2025 Case Sale Blitz

One Weekend Only - March 22nd & 23rdOur 2025 Case Sale Blitz is almost here! In this blog, you’ll find the juicy details on wines that we will feature in this year’s sale. Additional wines may make a surprise appearance, available in very limited supply, so don't miss out! More information about the event can be found at the bottom of this post. 

2019 Petite Sirah - Reserve Collection, Ruby Hill Winery

This excellent Reserve Petite Sirah is deep and soulful. A velvet curtain envelops the senses, rich with classic Petite Sirah aromas and elevated by silky and graceful notes on the palate. Enjoy scents of violet, plum, clove, allspice, vanilla, and black pepper, all flowing into the palate where they join a supportive base of dark fruit framed by lingering spice. This vintage is smooth yet structured, with balance in each sip. You can expect tannin-endowed wines like these to only improve with age, so it’s the perfect time to open that 2019 and get lost in the luxury of each sip. 
Case Blitz Price: $210 | Member’s Price: $185

2021 Chardonnay - Reserve Collection, Ruby Hill Winery

This wine continues our reputation for phenomenal Chardonnay. Capturing the essence of California sunlight, this golden beauty opens with a classic aroma adorned with floral allure. Splendid notes of orange blossom swirl with essences of clover honey and hints of stone fruit. Toasted oak influence supports these notes with flavors reminiscent of an orange almond tart. Rich body and unctuous mouthfeel make each sip luxurious, relaxing into a smooth and flavorful finish. 
Case Blitz Price: $200 | Member’s Price: $175

2020 Riverbed Red - Gem Collection, Ruby Hill Winery

This club-exclusive blend is a delight to drink. A complex aroma opens with vibrant fresh fruit including juicy raspberry and blackberry. Cozy hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and baking spices round out the profile. The luscious finish emphasizes toasty baking spice notes. The body is rich, with a medium-plus mouthfeel, very smooth tannins, and flavors that match the aroma. This vintage is a luscious blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, and 13% Petite Sirah.
Case Blitz Price: $225 | Member’s Price: $200

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon - Riserva Collection, Rubino Estates Winery

This wine was awarded Best of Class in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, and offers richly plush notes of marionberry, plum, cherry, violet, and vanilla. It's the quintessential wine for a delicious steak dinner. We selected this vintage of Riserva Cabernet from the library and fell in love with the maturity and full-bodied nature of the tannin, with integrated roundness and just the right amount of ripeness. 
Case Blitz Price: $210 | Member’s Price: $185

2020 Sangiovese - Riserva Collection, Rubino Estates Winery

This bright and light red varietal is a traditional Italian wine. It is exceptionally prevalent in the old world and grows like a dream in California. This vintage offers a very characteristic nose for our Saugiovese, with notes of wild strawberry, vivacious red fruit, and a touch of lychee. A hint of black pepper peeks through on the palate, and rich cherry flavor accents the lingering finish. A very smooth body is accented with sassy floral notes and a mid-weight palate.
Case Blitz Price: $210 | Member’s Price: $185

2020 Ferrario - Famiglia Collection, Rubino Estates Winery

Velvety and elegant, each sip dances with jammy fruit and playful floral aromas, all on a rich backdrop of purple fruit accents. This wine is a club-exclusive blend, named in honor of Ernest Ferrario. Ferrario was an Italian immigrant and the proprietor of the Estate Vineyard from 1921-1975. By the mid-twentieth century, the Ferrario family was well-known for their quality wines, especially their Zinfandel. This blend honors the Ferrarios by combining Barbera—an Italian varietal, and Zinfandel—Ferrario’s specialty. The 2020 vintage components are 50% Zinfandel, 28% Petit Verdot, 21% Barbera, & 1% Petite Sirah. 
Case Blitz Price: $225 | Member’s Price: $200

Our Case Sale Blitz is our annual warehouse clear-out event, offering delicious wines at unbeatable prices so we can make room for the wines of the future! This event is hosted at Rubino Estates Winery in the covered production area around the back of the tasting room. All are welcome to attend this event at no cost, whether they are a first-time visitor or a long-time member of Ruby Hill or Rubino. No reservations are needed, just drop by, say hello, and try these featured wines! 

