California statute requires that all wines produced be made from juices of grapevines at least four years old, and in 2001, our vines were of "legal age" and we became a bonded winery. We grow six varieties on 13 acres spread over an average elevation of 1,500 feet. Hot summer days and cool nights favor the development of rich, complex sugars in the grape varieties we have chosen to cultivate. 2006 saw our best harvest yet with well-controlled yields (about 20 tons) and great quality amongst varieties.

This picture of our vineyards shows plantings of all six varietes we grow: Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Cabernet Franc. Many of our wines are blends of these varieties. We also provide our organically grown grapes for the use of neighboring wineries, and in 2007, both Lavender Ridge Vineyards and Hatcher Winery won Gold medals for their 2005 Mourvedres in the professional division at the Calaveras County Fair wine tasting.

We price our wines reasonably and always offer two choices by the glass as well as half bottles (375 mL) of select varieties. We also distribute our wines through Pauline's Pizza and will be opening a wine bar around the corner from the restaurant on Brosnan Alley. Cases of our wines are available at a 10% discount. Custom bottlings are also an option, making for great personalized gifts as well as tasty momentos for special events.

CURRENTLY FEATURED ON PAULINE'S WINE LIST...

We are featuring a number vintages of Pauline's "Pizza Reds" on our wine list (amongst a number of other wines from California, France, Italy, Argentina and Australia):

• 2003 Merlot, with vanilla and blackberry on the nose, followed by candied cherries and sweet apple, finishing with spice. Available by the bottle.

• 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, a delicious wine with smooth tannins and accents of pepper and velvety raspberry. Whereas all of our other wines are produced from our estate-grown grapes, this Cabernet is made with grapes from Calaveras County's respectable Tanner Vineyards where the terroire is optimal for ripening this particular variety. Available by the bottle and by the glass.

• 2004 Merlin, a blend of our own Zinfandel and Merlot bearing classic Sierra Foothills Zinfandel qualities with the sugars tamed to evoke cherry pie and spicy anise on the palate. Available by the bottle.

• House Reds: In the full bottle, our 2004 Meritage, a Grenache blend with distinctive flavors of wild blueberries, blended with a pizza dinner in mind. Also, in the half-bottle, our 2005 Merlin, a bold blend of our Zinfandel and Merlot with a lively mouthfeel and forthright flavors of dried apricots and ripe strawberries.