DeRose Vineyards

Probably my favorite winery in the area. All their offerings are fantastic without a doubt. Cool old building and the friendliest staff. Must haves include their Negrette, Cab Pfeffer, and Old Vine Zinfandel.

Just when you think you finally have figured out California wine, the DeRoses have to come along and mess entirely with that equation. They kick down your wine tasting sand castle and offer something better instead. How many different ways are there to make great wine, anyway? Are there rigid rules that one can follow, or is it all pure work-​in-​progress? Is it possible that the DeRose way is merely a single, unique expression of the one True Path leading from vine to glass? I’ve heard of in vino veritas, but this is one mind bender too many.
Back up a bit. Let’s start with what DeRose does to flout the Rules of Rational Wine Tasting.
1. There isn’t really a parking area to speak of, or elaborate signage, or fancy entrance road leading through well-​landscaped grounds past pergolas and water fountains and birds chirping in the trees. No frogs in the pond, no ducks or cellar kittens or cute wine dogs or anything remotely cozy. You could miss the swinging door to the tasting room entirely, and even then, you aren’t quite sure where you are.
2. The tasting room makes a Costco warehouse look like a chateaux. It’s cold enough to light up a propane heating element in winter, the kind one finds in outdoor patios to make «year round» alfresco eating possible. There are concrete floors and wine-​making equipment and a redwood tasting bar that is covered in cloth to protect it from getting dented by careless drinkers. Like that episode in Everyone Loves Raymond about the couch covered permanently in plastic to keep it looking eternally new.
3. I don’t think that there is a tasting room flight containing elegant descriptions of the wines being poured. There is no pastel chalkboard sign indicating the day’s offerings. I don’t think they even know what they will pour next until the bottles are empty.
4. No music. Almost no artwork to speak of, save for one amazing old cash register that apparently still works. No framed reviews. No guided tours, not much in the way of intimate seating, no room for «reserve» or «private» tastings. No candles. No open flames, period (except from that indoor/​outdoor heater). If you’ve ever been to Tablas Creek in Paso Robles, think the exact opposite (except for the good wines).
5. No one has heard of these wines. Cabernet Pfeffer. Negrette. Carménère. A red wine blend with Alicante Bouschet. Old vine Viognier … is that even real?
6. Those mustaches! Enough said.
Now, let’s review what DeRose does right.
1. Everything.
That lack of infrastructure? The gravel shoulder on the side of the road will do just fine. Saves costs. Makes life simpler. That sign with the big red arrow? Take it in when you’re not open. Put it out when you are. Simple. Saves money.
No central heating inside the tasting room? Wines don’t need it. They prefer temperatures in the perpetual 50s to age gracefully in bottle for years; plus, there’s a wine cave, too — a big one. As for all the rest? Needless overhead. What matters is the wine: keeping prices fair while reducing your losses when the dry farmed vines don’t yield tonnage the way that other crops with pricey drip irrigation systems do.
That lack of a tasting room wine flight, the absence of printed tasting notes and wine trade rankings? Just ask Pat. He. Knows. It. All. When it’s time to open a new bottle, they just do it. An old vine Syrah. Outstanding. That Cachapoal Valley Carménère. Pure artisan elegance, bursting with raspberry, violet, and wild herb aromatics. A bottle of the Hollywood Red. Oscar-​worthy. A crisp, Meyer lemon zested Chardonnay made from 25-​year old vines. Curious about Cabernet Pfeffer? About $ 25 gets you a bottle. Same for the exquisite, old vine Viognier. And that’s even before we get to the Old World imports from France, Italy, and Spain.
These wines are unfiltered? Don’t have be Kermit Lynch to know that wines taste better that way. Old vine reds all dry farmed? They should be on the list of California state landmarks. Al, your winemaker, is in Chile to harvest the latest vintage? They *hand* destem EACH Carménère grape cluster before fermentation? And Al makes killer batches of paella for the Taste of Spain annual event in February? Don’t tell me that your assistant winemaker loves to surf, too. Of course he does. Those vintage Graham-​Paige automobiles in the museum are really rare, huh? The Carneros Moon vineyard Merlot that was so fantastic, that’s from «some guy» you happen to know in Napa. 3 Steves in Livermore are making medal winning wines from your grapes? The vineyards were planted by European migrants named Vaché and Palmtag in the 19^th century? I’ll bet this little valley tucked away behind the Hollister Hills even made claret jug wine for Almaden back in the day.
Why does none of this surprise me? Nothing does anymore after that initial visit to DeRose. If you want to widen your wine tasting world, make a weekend trip to the Cienega Valley to see what you will discover.

Excellent full bodied red wines: Nick Zin, Continental Cab, Negrette, Cabernet Pfeffer, Port… the list goes on. They don’t make a bad red. Vintners, Al DeRose & Pat DeRose know what they and their team are doing. Hands down, our favorite winery in Cienega Valley!

