Napa

Napa

Richard Perry Vineyards

In 1988, Richard & Sheila Perry planted the first block of what would eventually become 15 acres of hillside vineyards on their ranch in Coombsville, the south-eastern corner of the Napa Valley. The Perry Vineyards were a work of pure passion combined with an unstoppable work ethic. Richard personally carved the terraces out of the panoramic hillsides of their estate. They planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a bit of Merlot and began selling their fruit to Napa wine makers.
Ever curious and always looking for improvement, Richard teamed up with another Coombsville pioneer, Ken Bernards, bringing him on board as his wine maker starting with the 1998 vintage. Together, the two of them honed the viticulture and the wine making towards the beautiful expression of Coombsville terroir for which the Richard Perry wines are now well-known.
When you are visiting the Napa Valley stop by their tasting room Vintner's Collective, 1245 Main St. in Napa. There you can taste Richard Perry Vineyards' current wines, and those of several other small wonderful wineries.

Hestan Vineyards

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.

Truchard Vineyards

Our guide, Aida, was very welcoming, non-pretentious, and warm. She poured generously for our tasting and provided us with detailed history of the vineyard, and the couple that started it all. Still owned by the original family, this winery is beautiful, rustic, and definitely a place to stop by for good wine and some wonderful scenery.
Make an appointment even if it's the same day.

Peju Province Winery

The tasting room is beautiful, especially the natural stone bar in the room furthest from the entrance. The gardens are also worth the visit, with human-high flowers and an eclectic collection of sculptures. Oh yeah, and one of the guys in the tasting room yodels - definitely a forgotten art.

Sodero Estate Winery

Don and Deedee Sodaro moved to southern California in 1966 from Chicago, Illinois, the city Giuseppe Sodaro had adopted as his home in America over 70 years earlier. Though the Sodaro passion for wine ran deep, it would be another thirty years before they would be able to realize their dream of starting a winery to carry on the family namesake in the New World. In 1996, their opportunity finally arrived, and so began their search for the perfect terroir. After an extensive nine month search through the central and north coasts, Don and Deedee came upon a magnificent property set among the hillsides and alluvial terraces of the south-east Napa Valley, and immediately they knew they’d found someplace special.
Gorgeous estate located in the Coombsville District, so its a close jaunt to downtown Napa. Fabulous views, and some of the best reds I have had the pleasure of tasting! A reservation is required, but definitely worth the planning to experience this romantic vineyard.

I'm Wines

Isabel Mondavi Wines I
The wines of Isabel Mondavi are crafted by Isabel's son, fourth generation winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr., to offer elegant, lower alcohol style wines for everyday enjoyment. The Isabel Mondavi wines started as "just a few cases for mom," but soon gained serious interest from wine lovers seeking well made, food friendly wines that complement rather than compete with the meal.

Tallulah Wines

Tallulah: exceptional vineyard-designated wines sourced only from the most sought after terroirs utilizing carefully selected vineyards, artisanal winemaking and minimal oak to maximize purity of fruit and expression of soil.

Sullivan Vineyards

What a fantastic wine tasting experience. We were taken inside Mrs. Sullivan's home for a tasting at the table overlooking her lawn and pond, with a fire crackling away. The people were fantastic. By appointment only. Incredible wine, try the Merlot, if you don't think you like Merlot. You'll leave with a bottle.

Voss Vineyards

In 1994, Voss Vineyards was conceived and founded by Australian Robert Hill Smith, the fifth-generation proprietor of Yalumba Winery in Barossa Valley, as well as Nautilus Estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. With 160 years of Australian winemaking heritage and experience behind him, Hill Smith approaches wines in Australia, New Zealand and California with a focus on adventure, innovation and a strong respect for matching variety with terroir. With Sauvignon Blanc the priority is to craft wines that are pure and expressive.

Pages

Subscribe to Napa