Dominus is also a private label, not commercialized as others in Napa Valley. Christian Moueix owns Dominus Estate from Libourne, France. The Estate tucks in the Yountville, a short drive from the Villagio Inn and the busy street of Washington. Some of the finest Cabernet-based wines made in Napa. There is no disagreement. There are rumors that Pere Christian brings oak from Petrus or elsewhere back to Yountville for increased subtleties. One will never know. In any event, this is an extremely important site, with extremely impressive results.

The Napanook vineyard is nestled in a natural amphitheater at the Mayacamas Mountains' foothills on the Napa Valley's west side. Fed by winter rains, underground springs flow through ancient riverbeds, supplying the grapevines with a natural source of water, allowing them to develop deep roots.

This fertile benchland's microclimate has created ideal conditions for crops and grape growing for centuries.

In 1838, George Yount planted Napa Valley’s very first vines here.

Benessere Vineyards is a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The region's soil is exceptionally well-suited for cultivating these types of grapes. The name "Benessere," an Italian word meaning "well-being" or "living the good life," reflects the vineyard's dedication to producing Italian varietals and its commitment to providing warm, welcoming hospitality.

The property was acquired in 1994 by John and Ellen Benish, who immediately began the restoration of the winery and residence, as well as replanting the vineyards. By 1995, they had produced their first vintage of Sangiovese, realizing their dream. Since that inaugural vintage, Benessere Vineyards has expanded its portfolio to include other sought-after Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Moscato di Canelli, Sagrantino, and Aglianico.

In addition to these varietals, Benessere Vineyards also produces a "Super Tuscan" style blend called Phenomenon, as well as two distinctive Zinfandels. One Zinfandel is sourced from the ‘Black Glass Vineyard,’ while the other comes from the ‘Collins Holystone Vineyard’ adjacent to the estate.

Today's wine tasting tour began at 1:00. Rob was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. The underground cave is a wonderful experience. There is even an underground waterfall & an underground creek! At the end of the tour you sit in a tasting room with one of the best Brie as well as Goat cheese plates and plain crackers that we have ever had. 6 glasses of 6 different wines. You get to experience the change in taste (richer/bolder/smoother) when a glass of wine sits for 10 minutes. Over all experience was excellent.

Scarecrow Caberent Sauvignon does not have a long, fabled history like many of the most expensive California wines. In fact, they are one of the few recent cult wine phenomena to have taken off over the past few years. That says a lot about Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon and its popularity with wine lovers as the Cult wine craze has largely fallen by the way side. Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon made their debut California wine in 2003. While the winery is new, the vineyard has a long history dating all the way back to the end of World War 2. That was the year that John Daniel, Jr, (the original owner of the vineyards now used by Dominus,) convinced his friend J. Cohn, to plant 80 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Those vines became the backbone of all the legendary vintages for Inglenook that Cohn helped produce. Scarecrow wine, Caberent Sauvignon is the brain child of Cohn’s grandson, Bret Lopez and Celia Masyczek. The best fruit comes from their oldest vines in the Rutherford vineyards. This small production wine is difficult to find and expensive. But it is a unique, tactile style of California Cabernet Sauvignon that is worth the effort to seek out. The entire production of Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon is sold through a mailing list.