We came here about 2 months ago for their event. I am telling you, do NOT miss any of their events, they are insanely awesome. This was the first one we went to. They entry fee was $ 30 a person. They recommended RSVP which we did, but they can definitely accommodate you even without reservation. For this event they set up food stations with wine paring. You bring your glass to each stations and they will pour you a library wine, the food is either a great paring for the wine or made with that wine. We were able to try all of the food and wine. We were even able to try the 2006 zinfandel, it was amazing!

I had a groupon for a wine tasting for 2 and decided to go on a Friday afternoon. When I called for a reservation the person was very pleasant and when we got there it was even better. Tony who I understand is one of the owners sons was super helpful, answering all questions and offering «revisits» of any of the wines. The wines were really good and quite varied although mostly reds. Tony told us all about their grape growing in Chile and how they «dry farm» the grapes here. He really is a gem. We also got to meet his dad. The atmosphere is very interesting as well — the table on which the wines sit for tasting is made from reclaimed wood. We had a great time and I bought a yummy wine that Tony’s brother made from grapes in Chile– the bottle was just as yummy as the wine. I would definitely return and highly recommend Tony. Just wish there was a tip jar!

When i think Port i dont think Hollister. But hey ive had good Australian versions so why not Hollister? It’s not as rich and powerful as your classic Portuguese representations but light and still flavorful. Always good to be pleasantly surprised.

Awesome place to go! So many different types of wines from different regions :) The service was great and wine are all very well priced! I visited all the wineries in Hollister and this one and Leal were the only place I purchased from :) My favorite was and is the Cab Pfeiffer :) I regret not purchasing a bottle of there Zin which was also good so I guess I’ll need to go back ;)

Wine was great and the service was very hospitable and relaxing. The guys were fun and laid back and welcomed us in with open arms. Will definitely be back!

Loved this winery!
So much to tell… my husband and I were very impressed about their wine, the education we received on how to drink the wine and get the best flavors and experience, the antique cars they have, the building’s structure of being on an earthquake fault line, the company and so much more. Larry was awesome! We learned so much from him in the short time we were there compared to the several of visits we had in Napa. The pleasant surprise was learning that this is the same family that owns Antipastos in San Jose, Alum Rock Area –One of our favorite places! Definitely a place to stop at, taste some wine, and meet fabulous people. You won’t be disappointed!

Outstanding family winery in Cienega Valley. Right on the road in an old barn. Open for tasting daily. Owner often pours wine himself and has great stories to tell. Reds are of exceptional quality and reasonably priced. Dryfarmed Zinfandel and Negrette are world class. Perfect for tasting tours and just down the road from Pietra Santa.

I loved this place. We went here not because we knew the wine but we were on our way to a different winery that we liked their wine. While in the area we looked for another place to supplement our drive. Ok let’s be honest, there are a couple kinds of wineries. The big fancy ones with the teasing rooms that are opulent and those that are there because that’s where they craft the wine. This is without question the latter. If you are going to try some great wine, vino lovers will love this place. If going to be seen and want a fancy tasting steer clear of DeRose, your in the wrong place. We loved the wines. I just wish we shipped more back to here in Florida. We joined the club and look forward to getting more shipments. I just wish they offered some free shipping specials as I would buy more. They have great varietals you don’t see everywhere. If I could only get it locally. Great find try it.

Our trip here was really nice. had to make an appointment during the week but was well worth it. the interior reminds me something out of the Godfather movie tasting wine in the big cellar areas… fun relaxed and friendly !
thanks again

«Roses and thorns are parts of the same plant. Somehow though, some people are concerned mainly about the roses. The rose is not on the plant for more than a week, but the thorns are there forever.
Roses are teaching that the beauty of life will bloom, once you have taught yourself the lessons given by living with the thorns.»
Grigoris Deoudis
Sidney Gets Caught Up On Winery Reviews Part VIIII
DeRose Vineyards, located on the Hollister wine trail about a mile from Calera and almost adjacent to Pietra Santa, has certainly had a colorful history and they have learned from the thorns. Consider this:
*The land has been a source of winemaking since 1854, when French immigrant Theophile Vaché begin crafting wine from the vineyards in the area.
*The property has survived several changes in ownership, a few major earthquakes and the age of prohibition.
*The vineyards have survived several stages of corporate ownership by the likes of Almaden and Heublein
The current ownership, comprised of the DeRose and Cedolini families who have 10 generations of winemaking behind them, purchased the winery in 1988 and since then have focused on creating wines from zinfandel, negrette, cabernet franc and viognier grapes while also importing wines from France, Chile, Argentina, Italy and Spain.
I stopped in after tasting at Calera and had no idea what to expect. This was an impromptu wine tasting day. DeRose is open on weekends and they have a car museum that is open first Saturday of the month (missed that one). I walked into their winemaking/​tasting room facility (also available to rent for events) as the sole customer. I tasted with I believe Alphonso who is the winemaker along with his father. I tasted a variety of wines from both DeRose and the imported wines. The wines were all solid with decent price points (however the Syrah and Merlot at $ 40.00+ is too expensive) but my favorite, and the one I purchased, was from their Car Series Continental Cabernet Red. This was a bold, peppery/​spicy, hearty red that would stand up to most meats. What was even better was that it was made predominately with the rare Cabernet Pfeffer grape which is a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Trosseau (by some accounts). Why buy your usual Blah Blah Blah Merlot, Syrah, Pinot when you can have something unique and, actually very good?
The visit was quick… I was on my way soon enough to my final stuff. But good wines here with a very interesting history and backstory. It is rare you find that in a California winery and that’s one of the reasons why this is a recommended stop.

