Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Markham Vineyards

red wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

I came here on Sunday at 11am and it was empty! I was so glad we could get personal service. Ryan was friendly and knowledgable. I love the merlot but after the estate tasting, I fell in love with the Altruist as well. As mentioned by others, the exterior of the building is beautiful but the interior looks like a highway rest stop. While sipping our last wine, we were able to browse the gallery containing rock and roll photos which used grace the cover of Rolling Stone. Like other Napa wineries it can get busy in peak season.

Baldacci Vineyards

wine swirls and dances in wine glasses - Pixabay

Baldacci Family Vineyards has been a family-owned winery in the Napa Valley for over 25 years, founded by Thomas and Brenda Baldacci in 1998. Today, their son and second-generation vintner Michael Baldacci serves as winemaker, continuing the family’s legacy and dedication to crafting sustainably-farmed, world-class wines.

 

Within each of us lives a legacy, a story waiting to be told.  Stories, like wine, are meant to be shared. Tom Baldacci understands this. Maybe not consciously – but at his core, Tom knows that for a story to become a legacy, it must be shared and passed forward to keep it alive. Almost 30 years ago, Tom drove by the property that now is home to Baldacci Family Vineyards. Where some may have seen an old house and farm in need of repair, Tom saw potential. In the breathtaking views on the Stags Leap property, in the aged vines and gnarled olive trees, Tom saw a story waiting to be told.

Freemark Abbey

ai generated grape cluster - Pixabay

Stopped by in the Fall to do a little tasting on our way up to the hot springs. I first went to this winery about 13 years ago and was a member for years. They have excellent red wines and fun harvest parties - complete with grape stomping! It's a quaint winery away from the crowds in Napa and couple of my favorites were the 2003 Cabernet Bosche and Zinfandel.

Kelsye See Canyon Vineyards

women, wine bar at beach

What began as a retirement project back in 1999 has blossomed into a full-time labor of love for Dick and Dolores Kelsey, long-time residents of See Canyon. 

The Kelsey family’s winery is a true family affair, with three generations working side by side. It all began as a retirement project for Dick and Dolores Kelsey, longtime residents of See Canyon. Their sons, Richard and Keith, along with grandchildren Deanna, Devon, Clive, Tessa, and Jessica, have since joined in, transforming the initial venture into a vibrant family business known for both fantastic wines and a welcoming atmosphere.

Founded in 1999, the Kelsey Winery has grown into a full-time endeavor for Dick and Dolores, who are dedicated not only to their vineyards but also to the land and wildlife that surrounds them. The winery property produces Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the cool coastal climate contributing to exceptional harvests year after year. Wild peacocks roam the grounds, with more than 150 calling the winery home—a unique and beautiful addition to the estate that brings charm to every visit.

The Kelsey family believes in letting the land and climate guide each vintage. Their winemakers take a “hands-off” approach, allowing the terroir to shine with minimal intervention. This philosophy brings out refined, authentic notes in each varietal, staying true to the essence of the land. Their wines, sourced from See Canyon, Creston, and Paso Robles, have earned awards for their consistent quality. These reds, whites, and apple blends are loved for their fruit-forward profiles, satisfying mouthfeel, and lingering finishes that keep enthusiasts coming back for more.

Fantesca Estate & Winery

over looking the vineyard - Pixabay

Fantesca Estate & Winery stands as a distinguished symbol of refined viticulture with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. In 2004, the estate embarked on a new chapter when Susan and Duane Hoff, driven by their deep passion for wine and extensive industry knowledge, transitioned from their corporate careers to take over as proprietors.

During their transformation of Best Buy into a Fortune 100 giant, Susan and Duane found tranquility in quiet evenings, bonding over shared glasses of wine. This intimate ritual sparked their passion for viticulture and inspired their dream of establishing a family-run business that centers around community and the convivial spirit of wine. Dedicated to crafting rare and exceptional wines, they have created an environment that offers unforgettable experiences for members and guests.

To bring their vision to life, the Hoffs assembled a team of esteemed figures from the wine world, including winemakers Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi, and Director DLynn Proctor. Their collective expertise has resulted in a celebrated collection of wines, each bottle reflecting the team’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition.

