Arns Winery is definite Must Try and Buy wine and winery stop while in the Saint Helena area of Napa Valley, CA. I arrived at the winery and was met by John, Sandi, and Kathi as well as their lovable yellow lab. I tried their 2008 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and their 2008 Syrah (Melanson Vineyard). The Cab is full-bodied, with luscious chocolate and black cherry, a tiny bit of pepper, and has one of the most lingering, long-lasting finishes I can remember.

corks and wne glass - Pixabay

Blue Oak Merlot, which is named for the regal blue oak tree in the backyard, is perhaps California's best merlot — Chicago Tribune. We look forward to visting with the folks at Blue Oak, then we can share a little more with our readers.

Indoor offers couches and casual seating throughout their modern wood paneled tasting room. Ourdoor tastings allow you to lay back on a chaise lounge and enjoy the sun and bask over the vineyards. A truly great tasting experience that is relaxed, cozy, tasty, fun, informative, and for a reasonable price. Paraduxx is the 2nd Tier (of 4) winery brand from Duckhorn with others being Decoy and Goldeneye. These are blend wines so while tasty are not yet appreciated by serious wine enthusiasts though this is changing. They do table service a little differently than most, which I enjoyed. They bring out your entire flight of tastings at the same time and give you information on each wine. I like a little more privacy to decide if I like the wine without feeling pressure. Our sommelier was really energetic and passionate about the wine - loved his interest in us and the wine.

Punk Dog Wines represents an adventurous approach to winemaking. The goal is to craft wines with immense character, bold flavors, and unconventional blends. Fully embodying a Californian spirit, Punk Dog Wines refuses to be constrained by traditional blends or preconceived notions.

The name "Punk Dog" is inspired by Sophie, a small dog with a larger-than-life personality. Mischievous and strong-willed, Sophie is known for her playful antics, like running around with a stolen sock and rewarding her pursuers with enthusiastic kisses.

When establishing the winery, the founders questioned the necessity of using grapes from the same region or adhering to conventional blending practices. They explored the effects of combining varietals that might not traditionally be paired and blending grapes harvested at varying ripeness levels.

The philosophy behind Punk Dog Wines was influenced by a cellar master’s advice during the founder’s first vintage. After enduring long days of labor, the cellar master remarked in his Bulgarian accent, “Eric, smile! You’re making wine!” This perspective of taking winemaking seriously while maintaining a sense of fun has become central to their approach.

Sophie, with her bold and adventurous nature, is the perfect mascot for the winery. Reflecting the same spirited attitude and sense of adventure, the team’s goal is to create outstanding wines while enjoying the process. With the work done and the “cows home,” the invitation is simple: relax, enjoy the wine, and share in the fun.