Napa

Napa

Rust Ridge Winery

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Wine and horses, it just doesn't get any better! One feels immediately at home with the owners; Jim & Susan who have made Rust Ridge a World Class Winery, Bed and Breakfast hosting travelers from around the world, and they manage to raise & train first rate Thoroughbreds as well!

The grapevines were planted in the mid-1970s with a variety of varietals, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The winery was established by Susan’s brothers in 1985 and is situated in a renovated cattle barn. Winemaker Susan Meyer and her husband, Jim Fresquez, assumed control of the operation in 1990.

For over 21 years, the legendary winemaker Kent Rosenblum collaborated with Susan to craft the estate-bottled wines produced by RustRidge. The vineyard practices organic cultivation and dry farming. Susan uses the estate's grapes to produce RustRidge’s range of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

The distinctive microclimate of the Chiles Valley, located about 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor, plays a crucial role in the character of RustRidge wines. The daytime climate in this region is comparable to that of the Oakville and Rutherford areas; however, nighttime temperatures are several degrees cooler. This cooler nighttime temperature and higher elevation delay bud-break, which occurs two to three weeks later than in the rest of Napa Valley. Consequently, the grapes are harvested later than those from most other Napa Valley vineyards, contributing to the unique flavor and quality of the wines. The red wines are characterized by notes of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, while the white wines exhibit distinct flavors and aromas of green apple, ripe pear, pineapple, and citrus.

Sutter Home Winery

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Yes, we all know Sutter Home Wine is a basic table wine, great tasting, easy going, affordable, and all that... Ok here's the deal, my first stop was BV Winery, wine tasting for two, two bottles of wine, out the door $92, yes Nine-two bucks.... (not complaining as I really like BV, just comparing) down the street Sutter home, wine tasting for two unlimited, two bottles of wine, four two packs of wine, 2 wine glasses and a sign up for the wine club $32 out the door and to boot, you get free wine tasting at their premium brand Menage a Trois, so we went down there and we had unlimited tastings there as well and 20% off wine so out the door there $27 for two bottles of wine and wine tasting. Sutter Home has one of the most beautiful properties among all of the wineries with a slew of Victorian style buildings. These buildings have become inns perfect for anyone finding a place to stay in wine country!

White Rock Vineyards

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Christopher the wine maker was very welcoming. We made our appointment last minute but he accommodated our schedule. He was super laid back and very knowledgeable, and he made us feel comfortable. I recommend this tour to anyone looking for a nice secluded vineyard with a lot of history and a casual setting.

Groth Vineyards & Winery

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Groth Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery producing Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon for the past 30 years. Groth Vineyards and Winery was founded by Dennis and Judy Groth in 1982. They became famous for their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon after Robert Parker awarded their 1985 Reserve a perfect 100 points. It was the first time Parker awarded a perfect score to any California wine. Even today Wine Enthusiast magazine designated the 2009 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the "Best of the Year 2012," referring to it as "incredibly lush and delicious."

Vineyard 29

glasses of wine by the fireplace - Pixabay

Our 17,000 square foot facility was designed by Jon Lail, principal of Lail Design Group, LLC, to reflect the marriage of Chuck’s tech background, and Philippe’s Old World winemaking philosophy. Completed in 2002, the winery is built of stone materials and terraced with landscape plantings to fit beautifully within the natural landscape of the vineyards that surround it. The winery design is gravity flow in nature, increasing the quality of the wine produced and substantially reducing undesirable aeration by pumps and winemaking machinery. Designed to make the least environmental impact, the facility generates its own electricity using microturbines. As a byproduct, this system “co-generates” all the winery’s hot and chilled water and cools the winery’s 13,000 square feet of caves.

Random Ridge

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Random Ridge is a panoramic 42-acre ranch situated on the southernmost ridge of the Mayacamas Mountains, within Napa’s Mount Veeder appellation.

In the summer of 1979, Bill and Susan Hawley, both 27 years old with a one-year-old son named Emile, acquired this rugged and untamed property. The site was heavily forested and located at the end of a challenging dirt fire road that marked the boundary between Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Bill Hawley named the property Random Ridge on a poetic impulse, believing the name perfectly suited the land’s character. The terrain is steep and rugged, positioned on a 2,200-foot ridge at the edge of Mount Veeder. This area, an ancient uplifted seabed, features rock-strewn decomposed volcanic soils. The northern and eastern views offer vistas of pine-covered mountains with no visible homes, while the southern view provides a breathtaking panorama of the San Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais in Marin, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Occasionally, the sunset reveals a glimpse of the ocean, 30 miles to the west, through a gap in the coastal foothills.

Regusci Winery

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Want to feel like youre in Italy at a lovely hillside vineyard sipping delicious wine without a care in the world?? If so, Regusci is your place. This place is absolutely hands down one of the most beautiful place in Napa. wow wow wow the hosts are excellent, the wine is heavenly, a bit pricey but worth it-and they are most definitely not stingy with the pour . 

Visit the oldest family Ranch in Napa Valley’s renowned Stags Leap District. Built before prohibition, the Regusci Ranch is home to one of California’s Ghost Wineries, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past. Indulge in our exclusive Estate wines, wander through our lush gardens, and roam the picturesque vineyards, immersing yourself in the essence of turn-of-the-century Napa Valley.

Palmaz Vineyards

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Palmaz is one winery that you absolutely MUST visit! This family owned and operated winery will blow you away. The high tech gravity flow processes, extreme commitment to quality, and overall tasting experience are all top notch. My experience with Florencia was amazing, compared to other tours and tastings at the same price point, $60/person with small bite pairings, I would recommend Palmaz over many others. The wines were delicious and the perfect pick for a special occasion. This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts at all levels, the family is approachable and open to discussing any questions you have about the winery and wine making processes.

Fantesca Estate & Winery

over looking the vineyard - Pixabay

Fantesca Estate & Winery stands as a distinguished symbol of refined viticulture with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. In 2004, the estate embarked on a new chapter when Susan and Duane Hoff, driven by their deep passion for wine and extensive industry knowledge, transitioned from their corporate careers to take over as proprietors.

During their transformation of Best Buy into a Fortune 100 giant, Susan and Duane found tranquility in quiet evenings, bonding over shared glasses of wine. This intimate ritual sparked their passion for viticulture and inspired their dream of establishing a family-run business that centers around community and the convivial spirit of wine. Dedicated to crafting rare and exceptional wines, they have created an environment that offers unforgettable experiences for members and guests.

To bring their vision to life, the Hoffs assembled a team of esteemed figures from the wine world, including winemakers Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi, and Director DLynn Proctor. Their collective expertise has resulted in a celebrated collection of wines, each bottle reflecting the team’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition.

The Fantesca experience extends beyond the bottle, offering immersive events that capture the essence of winemaking and foster a sense of community. At Fantesca Estate & Winery, every bottle embodies the spirit of Napa Valley, where history, passion, and community converge to create a legacy defined by dedication, craftsmanship, and a profound love for exceptional wines.

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!

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