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St. Helena Winery

A moment of reflection under the shaded terrace is all it takes for you to feel the essence of why we feel so privileged to be a part of this exceptional vineyard in the Napa Valley. The manicured vineyards surround our oasis, shelter it from the crowds, and give voice to the historical echoes whispering through the trees as the afternoon breeze brings a welcome sip of cool coastal air to mix with the warmth of a summer day. A step forward here is a step back in time to a more relaxed time and place.

Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery

The Hoopes Family Winery and Vineyard has been a labor of love. They were fortunate when selecting land for their new estate in Oakville by purchasing 14 acres that happen to be some of the greatest grape growing territory in Napa Valley.

They first planted the land back in 1991 with the expectation of selling the crop to local wineries. The first mature harvest in 1994 was quite good and the people they sold the grapes to said these were the best grapes they had purchased. Hoopes continued to sell the grapes with the same input each year until 1999 when they decided to produce their own wine, with their own label. The results were better than they could have hoped.

Von Strasser Winery

The rustic cave setting certainly took our tasting to the next level, but the Cabernet's stood on their own. Each had a distinct character, and some were liked more than others, but we honestly enjoyed EVERY wine that we tasted. The pairing of delicious cheeses enhanced the many attributes of the grapes. Von Strasser is a small, cozy winery tucked into Spring Mountain, just 5 minutes up the hill from Calistoga. They have beautiful, rich Cabs and it's a great experience.

Kesner Wines

All French cooperage is used for aging, with 15-30% being new barrels. All of the wines are aged on their lees, and then are racked and blended only once before bottling, in order to bring together the individual characters of each of the barrels. The wines are overwintered and bottled after approximately 16 months. Vintage to vintage variations are encouraged as the hope is that the growing season leaves a heavier print on the wine than does the hand of the winemaker.

Screaming Eagle Winery & Vineyards

The most sought after California CultWine in the World!

This small operation is located just below the Dalla Valle vineyard near the Oakville Cross. Screaming Eagle's Cabernet Sauvignons are going to create quite a stir among lovers of that varietal - if they are able to latch onto a bottle or two. The estate is owned by Tony Bowden and Jean Phillips, one of Napa Valley's leading real estate agents. With the help of Heidi Barrett and Gustav Dalla Valle, this operation's debut vintage is the extraordinary 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the greatest young Cabernets I have ever tasted. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, and aged in 60% new oak.

Viader Vineyards

two friends and wine by Artist Agata Zaborowski

If you're looking for a different experience than your typical Napa Valley tasting room, then I highly recommend that you take the trip to Viader. High above the Valley floor, Viader has some of the prettiest views around. They also have excellent wines. In addition to their highly regarded Cab blend, the winery makes a yummy Syrah and under another label, DARE, even does a termpranillo. The tasting is pricey, but the staff really tries to give you your money's worth. If you have time, ask to see the underground wine caves. Art provided by Agata Art Gallery 

Dyer Vineyards

Dyer Vineyard is a small estate vineyard and winery in the Diamond Mountain District of the Napa Valley. The estate produces a limited bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is owned and operated by wine industry veterans, Bill and Dawnine Dyer.

Elkhorn Peak Cellars

Elkhorn Peak is a great little find in Napa! It is definetly off the beaten path. It is off of Jaminson Canyon Road. First to greet you are the winery dogs, Maggie and Monty. Ken is the owner and grapegrower, farmer, wine maker and tasting host, he does it all and does it well. The view from the tasting room is so WOW! The lower Napa Valley and the San Pablo Bay.

He makes four delicious wines. Rose' of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a wonderful dessert wine. It's considered a small wine business, but well worth the visit. Ken was very informative and gave really helpful tips regarding wine tasting. If you are able to visit his winery and taste some of his wines, make sure to taste the Desert Wine. It's really good.

Destino Wines

No, you cannot actually pull into a dusty parking lot and head into a tasting room, where on the spot, you can purchase your wine along with silly fleece vests, and magnets and bottle openers with Destino printed across them. Actually, you can't visit a winery at all.

No matter, their wines are tasty.Their chardonnay is especially good and I always prefer reds.

They purchase their grapes from a select group of vineyards. I'd really like to know who, but that's beside the point.

Sequoia Grove Vineyards

The staff was great and wines are amazing. Vicky was very warm and welcoming. We went on a Friday evening it was busy but still attentive to our needs.One of the bigger wineries, open to the public, that gets a lot of foot traffic. But heck, the wines are great! so no complaining. Some really unique blends mixed in with the more traditional. Their at the vineyard only Gewurztraminer was heaven and the Ridiculous Red plus some good Cabs and solid Sauvignon Blanc.

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