Cesar Toxqui Cellars

One of a growing number of Mexican-American family-owned wineries. Winemaker and winegrower Cesar Toxqui ("Ses-zar Toe-ski") crafts small lots of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Heirloom blends from Mendocino County, Lake County and Sonoma County sources.

Toxqui arrived in Mendocino County from Mexico when he was 16 years old and had a job tying down grape vines at Fetzer Vineyards. He learned winemaking under Jesse Tidwell and became Cellar Master for Brutocao Cellars. He attended school evenings and weekends to learn winegrowing.

The Pinot Noir is a blend of vineyard sources in the North Coast ($15, 65 cases) and is distributed to retail stores in Northern California.

A tasting room is located in Hopland at 13340 South Hwy 101. It is open Wednesday through Sunday. Private tastings and tours are welcome. 707-744-1071.