Napa

Napa

La Jota Vineyard Co

drop in a wine glass - Pixabay

La Jota wines are handcrafted at their original 1898 fieldstone winery and hillside cave. From the low yielding vines of 28 mountain acres, La Jota produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and our crown jewel, the annual Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon. La Jota Vineyard was made world-famous by W.S. Keyes who founded this Howell Mountain region in the 1890s and pronounced it as the ideal source for bold, full-bodied and long aging wines. The volcanic soils of La Jota, high attitude and elevation a well as the cooler climate of this unique vineyard site has continued to yield wines of great fruit intensity, structure and aging potential. La Jota Vineyard Company continues to craft Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlots from Howell Mountain that are exceptionally bold, long-aging and full-bodied wines.

Swanson Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

Such a fun winery! The Swanson's were there when we paid a visit and took the time to come over and speak with us on a more personal level asking where we're from, and what we did to make small talk. A very lovely couple that made you feel at home. They also had a very nice gentleman playing music on a very special instrument (I can't remember the name) in the front garden/patio area.

Sterling Vineyards

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

The brilliant white stucco stands out dramatically against the rugged Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges that flank each side of Napa Valley. Mount Saint Helena makes a lovely distant backdrop. The tour is self guided so it's at your own pace and the gondola ride is unique for the area. It's also one of only wineries that's on a hill in the middle of Napa Valley so the views are to die for. My only suggestion would be (if you enjoy wine clubs) to join the wine club before you go. You can get on the gondola for free for up to 4 people and the tour is included as well. That pays for one of your months of wine right there. Then, you get access to the VIP tasting room which is fantastic.

Continuum Estate

grape cluster - Pixabay

Continuum Wine was founded in 2005 and is located on Pritchard Hill in the Vaca Mountains, the mountain range that forms the Eastern boundary above Napa Valley. This location was purchased in mid summer 2008 and there are plans to build a new winery on site. The winery is about 3 miles in from Sage Canyon Road, on a windy narrow steep road about 25-30 minutes from the town of St. Helena. While not an officially recognized sub appellation of Napa this area has long produced excellent wine. In fact, vines have been planted in the vicinity of Pritchard Hill since the late 1880's by Italian American Vintners. Two of Napa's typically 7 recognized cult wineries are here: Bryant Family and Colgin. Other nearby premium wineries include Chappellet, Ovid and David Arthur.

White Rock Vineyards

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Christopher the wine maker was very welcoming. We made our appointment last minute but he accommodated our schedule. He was super laid back and very knowledgeable, and he made us feel comfortable. I recommend this tour to anyone looking for a nice secluded vineyard with a lot of history and a casual setting.

Castello Di Amorosa

glass of wine - PIxabay

This is one of Napa's most memorable wineries - and the newest. It took more than half a decade to build and involved hand masonry by Italian artisans. Why? Because Castello is truly a castle. A Medieval, stone castle.... with a moat!

De Sante Wines

grape cluster - Pixabay

David and Katharine DeSante are truly a wonderful winemaking team. Nothing was ever left to chance with David. He carefully planned and executed every detail of the winemaking process. It was immediately evident when talking with David that he not only had the knowledge and experience to make great wine, but also listened and respected the needs and realities of the vineyard. Katharine works with David in the winery, but also manages the business end of wine.

David Arthur Vineyards

wine dancing and swirling in the glass - Pixabay

David Arthur is located on the mountain with absolutely breath taking views of the valley floor. On our day it was quite pretty but extremely windy. I enjoyed having a private tour as its more intimate and you really get to know the whole story. We tried 5 different wines finishing with their Elevation. Along the way we were able to do some barrel tastings which was very exciting and interesting to learn about the process David uses. I will surely make a return trip up the hill very soon.

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