Napa

Napa

Beaulieu Vineyards

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

The Georges de Latour name has become a wine legacy. When André Tchelistcheff joined Beaulieu Vineyard in 1938, he tasted the de Latour family’s private wine—known as "Private Reserve"—from the 1936 vintage. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine was so remarkable that Tchelistcheff insisted it be bottled and sold as the winery’s flagship offering. In 1940, Beaulieu Vineyard released the first vintage of Private Reserve, naming it in honor of the winery’s founder. This marked the debut of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine destined to become Napa Valley’s first “cult” Cabernet. Over the past 70 years, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has set the standard for Napa Valley Cabernet and remains one of the most highly collected American wines.

Heitz Wine Cellar

clouds in the sky at sunset over the vineyard - Pixabay

A Napa Valley rarity, they have free tastings here. I went all the way to Anderson Valley and most of those places still charge $5. And it's not like Heitz is pouring low-priced wine. I tasted an $80 cab that was four years out of vintage which was a joy to drink. They also sell a decades worth of library vintages from both Trailside and Martha's Vineyards. If $75 to $150 cabs are too much, then pick-up a balanced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for $20.

Chateau Boswell Winery

wine by the fireplace - Pixabay

In 1979 R. Thornton Boswell founded Chateau Boswell and under the direction of André Tchelistcheff began producing Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1997 Susan and RT Boswell planted the estate hillside vineyard in virgin soils that continue to be maintained organically. The Chateau Boswell caves, 65 feet below the estate hillside vineyard, were designed by Susan to green building specifications with the desire to continue to be responsible stewards of the land, reducing the impact upon the environment through green business practices which reduce energy and water use. As the first certified Napa Green Winery, Chateau Boswell continues to preserve and protect the Napa Valley through their practices and through their active participation in support of sustainable initiatives.

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.

Ancien Wines

Bottle of Ancien Wine

A beautiful fall afternoon sitting on the picnic table with 6 bottles of PInot Noir just waiting to be tasted. A tasting at Ancien is a very personal experience. It was just the two of us as the gentleman pouring walked us through their philosophy of wine making. A tour of the barrel cave and a walk through the vineyards tasting a few grapes off the vine . We enjoyed every drop and were soon members waiting for our first shipment. Great wine and very nice people. By appointment only, call ahead, your will not be disappointed

Segway Napa - Tour

people on Segway Tour

Segway Napa We started tour off around the graveyard/Veterans area in Yountville. Gale the tour operator gives you lots of history about the area, wineries, etc...A great way to learn about the area and the rich history of the region. Next we glided down various back roads in the beautiful countryside surrounding Yountville. Gale gave us more wonderful historical tidbits and was quite knowledgeable about local plants, trees, wineries, etc. Then we hit Goosecross Cellars for a very relaxed winetasting and were treated to some fantastic wines. We ended up buying three different bottles and had lots of room to carry them back with us in the pack-sacks that are attached to the Segway's. The people at Goosecross were great and I will write up a separate review for them. After the tasting we sat out back next to the vineyards drinking wine and eating some great cheese and crackers that gale brought with her - lots of great conversation about the region and her time working at various wineries. 

Judd's Hill

glasses of wine, wine bottle with chateau in background - Pixabay ai generated

The reds were all fantastic..I really was pleasantly surprised. Their tasting room has a large table that they invite you to sit at, or , you can go outside and sit at those smaller tables, if you choose to. Wines are fantastic and the people here are passionate, welcoming and knowledgeable. They host a number of fun events and perks for wine club members. They also are well known for their micro-batch wine making - come make your own wine from start to finish (blending, bottling, labeling) with the experts!

Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery

red wine pours into wine glass - Pixabay

Smith Madrone makes only three wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. In each case, the wine's mountain roots shine through. The chardonnay is leaner and tighter than most examples from the area, despite full ML and all new oak. This tightly structured wine needs time, and is built for it. The current release Cabernet is the 2006...how's that for integrity? The Smith brothers hold back their Cabs until they feel they're ready. While not a tannic monster, this wine has strong bones, to be sure, and needs time as well, though it wouldn't be out of place with a hearty red meat dish right now.

Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon were initially planted in 1972. Cabernet Franc and Merlot were added in 1998. Petite Verdot was added in 2007. Pinot Noir was planted in 1972 but grafted over to Chardonnay in 1986.

Malk Family Vineyards

barrel room of a winery - Pixabay

Nestled into the rocky hillside of the Stags Leap Palisades, amidst a grove of ancient oak trees, lies Malk Family Vineyards. This boutique winery specializes in limited-production, single-vineyard wines that are handcrafted to the highest standards.

Current offerings from Malk Family Vineyards include the SLD Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Fort Ross/Seaview Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, and the Staffordshire Reserve. With a total production of less than 1,000 cases, each wine reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Visitors are encouraged to explore the site to learn more about the vineyard's offerings. Malk Family Vineyards hopes that their wines provide a delightful experience for all who enjoy them.

layers of his personality displayed a bold yet colorful character, which exemplify the attributes of the wine his portrait graces.

Frias Family Vineyards

wine splashing in the glass

You really do feel like family at Frias Family Vineyard. Had the opportunity to taste here with a car service we hired and were greeted by Manny. It was a rainy December day so we tasted indoors, but Manny pointed out to the vineyard where there are chairs on the hillside to taste when it's sunny. Definitely need to come back to taste with that view. Manny is also a bit of a comedian which pairs well with the wine! The Frias wines we tasted across the board were darn good. From the Chardonnay to the Rose to the many Cabs, it's all well done

Pages

Subscribe to Napa