Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Bernardus Winery

view of vineyard with green hills in background

Bernardus Winery, founded by the well-traveled and discerning Bernardus (Ben) Pon, is situated in the picturesque Carmel Valley. Pon could have chosen any location worldwide for his namesake winery, yet he selected Carmel Valley for its ideal west-facing orientation, warm days, cool nights, and breathtaking scenery. He was confident that this unique environment would allow his vineyards to produce wines that could compete with the finest globally. Over 25 years later, Pon achieved this goal with his acclaimed estate Bordeaux blend, Marinus, named after his middle name, as well as a distinguished collection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Nearly two decades ago, Pon also anticipated the needs of wine enthusiasts by opening the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. He transformed the former Bank of America building into a welcoming space for wine tasting and education. Today, the Village hosts over 20 tasting rooms, with the Bernardus Tasting Room offering not only exceptional wines but also a charming outdoor patio, a private room for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.

Following Ben Pon’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery continues under the leadership of his business partner, Robert van der Wallen. A fellow Dutchman and advocate for quality, van der Wallen shares Pon’s vision and commitment to maintaining the winery's high standards. He has also founded Bernardus Golf reflecting the same emphasis on innovation and excellence as Pon’s legacy. With a passion for fine art, golf, and wine, van der Wallen is dedicated to advancing the Bernardus legacy for years to come.

Brewer - Clifton

Brewer-Clifton strive to be singular and true to the region, connected to the appellation and working diligently to display and celebrate it in the most honest way by means of their wines.

Beringer Vineyards

wine, grapes and cheese

Beringer Vineyards is a large winery in St. Helena, California. Founded in 1875, Beringer Vineyards is "the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley", and is a California Historical Landmark. There reserve Cab is one of my favorites. The tour is informative and interesting so if its your first time I recommend it. But for regular visitors to Napa then the tastings and select wines are what you'd come here for.

Mi Sueno Winery

vineyard and all the vines are sleeping

Mi Sueno isn't your typical winery. It's located in an Industrial complex in the South of Napa and your tasting is in the chilled storage area of the warehouse. Despite the unconventional setting, the private tasting that I enjoyed here was extremely well done and informative. Jaime gave us a quick tour of the facility and we settled down at a grand wooden table and the pours began. Jaime is quite the story-teller, weaving together the story of the owner and the winery with the explanation for each of the wines. We tried 11 of their wines that day, with very very generous pours of each. My favorites were their 2009 Cab and the 2011 Valeria, a petit verdot, from their reserve line, Herrera, but I was also fond of the 2009 Chardonnay (not too oaky) and 2009 Pinot Noir. Give them a call or shoot them an email and make sure you stop and visit this place. A "Hidden Gem of Napa Valley"!

CaliPaso Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Experience CaliPaso Winery located on California’s Central Coast. CaliPaso is perfect for private events such as weddings or corporate retreats. Amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of Paso Robles, the elegant architecture, soothing colors and attention to detail appeal to the most discriminating tastes will provide a stunning atmosphere for your event. The winery overlooks acres of picturesque hills and vineyards providing a dreamy background to your event.

 

Husic Vineyards

wine pouring and swirling in the glass

On a hillside overlooking Stags Leap District of Napa Valley in 1997, the Husic Family set out to realize a lifelong dream. Moving endless rocks and sculpting narrow terraces that cling to the mountain's edge, we planted three small vineyards which peacefully coexist with the region's wildlife. These rugged, rocky growing conditions, combined with careful farming methods, have yielded a limited amount of magnificent fruit.

Santa Barbara Winery

cheese and crackers with wine

This is a cute little tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara if you don't want to make the trek up to Los Olivos, or just want to stop by for another tasting. Tastings are $10. Friendly, attentive staff. Great wines and a shop filled with olive oils, they had olive oil tasting there, cheese boards, wine-infused chocolates and tons of things that would be great to accompany a wine party.

Whitehall Lane Winery

wine in decanter with wine glasses overlooking vineyard

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.

Donum Estates

grape vine with ripe grape clusters

Donum Estates' guided wine tasting options offer an immersive experience that blends wine, land, and art. Guests explore some of California's finest award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while enjoying the natural beauty of the terroir and the global art collection throughout the Estate.

Each tasting is carefully curated with thoughtfully sourced materials, including hand-blown glassware, ceramic plates crafted from Estate clay, and canapés made with produce from the culinary garden and olive oil from the olive grove.

Visitors are invited to experience the Donum Estate's signature Carneros property, situated between Napa and Sonoma Counties. This 60-minute experience begins with a splash of one of Donum's award-winning wines, followed by a tasting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the certified organic Carneros Estate Vineyard. The tasting is complemented by a guided walking tour of the Estate.

Fotinos Vineyard

man pouring wine

A FAMILY LEGACY - 50 YEARS STRONG


For over half a century, the George Fotinos family has lovingly tended to Pinot Noir grapes in Napa's Carneros region, where the climate is perfect for this delicate varietal.  With sustainable practices and rainwater irrigation, their commitment to quality has never wavered. Today, the family carries on this legacy, crafting exceptional wines that celebrate over five decades of dedication. 

“Distinctively Carneros elegant wine with aromas of raspberries, dried cherries, fresh herbs and light touch of toasty oak.  The fruit flavors are integrated with spice notes, balanced acidity, a silky mouthfeel and a long pleasant finish.”  

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