There are plenty of reasons we love our Under the Radar California Wine Competition. One of them is discovering wineries that may not yet be on everyone's radar—but probably should be.
Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery is a perfect example.
Tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains in Crestline, Sycamore Ranch is a small, family-run winery founded by Richard and Elizabeth Krumwiede. What began with a vineyard planted at their mountain home eventually grew into a working winery, with Richard—whose background is in landscape architecture—taking the winemaking reins.
Today, Sycamore Ranch has become a destination for wine lovers looking for something a little different. Tastings are intimate and by appointment, with visitors enjoying the wines amid the property's vineyards, gardens, and beautiful mountain setting. It's a relaxed, personal experience that feels a world away from the typical winery visit.
But it's the wine that will bring you back.
Sycamore Ranch has been a standout performer in our last two Under the Radar California Wine Competitions, and their 2024 GSM Central Coast may be the best example yet. It earned Double Gold, won Best in Class, and finished No. 7 in Best in Show in our 2026 competition.
So what did our judges find?
Well, sometimes the best way to describe a wine is simply to say that you don't want the glass to be empty.
The 2024 GSM is bright, energetic, and ridiculously easy to enjoy. It's packed with vibrant fruit, yet never feels heavy or overdone. Every sip is juicy and smooth, with just enough structure to keep you coming back.
Then there are the details that make you stop and take another sip. Spice, cocoa, and smoky oak emerge as the wine opens, adding depth and personality without turning the wine into a homework assignment.
It's approachable without being simple. Layered without showing off. And, most importantly, it's fun.
This is the kind of bottle that can turn a random Tuesday into the best day of the week—and that's exactly what we want from a Wine of the Month.
For a small mountain winery, Sycamore Ranch is making a remarkably big impression. And if our last two competitions are any indication, this is a winery—and a wine—you'll want to keep on your radar.
Learn more about Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery, purchase their wine, book a visit, and follow them here:
@sycamoreranch