The Case Sale Blitz will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 22nd and 23rd only. Sales are valid only while supplies last, and all wines are in limited quantity!

Event Terms and Conditions: Wines are available for purchase in full cases only. All sales are final and wines must be picked up at time of sale. No online, shipping, or phone orders will be accepted. Limit of one case per varietal, per party. Cannot be combined with loyalty points, discounts, or other promotions. Wine selection subject to change.

 

Sunrise after Pruning: A Vineyard Update

While the official beginning of springtime has not yet arrived, it is safe to say that winter’s grip is loosening around the estate vineyard. With blue skies and vibrant green hills, we can’t help but feel optimistic for the season to come. Scroll through this gallery to join us for a virtual walk through the freshly-pruned vineyard in the early morning light. 

Our younger vines have lasted well through another winter, and they grow stronger each year. 

Our older vines continue to prove their worth, with gnarled branches that hold the story of phenomenal past vintages.

As the sun comes up, every step in the vineyard is illuminated by golden light, marking the start of another day in the early 2025 growing season. 

The dew that gathers on the grassy bands in between each row of vines adds to the brilliant freshness of this time of year. 

Meanwhile, on the vines, the recent pruning has caused the vines to begin pulling nutrients from the ground and pushing sap out of the ends. This fills the branches with vitality and prepares the vine for the first excitement of the growing season--bud break. 

Bud break is an early awakening for the vines, a true omen of spring. However, it will be some time before we see this auspicious milestone in the estate vineyard.

In the meantime, we are seeing the beauty of sunlight on bare vines as each block prepares for another great year. 

Even without a leafy canopy or tender green tendrils, the views around the vineyard are worth savoring. 

It’s always worth taking a moment to stop and look closely. You’ll see sunlight captured in drops of sap, and a promise of spring to come. 

Every vine has a story to tell. Without the careful attention paid to each row, the wines we love would be impossible. 

Pruning encourages healthy growth that produces good fruit. Cutting off the remnants of last year’s vines is an essential part of creating a healthy vineyard. 

A vineyard full of happy vines will make good fruit, which is the first step in making great wines. 

Thank you for joining us for this virtual walk in the vineyard. If you would like to see the vineyard up close, we invite you to visit our tasting room or book a Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience!

Valentine's Day Inspiration: Chocolate Meets Wine

This Valentine’s day, we are celebrating with some sweet indulgence. It’s no secret that chocolate and wine are an ideal couple, with pairing options that will take your tastebuds to cloud nine. On this week’s blog, we have been inspired by our love for chocolate of all kinds, from truffles to fudge. We’re including a recipe for Strawberry brownies, a baked confection with all the richness of a brownie and the romance of a chocolate covered strawberry. Of course, we’re enjoying this decadent dessert alongside our wine of the month, Solera in Perpetuum, a luscious port-style dessert wine. 

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

by Meghan at Cake n’ Knife

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 7 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 5-7 strawberries, sliced up
• Garnish: Shaved dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together melted butter and sugar until combined.
3. Stir in eggs, salt, baking powder, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder.
4. Add cocoa powder and flour, stirring until combined and there are no lumps.
5. Fold in chopped chocolate.
6. Add batter to the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer. It helps to spray a spatula with nonstick spray so the batter doesn’t stick and spreads easier! Top with chopped strawberries, slightly pressing them into the batter.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs.
8. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing from the pan. Sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate, if desired, before cutting.

Recipe and photo by Meghan at Cake n’ Knife

We recommend serving these amazing brownies with our Solera in Perpetuum. This deluxe dessert wine offers dense aromas of fruit preserves, toasted almond, hazelnut, and jammy flavors of blackberry, dried plum, and cocoa. A rich, sweet mouthfeel gives way to a lingering finish. Solera is on sale now, so get yours today!

Elevated brownies and delectable wine—what could be better? We hope you enjoy this decadent combination with someone you love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Winners

The annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of North American wines, offering an impressive lineup of competitor wines from all over the United States. Each year, we submit several Ruby Hill favorites to go head-to-head in this prestigious competition, and the 2025 results have officially arrived! To celebrate, we are taking a moment to shine the spotlight on our winners: 2021 Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2021 Odyssey. 

