Napa

Napa

Elkhorn Peak Cellars

red wine pouring into a wine glass - Pixabay

Elkhorn Peak Cellars is a hidden gem nestled in the southeast hills of Napa Valley. As a family-owned and operated micro-winery, it takes pride in producing exceptional wines in limited quantities while maintaining a laid-back, non-pretentious approach to winemaking.

With an 8-acre vineyard established on a historic homestead, Elkhorn Peak Cellars is the labor of love led by the dynamic father-daughter duo, Ken Nerlove and Elise Nerlove. Since 1983, they have quietly crafted world-class Pinot Noir and other varieties, staying true to their roots and delivering wines that capture the essence of their south Napa Valley site.

With an annual production of less than 1,000 cases, their wines are truly exclusive. They are not found in local restaurants or wine shops; instead, Elkhorn Peak Cellars shares its creations directly with loyal Wine Club members and through their website. The winery values maintaining a personal connection with those who appreciate their handcrafted wines.

Elkhorn Peak Cellars is indeed a great find in Napa, located off the beaten path on Jamison Canyon Road. Visitors are first greeted by the winery’s friendly dogs, Maggie and Monty. Ken Nerlove, who is the owner, grapegrower, farmer, winemaker, and tasting host, manages all aspects of the winery with expertise. The tasting room offers stunning views of the lower Napa Valley and San Pablo Bay.

The winery produces four delicious wines: Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a wonderful dessert wine. Although considered a small wine business, it is well worth a visit. Ken provides informative and helpful tips about wine tasting, and visitors are encouraged to try the Dessert Wine, which is particularly noteworthy.

Elkhorn Peak Cellars is proud to be a Verified Napa Valley Micro-Producer.

Blue Oak Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Blue Oak Merlot, which is named for the regal blue oak tree in the backyard, is perhaps California's best merlot — Chicago Tribune. We look forward to visting with the folks at Blue Oak, then we can share a little more with our readers.

Calafia Cellars

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

t’s not often that fine examples of Napa Valley red wine manage to stay “under the radar” for 30 years! But Calafia has managed that rare feat.

Randle Johnson has been working in Napa Valley for 35 years, and is currently a winemaker at Hess Collection. Calafia Cellars is the personal brand of Randle and his wife MaryLee. Made from their own estate grapes blended with small quantities of grapes from other vineyards, Randle uses his extensive experience and knowledge to create a fine example of what Napa Valley, and St. Helena in particular, have to offer.

Taste for yourself this labor of love for a master Napa Valley winemaker.

Baxter Winery

glasses of wine - Pixabay

In 2002, two generations of our family - both winemakers by trade - came together to create BAXTER, highlighting the very best in North Coast viticulture. Father & son partners, Phil L Baxter and Phil T G Baxter, produce handcrafted single vineyard wines focusing on the Anderson Valley and surrounding Mendocino appellations. Known primarily for their Pinot Noir.

Karl Lawrence Cellars

red wine splash in the glass - Pixabay

Karl Lawrence Cellars is a winery located in St. Helena, California. The winery is owned by Michael Karl Trujillo, Bryan Lawrence Henry. The wine at Karl Lawrence Cellars is produced by Michael Karl Trujillo, Michael Henry. Karl Lawrence Cellars has the following amenities you can enjoy: Retail Sales and Wine Tasting. If you want to visit Karl Lawrence Cellars, it is open at the following times: By Appointment Only

Crane Family Vineyards

beautiful clusters of grapes - Pixabay

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.

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards

winery's barrel room

Fantastic wines, a great and knowledgable tasting team and one of my most favorite settings make Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards a wonderful and special place. We toured the vineyard in it's total seclusion, silence and peace; tasted in the caves (a must see); and lounged in their upper terrace while finishing off our tasting.

Louis M Martini Winery

wine dancing in the glass - Pixabay

Louis M. Martini is one of the old wineries known for their Cabernets. They have a nice patio area where you can bring a picnic while doing your wine tasting. When we walked in the tasting room, we walked up to the counter and selected the $15 tasting of three cabernets. We were give the first pour at the counter and were told we could go into large patio area and sit at one of the tables where our tasting could continue. Meanwhile, we setup our picnic and enjoyed our tastings with our picnic. The sever was very informative and came back with the next pour on our tasting menu when we were ready. The pours were generous and we were also given pours of the Meritage and Monte Rosso in the $20 tasting menu as well. It great place to bring a picnic to have your wine tasting in their nice patio area. Would definitely recommend.

Wing Canyon Vineyard

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Wing Canyon has played a major role in the evolution of Mt. Veeder as a prominent wine-producing region. From vineyards to carp farm, popular resort to a camp for the blind Wing Canyon has been home to valley pioneers and visitors for over a century. Captain Stalhan Wing produced the first Mt Veeder wine, which he entered into the Napa County Fair in 1864. He was also known for his carp, thousands of which he raised in man-made ponds amongst the vineyards.

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