Napa

Napa

Lewis Cellars

vineyard at sunset - Pixabay

In 1992 Debbie and Randy Lewis established a small family winery in Napa Valley and were later joined by their son Dennis in 1999. Total production is approximately 9,000 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Lewis Celllars has no tasting room at this time but you can purchase via their website.

Kongsgaard Wine

red wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

I generally prefer the Chardonnay production of the French in Burgundy but Kongsgaard is legendary in here for a reason. It bridges the styles of your American oak-ey/buttery styles with the mineral, citrus and complexities. One of the best California Chards. Kongsgaard Wine is closed to the public and sold to members only and in some fine dinning establishments.

Reynolds Family Winery

red wine pouring into wine glass - Pixabay

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career.

The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels.

By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

2015

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

2020

Cameron Reynolds graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Wine and Viticulture and began his career as the National Sales Manager for the Reynolds Family Winery.

2022

Rebecca Reynolds graduated from UC Davis in the fall, while Sarah Reynolds embarked on her college journey.

 

Making wine had always been a passion and a hobby for Steve and Suzie Reynolds, but they never anticipated that it would evolve into a lifelong career. The Reynolds family's story is one of dedication and perseverance. Their winery was not a mere stroke of luck; it was the result of meticulous effort. In 1995, Steve Reynolds sold his dental practice in Stockton, CA, and he and Suzie began searching for properties in Napa. By 1996, they had acquired a rundown chicken farm, which included a boarded-up house and a few goats.

In 1998, Steve opened a dental practice in Napa, initially planning to make wine as a side project. He planted the entire property with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal of producing a few cases of wine and selling some fruit. The following year, with the birth of their first child, Cameron, Steve decided to sell his Napa dental practice to fully commit to winemaking. They sourced their initial fruit from the nearby Stags Leap District and began construction on the winery.

In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage and continued development on the crush pad and tasting room, setting the stage for their official grand opening in 2000. By then, the Reynolds family had grown to four with the addition of their second child, Rebecca. Steve expanded his winemaking efforts and began promoting the brand in other states.

In 2001, the release of their first blended wine, “Persistence,” helped the winery gain recognition in Napa Valley as a boutique producer. The family grew to five in 2003 with the birth of their third child, Sarah, and their children began contributing to the winery, including crafting mustard flower labels. By 2011, the Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon had been named the #10 wine of the world by Wine Enthusiast, marking a significant moment of international acclaim for the brand.

The Reynolds brand had significantly expanded by 2015, producing nearly 8,000 cases of wine annually and distributing across twenty states nationwide. Steve Reynolds diversified the production to include multiple Cabernet Sauvignons, red blends, and white wines. Additionally, he took on several custom crush clients and acquired a 20-acre vineyard in Coombsville, known as the "Persistence Vineyard."

Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

The Room, not to be confused with their Estate a few minutes away, is super modern. This is where you want to go if you want a quick stop. If you want to tour/cave experience, take the extra time to go to the estate. If you're your timing is right, you may even get to pipette from the barrel! The Estate:1978 West Zinfandel Lane No Appointment required The Room: 677 St Helena Highway (Highway 29) By Appointment

CK Mondavi Vineyards

grape cluster - Pixabay

Cesare and Rosa Mondavi moved to the Napa Valley and purchased the Charles Krug Winery in 1943. Winemaking was an important part of their Italian heritage and together with their sons Robert and Peter, they created CK Mondavi – a line of wines offering both tremendous quality and value. CK Mondavi began with a vision and commitment to produce high quality wines worthy of gracing the tables of families across America. Seventy years later, this vision continues.

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.

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.

Neyers Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Begun in 1992 by Bruce and Barbara Neyers, Neyers Vineyards produces about 15,000 cases of wine annually. About 25% of Neyers Vineyuards' production is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on their 50-acre, organically farmed Conn Valley ranch. Neyers is far from the Napa Valley floor of over-run wineries. This winery requires a reservation; the reservations can be difficult to get but it is worth it. You will get a tour of their facilities and sample their high quality wines. The offering is three Chardonnays, three Syrahs, two Zinfandels, two Cabernet Sauvignons and one Merlot.

Ballentine Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Founded in 1905 and deeply rooted in Napa Valley, Ballentine Vineyards is more than a winery; it’s a celebration of a century-old heritage. As a multigenerational, family-owned and operated winery, we pride ourselves on being an enduring symbol of quality, sustainability, and authenticity in Napa Valley.

The son of Van and Betty Ballentine, Frank Ballentine has seamlessly blended his passion for wine with business acumen, crafting his own major at UC Davis, crowning his academic achievements with an MBA at Fresno State, and continually augments his expertise through executive management programs at Stanford and Harvard. After college, Frank was a winemaker in the San Joaquin Valley and Fresno. Transitioning from winemaking to food manufacturing and distribution, Frank held senior roles at Odwalla during its meteoric growth and currently serves as the President and CEO of GreenLeaf for 25 years, a prominent purveyor of high-quality produce and specialty products. In all of these pursuits, Frank has ceaselessly sought best practices to elevate his family business.

In 2012, Frank joined forces with his aging parents to oversee the Ballentine Vineyards. Here, he rekindled his love for the land and the intricate science of vineyard management with his wife Linda and children Ryan and Audrey by his side. Collaborating closely with Winemaker Bruce Devlin, a shared vision emerged. 

Hestan Vineyards

glasses of white wine - Pixabay

Situated in the rolling hills of eastern Napa Valley, Hestan Vineyards is a 56-acre tapestry of small, individually farmed blocks, planted to the five principle red Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The vineyard is named for owners Stanley and Helen Cheng, who purchased the property in 1996. Cheng is CEO of Meyer Corporation, the world’s second largest cookware company with brands including Anolon, Circulon, KitchenAid and Faberware. In 2005, the Chengs released their first wines from the property, the 2002 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon; both made by consulting winemaker Mark Herold. The wines were a critical success and were followed in 2008 by the launch of Stephanie, a line of red Bordeaux blends made by consulting winemaker Jeff Gaffner.

Pages

Subscribe to Napa