Captain Vineyards

What a gem! I picked up my friend from New York to enjoy a nice Winery and did we ever!
Sal and Susan Captain went out of their way to explain the way the wine grapes are grown organically and naturally with low water usage, like in the old days. Even the process of utilizing French Oak Barrels to age their wine is fabulous.
But the best part was both Susan and Sal sharing their passion for the art of making some great local wine in the heart of Moraga, not to mention a fabulous view from their little mountain top.
It’s one of those rare moments that one will enjoy for a very long time.
Thanks to Sal and Susan for sharing their paradise.
Rex in central coast

My husband and I went on a tour of these vineyards with my sister-​in-​law and her husband and we had a blast! The owners, Susan and Sal, are very bright and also very entertaining! They took turns sharing their experiences with starting and planting the vineyard (Susan) and getting into the actual wine making (Sal). Not only did we learn A LOT about wine making (it’s a complicated business that we should leave to the experts!) but we had a lot of fun in the process. They are both great story tellers and they were generous in their sharing of their excellent wine, which was paired with fabulous cheese selections and Susan’s homemade bread. Wow! I wish these two were our personal friends! They are personally wonderful and charming to boot! I’m rooting for them to do well, all the way!

This was one of the best wine tasting experiences I’ve done! I visited captain vineyards last month for a bachelorette party and we had so much fun! They did a beautiful cheese display and we got to taste so many wonderful wines! I recommend captain vineyards for all wine lovers!

Booked an appointment to take my MIL here for a tasting while she was visiting from Indiana. We had the best time! Sal and Susan are such gracious, generous hosts! We learned so much about the delicate and complicated process of making wine. We had the best conversations with Sal spanning from our «beginnings to our ends» and everything in between. It was such a special experience. If you love red wine and rich conversation you’ll want to visit this one of a kind winery. Sal and Susan are doing it right. All of it. Make an appointment-​you won’t regret it!

I found a hidden gem in Moraga! My sister-​in-​law from Florida was interested in going to a CA winery. I found Captain Vineyards, Moraga! What wonderful hosts! Susan and Sal were so friendly. Each of them shared so much information about their grapes and wines. We learned a lot of info about wine making and then got to taste the «fruit of their labor»! I look forward to another visit. It was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours… meeting friendly vintners, enjoying tasty wines, favoring beautiful scenery and petting friendly dogs!!! Wonderful, wonderful!!! Go find this hidden gem! You will not be disappointed!

I’d give them 6 stars if Unilocal would let me. This lovely, small vineyard was a surprise find as we were looking for something close by, before having to catch a flight home to Florida.
Susan started our tour with an explanation of the vineyard’s history and their philosophy of grape farming, including their green designation, their Watersmart award and their determination to sustainably grow their grapes. Everything they take from the earth is returned to it, except for their rich, red wines.
Sal, the wine maker, took over for the tasting, and explained his methods and thoughts about wine making challenges. We tasted 5 different wines, with a lovely cheese and bread tray to nibble on between tastings.
Susan and Sal were both the most personable hosts that we’ve met in a long time. They entertained and effortlessly educated us.
Reservations are a must, since the winery is their home. Their two dogs were friendly. They also give private classes for locals who are starting to make their own wine.

Amazing! My husband and son stopped by yesterday on the way to dinner with friends in walnut creek and wow we had the best time! We’re used to Napa and drinking wine from all over the world and Sal has the best reds we’ve experienced in a long time. Fresh, spicy and smooth petites and blends are a must! I wish we lived closer but hopefully our case will last is until we get back. Otherwise we’ll just be ordering more. Thanks Sal… we utterly enjoyed your company as much as your wines!

What a hidden gem! Who knew that Moraga boasted such a fine winery with the sweetest and most knowledgeable owners on Earth. Both Susan and Sal are born hosts, imparting their knowledge of food, wine, and even politics. Sal had mentioned that the appointment would be about an hour. Two and a half hours later, we said our goodbye’s to our new best friends! I can not recommend Captain Vineyards enough. The view, the wine, the owners, it is the whole package!

Simply loved it! The wine was incredible, the owner was charming and knowledgeable. Highly-​recomended.

Went to Captain Vineyards this weekend and could not have asked for a better experience. Sal and Susan were so gracious and friendly and truly cared so much for the quality of their grapes and wine. Even more so, they cared about our experience there. Some of the best wine, cheese, and bread I’ve had!

Wine lovers, prepare yourselves for a beautiful setting in the Moraga Hills, very friendly and welcoming hosts who are a treasure house of information about and knowledge of the fine art of growing grapes and transforming them into high quality wine. A first-​rate experience all around, and more like the «old» days in the Napa Valley when the growers actually had time to interact with guests and the patience to answer all questions. And did I mention that the wines are superb!

We had the best time at Captain Vineyards! I was in town visiting my brother in SF and had just finished a hike nearby. The only thing left on my NorCal to do list was wine. After looking on Unilocal.we called Captain Vineyards (make sure to call ahead) and they kindly accommodated us right then. Sal greeted us and showed us around the beautiful grounds, explained their wines, and then we had a private barrel tasting with some light snacks. What an experience! Every wine was delicious and complex and Sal’s dedication to the craft shows. Sal is so knowledgable and friendly and we never wanted to leave. Highly recommended!

A great place! Small and quaint. A great place to go and taste fine wine and learn a lot. We learned about the wine directly from the owner. It was a great time! Call before and make an appointment

The wine is delicious, and I’ve never liked red wine! Amazing vineyard, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The owners are the nicest people, they showed us around and are extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend this vineyard to everyone!

Winetasting at the Captains Vineyard is what winetasting in Napa used to be in good old times. You are greeted by the friendly and enthusiastic owners and soon you feel like you have become part of the family. There is time to chat and sip and get all your questions answered and understand the passion and commitment that goes into growing and producing the wines. You will also get a tour of the vineyard and a lecture on sustainability and responsible production if you are interested in indepth issues.
The setting is spectacular with green hills and distant views. Wildlife is abundant and it is hard to believe you are so close to the hustle and buste of the major cities in the Bay area.
If you are a lover of reds this is the place to try many wonderful varietals.

Captain Vineyards is a suburban vineyard and winery tucked away at the end of an uphill climb in the backhills of Moraga. It was established after all the right work to match the varietals with the soils.
Red Wines are what they have as grown on the property. Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc and Syrah and Pinot Noir. all of them have depth. They also have a Cab Sav, I believe and they make white wines from other growers’ grapes.
Sal said it at a tasting I attended recently, «There’s no point making anything less than the best,» and he and Susan have not compromised in any stage of the details for making their splendid wines.
Sure, I am now a friend of the Captains, but I had drunk several of their wines before I met them and it made me curious to see where such reliable wines are made.
Get out there and pick up a half dozen or a case. You’ll become a friend too.

Captain Vineyards is perched above the Moraga valley, overlooking St. Mary’s College on one side and beautiful rolling hills on the other. Call or visit our website
to schedule a tour and wine tasting, or buy the wine grown and made here!