Miner is in the Oakville appellation. It was founded by Dave and Emily Miner. Dave Miner was a software executive and Emily had worked in the wine industry. Their debut vintage was in 1996. Gary Brookman is winemaker and he worked previously at Joseph Phelps, among other places. Miner makes a large portfolio of wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Tempranillo.
Sierra Foothills AVA is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it includes parts of eight counties. With total acreage of 2.6 million acres, and nearly 6,000 vineyard acres, it is one of the largest appellations in California. Wine grapes were planted in the foothills during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and the appellation was officially recognized in 1987. There are five sub-appellations within the Sierra Foothills region, and more than 100 wineries, most small and family-owned. Zinfandel is the most successful wine grape in this region, though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also planted.
Think leather and cherries together for Tempranillo wines. This wine looks lighter than it is. It can be medium or full bodied, but its thin-skinned, big grapes, give it a more transparent appearance. It is grown in Spain, Portugal, the U.S. and Australia.