The Fantesca experience extends beyond the bottle, offering immersive events that capture the essence of winemaking and foster a sense of community. At Fantesca Estate & Winery, every bottle embodies the spirit of Napa Valley, where history, passion, and community converge to create a legacy defined by dedication, craftsmanship, and a profound love for exceptional wines.

Meander Wines

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Meander is the personal project of winemaker Amy Aiken, who has been crafting wines in Napa Valley since 1989. Starting in 2000, her exclusive focus has been limited production, ultra-premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Established 2003 Cases/year: 400 Winemaker: Amy Aiken

Richard Perry Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Like all great wines, Richard Perry’s story begins with the soil. In 1988, Richard and Sheila Perry planted the first block of what would become 15 acres of hillside vineyards on their ranch in Coombsville, located in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley. The Perry Vineyards were a product of pure passion and an unyielding work ethic. Richard personally carved terraces into the panoramic hillsides of their estate, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a touch of Merlot. They began by selling their fruit to Napa winemakers.

Vines

In those early days, Richard was among a select group of growers who began to recognize the full potential of Coombsville’s soils and climate. To showcase the superior qualities of his fruit and vineyard’s terroir, Richard decided to produce his own wines under the Richard Perry label. Their first commercial vintage was released in 1997.

Wines

Ever curious and committed to improvement, Richard partnered with another Coombsville pioneer, Ken Bernards, who became the winemaker starting with the 1998 vintage. Together, they refined both viticulture and winemaking techniques, ultimately creating wines renowned for their beautiful expression of Coombsville terroir.

Three Steves Wines

3 bottles of 3 Steves Winery wine

The idea for 3 Steves Winery was conceived by three friends who gathered over a glass of wine to discuss starting their own winery. Having previously owned a stake in a small boutique winery, they gained valuable experience in the art, science, and business of the wine industry. Together, they produced a significant amount of wine and received positive feedback from their customers. It soon became clear that they wanted to create their own label from the ground up, leading to the natural choice of naming their new venture 3 Steves Winery.

They obtained their license in early 2010 and spent several years crafting their wines at a custom-crush facility, which served them well. However, the dream of owning their own winery and vineyard remained. In late 2012, they discovered the perfect location, and in July 2013, they opened their doors for the first time at 5700 Greenville Road in Livermore. The site offers stunning 360-degree vistas of the Livermore Valley and is surrounded by remarkable wineries along Greenville Road, making it a must-visit destination for wine tasting.

Their philosophy is to cultivate the best grapes possible from their vineyard while sourcing additional grapes from Livermore and other regions known for specific varietals. They bring these high-quality fruits back to their winery to create their wines. By establishing strong relationships with award-winning vineyards, they are able to access exceptional fruit while continuously refining their winemaking skills as dedicated students of the craft. Their tagline, “3 Friends Striving To Make The Perfect Wine,” reflects their commitment to quality and value in every bottle.

Proud of their wines and the awards they have won, they are determined to remain a fixture in the Livermore wine region for years to come. The local wine community has been incredibly supportive, with fellow winemakers generously sharing their expertise and resources. In such a collaborative environment, the pursuit of quality wine becomes a natural outcome.

Nickel & Nickel Wines

bottle of wine, wine glasses and gapes - Pixabay

Nickel & Nickel winery, located in Oakville, Napa Valley, is dedicated exclusively to producing 100 percent varietal, single-vineyard wines that best express the distinct personality of each vineyard. Established by the partners of Far Niente in 1997, Nickel & Nickel is focused on producing single-vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the appellation's most significant growing regions. A collection of single-vineyard Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah wine complement the portfolio.

Tin Barn Vineyards

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

The pourer is very knowledgable and passionate about their wines. I give the wine maker a lot of credit for his focus on single vineyard, single varietal wines. I thought all the wines were well made. The place is located in like an office facility / storage unit looking type building, so if you're looking for like rolling hills with neat rows of grape bushes, you have come to the wrong place. (Shouldn't be a dealbreaker necessarily in my opinion-- but I feel it's worth noting.) They also do a little tour of their facility where they show you some of the machines that are used to make the wine.

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