Cantara Cellars

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Cantara Cellars has always been a family run winery. Winemaker Mike Brown, his wife Chris and their son Jesse, make it their goal to create a day to remember for each guest. Located in Camarillo, in the heart of Ventura County, you can sample wine tastes, flights, wines by the glass or bottle and small plates of food at their facility.

Cantara produces a broad selection of award-winning red and white wines, specializing in wines made from grapes sourced from the Lodi Appellation in Northern California. Each wine they create expresses both the passion for making fine wines and their enjoyment of the distinctive flavors found only in Lodi grapes.

When you visit for a tasting or tour at Cantara, you will meet Mike, perhaps taste a barrel sample or two and have an up-close day of wine tasting. “Our winery has been growing steadily, each year since opening to the public four years ago,” Mike says. “We have been fortunate to grow rapidly because we offer great wines that are a good value for our guests.” And ultimately, that’s what keeps people coming back.

The tasting room is welcoming with warm ochre colored walls and an obvious camaraderie that’s irresistible, and it’s located just one minute off of Highway 101. Their wine club is free to join and members receive 20 percent off all purchases at the winery, and they can choose exactly which wines they want to be in their wine club selection. The commitment is a mere four bottles three times a year.    

The event space is available for rent and can seat 125 comfortably … more if guests are just mingling. They know how to throw a party! To inquire about the facilities, call Chris Brown at (805) 484-9600. If needed, leave a message and he’ll return your call.

Varietals
Chardonnay, Albarino, Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Tempranillo, Grenache, Sangiovese, Mouvedre and other red blends

Buzz
Their wines have won gold and silver medals from wine competitions and all of their wines sell out three to nine months after release.

By the Numbers
Cantara makes 12 to 14 different wines in lots ranging from 40 to 600 cases, yielding a maximum of 3,500 cases each year.

Fun Fact
All wine club “pick up parties” consist of wine, food and live music which keeps Cantara fans dedicated.