located in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, it’s not a far leap from fun.

 Harkness Edwards Vineyards

Since its opening in 2006, Harkness Edward Vineyards offers a tasting room, breathtaking views, gardens, and more. Managed by Nini Edwards and located in Winchester, Kentucky, the vineyard offers a distinctive sense of love and passion shown through their artisan-made wine.

Jolene Family Winery

Located in New Kent, Virginia, right off of Pocahontas Trail, the Jolene Family Winery overlooks Tom Brooks Lake on one side and the vineyard on the other. Brian Mikelaites and family provide award-winning, handcrafted wines to create an experience that leaves everyone feeling like family. 

Kai-Simone Winery

Named after Dr. Sheila Adam’s two daughters, whose middle names are Kai and Simone, the Kai-Simone Winery is a family-run operation located in Spring Branch, Texas along the Guadalupe River. It is one of the newest wineries in the Texas Hill Country, providing high-quality wines and exceptional customer service at affordable prices. 

Foolhardy Vintners

Foolhardy Vintners is the brainchild of Jonathan Edelman and Dan Sogg, two friends sharing a passion for wine. Crafting small-lot wines from the Columbia Valley, the vineyard comprises over a 200-mile circuit from Walla Walla. Jonathan and Dan believe that the keys to quality are simplicity and attention to detail.

SLYD Wines

Spencer Daley’s passion for winemaking started at the age of 16. Today, SLYD Wines stems to the Santa Barbara County region, capturing the brilliance of the Santa Ynez Valley. While remaining boutique – producing fewer than 1,000 cases each year, SLYD Wines continues its quest of creating diverse wines for each vintage. 

Hopwood Cellars Winery & Distillery

Ron William Hopwood, owner, and Winemaker for Hopwood Cellars Winery, has been producing wines since 1994. Opening its doors in 2012 in Zionsville, Indiana, Ron searches out the best grapes from vineyards in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Hopwood has won 117 medals and trophies, including 2019 Best Cabernet Sauvignon, Best in Show, and Indiana Wine of the Year.

Sip & Share Wines

Hailing from Indianapolis, Sip & Share Wines is a boutique winery producing Award-winning artisanal vegan wines. Founder/ Vintner Nicole Kearney was named one of 40 African American Tastemakers (Under/Over 40) by Sabrina Jackson. Their “Conjure Zinfandel” was featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the top 10 drinks for the summer.

Klinker Brick Winery

 Fifth-generation grape growers in the Lodi region, this winery continues the tradition of cultivating from “Old Vine” Zinfandel vineyards that their ancestors planted in the early 1900s. Farrah Felten-Jolley, VP Marketing & Sales, represents the sixth generation of growers in Lodi, California. Klinker Brick has one goal, and that is to produce excellent wine.

ST. JULIAN WINERY & DISTILLERY

For over one hundred years, St. Julian Winery has piloted the Michigan wine industry. John Braganini and his family continue the tradition of operating the longest-running, largest, and most-awarded family-owned winery in Michigan. They offer award-winning dry and sweet wines, hard ciders, and spirits.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Opening its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards sits on a 127-acre estate 25 miles west of downtown Orlando. It ranks as Florida’s largest premium winery and remains a pioneer in developing premium and sparkling wines from the native Muscadine grape varieties. It is featured on The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, a weekly podcast by Forrest Kelly. 

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