Stewart Cellars was founded in 2000 by Michael and Anne Stewart of Houston, Texas. Michael founded Texas MicroSystems which he left in 1999 after merging the company with the Radisys Corporation. In 2000, the Stewarts bought a majority interest in Juliana Vineyards, a 3,400-acre property in the Pope Valley area of the Napa Valley. The winery focuses on Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Founded more than a decade ago on a passion for fly-fishing and fine wine, StoneFly Vineyards produces extraordinary Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc from premier Napa Valley appellations. Stonefly Vineyard is committed to being thoughtful stewards of the land and their mission to tie fly-fishing and fine wines.
We stopped by Stonehedge at the end of our day. Lois (aka "Red") was AWESOME. We walked in, asking her if it would be OK if our dog came in. We had a great conversation with her and another couple who brought cheese to pair with the wine, while our dog sniffed around, living it up as each person he approached gave him praised and lots of love.
This small, out-of-the-way winery, owned and run by a husband-and-wife team, specializes in (of all things!) white wines in Napa Valley, and they do a great job of it. There is a distinct nostalgic charm to Stony Hill. From the wonderful tour and tasting offered by Willinda, to the lovely, intimate setting and the purity of the wines, this winery offers an experience that cannot be found in most Napa Valley wineries. It is a reminder of the old days when tradition, culture, family and commitment meant more than chasing wine rating scores or optimizing profits.
Storybook Mountain was originally founded by Jacob Grim, as a reference to the Grimm fairy tales. Finding the black wrought iron gate and stepping into this winery on a misty, gray day was very akin to what I can only imagine as stepping into a fairy tale. But a fairy tale finishing with the aroma of a 97 point Zin type of ending, not a Grimm ending.
Storybook Mountain's sought-after estate wines are carefully hand-crafted from choice grapes grown in certified organic estate vineyards surrounding the winery. A winery out in the thick of a California redwood forest, and also the makers of the world's first 97pt Zin. If you suspect that this means they are serious wine makers, you're absolutely right. Storybook has a rich history and blue collar vibe. It's totally worth going!
Most wineries can take great estate grapes from Napa and make wonderfully expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. Very few will offer you the same quality of estate grapes for less than half the price. Stratton Lummis makes only two wines. Its Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the heart of the Napa Valley's best grape estates. Its un-oaked Chardonnay comes from the heart of Carneros where it captures flavors and depth missing in other non-oaked wines. It has been a long time since you tasted California Chardonnay like this.
What a fantastic wine tasting experience. We were taken inside Mrs. Sullivan's home for a tasting at the table overlooking her lawn and pond, with a fire crackling away. The people were fantastic. By appointment only. Incredible wine, try the Merlot, if you don't think you like Merlot. You'll leave with a bottle.
When we entered, the tasting room was empty, but it quickly filled up. The wines here are excellent. I knew I wanted to buy a bottle or two, but it was very hard to choose. However, I just had to get a bottle of their charbono. Charbono - Dark inky color, blackberry profile, clean acidiity and bright fruit
Merlot - Sweet and soft fruit richness (cherry, currant and mocha), slight smoky oak with smooth tannins
Zinfandel - Nice flavor that finishes quick but hits with a raspberry, cherry flavor with notes of brown sugar and baking spices
The views, 1800 era house, warm extended family conducting the tastings, the farm animals welcoming visitors, the fabulous zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.... sitting in a hammock, with a glass of excellent wine, peacefully taking in the view, serenity, and ambiance of Howell Mountain... what more could you ask for?
Surh Luchtel wines are something special, they are some of the best I found in Napa/Sonoma valley.
Don Surh was a very gracoius host and evey wine that was poured we found amazing. I can't say we have a favorite wine because they were all amazing. Surh Luchtel Cellars specializes in making small batches of age-worthy wines of character.