2021 Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon - Gold Medal

This wine is smooth, spicy, with aromas of black currant confiture, black plum, cardamom, dried florals, and notes of orange vanilla cream on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Black raspberry, blackberry jam, spiced dark chocolate, interlaced with ginger, earth, and a dry, juicy finish. Decant and enjoy. — Tonya Pitts, Wine Enthusiast

Earning critical acclaim vintage after vintage, this stunning Cabernet is an absolute knockout. Rich, deep, and with lots of aging potential, we recommend this gold-medal Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon for memorable meals. We like to pair this wine with peppery, earthy, and dense foods, making it perfect for chilly days. 

2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Double Gold Medal

A signature aroma of vibrant fresh fruit, including cherry and black currant, is joined by hints of violet and graceful oak accents. Dried fruit notes emerge on the palate, with craisin and prune, while maintaining youthful brightness into the finish.. The mouthfeel is full, with a touch of grippy tannins that relax quickly. Delightful layered complexity leaves you wanting more!

A very recent release, this relatively young Cab is already drinking exceptionally well. Rich and flavorful character permeates the entire experience as you enjoy this vintage, which has earned the coveted Double Gold Medal. Enjoy this Cabernet with medium-rare steak, aged cheddar, or double chocolate cake. 

2021 Odyssey - Best of Class

The lovely aroma of this wine opens up with grand complexity. Lush layers of fruit notes, including bing cherry, raspberry, strawberry and marionberry, enrich the air. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety on the palate, with seamless harmony of tannins and acidity creating luxurious structure. Dark fruit notes create a lavish tapestry of flavor and lead into a long and fruit-forward finish. The tannin character will allow this vintage to mature well for years to come. 

This vintage is “Chapter 2” of our limited-edition Odyssey series, a small-lot wine crafted to celebrate the history of the Estate Vineyard. This stunning blend is modeled after timeless right-bank Bordeaux blends. Earning the noteworthy “Best of Class” award, the Odyssey truly stands out as a wine to remember. 

Life is too short to drink bad wine, so stock up on these winners today! Click here to shop our critically acclaimed wines. 

Next-Level Wine Tasting

Here at Ruby Hill Winery, we love to make wine tasting approachable and fun for all of our guests and members. Since wine tasting may appear intimidating to some, we wanted to share some of our favorite tips and techniques for swirling, sniffing, and sipping to appreciate the layers in your favorite wines. One key aspect of a wine tasting journey is identifying the different aromas and flavors that make up a wine's profile. These layers are usually categorized as primary, secondary, and tertiary notes, and understanding them can enhance your tasting experience. 

Primary: The Grape's Gift

Most primary aromas are derived directly from the grape itself. These are the fresh, fruity, floral, and herbaceous characteristics that are present from the moment the grapes are crushed and are less affected by individual winemaking techniques. They are often the most immediately noticeable and provide a foundation for the wine's overall character.

Examples of primary aromas include: 

Fruits, which can range from fresh berries like strawberry and raspberry in Sangiovese, to citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit in Sauvignon Blanc, to stone fruits like peach and apricot in Chardonnay.

Flowers or “floral” notes like rose petals in Rosé, violet in Petit Verdot, or honeysuckle in some Chardonnays add complexity and elegance.

Herb and spice character, such as clove in Petite Sirah, bell pepper in some Zinfandels or Cabernet Franc, sage in some Barberas or black pepper in Syrah.

Secondary: The Winemaker's Touch

Secondary aromas are usually a mark of the winemaking technique and process. These include the smells and flavors that develop during fermentation, aging, and other winemaking techniques. They add layers of complexity and can significantly influence the wine's style, contributing to the unique fingerprint of a wine from your favorite winery. 

Examples of these secondary aromas include:

Yeast-derived aromas, which can include bready, brioche-like, or biscuity notes from lees aging (common in traditional Champagne), or buttery or creamy aromas from malolactic fermentation (often found in Chardonnay).

