Red Meritage

Red Meritage

Krupp Brothers Estates

Krupp Brothers Estate is a sprawling collection of over 600,000 vines planted on over 1300 acres...and growing! This winery is located 6 miles in at the end of Soda Canyon Road off of the southern part of Silverado Trail. It is a partnership between Dr. Jan Krupp and his brother as well as ownership coming from a Gordon Getty trust as well as other investors. Jan told us that he loves growing things; after growing up New Jersey he left for California for his medical shool and was exposed to California's long growing seasons; as a result he never left the "golden state". The vineyard land was originally cleared for planting in the early 90's.

Wente Vineyards

Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf.

Au Bon Climat Winery

Jim Clendenen graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with High Honors in Pre-Law in 1976. It was during his "junior year abroad" in 1974, while turning 21 in France, that he discovered life beyond tacos.In 1982, Clendenen decided, along with now ex-partner Adam Tolmach, to start his own winery in leased quarters. Au Bon Climat (which means "a well exposed vineyard") has grown over its history to over 30,000 cases through careful re-investment from its own production.

Chronic Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

The legend of Chronic Cellars dates back to 2004 when our founders, Josh, and Jake Beckett, combined their winemaking skills with their wit and humor to turn an idea into reality using two tons of the best – or ‘chronic’ – grapes to make killer wine. Ever since then, Chronic Cellars has been fully committed to making seriously good wine for people looking for a little dose of adventure. Our disruptive style is matched only by the killer quality of our wines, made with character to match our clever and playful labels.
 

Bridlewood Winery

Bridlewood Winery sits picturesque 105-acre estate rests on a high bench of ancient seabed, facing Pacific breezes that meander through the Santa Ynez Mountains to the South and the Purisma Hills and San Raphael Mountains to the north. The mountains run east-west, allowing the fog to roll in from the Pacific Oceam, which slows the ripening process and paves the way for a long growing season. With more time to mature and develop, the grapes develop a crisp balance between acid and sugar.

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 

Orin Swift Vineyards

I'm writing this review based on their "unofficial" tasting room that's upstairs in their main office. I know a "real" tasting room will soon open down on the main street, and I'm not sure how much the atmosphere is going to change but if you get a chance to make an appointment at their super secret tasting, do it now!

In the low-key tasting experience, you'll get to sit around a small table with a few other die-hard Orin Swift groupies and taste their entire library of wines! You'll have a friendly, knowledgable guide tell you stories about each wine, the label, the history and more. The tasting is complimentary and there's no pressure to buy any wine, though the direct prices are good and you'll find wines that are hard to get anywhere else.
The tasting is friendly, fun, leisurely, well-paced, and you get the feeling of being a true winery VIP since it's by appointment only. It's also one of the only places in town where, after the tasting, you'll be asked if there's any wine you'd like to revisit. This is SUCH a nice touch and is very appreciated. I love this tasting experience and I love their wine. It's a must-stop in Napa.

Clos Du Val Wine Co.

Tasting Room & Picnic Grounds: Clos Du Val boasts one of the most friendly, down-to-earth winery experiences in Napa Valley brought to you in an incomparably beautiful setting. Clos Du Val offers everything from a casual tasting at their tasting bar, to formal tours and tastings with the winemaker, to large group wine tasting and blending seminars. Beautifully manicured grounds provide the perfect setting for romantic interludes or picnics with family and friends.

Pages

Subscribe to Red Meritage