This event is the largest showcase of california wines and has proven to be a life changing experience.

If you LOVE wine and live in the Napa, Sonoma, or  Bay area, I HIGHLY recommend that you attend the Family Winemakers of California wine tasting in San Francisco on Sunday, August 23.  Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to discover new wines that are sure to make a major impression in your family.   To help get your started, I’ve produced a short list of my favorite family wines that will be presenting at this event.  The wineries will be organized alphabetically so we’ll start from the top.

It’s pretty obvious that I’m crazy about these wines.  In fact it was at the tasting last March that I met Anthony Arger.  What makes these guys stand out over everyone else is their amazing line up.  You name, they got it!  Winemaker Kosta Arger mentored under Joseph Heitz, so it’s pretty obvious how special these wines truly are.  I almost had to fight tooth and nail to get through the crowed just to get a taste.  I highly recommend you make their table your first stop.

The Ceja family has an incredible legacy and reputation.  Winemaker Armando Ceja and his family got their start in the industry working in the vineyards in the late 60s and in 1986 planted their first vines in the Carneros area.  In 1999 Ceja Vineyards, Inc. was founded and their production of fine wines as grown stronger each year.  My favorite quality about their work is that they specialize in 100% varietal wines and all of them have less than 14% alcohol which makes them the perfect pairing with any meal.

If you like to  meet hardworking families who put their heart and soul into their wines then look no further.  Winemaker Peter Murphy and his son Kevin Murphy have done an excellent job of producing family style handmade wines worthy of the name Napa Valley.  I’m personally a big fan of their Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Be sure to write a review on their wines and email it to Kevin to receive 50% your next purchase.

Ramazzotti Wines may not be on Facbook or Twitter as of yet, but they are going to have a big following very soon.  What I love most about their wine is the fact that winemaker Joe Ramazzotti comes from a long family history of grape growing in Italy and Sonoma County and has recently started producing his own wine from various appellations within the fruitful Alexander Valley.  His wines are full bodied in that classic Italian style yet represent the unique peppery taste that only Alexander Valley can provide.

Eric and Phillip Titus have done a remarkable job producing premium quality sophisticated wines from the Napa Valley at unbeatable prices.  I had the pleasure of meeting the Titus brothers at one of their famous BBQ / Blind Tasting events hosted right there on the vineyard property.  If you want the ultimate Napa Valley experience, look no further.  These guys are on facebook, twitter and are spearheading the Web 3.0 movement.  During their next harvest, Titus TV will provide a live video feed for people to participate online.  Be sure to login and participate with the winemakers as they harvest the next vintage.

Do you have a favorite winery pouring at this event?  Please leave a comment and tell us all about them.

Cheers!