Oak notes, sometimes referred to as “oakiness” refers to notes of vanilla, toast, smoke, cedar, or spice (like clove or cinnamon) imparted by aging in oak barrels. Oak of different origin, such as French, Hungarian, and American, lends different flavor and character to the wine as it ages. 

Tertiary: The Factor of Time

Tertiary aromas develop during bottle aging. Unique to wines which have had time to mature in a proper environment, these are complex and nuanced aromas that evolve over time. They are often described as earthy, nutty, or savory.

Examples of tertiary aroma include:

Oxidative aromas, if the wine has been stored properly, can be pleasantly nutty aromas like almond or hazelnut, dried fruit aromas like fig or raisin, or savory notes like leather or tobacco.

Reduction aromas are more earthy, with notes like mushroom or forest floor, woodsy cedar, or mineral notes like flint or wet stone.

The Most Important Note

When you’re tasting wine: take your time, and have fun. If you want to explore the layers, start with the primary aromas, identifying the fruit, floral, and herbaceous notes—the most prominent and fresh of the profile. Then, consider the secondary aromas, looking for hints of yeast, oak, or other winemaking influences. Finally, if the wine has been aged, explore the tertiary aromas that have developed over time.

By training your nose to recognize these different layers, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and complexity of wine. You'll be able to not just taste the wine, but truly understand its story, from the vineyard to the bottle and finally, to your glass.

Want to explore a great collection of wines? Take advantage of our mixed case sale, available for a limited time!

 

Festive Sparkling Wine Pairings

This year, elevate your holiday feast with your favorite bubbly! This time of year should be filled with celebration, joy, and of course, delicious food and wines. Champagne and other sparkling wines add a touch of elegance and excitement to a festive spread, with effervescence and bright acidity that complement a wide range of flavors, making it a versatile choice for Christmas dinner and beyond.

Sparkling Wine is a holiday must-have, and here at Ruby Hill, we love to welcome our guests and members with a splash of sparkles. If you need that special something to bring your holiday meals to the next level, pop open a bottle of bubbly with appetizers, dinner, or dessert. There are some special pairings that will bring the blissful harmonies of flavor that special occasions deserve. We’ve assembled a quick guide below!

Appetizers:

Oysters: The briny, oceanic flavors of oysters are a perfect match for the crisp acidity of Sparkling Wine.
Smoked Salmon: The rich, smoky flavors of smoked salmon are balanced by bright, refreshing notes.
Cheese Platter: We especially love fresh cheeses like burrata with this wine, but a variety of cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, can be paired with Sparkling Wine. The signature acidity meets the richness of the cheese, and the bubbles help to cleanse the palate between bites. Charcuterie board, here we come!

Main Course:

Roasted Turkey: The acidity of sparkling wine can cut through the richness of roasted turkey (slathered in gravy, of course), while its touch of sweetness can complement the savory flavors of the bird.
Roasted Ham: The salty, sweet flavors of ham are a great match for Sparkling Wine, presenting a very enticing interplay.
Seafood: If you opt for surf over turf for your celebrations, the brightness of a Sparkling Wine can enhance the delicate flavors of seafood, especially lobster or shrimp.
Seitan: For our vegan or plant-based friends, a savory and scrumptious seitan dish such as stuffed seitan roast, offers a great profile for enjoying with a delicate Sparkling Wine. 

Dessert:

Fruit Tart: The sweet, fruity flavors of a tart are a perfect match for the refreshing, bubbly character of our Sparkling Wine. We recommend an apple or pear tart in particular,
White Chocolate Truffles: The rich, decadent flavors of white chocolate truffles are balanced by the acidity of  Sparkling Wine, while ingredients like orange zest and coconut provide delicious harmony. 
Mimosas: If you want to keep it simple and festive, Mimosas are a fun and easy way to play with your Sparkling Wine! Go classic with orange juice or consider cranberry juice for a Christmas twist!
 
Happy Holidays, friends! This December has filled us with festive joy. Between the Christmas lights and the music on the radio, we’re surrounded by good cheer and a special kind of beauty. Enjoy the festive effervescence of our Sparkling Wine with notes of pear, fresh pineapple, green apple, and a light flourish of coconut on the finish. This is the season for Sparkling so get yours now while the sale is on!

