From backyard vineyard to commercial winery
Jumping Vines is a joint venture between award-winning vintner Ron Tamez and the Graves Family Vineyard, led by entrepreneur Jeff Graves and his wife, Mishel.
With Jumping Vines, Jeff and Ron have set out to develop a line of gift-quality wines that will never be produced in large batches or sold in supermarkets, but which make for the perfect libation to share with family and friends.
Our Winery
Hamilton Oaks Vineyard and Winery is Orange County's best kept secret! This family owned winery is nestled in the hills of beautiful Trabuco Canyon, California. The Tamez family planted their hillside vineyard in 1989 with Cabernet Sauvignon vines and the dream of one day opening and operating a small winery. The area's climate is ideal for growing quality grapes. Proof of this is the outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wine which has won medals at many local and nationwide wine competitions.
Today, Hamilton Oaks is recognized as the first commercial winery licensed in Orange County in almost 150 years and is producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Barbera, Merlot, Port, and Melange de Sud (the vineyard's current signature wine, made from exotic varietals), Canyon Blend, and Symphony.
The winemaking takes place adjacent to the vineyard in Trabuco Canyon. The process from harvesting the grapes to final bottling all happens at this family-owned winery. The barrel room houses an assortment of French oak barrels which are used to age the wines from 20 to 34 months. Samples from these barrels are sometimes offered during wine tasting, which is by appointment only.
Each fall during harvest time, a group of 25 friends - the majority of whom have been involved since the first crush - volunteer the help pick, sort, and crush the grapes. A few weeks later, after the grapes ferment, friends return to help with the pressing and processing. To show their appreciation, the Tamez family has an annual harvest party which has grown from a group of 25 people to over 140.
Hamilton Oaks wines are now available at several of the best restaurants and boutique wine stores in Orange County. Purchases can also be made during wine tastings or from the winery's website, www.hamiltonoaksvineyard.com.
Ron, the winemaker, is especially proud that his wines are generating a lot of name recognition within the wine industry and the community.
But for him, the best part of running Hamilton Oaks Vineyard is that he can make a living in his own backyard. "People tell me that we're going to go down in Orange County history for reviving its wine industry", says Ron. "But I never thought of it that way. I was just following a dream."
Our tasting room is open for wine tasting daily from 10 am to 7 pm by appointment . We also offer our winery venue for parties, weddings, receptions, corporate events, etc. To make an appointment and for more information please call (949) 459-6913.