Preston Vineyards

“A Classic Farm Winery” is what the folks here call this operation. It’s a throwback to a simpler time and a great place to taste wine, sample some olives, buy some homemade bread, and bag some organically grown goodies.

Out in the middle of Dry Creek Valley is the casual country setting for Preston Vineyards. The grounds have an attractive park-like atmosphere with a white picket fence, grassy lawns with picnic tables, gardens, overhead trellises and a turn-of-the-century farmhouse. The tasting room has a large veranda, adding to the country appeal with a cat or two lounging in the sun.

Inside are hardwood floors and a long, informal marble-topped tasting bar. In the back is a gift area along with an old wine press. Naturally preserved and organically grown olives, pickles, walnuts, olive oil, tomatoes, apples, eggplant, and wood-fire, oven-baked breads are all produced on the property, and are available seasonally in the tasting room.

The family has a Manifesto of Sustainable Farming: It “demands the farmer’s awareness of his impact on the environment, his long-range commitment to stewardship, and a determination to uphold the uniqueness and authenticity of his farm.” As a certified organic farm, they use compost, cover crops, deep tillage, beneficial insects and other earth-friendly systems to grow their grapes and produce.

A lot of the focus here is on Rhone varietals, with Mourvedre, Cinsault Roussanne, Viognier and Syrah being produced. They also make Sauvignon Blanc, old-vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Vin Gris and some proprietary blends. Some of the wines are available only at the winery.