A Wine Enthusiast's Holiday Guide

This week, we are celebrating six new scores from Wine Enthusiast! These critics’ ratings provide a helpful guide to the delicious wines we offer here at Ruby Hill Winery. Of course, everyone has their go-to wines, but we hope this quick guide will give you confidence to explore phenomenal wines and varietals that are worth discovering and featuring alongside your holiday festivities (or under the tree for someone lucky)! 

93 points - 2021 Jewel Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is smooth, spicy, with aromas of black currant confiture, black plum, cardamom, dried florals, and notes of orange vanilla cream on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Black raspberry, blackberry jam, spiced dark chocolate, interlaced with ginger, earth, and a dry, juicy finish. Decant and enjoy. — Tonya Pitts

Earning critical acclaim vintage after vintage, this stunning Cabernet is an absolute knockout. Rich, deep, and with lots of aging potential, we recommend Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon for memorable meals. Pair with peppery, earthy, and dense foods. 

93 points - 2021 Jewel Collection Zinfandel

A lively nose, characteristic of our Zinfandel, brings notes of cherry and berry alongside dried plums and ripe currants. This complex nose flows seamlessly into the vibrant and fruit-packed flavor profile. A satisfying velvety body shines with bright acidity, perfect for enjoying with food. Elegant structure makes this wine delicious now and a great candidate for aging.

Another standout from our Jewel Collection, this varietal is juicy and enticing. Zinfandel is an ideal pairing for all the smoked, glazed, and spiced dishes across your holiday spreads, offering a sumptuous complement to these dishes. Of course, you can always pour a glass and enjoy it on its own!

92 points - 2021 Jewel Collection Chardonnay

Classic Chardonnay notes put on a lovely performance in this vintage. The complex choreography of peach, pear, stone fruit, flint and vanilla notes dance through the aroma and into the flavor. A very luscious mouthfeel that lingers in the long and truly luxurious finish. Caramel and baking spice notes enrich the palate, giving way into a soft, buttery quality.

Yet another phenomenal wine from the Jewel Collection, this classic white wine varietal is the go-to for Thanksgiving, pairing delightfully with turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, pumpkin pie, and more. We’re hungry already! Enjoy this elegant vintage in good cheer.  

92 points - 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 

An enticing aroma beckons with harmonious fruit and oak notes. Dark plum and blackberry spread gracefully over a backdrop of baking spices, cocoa, and vanilla. The mouthfeel is very smooth, making each sip a delight. The finish on this vintage is on the shorter side, but remains fruity and flavorful. A very enjoyable, complex, and satisfying wine.

Cabernet is classic for a reason. Delicious by itself and alongside your favorite autumn or winter meals, this approachable and delightful Cabernet is the kind of wine you can always have around. 

92 points - 2023 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

A tropical serenade of guava, pomelo, pink grapefruit, and citrus zest notes opens up the aroma, with a vibrant crescendo on the palate joined by accents of crème anglaise, fading seamlessly into a fruity finish. A medium body on the palate, with a succulent acidity and perfectly balanced sip. Serve chilled.

Golden and tropical, this white wine is stepping into the spotlight with crisp and refreshing appeal. A great companion for citrus-infused dishes, greens, white meat, and seafood, you’ll fall in love with each graceful and alluring sip. 

92 points - 2021 Cuvée Dray

A smooth and complex aroma offers notes of blackberry, ripe red fruit, and floral accents. The flavor profile exemplifies balanced mixed fruit. Juicy, elegant, and cohesive on the palate, this wine has a nice tannin profile, silky texture, and a flavorful finish. This wine will hold up for years to come.

This wine is ideal for pairing with just about everything. This special Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, is crafted in honor of our beloved pets and the ways they enrich our lives. To share the joy, $10 for every bottle of this wine sold is donated to the Valley Humane Society.

We hope you’ll visit the tasting room soon to enjoy these remarkable wines. This weekend only, take an extra 10% off all Jewel Wines to commemorate this critically acclaimed collection, in addition to member and case discounts! This discount is applied automatically. Happy shopping!

