
Announcing: Retro Night 2022
Discover the wines worth remembering at a night you won't forget. We are delighted to announce an event exclusively for members of Rubino Estates and Ruby Hill Wineries: Retro Night!
Memories, love, and good wine only get better with time. That’s why we have a Library Collection! Many of our beloved wines from both Ruby Hill and Rubino Estates from years gone by have been saved in our cellar for special occasions. Now, it’s time to have a party: Retro Night! Below, we've listed a few of the wines that will make an appearance, available for both tasting and purchase, and what makes them special.
From the Rubino Estates Library :
2015 Nebbiolo ~ Riserva Collection
Limited Production, Italian Classic, Light yet Flavorful
2014 Amuleto ~ Famiglia Collection
Member Exclusive, Good Luck Blend, Bright Red Fruit
2015 Pinot Noir ~ Landmark Collection
Vibrant, Festive, Elegantly Romantic
2017 Proprietary Red ~ Landmark Collection
Stellar, Mysterious, Rounded and Silky
From the Ruby Hill Library:
Armonia Lot #10 ~ Gem Collection
Aged Beautifully, Berries and Dreamy Layered Flavors
2017 Cielo Viola ~ Gem Collection
Ruby Hill Family Favorite, Elegant Complexity
2015 Petite Sirah ~ Jewel Collection
Bold and Rich, Bordeaux Beauty, Distinguished
2013 Petite Sirah ~ Jewel Collection
Profound, Unctuous, Smoothly Creamy
These wines have been quietly waiting for their moment to shine. At Retro Night, it's your chance to enjoy these patient beauties in all their elegance and charm! Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 17th from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and get ready to enjoy timeless classics from both Ruby Hill and Rubino Estates wineries. Retro Night will feature special pricing on these exclusive Library wines, as well as a build-your-own Library wine 6 pack or case special, a Magnum Mania sale, and more. Many of these wines are limited production, so tickets are limited to two tickets per wine club membership and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
From our cellar to yours, Cheers!

The Summer Mello Cielo Flight
One of the most iconic and beloved activities at Ruby Hill is our Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience, a private bus tour through our scenic vineyard estate. This excursion includes a flight of wine showcasing our Estate's quality and legacy, and we've just released a new menu! Where are we going? Let's board the bus and see where this adventure takes us!
Tasting Room
We like to welcome everyone to the tasting room with a golden splash of our bubbly Ruby Hill Sparkling Wine! Crisp, refreshing, and fun, each sip enhances the festive excitement of the tour and gets everyone started off right.
The Peacock Patch
Yes, it's a real place! Enjoy sipping our Peacock Patch Zin in its namesake vineyard block. You might even spot the ostentatious birds for which the block is named! This spot is great for seeing the vines up close and drinking in a view of the Livermore Valley.
Through The Vineyard
Your adventure continues past the acres of vines that change with the seasons. Right now, they are vibrant green, with huge clusters of ripening grapes as harvest rapidly approaches. See if you can spot which vines become your favorite wines!
Production Facility
This location is the ultimate peek behind the scene. If you want to be in the room where it happens, then this is your chance. Get an exclusive taste of a future wine, right from the barrel, and take a look at where the Ruby Hill magic is made!
The Water Tower
Nestled in our vineyards near the winemaker's home, the water tower is a little oasis. Waiting inside are 3 more wines and delicious bites for your whole group! Our Summer menu includes Chardonnay, Patchwork, and Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting Room
You've made it back! To celebrate this adventure, we like to finish with a taste of our Solera dessert wine. This special port-style wine is the cherry on top of a fantastic day. Cheers to memories that last forever!
This tour is available for groups of 8-14 people and must be reserved in advance. If you are interested in booking a Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience, please reach out to us at info@rubyhillwinery.net and we look forward to having you! For more details, click here.

Veraison Begins at Ruby Hill
Veraison is a color change process wherein our grapes turn into their mature colors. It’s a special season, and one of the prettiest things about the vineyard in July.
When the clusters begin to take on color, the countdown to harvest officially begins. Veraison is a signal to the winemaker that the grapes have finished their growing stage and are now ripening.
The morning light captures beauty up close to these clusters. Veraison and sunlight often go hand-in-hand, with clusters that get more sun getting their color sooner.
Some of our vines are taking their time, and that’s okay! These Cabernet Sauvignon vines are moving at their own pace, with just a few blushing berries for now.
This time of year, vibrant contrast emerges all over the vineyard, as hues of violet, gold, bright green, and earthy red, and more. We love to see it!
A natural mosaic grows on the vines, as white wine grapes go from green to more transparent. Meanwhile, shades of violet and fuchsia emerge in the red wine blocks!
These Sangiovese clusters are showing off their gorgeous side. We are incredibly excited to see what these look like come harvest time.
Like the Chardonnay grape shown above, the white wine grapes are ripening and becoming more golden, transparent, and even juicy!
These Petite Sirah clusters are full to bursting with plump potential! veraison looks good on these vines.
We hope you have enjoyed this look at the colors of veraison in the Ruby Hill estate vineyard!

