Napa

Napa

Rombauer Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Delicious wine and sparkling views of Napa. I know there are tons of quality wineries around that have similar offerings, but Rombauer is definitely one worth visiting. Gorgeous garden space with some cute little trails to walk along while you enjoy your wine and soak up the Napa Valley air. I prefer to go in Fall or early Spring or during the week. The servers or more relaxed and they seem to have a better time introducing you to their wines and letting you know more of the wine history. You get to sample 5 of their wines including their AMAZING chardonnay and Fiddletown Zin. These are the bottles we always end up with and they are usually priced pretty similar to what you would find in a big store (BevMo, Total Wine, etc.). Most of their pricier zins like the Fiddletown aren't sold in stores however. They give you the wine glasses as part of the tasting as well.

Diamond Creek Vineyards

glass of wine - Pixabay

Founded in 1968, Diamond Creek is California's first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard. Visionary pioneer Al Brounstein defied modern conventions and planted Bordeaux varietals on secluded Diamond Mountain. The three vineyards produce a small amount of long-lived wines that are elegant with great depth and richness, honored and cherished by connoisseurs the world over.

The Hess Collection Winery

wine pouring into a glass - Pixabay

The Hess Collection was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess, who first purchased vineyards on Mount Veeder in 1978. The winery is best known for its flagship Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, and single vineyard designates from our estate vineyards in Napa Valley. A leader in sustainable and organic practices, The Hess Collection adheres to founder Donald Hess’ philosophy: “Nurture the land; return what you take.”

Robert Foley Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Robert Foley, Winemaker

Robert (Bob) Foley began his winemaking career in the Napa Valley in 1977 after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. His first year was spent at Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.

In 1992, Foley embarked on another 15-year tenure as the founding winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this time, he also crafted the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. Currently, his primary focus is on the wines produced at Robert Foley Vineyards, though he also oversees the creations for Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in Napa Valley.

In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded its production to include a range of notable reds, such as Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, and limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from their estate property. The portfolio also features Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin, a blend that varies in varietal composition each vintage. Additionally, Foley has bottled a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.

Foley’s reputation for crafting expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain in Napa County. The facility, which houses over 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system completed in 2008, supports the production of Robert Foley wines.

Robert Foley Vineyards operates with a full-time staff of three, with Foley himself focusing on winemaking, while Kelly and Shannon manage the office. Occasionally, Kelly’s father, Jerry, assists in the tasting room.

The feline Office Interns, Mina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten, are responsible for treats, naps, and distractions, while Princess Bella and King Tommy serve as the official Winery Cats.

Cuvaison Estate Wines

grape cluster - Pixabay

They have a simple tasting room with seats and tables outside facing the vineyards. If the weather is lovely definitely opt for sitting outside! I came here for a girl's wine tasting day. Our wine guide was nice and friendly, he was nice enough to give us two extra tastings. We sat outside and admired the pretty vineyards wine sipping our wine. We got three tastings and just split among the five of us. My favorite was the chardonnay, nice and light and as our wine guide said "can go with anything." Great winery with nice staff. If you're around this area, definitely stop by.

Girard Winery

wine and cheese - Pixabay

After a day of trekking around Yountville and St Helena I wound up at Girard Winery. Girard stays open till 7, very smart move I must say as they get the overflow of folks looking for a place to continue their wine tasting adventures or a place to grab drinks before heading off to a nice dinner. It's not a showy vineyard or winery so if you are looking for the fluff you will not find it (although it is a nice tasting room). What you will find are some REALLY GREAT WINES.

Sawyer Cellars

wine dancing in the glass - Pixabay

The property was replanted in 1984 and purchased by the Sawyer family in 1994. The vineyard extends back to the Napa River and is planted mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, although they also grow some Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc. Total production is only 6,400 cases, and all of their wines are estate grown and bottled. They sell off about 40% of the grapes they grow. A tasting is $10. The tour and tasting is $25. Reservations are required but easily made.

Andretti Winery

Bottle of winery's Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a reallly pretty winery and lovely italian castle/mansion looking architecture, and really friendly staff and of course lots of cool racing pics all around and other art also.

Richard Perry Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Like all great wines, Richard Perry’s story begins with the soil. In 1988, Richard and Sheila Perry planted the first block of what would become 15 acres of hillside vineyards on their ranch in Coombsville, located in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley. The Perry Vineyards were a product of pure passion and an unyielding work ethic. Richard personally carved terraces into the panoramic hillsides of their estate, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a touch of Merlot. They began by selling their fruit to Napa winemakers.

Vines

In those early days, Richard was among a select group of growers who began to recognize the full potential of Coombsville’s soils and climate. To showcase the superior qualities of his fruit and vineyard’s terroir, Richard decided to produce his own wines under the Richard Perry label. Their first commercial vintage was released in 1997.

Wines

Ever curious and committed to improvement, Richard partnered with another Coombsville pioneer, Ken Bernards, who became the winemaker starting with the 1998 vintage. Together, they refined both viticulture and winemaking techniques, ultimately creating wines renowned for their beautiful expression of Coombsville terroir.

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