UNCORK THE CELLAR SECRETS

The First-Ever Barrel Tasting at Local Vines featuring Los Arabis Vineyards

 

Tickets at: https://local-vines.thethirdplace.is/events/upcoming

 

Join us for an ultra-exclusive, intimate afternoon as we host Leslie Ward, co-founder of Los Arabis Vineyards, alongside winemaker Bill English. This marks a special milestone: Local Vines’ very first barrel tasting during our Meet the Maker series.

 

Guests will explore the incredible journey of this boutique Lafayette estate through a guided three-wine flight that bridges the past, present, and future of their hand-farmed Pinot Noir.

 

The Tasting Flight Lineup:

2020 Los Arabis Estate Pinot Noir: A beautifully settled, library-vintage expression of the estate’s unique southwestern-facing hillside.

2022 Los Arabis Estate Pinot Noir: A vibrant, complex look at how a single growing season shapes their distinct microclimate terroir.

Exclusive Barrel Sample: A rare, insider opportunity to taste a future release directly from the cellars before it is clarified, aged, and bottled.

 

Meet the Makers

Leslie Ward (Co-Founder): The Wards transformed a steep, 3-acre Lafayette hillside to a passionate, pioneering vineyard operation planted in 1999. As founding members of the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association since 2005, the Wards are true architects of our local viticulture scene.

Bill English (Winemaker): Crafting the current legacy of Ward Family Wine, Bill manages the meticulous transition from grape to glass, honoring the 100% hand-farmed hillside harvest.

 

 

Before the vines, there was the herd

The name Los Arabis pays homage to the majestic Arabian horses that ran this specific Lafayette hillside for years prior to the vines being planted in 1999. Today, their signature Pinot Noir is celebrated for its dry, silky texture, deeply layered flavors of cola, nutmeg, and mace, and a beautiful finish.

 

 

Event Details

What: Local Vines’ First-Ever Barrel Tasting featuring Los Arabis Vineyards

When: Sunday, June 28th | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Where: Local Vines Lafayette

Cost: $20 per person

 

Attendees will receive a 20% discount on all Los Arabis wine purchased during the event

 

 

https://local-vines.thethirdplace.is/events/upcoming

 

The One With The Owners: Local Vines is thrilled to announce the next installment of its highly anticipated Meet the Maker Series, featuring an exclusive afternoon tasting with acclaimed Thal Vineyards on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This premium two-hour event offers wine enthusiasts an intimate opportunity to engage directly with owners Larry and Esther Thal, alongside talented winemaker Bill English. Together, they will share the passion, craft, and personal stories behind some of the region’s most distinctive and highly decorated labels, combining premium wine with welcoming, story-driven conversation.

 

The featured tasting menu showcases the exceptional diversity and heritage of Thal Vineyards, guiding guests through a sensory journey of five award-winning wines:

 

Admission to this exclusive Meet the Maker Series event is $25 per person, which includes the full guided wine flight. To further celebrate the occasion, attendees will receive an exclusive 20% discount on all Thal Vineyards wine purchases made during the event window, making it the perfect opportunity to stock personal cellars for the summer season.

 

While tickets will be available at the door, space is strictly limited to ensure an intimate and educational environment for all guests, so advance purchase is highly recommended.

 

Event Details:

Estate Tasting Event: A Journey Through the Vintages

Presented by Local Vines Lafayette

Join us for an exclusive afternoon in the heart of the Lamorinda AVA as we open the cellar for a special vertical tasting. Castillo Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned estate specializing in small-lot production that celebrates unique East Bay terroir. This event is a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of these signature wines, hosted by Local Vines Lafayette.

When & Where

The Featured Flight

This tasting offers a unique educational experience. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Encore Rosé are crafted from the same Estate Cabernet blend, allowing you to taste two distinct expressions of a single grape from a single maker.

Experience a curated selection of library vintages and upcoming releases, including:

Note: While we are sharing these exclusive years today, the current standard menu features the ’22 Cabernet and ’23 Rosé.

Exclusive Event Offer

To help you build your own home cellar, we are pleased to offer a 20% discount on all bottle purchases made during the event.

Come enjoy the artisanal spirit of Castillo Vineyards small production boutique wines.

We look forward to raising a glass with you!

Discover more at: local-vines.com and castillovineyards.com

https://thethirdplace.is/event/2026May3LV

Join us for a relaxed and educational afternoon dedicated to the art of small-batch winemaking. Local Vines Lafayette is proud to host a special tasting event featuring the acclaimed portfolio of Meadow View Winery and the expert perspective of its craftsman.
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The Experience: A Journey Through the Lamorinda AVA
Explore the unique terroir of the Lamorinda AVA through a guided flight of five Meadow View releases. This exclusive lineup includes three fan-favorites from our current menu – the Super-T, Mary Leigh’s Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon – alongside two special selections not currently on the menu: our local Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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The afternoon will be led by Master Winemaker Bill English, who will provide an insider’s look at our local viticulture. Follow the evolution of flavor through Lamorinda as Bill discusses the specific locations of our partner vineyards and how the shifting microclimates within the region influence the character of each wine. Attendees will learn how slight changes in topography and climate create the distinct “vineyard character” that defines Meadow View.
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About Meadow View Winery
Meadow View Winery is dedicated to the optimum expression of East Bay terroir. By partnering with premier local sites like Isabelle’s and Mary Leigh’s Vineyards, the winery meticulously controls quality from the vine to the bottle. Moving away from the bigger-is-better trend, Meadow View wines are picked for refreshing acidity and bottled with minimal intervention to preserve the natural nuances of the vintage.
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Meet the Winemaker: Bill English
The hand behind the award-winning profile of Meadow View is Bill English. A master of his craft, Bill has been the skilled vintner behind several notable labels, including Thal Vineyards and Stag Hill. Known for his Best of Class honors and Double Gold medals, Bill’s precision and expertise have consistently earned him scores as high as 99 points.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a guided journey through our local terroir and taste the best of the Lamorinda AVA
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