Wineries

Wineries

Dolce Winery

Napa Valley's Dolce Winery is the only winery in North America that is solely devoted to producing a single, late harvest wine. It is one of the few wineries in the world willing to make such a commitment, sharing a common philosophy with the great Sauternes producers of Bordeaux. Dolce cellar is located within the caves of its sister winery, Far Niente, in California's Napa Valley. Visitors to the winery are welcomed with a hosted tour, followed by a tasting of current and library vintages. By its nature, Dolce is a rare wine that cannot be produced every year. Dolce is made when a natural, beneficial mold called botrytis cinerea attacks the grapes on the vine, while evaporating the water content and concentrating the sugars, acids and flavors. The inaugural 1985 vintage yielded only six barrels, and production grew to nine barrels in 1986. The 1987 vintage was not fine enough to be bottled and 1988 was so warm that no botrytis formed and the grapes were never harvested. The 1989 vintage was the first commercial release of Dolce and it was introduced to the market in 1992. Visits are by appointment, only.

Domaine Carneros

Pull up the impressive drive and you will have left Sonoma behind for a little piece of France. The winery is owned by Tattinger and the owners hold this visitor center up to the same standards as their famed winery in Champagne. Pull up the impressive drive and you will have left Sonoma behind for a little piece of France. The winery is owned by Tattinger and the owners hold this visitor center up to the same standards as their famed winery in Champagne.

Dominus Estate

Dominus is also private label, not commercialized as others in Napa Valley. Dominus Estate is owned by Christian Moueix from Libourne, France. The Estate tucks in the Yountville, a short drive from the Villagio Inn and the busy street of Washington. Some of the finest Cabernet-based wine made in Napa. There is no disagreement. There are rumors that Pere Christian brings oak from Petrus or elsewhere back to Yountville for increased subtleties. One will never know. In any event, this is an extremely important site, with extremely impressive results.

Drinkward Peschon

Friends and wine professionals Lisa Drinkward, vintner of Behrens Family Wines and Francoise Peschon, winemaker of VHR, Vine Hill Ranch and began their project with the 2000 vintage. Like most great projects, it began with the simple words "..wouldn't it be fun..." And that's exactly how they’ve approached their venture ever since.

Du Vigne

"Winemaking is the perfect match of nature and art. The winemakers' task is to take what nature offers in the vineyard and help to guide what the vine has to offer in the form of wine." - Ken Musso, Winemaker

Dunn Vineyards

To start, the drive up Howell Mountain was interesting, to say the least! The road is long, narrow, and winding. Apparently, there's another road that's a lot easier. Thanks Garmin!

There's no sign to enter the winery. The only thing that I saw was a mailbox with the address on it. However, as soon as you make it down the driveway a bit, it's obvious that you've reached your destination.

If you're looking for overbuilt castles, tacky souvenirs, and entry level wine, this is NOT your place. I can't stress that enough. However, if you have a genuine appreciation for the process of making quality wine, This could be one of your new winery favorites.

Dutch Henry Winery

Dutch Henry produces some great red wines. Dutch Henry was first recommended to me by an employee at another (very popular) winery. Dutch Henry produces some special edition terrier bottles of wine. Not only is the wine incredible, the artwork on the label is worthy of being saved on the wine rack. There are the cutest terriers at the winery who will great you upon your arrival.
Dutch Henry also sells wine under the name Chafen. Tastings here are $20, but I think it's well worth it if you are interested in trying great wine.

Dyer Vineyards

Dyer Vineyard is a small estate vineyard and winery in the Diamond Mountain District of the Napa Valley. The estate produces a limited bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is owned and operated by wine industry veterans, Bill and Dawnine Dyer.

Pages