When the love of wine and entrepreneurial spirit collide, in Mike’s case, it leads to Castleman Cellars. With a love and fascination for wine, Mike has one simple goal at Castleman Cellars…make wine that can be passionately savored for years and years.
They offer both a bar-tasting with no reservation needed, or a reservation-only ($30) educational sit-down tasting in a private room with 6-10 individuals. As far as wines go I have never had a bad wine at Caymus' tasting room. The Wagner family has created some wonderful wines. Although the tasting room is quite small the wines are wonderful as well as the staff.
George Grodahl spent his entire career in the computer industry in sales, as an entrepreneur and as an investment banker. In 1991 when George took an early retirement from a fruitful investment banking career, he had no idea that ten years later he’d be releasing a world class Super Tuscan style wine from his small vineyard operation.
This is a very interesting place to taste. They take their wine seriously, it is off the beaten path, and reservations are required. View - absolutely breathtaking! Plan to spend some time taking pictures throughout the vineyard and of the lake. This is one of the best spots to get pictures in Napa.
The staff was extremely nice and explained the process of making their hard liquor as well as their wine. The wines were tasty and the liquor was fantastic. There was an easy, go with the flow feeling of the tasting and a great welcoming feeling of being among friends.
Krug is an incredible piece of Napa history but the wines don't take second seat to this fact. Their tasting room is relaxed, low-key and not overdone. They don't need to distract you from their great wines and great staff. Angie is awesome, friendly and knowledgeable.
Charnu Winery is a boutique winery in St. Helena, CA, owned by Bob and Louise Dye. The goal was to create a site that would allow them to market their wine and interact with their customers. The owners' produce Cabernet Sauvignon that is in the rich Napa Valley style yet that is still elegant.
Charter Oak Winery is a small boutique producer of the most exceptional Napa Valley red wines made by winemaker Robert Fanucci.
Excellent Zinfandel and equally excellent Zinfandel Port. I believe they also make a Zin chocolate sauce for those of you with a sweet tooth. Now they're a bit off the beaten path but completely worth visiting. It's rare that you get the combination of excellent people and wine like this while also avoiding the tourist crush that is much of Napa. I highly recommend calling them up and experiencing it yourself. I know I'll be back the next time I'm headed that way.
Chasing Lions Cabernet Sauvignon is a sleek and supple full-bodied wine that offers aromas of cassis and blueberries. The palate is richly textured with silky tannins and wonderful fruit density filled with flavors of ripe blackberries, chocolate, mocha and toasty oak. Chasing Lions is produced by Nine North Wines.