Fodor's Expert Review Vaughn Duffy Wines

In 2009, after participating in various aspects of the wine business—working in tasting rooms, as a harvest intern, at a wine shop, and at a custom-crush wine-making facility—Matt Duffy bought a ton of Pinot Noir grapes and launched Vaughn Duffy with his wife, Sara Vaughn. That first Pinot Noir, from a Sonoma coast source, garnered positive reviews. Since then, the two have added several Pinot Noir blends and single-vineyard bottlings to their lineup, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, rosé of Pinot Noir, and Carignane, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah reds. All the wines are reasonably priced given the quality. At the label's small tasting space (with patio), you'll likely hear the inspiring Vaughn Duffy story firsthand from one of its amiable namesake owners.