Tasting a Bottle of Gold
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce a new vintage of this golden favorite, our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc! In this vintage, you can enjoy all of the most delicious and refreshing fruit notes all summer long. Below, we’re breaking down some of the prominent tasting notes of this beauty. Crafted with an emphasis on tropical notes with a touch of old-world style, our Estate shows its signature sun-kissed California flair.
Pineapple - Tropical Touch
Notes of the king of fruits dance on the plate, along with other tropical essences like ripe guava.
Pomelo - Citrus Zing
The citrus tartness of this Sauvignon Blanc makes it both deliciously refreshing and ideal for pairing!
Blossom - Floral Flair
A meadowlike essence swirls in the aroma, reminiscent of wildflowers, honeysuckle, and apple blossoms.
Pear - Polished Sweetness
On the finish, the citrus melts away into lingering golden pear notes to please the palate.
This Sauvignon blanc boasts a medium mouthfeel, especially rich for this varietal. The lush flavors come from the inimitable sunshine of the Livermore Valley, creating a Sauvignon Blanc that is not grassy or plain. Try it today!

Summertime Food & Wine Pairings
Keep your pairings fresh, summery, and bright with this easy guide for Ruby Hill wines—you can even let your mood decide! With a little branching out, you’ll never have to worry about boring wine pairings and you just might discover a new favorite wine or signature dish. Cheers!
Feeling lighthearted?
Pair Sparkling Wine & Green Bean Tempura with Curry Mayonnaise
Feeling vibrant?
Pair Sauvignon Blanc & Grilled Zucchini Tacos
Feeling snappy?
Pair Reserve Chardonnay & Mexican Street Corn Salad with Chipotle Crema
From the Modern Proper & Spook Fork Bacon
Feeling lively?
Pair Grapeful Red & Grilled Sriracha Pork Chops
Feeling artsy?
Pair Grapeful Rosė & Tomato and Avocado Bruschetta
Feeling inspired?
Pair Sangiovese & Margherita Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
From Real Simple, The Modern Proper, and The Girl on Bloor
Feeling untroubled?
Pair 2017 Peacock Patch Zinfandel (Library Collection) & Dressed Up Baked Beans
Feeling optimistic?
Pair Armonia Lot #10 (Library Collection) & Lamb Kofta
Feeling impeccable?
Pair 2019 Patchwork & Soy-Ginger Pulled Pork Sandwiches
From the Modern Proper, Spook Fork Bacon, and Midwest Living
Many of the wines featured above are also featured in our mixed cases, which are available at an unbeatable price for a limited time. 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 summer of great food and stellar sipping! Click below to shop now.

