souza family vineyard

Two stars is really almost a push. They produce 1 wine-a Primitivo (zinfandel folks), and they have years '09 to '12 to taste. They are mostly thin, and not of the usual deeper Zin characteristics. They have a large amount of other wines to try, but these are all from San Antonio Wineries and are NOT high quality-a "table wine" grade at best that should sell for no more than $7-8 a bottle. Saw the tasting fees were $5 some time back but have bumped to $9...cheaper than most tasting rooms, but honestly, not with the $. Bring your camera for the scenery, but save your money & don't bother with the wine.

It is true, that the reason this place is such a fun adventure is due to Bob, the owner/operator. We were participants with a group organized by our timeshare. The "deal" was to pay $10 for wine tasting and another $15 for a plate of bread/cheese/fruit/& summer sausage. But when we got there, what we enjoyed most was listening to Bob expand on how the vineyard came to be (he retired from the San Fernando, southern California, area) and how the wines vary year by year (totally dependent upon weather), and of his friendship with a movie star (I'll leave that for you to ask about). We had a hoot of a good time.

The 4 of us discovered Souza on a Google search. What a time! We enjoyed the wines (of course!) both theirs as well as the ones they bring in from San Antonio. But Bob he is an awesome character who entertained us while expertly serving us our wines of choice.

This is a hidden gem in Tehachapi. Not easy to find but when you do you will be transported back to Tuscany. Bob the Wine Guy is a hoot!...sit and stay awhile you won't be disappointed!

Beautiful villa-like place at the end of a long dirt road, very worth the drive. Friendly owners, one of whom writes The Wine Guy column in the local paper, give tours of the vineyards. Great wine. Food is limited to fruit, cheese, sausage and bread. Always good conversation. Some people play Scrabble.