Many of the vinyards and wineries have been bought out by the big guys like Gallo. While they still have their own name, stewardship may not be independent anymore. A lot of wineries intermix grapes from various company owned vinyards to maintain a consistent wine year by year by year. Search out the few remaining true independents that grow their own grapes and use them. Don't exclude the primary wineries however. Sometimes you can stumble on to great buys. For example, in 1982, I acquired four cases of Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve at the winery. Robert Mondavi was always a pretty good generic Cabernet Sauvignon They only had the 4 boxes (opened) sitting in the corner of their tasting room. I got them for around $10 per bottle. They are worth nearly $100 per bottle today. Always cheaper to buy by the case too. If you like it, buy a case. They keep. I still have about a half dozen of the BV left after all these years. Great for those special occaisions. When I lived in the region, I generally had my wine cellar full. Now that I don't live there or visit as often, the collection is pretty puny.
Take your time, try a bunch and pick up some that you like. You'll have a good time!
