Winery of the Month
Grindstone Wines | Dunnigan Hills, CA
It’s not hard to find multi-generational farming families in Yolo County, and at Grindstone Winery, it’s all in the family. After planting their first vineyard in 1997, husband and wife duo, Michael and Amy Doherty, launched the wine brand a few years later with their Cortina Red Blend in 2010. They have continued to expand and evolve the brand every year since, and in 2020 they opened their brand new tasting room, a modern farmhouse tucked away in the Dunnigan Hills that offers expansive views of the rolling coast range.
Their family-owned and operated tasting room offers guests a variety of exciting tasting experiences, and the staff truly wants you to feel like family when you visit. They love to share stories, connect with the local community, and, of course, pour their favorite wines! From sips in the farmhouse to trivia in the park, and live bands with food trucks, a trip to the Dunnigan Hills will have you feeling like part of the family.
Q&A WITH GRINDSTONE WINES
Q: How long has the Doherty family been farming and making wine in Yolo County?
A: Michael and Amy Doherty’s families have been farming in Yolo and Colusa counties for 7 generations—you could say farming runs in their blood! Amy’s family planted the first grape vines in Colusa County more than 100 years ago, while Michael planted his first vineyard in 1997 with his father Mike Sr. He intended on commercially producing grapes, but along the way decided to create his own label, Grindstone.
Q: How many acres of vineyards and other crops do you farm?
A: We grow 160 acres of wine grapes at the home ranch and have 25 acres planted around our tasting room in the Dunnigan Hills. We also grow almonds and have range land in the foothills. We have the land in mind with every one of our farming practices; focusing on sustainability, groundwater recharge, soil health and being good stewards to the land.
Q: What varietals do you specialize in?
We started with our Cortina Red Blend in 2010, a fan favorite, and have added a new varietal almost every year! Our Cabernet and Cabernet Reserve, both estate grown, have been flying out of the tasting room this past Fall. Our Syrah Rosé is made with grapes from our original home vineyard, planted in 1997, and is a Double Gold recipient and a year round favorite in the tasting room.
Q: What is a unique characteristic that makes your winery stand out?
A: We are truly family owned and operated! Our owners, Michael and Amy Doherty created Grindstone in 2010 and in 2020 the tasting room opened with their niece, Tierney, as Brand and Tasting Room Manager, and daughter, Molly, as Wine Club Manager and Social Media. In addition, their youngest daughter, Emma, is studying Viticulture and Enology at Cal Poly SLO.
Q: NEW for the holiday season:
A: Not only do we enjoy pouring our wines on the weekend but we have great shelves to shop for the holidays, gift packs ready to go and views to enjoy. Or looking for a place to bring the office or your extended family? Our tasting room has a secluded park space that is perfect for private events. We have hosted a wide range of events from family gatherings, birthday parties, bridal showers, and corporate meetings. We would love to host your group at our tasting room!
Follow along with Grindstone Wines at grindstonewines.com or @grindstonewines