Napa

Napa

Spottswoode Winery

vineyard at sunset - Pixabay

Rooted deeply in the history, winegrowing, and agricultural heritage of Napa Valley, a visit to Spottswoode offers an intimate experience that highlights the winery’s dedication to producing exceptional wines that authentically reflect their time and place.

Estate Tasting
Spottswoode eagerly welcomes guests to experience their current release wines. Visits are available by appointment only, with tastings potentially held outdoors, weather permitting. Due to their use permit with the City of St. Helena, reservations are limited. It is recommended to inquire about availability as early as possible when planning a visit.

ILsLey Vineyards

wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

Located in the Vaca Mountain foothills of Napa Valley's Stags Leap District lie the Ilsley Vineyards. For three generations our family has provided grapes for some of Napa Valley's finest wines. Now after fifty years of farming, they have hand-selected grapes from their hillside vineyards to produce two limited production, estate wines, that has captured the essence of the Stags Leap District. The "Seis Primas", a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, blends delicious fruit flavors with elegance and balance.

Ehlers Estate

wine cellar

I had my first taste of Ehlers Merlot At Twisted Vine in Fullerton and fell in love. I drove down hwy 29 visiting various wineries and we saw Ehlers and had to make a stop. We stepped into their tasting room and was greeted by their friendly staff behind the counter. She asked if we had an appointment and we told her we no. They were closing up in half an hour by the time we stepped in but was they very accommodating, instead of turning us away, she squeezed us in for a tasting.

Sutter Home Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

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!

The Hess Collection Winery

wine pouring into a glass - Pixabay

The Hess Collection was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess, who first purchased vineyards on Mount Veeder in 1978. The winery is best known for its flagship Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, and single vineyard designates from our estate vineyards in Napa Valley. A leader in sustainable and organic practices, The Hess Collection adheres to founder Donald Hess’ philosophy: “Nurture the land; return what you take.”

Nichelini Winery

grape clusters in vineyard - Pixabay

A visit to the Nichelini Family Winery offers an experience of the Napa Valley the way it used to be: serene, rustic, and independent. Get away from the crowds and travel the 8 miles up into the hills east of the Silverado Trail, past Lake Hennessy and through the scenic cliffs of Sage Canyon Road. It's a small production, historic, pre-prohibition family winery. One is welcomed in almost immediately as family and greeted with a line of fine, well crafted wines that reflect the care and thought that went in to their creation. Winemaker Amy is passionate about her job and the staff are genuinely happy to play host to visitors Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm, or Monday through Thursday by appointment.

Kelham Vineyards

red wine swirling and dancing in the glass - Pixabay

So, you're in Napa for a long weekend or maybe even a wallet-draining week. There's plenty of choices to feed your wine fix. This charming little vineyard absolutely, positively needs to make your "must visit" list. No tasting room. No walk ins. No boutique to purchase a variety of goods while visiting. You need to call, make an appointment, and then prepare yourself for a truly personal wine experience given where the family that grows it presents their five or six well-done sophisticated wines.

Chappellet Winery

glass of wine - Pixabay

This is a very interesting place to taste. They take their wine seriously, it is off the beaten path, and reservations are required. View - absolutely breathtaking! Plan to spend some time taking pictures throughout the vineyard and of the lake. This is one of the best spots to get pictures in Napa.

Hewitt Vineyard

glass of wine in front of the fireplace - Pixabay

Hewitt Vineyard does not have its own tasting room, however our wines are available for tasting by appointment at Provenance Vineyards in Rutherford, California. The Hewitt tasting is a vertical of three vintages for $30.00; complimentary for our wine club members. In addition, club members receive discounts on purchases, exclusive sales, access to older vintages and complimentary admission to all Hewitt Vineyard Wine Club events.

La Rochelle Winery

label of wineries Pinot Noir

A very friendly small winery with it's focus on Pinot Noir. I first experienced La Rochelle's wines back in 2010 or 2011. I was inspired that day at a tasting to start my blog www.california-wine-trails starting with the tasting notes on a napkin that same day. It has been sometime since I last visited but if you enjoy Pinot Noirs this is certainly one winery to experience just how versatile this grape is and the different ways it can end up in the glass. Yes, I had a couple of favorites, but it was the best tasting of that day. While they do their best to accommodate walk-ins, they encourage setting an appointment so you have the time and attention to enjoying these wonderful wines.

Pages

Subscribe to Napa