Napa

Napa

Groth Vineyards & Winery

wine barrels all stacked so neatly - Pixabay

Groth Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery producing Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon for the past 30 years. Groth Vineyards and Winery was founded by Dennis and Judy Groth in 1982. They became famous for their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon after Robert Parker awarded their 1985 Reserve a perfect 100 points. It was the first time Parker awarded a perfect score to any California wine. Even today Wine Enthusiast magazine designated the 2009 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the "Best of the Year 2012," referring to it as "incredibly lush and delicious."

Clos Du Val Wine Co.

glasses and bottle of wine with chateau in background - Pixabay

Tasting Room & Picnic Grounds: Clos Du Val boasts one of the most friendly, down-to-earth winery experiences in Napa Valley brought to you in an incomparably beautiful setting. Clos Du Val offers everything from a casual tasting at their tasting bar, to formal tours and tastings with the winemaker, to large group wine tasting and blending seminars. Beautifully manicured grounds provide the perfect setting for romantic interludes or picnics with family and friends.

Freemark Abbey

ai generated grape cluster - Pixabay

Stopped by in the Fall to do a little tasting on our way up to the hot springs. I first went to this winery about 13 years ago and was a member for years. They have excellent red wines and fun harvest parties - complete with grape stomping! It's a quaint winery away from the crowds in Napa and couple of my favorites were the 2003 Cabernet Bosche and Zinfandel.

Failla Wines

grape clusters - Pixabay

Although Failla (pronounced FAY-LA) has a relatively brief history, it is marked by complexity. The first vintage release, under the name Failla-Jordan, was in 1998. That year, Failla debuted its Alban Vineyard Viognier from Edna Valley and Que Syrah Syrah from Sonoma Coast, while simultaneously planting the initial blocks at their Estate Vineyard in Cazadero. The first Estate releases would not emerge for several more years.

Ehren Jordan, the founder, has a passion for experimenting with his favorite varietals, exploring their diverse expressions across different climates—cool, cooler, and coolest—as well as varying soil types and rootstocks.

In 1998, Failla acquired a parcel adjacent to an earlier purchase and planted it with five acres of rootstock in 2002, later grafting Pinot Noir clones the following year. Ehren's viticultural training in France profoundly influences his farming and winemaking decisions. Today, Failla’s eleven acres of Estate vineyards produce Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir that embody the essence of California’s coolest regions.

After honing his skills with Pinot Noir from Keefer Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley in 1999, Ehren sought out unique, cool-climate Pinot Noir sources to fuel his ongoing experimentation and passion.

Tres Sabores

grape cluster - Pixabay

You definitely need reservations for this place as it's quite small and off the beaten path. Hopefully next time we visit we'll be able to meet Julie the owner, although our server (whose name escapes me at the moment) was outstanding, very friendly and fun.

John Anthony Vineyards

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

Quiet, nice little place by our hotel (Andaz Napa). Good place to go for a quick bite and maybe a little wine, nice since it's open late and convenient. Nice ambiance. Wine is spectacular. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Definitely check this place out if you are wondering around downtown Napa.

Dana Estates

red wine pouring into a wine glass - Pixabay

Located on Napa Valley’s western slope, Backen, Gillam & Kroeger designed the renovation of what was the stone ruins of a winery dating back more than 100 years. In addition to creating a hospitality space, the winery’s unique cave system incorporates all other aspects of a winery. Private tastings.

Trinity Oaks

wine cellar - Pixabay

The Trinity Oaks winemaking team pays close attention to developing California's top vineyards with a focus on coastal climates proven to produce superior, expressive fruit.

Pavi Wines

glass of wine - Pixabay

Pavi Wines - you can drink (not visit) - have some wonderful Italian varieties...almost the only people in Napa who do. You'll find their wines on a lot of restaurant lists...it's great quality at good prices. I especially love the Pinot Grigio ... way better than the average "nothing there" pinot grigio, very refreshing on a hot afternoon. They sell it by the glass at Calistoga Inn - I'd say it's best on the deck there! You can also find it in St. Helena at Tra Vigne, Farmstead; in Calistoga at Brannan's; and in Rutherford at Rutherford Grill. You can also enjoy a glass at: Napa Wine Company Tasting Room “Cult Wine Central” 7830-40 St. Helena Hwy Oakville, CA 94562

Clif Bar Family Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Wine was suprisingly good, Cliff did have all of the hiking/biking gear all over the place. I am a huge fan of Cliff bars so it was nice to see they are serious about winemaking. The prices are good, it was only $15 to taste a bunch of wines, and it included an expresso drink!

Pages

Subscribe to Napa