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.

A small, family-owned-and-operated vineyard and winery, located at the top of Howell Mountain, producing estate-bottled Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Black Sears offers an authentic Napa Valley winery experience that stands out. Visitors can expect to meet knowledgeable farmers, encounter adorable vineyard dogs, and enjoy exciting wildlife sightings all while taking in panoramic views of two majestic valleys from Howell Mountain's highest estate.

Please note that white pants and heels are not recommended.

Guests are welcome at the winery Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, by appointment only.

Croze Wines is operated by Gary Wooten, a long time resident in the Napa Valley. He has worked as winemaker with several smaller area wineries during their formative stages and helped them become established. He currently runs two labels; Croze wines which includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc and the second label, Smith Wooten featuring a 100% Cabernet Franc (he originally made a barrel of Cabernet Franc to use for blending purposes but after tasting, found this wine to be excellent as a stand along varietal and ended up bottling it) and a Syrah. Croze ages their wines longer than many area wineries and as a result the current vintages are typically several years older than what you usually find on the market. The barrel aging program usually runs up to 40+ months and all the wines are tasted during this time and are removed from barrel when they are ready, in other words the barrel aging program is not locked into a certain amount of time like you may find with some of the larger wineries.

We visited many wineries during our stay in Napa and thought that this was one of the best tours for the money. The location was beautiful and if you have nice weather, pack a picnic and plan to eat your lunch in their picnic area. Its located in an olive grove high on the hillside. Bring a camera.