5 stars for the wines, 4 for the facility.
I joined the wine club. 2 bottles every 3 months for a flat $ 35.
Can’t wait to go back. It’ll be the first Saturday of a month when the car museum is open too.

It is highly unlikely you will ever find these wines in BevMo. This is a small winery. There are very few locations that even carry their wines and they are in the remote areas nearby their winery. There are a few exceptions, but go to their website if you are curious. The only reason we even knew of them was because we heard of their greatness from another wine connoisseur on our last tour of Paso Robles wineries.
To taste the wines, you need to make an appointment, unless you come on a Saturday or Sunday. And driving there is an adventure in itself, winding through the golden hills of Hollister/​San Juan Bautista area. A great drive, by the way. Make sure to include a stop at the beautiful old mission nearby. Don’t expect to find a architechturally gorgeous building and finely manicured gardens. This is a working man’s winery. No frills and volumes of manuscript containing the names of all their loyal customers.
Their vines are dry-​farmed. Some of the vines are older than 100 years.
According to Mr. B. the wines were unique and very special. Sheer happiness. Loved them all. He spent considerable time tasting and smoozing, and tasting some more. Bought a whole mixed case of wine and left.
Feeling particularly benevolent, I asked as we were driving away,” Why, if you loved it so much, didn’t you join this wine club.?” He was speechless, couldn’t come up with an answer. So he flipped the car around, and went back. Yep. He is now a wine club member. I am the Good Wife.
Like I said, he loved all of the wines, but this is what he came home with.
merlot
zin
port
and a red, the name of which I forget.
There were many more, it was all extraordinary, and happily, Mr. B benefitted.

A nice place to do wine tasting! You get taste many unique and excellent wines for $ 5 like Cabernet Pfeffer and Negrette. They have a car museum open the first Saturday every month. The owner Pat is extremely friendly. I had to become a wine club member here!

I’ve been going to DeRose since I moved to Hollister and love the wine and appreciate the laid back attitude of the whole crew. The Negrette is excellent and I really appreciate the wine events because the wine and food just keep flowing!
I bring visitors in all the time and no one ever walks out empty handed. I also commend Al and Pat for their support of the local community. San Benito county is under appreciated as a wine region-​come on down and enjoy our wines, you will be glad you did!

If you love Antipasto’s in San Jose, Al’s family owns this joint.
I have been meaning to come here with extended family (aka sister in law’s boyfriend) since he knows the family. I finally got a chance to come here and this place does not disappoint.
For 25 bucks we got an amazing wine tasting spread and some tasty goodies to accompany the wines.
Note: I do not consume alcohol but I do go on wine tasting adventures.
The food was stellar and everything was done in house
1. The smoked turkey with B and R apricot spread was a great start
2. The pulled pork sandwiches were my second course
3. The pasta with mushrooms and meat sauce was the third course
4. LAMB WONTONS with a blueberry negrette (negrette= wine!) reduction was my favorite
5. pork belly… two words that always go good together
If you like ports/​sweet wines this is a place to go
I did end up getting some bottles for family and coworkers…
Beautiful location
1. Once a month they do open up their old school car museum
2. They support other local businesses (aka B and R apricots)
3. SUPER FRIENDLY family (the winery has been in the family for 3 generations)
4. It is a landmark. the fault line runs through their warehouse
5. At one time they held the Guiness World record for largest underground cellar

A refreshing place to do some wine tasting. Very friendly and down to earth staff who were more than happy to tell us about the history of their vines and wines and the building we were in. Really interesting stuff. Lots of pours for only $ 5 per person. Their zinfandel was awesome!
Also have a old car collection museum on site. It was closed for the day but my husband is a huge car enthusiast and they offered to take him back and show him a few of their cars. He was in heaven. We left with a few bottles and they waived our tasting fees.
If we lived closer, we’d probably be members. If you’re in the area, it’s a must!

A great place to go wine tasting. Expert pairings and wonderful wine. Their port is the best I’ve ever had. Velvety and smooth.