Barbecue Style Breakdown
It’s the season for outdoor eating, and there’s nothing quite like the savory bliss of fresh barbecue. Not all barbecue is the same, and knowing the difference is an important start to perfecting your preferences and methods! Who knows, it may also be time to branch out and try new styles on new cuts of meat. Barbecue can be everything from a rack of ribs slathered in thick, sweet sauce to a huge smoky brisket, so we are looking at these traditional barbecue styles, the sides you might find with them, and the wines that love them!
Memphis Barbecue:
This style specializes in succulent pork ribs or pulled pork. Memphis barbecue requires patience as meats are smoked and cooked slowly for optimum flavor. Sauces generally have tangy profile, which we love alongside our Grapeful Red. This signature red blend also works with classic Memphis barbecue sides like creamy slaw, hush puppies, and corn on the cob.
Texas Barbecue:
The Old West roots of this state have blossomed into many signature beef and pork dishes, most notably Texas hot links, ribs, and brisket. Texas barbecue focuses less on sauces and more on technique, allowing the meats themselves to shine. Flavor is also infused through marinating or basting. Our not-yet-released 2019 Patchwork blend makes a mouthwatering match for Texas barbecue. Side dishes like Texas pinto beans, green beans, and creamed corn should be roped in too!
Carolina Barbecue:
If you’re looking for a whole hog (or the best smoked pork shoulder you’ve ever had) then this style is for you. Carolina style barbecue has many regional specialties, but a few of the notable features include mustard or vinegar based sauces and rich, smoky flavors. Enjoy this stye with Cielo Viola, one of our member-exclusive red blends, and dig in with a supporting cast of side dishes like Carolina-style red cabbage slaw, collard greens, or potato salad.
Kansas City Barbecue:
Slow cooked meat and thick sweet sauces characterize the Kansas City Style. The pinnacle of this style is the beautifully tender, smoky, savory-sweet magic of burnt ends. Are you hungry yet? We certainly are! A style this rich pairs perfectly with our Jewel Collection Zinfandel. Signature soul food side dishes like baked beans, fried okra, and mac n’ cheese will round it all out.
Korean Barbecue:
A different delicious style, Korean barbecue is interactive and social! This style can involve all kinds of meat, but the signature is bulgogi, thin slices of sirloin that have been infused with flavor and tenderized in savory salty marinade. Often served with kimchi, rice, green onion salad (called pajeori) and rich sauce that combines sweet, savory, and spicy. We’re pairing our Peacock Patch Zinfandel with Korean style barbecue for the best flavor combination.
When in doubt, when it comes to pairing wine with any kind of barbecue, go for a Zinfandel. All of the suggested blends here feature Zin, which holds its own around big, smoky flavors and delicious meats!

Wine of the Month: Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
July is here, and we’re ready to celebrate! Our Wine of the Month for July is our Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a favorite of our staff and members alike, full of bright, summery notes of fruit and citrus. Of course, summer and white wines go together like 4th of July and barbecue, so there’s no better time to open a bottle and enjoy each refreshingly crisp sip!
Every wine deserves a friend, so we have a few recipe ideas for irresistible pairing with our Sauvignon Blanc.
Creamy Garlic Prawns
recipe from Recipe Tin Eats
A luscious yet light coating of creamy garlic over these plump jumbo prawns makes for a balanced and luxurious dish. You can use Sauvignon Blanc in the sauce itself, or use some other cooking wine and save the precious Sauv Blanc for Sipping! Either way, we encourage you to enjoy this pairing all summer long!
Baked Fish Tacos
recipe from Plating Pixels
These easy tacos are another flavor-packed option that deserves a spot on your dinner table this summer. Fresh, bright, flavors compliment our Sauvignon Blanc and vice versa. As a bonus, this dish is healthier and just as flavorful as tacos with fried fish. Enjoy all of the natural benefits of wholesome ingredients, all alongside a locally made Sauvignon Blanc. What could be more perfect?
Cheesecake Berry Tart
recipe from Dessert First
Of course, we wouldn’t want to imagine life without dessert. This tart brings together a few of our favorite flavors and manages to be both rich and light. With all the creamy tang of cheesecake and the colorful natural sweetness of berries, this dessert is a natural companion for the brightness and flavor of our Estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc.

Bigger and Better: All About Magnum Wines
June 2022 is our month to celebrate magnum wine bottles, the grandiose double-bottle beauties that every cellar needs! Magnums are more than a bigger bottle, they offer delicious benefits unique to this format, enticing the senses and elevating your wine experience with flavor and flair.
The Specs:
A magnum wine bottle is exactly double the volume of a standard bottle and can weigh in around 6 pounds. One standard bottle is 750 milliliters, while magnum bottles are 1.5 liters (1500 milliliters). If this is the case, why not just purchase 2 standard bottles? Simply put, magnums have more to offer than sheer lavish volume.
The Quality:
The moment wine comes in contact with oxygen, a simple chemical process known as oxidation occurs. Every wine bottle has a minute quantity of air trapped inside due to the bottling process, but larger formats like magnums have less oxygen relative to the quantity of wine. This slows down oxidation, maintaining rich quality and aiding in proper maturation.
The Future:
Magnums are ideally suited for aging for a future occasion. Steady maturation helps the wine reach its prime and stay there for years. Magnums also have the practical advantage of being more resistant to temperature fluctuations that could threaten wine quality because the higher volume takes longer to warm or cool.
The Rarity:
Magnums themselves are a collectible item, especially from a local estate vineyard like Ruby Hill Winery. Only a few magnums of select vintages are ever produced, and each one is hand bottled by our winemaker’s team. Not only do they make excellent additions to private collections, they are also a great choice for generous gifts.
The Grandeur:
Bring out one of these beauties at an elegant wedding, milestone anniversary, or beautiful holiday celebration, and it fits right in! These impressive bottles hold their own and command just the right amount of attention with their opulent presence and luxurious quality.
Don’t miss out on our special-priced magnums during Magnum Month! Call us at (925) 931-9463 to hear more about our deals and order now. Our Magnums can sell out fast so act now.
If you want more, consider joining our Magnum Club. Enjoy all of the perks of being a Diamond Wine Club member, but receive an allotment of 2 magnums each quarter! You can learn more or sign up in the tasting room anytime.

