When you see the sign that says you have arrived at Old Edna, you are at Sextant's tasting room. A two-story tin building made to look old, they have charming grounds that are as fun for the kids as it is for the adults. Outside there is a pen of bantering goats, a fearless hen, old wood shanties, a tree house, picket fences, picnic tables, grass, and plenty of shade to sit and eat. They offer a limited menu of simple food inside and, of course, wine and a few other bottled beverages. The old time charm and novelty is certainly a draw. The tasting room is quite inviting and set up for countertop tastings or more casual small group seatings for eating and drinking, indoors and out.

Tobin James Cellars is not your traditional estate with vineyards, but definitely a fun winery to visit and often the place to stop by many that are escaping the heat of the Central Valley. If you are even slightly intimidated about your knowledge of wines, come here - they will put you at ease!  The staff really wants to talk about things other than tannins, oak, and other terms so common in wine articles.  If you are serious about your wine, the owners - Jobin James, Lance and Claire Silver - are completely open and passionate about the wines they make. But if you are a "grape-nut" like me who would like to have fun while tasting great wines without being judged by condescending staff members - this is the place to be.  It is a pleasure to have this sterling place in our wine directory.*

Hours:

Daily - 10:00AM to 6:00PM

Wine and horses, it just doesn't get any better! One feels immediately at home with the owners; Jim & Susan who have made Rust Ridge a World Class Winery, Bed and Breakfast hosting travelers from around the world, and they manage to raise & train first rate Thoroughbreds as well!

The grapevines were planted in the mid-1970s with a variety of varietals, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. The winery was established by Susan’s brothers in 1985 and is situated in a renovated cattle barn. Winemaker Susan Meyer and her husband, Jim Fresquez, assumed control of the operation in 1990.

For over 21 years, the legendary winemaker Kent Rosenblum collaborated with Susan to craft the estate-bottled wines produced by RustRidge. The vineyard practices organic cultivation and dry farming. Susan uses the estate's grapes to produce RustRidge’s range of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

The distinctive microclimate of the Chiles Valley, located about 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor, plays a crucial role in the character of RustRidge wines. The daytime climate in this region is comparable to that of the Oakville and Rutherford areas; however, nighttime temperatures are several degrees cooler. This cooler nighttime temperature and higher elevation delay bud-break, which occurs two to three weeks later than in the rest of Napa Valley. Consequently, the grapes are harvested later than those from most other Napa Valley vineyards, contributing to the unique flavor and quality of the wines. The red wines are characterized by notes of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, while the white wines exhibit distinct flavors and aromas of green apple, ripe pear, pineapple, and citrus.

Everyone working there was extremely friendly and generous with the servings. The tasting room has an open layout with a decent-sized counter and several tables. The tasting room is warm and inviting with a rustic feel. Barrels line the walls and serve as the base of the tables.  Ancient Zinfandel - Courtesy Randy Caparoso