A Napa Valley rarity, they have free tastings here. I went all the way to Anderson Valley and most of those places still charge $5. And it's not like Heitz is pouring low-priced wine. I tasted an $80 cab that was four years out of vintage which was a joy to drink. They also sell a decades worth of library vintages from both Trailside and Martha's Vineyards. If $75 to $150 cabs are too much, then pick-up a balanced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for $20.
Helena View Johnston Vineyards is located on Highway 128 just five minutes north of Calistoga in the eye of Mt. St. Helena in a fertile area noted for producing exceptional red wines. Helena View specializes in bordeaux style reds, namely Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The winery is open for special events and tours by prior arrangement during the week and by appointment Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. Picnic facilities are available and include a covered redwood gazebo and a tree shaded deck overlooking vineyards.
This place was recommended by the tasting room where we were unable to have a picnic. I was so very glad that I had discovered it!! Tasting fee is $8. The wines were really good. The pourer was very friendly and knowledgeable. The tasting room was cozy and inviting with some olive oil and Meyer lemon marmalade samples. This place is also like an art gallery inside out. The picnic area in the fenced garden setting was very comfortable and we also enjoyed many interesting looking art objects. We were informed that this place is the first one of the series of wineries in the area
Located in Plymouth, California, Helwig Winery offers guests a multitude of wine-tasting experiences in a setting that cannot be beaten. With the winery's sweeping vistas overlooking lush vineyards, breathtaking views of the Sierra and Coastal mountains, and sunsets that will take your breath away, we are confident your experience will be a memorable one. If you are going to visit Amador County Wineries be sure to put Helwig WInery on the list. Tell winemaker Scott Helwig we suggested his wines and winery.
Reservations are a must! Call a couple of weeks ahead of time, so you get the day and time slot you want. They only have two time slots, either 10am or 2pm. The wine tour and tasting runs about three hours (half tour, half tasting), but it's totally worth it! The winery grounds are gorgeous. Great scenic views. The tour and tasting combo is $40, but it's waived if you buy an equivalent amount of wine. Sweet! Their bottles range from about $25 to $50 depending on what you get.
Jennifer & Herb Lamb developed a 7 acre hillside vineyard at the base of Howell Mountain in 1987, and planted it to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1988. The fruit from their vineyard became widely sought after for premium wine, leading them to start their own brand in 1997 with only 50 cases of wine, the HL Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard has been completely re-planted and is now the sole source of the growing HL Vineyards wines. There are also two "Companion Labels", Two Old Dogs Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the estate vineyard and Two Old Dogs Sauvignon Blanc from Yountville.
One of the unique aspects of Heritage Oak Winery is that our customers are always invited to enjoy this beautiful piece of land we live on. To make this possible we have developed a hiking trail down to a secluded beach along the Mokelumne River where you can enjoy a quiet picnic.
The folks at Heron Wines don't own any vineyards. This allows them to spend their money where it matters (on exceptional grapes and barrels, not mortgages). By establishing both short and long-term contracts with our growers, we have the benefits of consistency and flexibility. They are picky about the vineyard locations and adamant that they are managed by people as passionate about quality as the people at Heron Wines are. Whenever possible, they work with vineyards that are certified or managed organically, biodynamically, or at the very least, sustainably.
Most of their vineyards are dry-farmed and Heron Wines generally prefers old vines, higher elevation, and marine influence with moderate climates, allowing for slower maturation of intensely flavorful grapes.
Situated in the rolling hills of eastern Napa Valley, Hestan Vineyards is a 56-acre tapestry of small, individually farmed blocks, planted to the five principle red Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
The vineyard is named for owners Stanley and Helen Cheng, who purchased the property in 1996. Cheng is CEO of Meyer Corporation, the world’s second largest cookware company with brands including Anolon, Circulon, KitchenAid and Faberware.
In 2005, the Chengs released their first wines from the property, the 2002 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon; both made by consulting winemaker Mark Herold. The wines were a critical success and were followed in 2008 by the launch of Stephanie, a line of red Bordeaux blends made by consulting winemaker Jeff Gaffner.
Hewitt Vineyard does not have its own tasting room, however our wines are available for tasting by appointment at Provenance Vineyards in Rutherford, California.
The Hewitt tasting is a vertical of three vintages for $30.00; complimentary for our wine club members. In addition, club members receive discounts on purchases, exclusive sales, access to older vintages and complimentary admission to all Hewitt Vineyard Wine Club events.