The Magic of Merlot

        November 7th is International Merlot Day! If you think you would rather forego Merlot, we hope you’ll reconsider. Here at Ruby Hill Winery, we believe in crafting unique, approachable wines that marry the styles and flavors of classic wines, while creating innovative combinations you can’t get anywhere else.  The wines shown above encompass a wide range of styles, profiles, and price, and yet they share one thing in common. A single, unsung varietal plays a supporting role: the everyday hero of this story is Merlot. 

        When you enjoy our current vintages of Grapeful Red, Cuvée Dray, Reserve Mirage, Patchwork, Reserve Cabernet, Jewel Cabernet or Odyssey, you enjoy some percentage of Merlot—a percentage that is there for a reason. Why does this varietal play a part in so many of our wines?

Merlot & Its Blends

        Merlot is an early-ripener with a soft flesh, and is very commonly found alongside the classic late-ripening, fiercely tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is the most widely planted varietal in France, where it is oven blended with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and other varietals to add both body and softness. France’s legendary Bordeaux blends are divided into two designations, right bank and left bank. A left bank Bordeaux is generally Cabernet Sauvignon-forward, while a right bank Bordeaux is Merlot-forward. In Italy, Merlot is used for softness in some Sangioveses and other traditional high-acid Italian varietals. 

Merlot in Pop Culture

        In the US, the story of Merlot has been heavily influenced by pop culture. Merlot saw a wild rise in popularity after 60 Minutes reported on the French Paradox—the observation that heart disease is low in France, even though cheese and red wine make up a large proportion of the average diet. As a traditional French wine, this boosted Merlot’s public appeal. The film Sideways, released in 2004, featured a Pinot Noir snob who famously rejected Merlot in all of its forms. This film has been subsequently credited with an undeserved decline in the popularity of Merlot!

Merlot in California

        When Merlot came to California, it was often bottled alone as a single varietal wine. Though this is not uncommon now, Winemakers are more likely to reach back to the Merlot’s roots as a blending wine. Merlot adds delicious full-bodied softness as well as a toothsome fruitiness wherever it is featured. When used in slightly higher percentages, such as in our premium Odyssey red wine, Merlot also adds a detectable delicate aroma and freshness.

        Single varietal wines and red blends are a collaboration of flavors, aromas, textures, and more. At its core, Merlot works well as a refined and delicate supporting actor, working in the background so that other varietals can put on their best show. At the same time, giving Merlot a chance to take on the spotlight makes unforgettable wines. We encourage you: don’t forget about the little hero Merlot!

Shop our blends and single varietals with Merlot support:

Cuvée Dray · Reserve Mirage · Grapeful Red · Patchwork · Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon · Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon · Odyssey

Want to learn more about our estate-grown Merlot and the Odyssey red wine? Consider booking our Odyssey Experience! Click here for more info, or reach out to us at 925-931-9463 or info@rubyhillwinery.net

Odyssey Experience: A New Luxury Tasting

We are delighted to unveil an all-new wine tasting experience at Ruby Hill Winery. In this encounter, you will enter the world of Odyssey, our most premiere and exclusive wine, and enjoy a wine tasting in the heart of the estate vineyard, under expansive historic oak trees. Read on to learn more!

About Odyssey

An icon in the making, the Odyssey Red Wine is a premium blend, crafted in the style of a right-bank Bordeaux wine. Odyssey celebrates the rich history and winemaking legacy of the Ruby Hill Winery’s estate vineyard, from 1885 to present day and beyond. Each vintage honors a historic chapter in our story and has very limited production so we can protect the quality and luster of each and every bottle. As of 2024, we have released the first two chapters and anticipate new and delicious editions each year. 

Odyssey Experience

After meeting your ambassador in the tasting room for a Sparkling Wine toast, you will board our all-new, customized shuttle. Designed for this experience, this welcoming vehicle shuttles our guests to the Harvest Table in comfort and style.

The Odyssey Experience tasting takes place in the heart of the vineyard, where all of our wines get their start. Handcrafted for our guests’ enjoyment, the Harvest Table is nestled under old oak trees, bordered by vines, creating a picturesque sanctuary. This place of beauty and peace in the estate vineyard is ideal for a luxury tasting experience. 

