Step into a wine cave and sip a rich, inky, ripe Dry Creek Zinfandel with the essence of boysenberries, cracked black pepper, and cherry liqueur with a subtle hint of coffee and chocolate. Bella Vineyards, underground and off the beaten track, is the place for experiencing big, bold, richly textured wines.

Heading up a small twisty road, you arrive at a small wood-sided winery building with picnic tables scattered on a grassy lawn under ancient olive trees. Off to your left under a hillside of vines is the entrance to the tasting caves.

Built in 2003, the caves host not just Bella Vineyards’ barrel cellar, but their tasting room as well. Venture inside and walk down the tunnel toward the tasting counter. On the way, check out the gift center in its own little crypt, where pottery, candles and wine accessories are for sale.

There are two tasting counters and a space in back for private tastings and small events.

The specialties here are Zinfandel and Syrah, with a number of single-vineyard wines also produced. They have three vineyards, with two in the Dry Creek area and one in Alexander Valley. The Big River Ranch Zinfandel is their flagship wine and is made from 100+ year-old Alexander Valley vines. Some of their Zins are blended with a bit of Petite Sirah and Carignane for color and complexity. They also produce Cabernet, some late-harvest Zinfandels, and some good red blends.