Napa

Napa

Tres Sabores

You definitely need reservations for this place as it's quite small and off the beaten path. Hopefully next time we visit we'll be able to meet Julie the owner, although our server (whose name escapes me at the moment) was outstanding, very friendly and fun.

Jericho Canyon Vineyard

The Cabernets were the standout, but don't miss the surprising Sauvignon Blanc. If any bottles of the 2005 Cabernet remain, it's an absolute must. The winery is off the beaten path, but well worth the trip; beautiful setting with gorgeous views from the vineyard. The wine tasting room is really elegant and is housed in their cave.

Maclean Wines

MacLean Wines is located 2 miles north of the town of Napa on the west side of Highway 29. The tasting room will open in March 2007. There will be 15 vintners producing wine at the winery, all available in the tasting room. Craig MacLean is the winemaker for 8 of them. These small brands were being made at various wineries around Napa Valley but are now in one place. Come and taste and meet the winemaker

Marilyn Wines

While collectors have made Marilyn Merlot one of the fastest-appreciating wines on the market, it is wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor who have long enjoyed the playful spirit behind Marilyn Merlot wines that are now also seeking the Marilyn Merlot because of the emphasis on making a notable wine from prized Napa Valley grapes. While the concept and engaging label of these wines has given these bottles a degree of fame, it is the wine in the bottle that merits the enthusiasm of those who seek it out every year.

Crane Family Vineyards

Crane offers some excellent reds in a beautiful, unassuming, and unpretentious format. Your proprietor, Tom Crane, a second generation owner/grower, will sit out on the lovely porch and describe each one of his wonderful wines. No pressure to buy here; the wines sell themselves. Tom offers a Cab, Merlot, a Bordeaux blend called Allison's cuvee (named after the winemaker), and a Port all at good prices.
While the estate is small and lacks the flash and polish of larger operations, the hospitality and great wines more than made up for it. If you are the adventurous type and want to go off the beaten path for a warm Napa afternoon at a boutique winery, by all means give Tom a call.

Napa Wine Company

Great place to taste a lot of boutique wines. Friendly knowledgable staff. Great spot to taste a broad variety of wines from a number of wineries and winemakers! It's a custom crush facility, so a whole array of wines are represented and the tasting menu changes regularly. Pahlmeyer, Blackbird, Ghost Block and more are poured here. It's rather like Ma(i)sonry in Yountville, but without the art. Michael Pozzan's wines are always tasty and very affordable. Rob Lawson's Pavi wines and Fisticuffs also offer high quality at a very reasonable price. Definitely worth a stop to get some variety.

Dutch Henry Winery

Dutch Henry produces some great red wines. Dutch Henry was first recommended to me by an employee at another (very popular) winery. Dutch Henry produces some special edition terrier bottles of wine. Not only is the wine incredible, the artwork on the label is worthy of being saved on the wine rack. There are the cutest terriers at the winery who will great you upon your arrival.
Dutch Henry also sells wine under the name Chafen. Tastings here are $20, but I think it's well worth it if you are interested in trying great wine.

Groth Vineyards & Winery

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."

Robert Craig Wine Cellars

When you go wine tasting in major vineyards a lot is lost when tasters serve big parties or lots of people unless you have a private tour but Robert Craig was excellent. It was a small building that catered to small groups and our taste master Jeff was the best maestro yet. He broke it down to us and told us about every vineyard region in this area, dropping vital wine knowledge in our brains and we learned so much as rookie winos. Not only did he drop beverage knowledge he also helped guide our hunger palate as well, letting us know the ins and outs of what's good food and whats a tourist trap in Napa.If you love terroir driven red wines, especially Cabs, you will find Robert Craig wines to be exceptionally good with much character.

Whitehall Lane Winery

Whitehall makes some great wine! We were surprised by the mostly empty parking lot and even considered turning away before entering. Did an empty parking lot mean bad wine? Everything we sampled, from white to red was great. Easy drinking and definitely well priced. Come summer time it can be very busy at times. Well worth a visit.

Pages

Subscribe to Napa