The Odyssey Experience features an exclusive flight of wines you can’t get anywhere else. Your ambassador walks you through each of the varietals that play a part in the Odyssey Red Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, providing an opportunity to taste each of these varietals on their own. The menu culminates in a phenomenal vertical tasting of the vintages of Odyssey. Alongside these sumptuous libations, this experience offers ample charcuterie so you may enjoy delicious savories with each wine. 

How to Book

Bookings for the Odyssey Experience are available now! This offering is available for groups of 6-12 people, and it must be booked at least a week in advance. For members of Ruby Hill or Rubino Estates Winery, tickets for this experience are $60, and for non-members, tickets are $75 per person. When you book, you may select a start time anytime between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

All bookings can be made through the Ruby Hill Tasting Room at 925-931-9463 or info@rubyhillwinery.net

Book now and be among the very first guests and members to enjoy the luxurious Odyssey Experience! 

 

Cozy October Wine Pairings

The fall weather is finally settling into the Livermore Valley, and we welcome it with open arms! We are starting off this season with two mixed cases: one with red wines and one with white wines. For this blog, we consulted our winemaker’s notes to give you the essence of what’s in each bottle of the lovingly-crafted, estate grown wines inside each case. Plus, to really get into the spirit of this time of year, we are pairing each wine with a comforting recipe.

Mixed White Wine Case

Sparkling Wine with Truffle Mac & Cheese

A pairing powerhouse, this Sparkling Wine has notes of green apple and lemon zest, but the bubbles are the main attraction. Elegant alongside any dish, we selected this wine to pair with Truffle Mac and Cheese, because classy comfort food is a high priority. 

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc with Lemony White Bean Soup

This wine brings sunshine, even when skies are gray. A medium body boasts perfect acidity, with notes of pink grapefruit and crème anglaise. This fall, we recommend enjoying this with a Lemony White Bean Soup, which is like a hug in a bowl. 

Reserve Chardonnay with Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A classic Chardonnay with floral allure, citrus and stone fruit essences, and toasted oak influences, this unctuous wine is perfect for fall. We recommend this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe, with a silky and delicious sauce made with the luscious flavors of pumpkin, mascarpone, and parmesan. Plus, for anyone thinking ahead, Chardonnay is a perfect wine for pairing with Turkey!

Grapeful Rosé with Walnut & Rosemary Crusted Salmon

Refreshing acidity with light floral and red fruit notes make this wine reminiscent of summer, but the Sangiovese fruit gives this dry Rosé enough body to be delightful all year. This Walnut & Rosemary Crusted Salmon recipe is a perfect autumnal take on seafood, and we’d serve this with roasted broccoli and potatoes for a hearty meal. 

Mixed Red Wine Case

Sangiovese with Margherita Chicken

A bombastic aroma leads to strawberry and floral notes on the palate. This light red wine is perfect for weeknights and absolutely shines alongside Italian dishes! Balanced acidity also makes this wine an ideal companion for a range of comfort food. We recommend this Margherita Asparagus Stuffed Chicken.

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with Beef Wellington

This vintage is layered with harmonious fruit and oak notes, with a touch of spice and vanilla. Cabernet and steak are the perfect match, and with a wine this good we’re recommending the tenderloin. To elevate the comforting vibes even more, try a Classic Beef Wellington.

Reserve Petite Sirah with Eggplant Parmesan

Our Petite Sirah is rich and deep, with notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and tea leaf. To us, Petite Sirah is the essence of autumn, providing a cozy blanket of tannin and touches of warming spices. Enjoy this full-bodied wine alongside this recipe for All-American Eggplant Parmesan. 

Cielo Viola with Lamb Kofta

Crafted for our wine club members, this blend brings together the best of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, with plush notes of chocolate, wild berry, and plum sorbet. We suggest a delightful Lamb Kofta to compliment the approachable complexity of this beloved blend. 

Take your opportunity to enjoy these mouthwatering wines this fall and shop the case sale now! Whether you’re looking for a mix of White Wines or Red Wines, this sale is the perfect chance to get your cellar and wine fridge prepped for a fall and holiday season of great food and stellar sipping.