Pairing Vegetables and Wine
Wine and food pairing can seem like a daunting task, but we promise it doesn’t have to be! There’s no loss when you simply drink what you enjoy with the foods that you enjoy, but if you’re looking for special combinations that do favors for both the dish and the drink, we're here for you.
Meals with multiple elements offer flexibility when it comes to pairing. Often, the wine is chosen based on what pairs best with the protein element, such as Cabernet Sauvignon with steak or Chardonnay with chicken. Seasonings like garlic, lemon, or herbs as well as preparations like grilling or stir-frying also play a role in what wine will truly make the food shine.
This week, we are thinking outside of the box to provide pairings based on the vegetable elements of your meal. After all, we can all use some delicious veggies in our lives, especially if they come with a harmonious glass of wine!
Pairing Bell Peppers with Sangiovese
For this pairing, we are oven-roasting red, yellow, and orange bell peppers in a bit of olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper and finishing with a quick broil until just barely charred. These colorful beauties release just a bit of sweetness and complement the profile of our beautiful bright red Sangiovese.
Pairing Zucchini with Sauvignon Blanc
For most green vegetables, Sauvignon Blanc is an easy go-to. We like to spiralize zucchini and very lightly sauté the zucchini “noodles” in garlic-infused butter, then season with lemon juice and fresh herbs. The fresh, light flavors are perfect for airing with the simple golden beauty of our Sauvignon Blanc.
Pairing Cabbage with Cabernet Sauvignon
This pairing may seem to come out of left field, but it comes down to preparation. Finely shredded cabbage, red or green, makes a toothsome, flavor-packed meal when braised with high-quality fat (such as duck fat) and joined by pancetta or bacon. Trust us, it’s hearty enough to harmonize with our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pairing Broccoli with Chardonnay
We love a well-seasoned pan of roasted broccoli. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these nutrient-packed florets offer flavor that flourished alongside an unctuous Chardonnay. Our oak-aged Reserve Chardonnay compliments the natural flavors without being overpowering.
Pairing Brussels Sprouts with Zinfandel
This particular vegetable is known for being a tricky component for wine pairings. Aside from Sauvignon Blanc, many wines are not exceptionally compatible with this lovely veggie. However, for this pairing, we’re busting out the fryer (or air fryer) for some crispy-yet-tender bites, and seasoning with a balsamic reduction perfect with our Peacock Patch Zinfandel.
Pairing Asparagus with a Red Blend
Barbecue season is upon us, so for this pairing we are grilling marinated asparagus for a lovely char and enjoying it alongside a glass of our Grapeful Red. This wine is a pairing artist, and will also go phenomenally with burgers, sausages, and anything else that comes off the grill. Take it easy!
What's your favorite pairing? Let us know @rubyhillwines.

Ruby Hill Vineyard Update
In the vineyard, the time of year is a time of transition. From blossoms to berries and proliferation to pruning, the vines are busy!
Our winemaker Jesse is carefully monitoring this crucial stage, keeping an eye on the health of the vines and their transition from blossom to berry, referred to as "fruit set."
Weather conditions this year have been beneficial for the vines. Tendrils like these reach out from the rows of each vineyard block, voracious and verdant.
We have seen exuberant growth all across the estate, including the little patch of Zinfandel right in front of our tasting room.
Our vines have sent out shoots and leaves for months, gaining gorgeous green volume. Soon, we will begin the process of leafing, in which some of the leafy canopy is removed so that the young fruit can be exposed to the sunlight.
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc fruit benefit even more from sun exposure than any other varietal. Sunlight is a key ingredient in allowing the fruit to express itself in our final product.
In some spots in the vineyard, you can still spot the remnants of the blossoming stage, but we are delighted to see the developments with fruit set throughout the estate.
This important development into little clusters has been accomplished, giving us a glimpse of what the 2022 harvest will hold later this year. These clusters won't be tiny for long, so stay tuned!
Want to get up close and personal with the Estate Vineyard yourself? Take a ride with our MCVE tour and see it like never before!
Enjoy complimentary ground shipping when you order 6 or more bottles.
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