The first vintage of Tom Eddy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was 1991, but Tom’s experience in the wine industry goes back farther than that. He earned the U.C. Davis degree in 1974, did his requisite stint in a few big wineries, then settled into the North Coast as general manager and winemaker at Souverain Winery in Geyserville. The accolades for his wines started to follow, for everything from North Coast French Colombard to Sonoma County Zinfandel.
Named after the round stones found in its first vineyard, Cobblestone utilizes the most advanced wine-making technology, using grape varietals best suited for the wine produced.
Cobblestone Vineyards began the growing of wine grapes and wine making in 1971. Cobblestone is a small family-owned enterprise motivated by a passion-driven philosophy to make the most outstanding wines possible at affordable prices.
Named after the round stones found in its first vineyard, Cobblestone utilizes the most advanced wine-making technology, using grape varietals best suited for the wine produced. There are three vineyards dedicated to the world's most exciting grape varieties, coupled with appropriate French Oak for aging.
The original vineyard of 50 acres in the cool Central Coast of California from the Arroyo Seco appellation produces a dry, vibrant Chardonnay with just a hint of French Oak.
In 1997, a second 25 acre vineyard was added in the appellation called Atlas Peak, located on a mountain range at about 1,500 feet above sea level on the East side of Napa Valley. The volcanic soil, elevation, and climate conditions produce a world class Cabernet Sauvignon and a small allotment of Petit Verdot.
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.
First off, the tasting room is spacious and beautifully illuminated, adorned with paintings and sculptures by local artists. Secondly, all of the staff that greeted us that day were not only accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable, but also very approachable and warm; Dan not only kept us totally entertained and engaged throughout our tasting but was actually able to inform us about the wines in a comprehensible and genuine manner. As a wine enthusiast I really appreciate that the people at Jessup make wine tasting relaxing and approachable.
Both seasoned wine lovers, and those just learning about wine, are embraced and welcomed at Jessup Cellars.
Located just a block north from the famed The French Laundry in the quaint village of Yountville, our wines are available exclusively through our Tasting Room Gallery and website.
Founded by Dan and Becky Blue, Roy and Cheri Eisiminger, Vance and Jana Thompson, Jim and Kelly Mazzo, Kerry and Cindi Solomon, and Eric and Marleen Donnenfeld, their mission is to create and share life-enriching experiences for their members and guests, while also giving back to the community through the support of the arts.
The staff was extremely nice and explained the process of making their hard liquor as well as their wine. The wines were tasty and the liquor was fantastic. There was an easy, go with the flow feeling of the tasting and a great welcoming feeling of being among friends.
The Stanton family has been growing grapes in the Napa Valley since 1947. They began making their own wine in 1999. For this first vintage and the next three they used grapes exclusively from our Oakville vineyard. In addition to the Oakville property, the Stanton family owns two vineyards in St. Helena.
In 2002, acclaimed winemaker Dave Phinney, joined the Stanton team, lending his talented hands to the ’02 vintage, creating a wine that quickly captured the attention of critics and wine afficianados. A fan of Petite Sirahs, Doug decided to dedicate some of their Petite Sirah production to introduce their first vintage in 2004.
Stanton Vineyards remains, and will remain, a boutique winery, producing about 800 cases total (625 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 180 cases Petite Sirah) under their Stanton Vineyard label. This small production, which accounts for less than 7% of the grapes grown on their properties, allows them to focus on producing both grapes and wine of great character. Because, as Doug, his father John, and grandfather Jesse all agree, the grapes and the soil come first.
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.
Tasting visits are available by prior appointment from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Three distinct experiences are offered for guests' enjoyment: The Terrace View Tasting, The Private Collectors Experience, and The Hillside Select Experience.
The Terrace View Tasting
The Terrace View Tasting provides an opportunity to take in the stunning sights of the surrounding hillside vineyards and the breathtaking views of Napa Valley and the Stags Leap District. Guests can enjoy a relaxing session featuring Shafer’s current releases, including Hillside Select, paired with a selection of cheese and charcuterie.
The Private Collectors Experience
Hosted in Shafer’s distinguished private tasting salon or private vineyard suite, The Private Collectors Experience includes a comprehensive lineup of current wines, alongside a library vintage of Hillside Select. This experience is enhanced with an elevated selection of cheese and charcuterie.
The Hillside Select Experience
The Hillside Select Experience is the winery’s most luxurious offering, focusing exclusively on Hillside Select. The visit begins with Billecart Salmon Champagne and Regiis Ova caviar, followed by a private tour of the estate in a Polaris Ranger vehicle. Guests will taste the current vintage of Hillside Select in the heart of the vineyard with panoramic views of the Stags Leap District. The experience concludes with a private seated tasting of three rare library selections of Hillside Select, showcasing Shafer’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon at 5+, 10+, and 20+ years of age.
Michael Pozzan Winery is owned and operated by Michael and Mary Ann Pozzan, both natives of California. Michael was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, but spent his summer months with his grandparents on their 35 acre vineyard estate in Sonoma County. Michael's grandfather purchased the land after WWII and planted Zinfandel grapes, which he sold to local wineries. He always made sure that he retained a portion of the grapes to make his own wine. With roots extending to Piedmont, Italy, Michael's family has been in the wine business since the mid 1800s, and still owns the original property that Michael's great grandfather planted over100 years ago.
Personal attention in an absolutely breathtaking setting; what more could you want? Casey was very friendly & spent time talking with us about the wine & the vineyard. Oh, and their wine is fantastic, too! We enjoyed the outdoor patio area. Their Sauvignon Blancs were crisp & delicious. Their Cabs were dry & fruity. And, they had a Cab Rose (first I'd ever tasted) that was quite good.
