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.
Saddleback Cellars was founded in 1978 by the renowned winemaker Nils Venge. Widely celebrated as the "King of Cab," Venge made history as the first American winemaker to earn a 100-point score from acclaimed wine critic Robert Parker for his 1985 vintage of Reserve Cabernet. Today, Venge's Cabernets continue to receive impressive 90+ point reviews.
The winery remains much as it was at its inception, nestled off the Oakville Crossroad on quiet Money Road, a dead-end lane in the esteemed Oakville District of the Napa Valley AVA. While Cabernet Sauvignon, produced from the estate’s 14 acres of vineyards, remains the winery's flagship, Saddleback also crafts distinctive varietals from select vineyards across Wine Country. Visitors can experience a range of small-lot, handcrafted wines including Charbono, Vermentino, Tannat, Petit Verdot, and unique blends. The friendly staff ensures that guests feel like part of the family, arriving as visitors and leaving as friends.
Guests are invited to savor the vineyard views and the personalized experience of tasting Napa Valley wines at this intimate, family-owned winery off the beaten path.
Kathy and Rich gave a great tasting and tour. They actually let the wine speak for itself. They were busy telling us about the plots of land and the intricacies of planting grapes in granite, while our small group quietly enjoyed three of their fantastic wines. With wine this good, we didn't need to be told what to look for in the nose, we just enjoyed it. If our glass was empty during the vineyard tour, no problem, Rich kept the bottle in hand and was happy to refill the glass. Oh yeah, and the view. At 1400 feet, the tasting room and patio have an incredible view of the valley. Take the 2:30 tasting so you can watch the sun start to set. Our intended 30 minute run in for a taste turned into more than an hour and a half of winery heaven. I wish we could have spent the evening in their tasting room. Make this appointment first, then plan the rest of your day.
The people are always so friendly here. Wines are always great. The wine staff is very open to teach you about wine. They're not pretentious as a lot of the wineries are up in Napa. Quit refreshing. Located in picturesque St. Helena, Merryvale’s historic building was the first winery built in the Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and has become a favorite destination for visitors to the valley. Merryvale Vineyards inviting cellar is ideally located in the heart of Napa Valley within easy walking distance of shopping in downtown St. Helena, across from the casual eatery Gott's Roadside, and next door to world-famous Tra Vigne restaurant.
Sean Capiaux has an established and notable career at prominent wineries around the world which include: Jordan, Pine Ridge, and Peter Michael in California; Macari, Jamesport and Schneider in Long Island, NY; and Houghton's in Australia. In 1994 Sean launched his own label, Capiaux Cellars, and he presently works as winemaker for O'Shaughnessy winery in the Howell Mountain appellation of Napa Valley
Sean graduated from California State University, Fresno with a B.S. in Enology and a minor in Chemistry. He began his career at Jordan Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley where he worked for two years before joining Houghton Winery located outside Perth in Western Australia. After working the harvest in Australia, Sean returned to the United States to work as the assistant winemaker at Pine Ridge Winery in the Stags Leap district of Napa Valley. Two years later Sean joined Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga as the assistant winemaker where he worked for four years.
Vinum Cellars, established in 1997 by first-generation California winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos, was born from a dream financed on credit cards in Napa Valley. From the beginning, their mission has been to explore California's coastal vineyards and unique microclimates, seeking out the finest vineyards cultivated by the state's top growers. These long-time partners, mindful of their modest beginnings, ensure that every wine they produce offers an exceptional quality-to-price ratio. Each wine is meticulously handcrafted from single vineyards, adhering to a small-lot philosophy. From Coastal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinum Cellars produces varietal wines sourced from single vineyards and appellations across California.
As an environmentally conscious winery, Vinum Cellars collaborates exclusively with sustainable growers to create eco-friendly products. Their packaging choices are deliberately made to reduce their carbon footprint, incorporating domestically produced lightweight Eco-Series glass and labels and cartons printed with non-toxic, water-based inks. Additionally, all packaging suppliers recycle 100% of the waste generated during the manufacturing process.
Elegant lovely and the reds wow I just had a moment. Not casual but elegant. Unique tasting room built by a very wealthy Persian businessman. Blocks of travertine imported from Iran, rare blue granite and fine craftsmanship are on full display. The staff is knowledgable and friendly and the cabernets, given some time to age and soften the abundant tannins, are terrific.
If you're looking for a different experience than your typical Napa Valley tasting room, then I highly recommend that you take the trip to Viader. High above the Valley floor, Viader has some of the prettiest views around. They also have excellent wines. In addition to their highly regarded Cab blend, the winery makes a yummy Syrah and under another label, DARE, even does a termpranillo. The tasting is pricey, but the staff really tries to give you your money's worth. If you have time, ask to see the underground wine caves. Art provided by Agata Art Gallery
Great wines. Immaculate grounds. Great wines. Affable, extremely knowledgeable, and unpretentious tour guide. Unbelievably awesome garage housing Rolls Royces, Ferraris, Bentleys, a Shelby Mustang, and a Formula One car.
EMH’s vineyard is situated on the valley floor near Pickett Road in Calistoga, just east of the Silverado Trail. Pocketed by the Palisades Mountains to the north and Diamond Mountain to the south, the tiny vineyard of just under an acre produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.
