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Napa
Valley Winery Reviews |
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WINERY REVIEW KEY
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All H.
Montanile™ reviews are on a scale of
"1" to "12" bottles.
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highest rating is "12" = |
"BUY
A CASE" |
| A
rating of 9 and above = |
Excellent |
| 8
to 9 = |
Very
Good |
| 6
to 8 = |
Good
to Average |
| 5
to 6 = |
Average |
| 5
and below = |
Poor
to Fair |
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The Wine is rated on its appearance, bouquet and taste.
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| The
Ambiance (experience) reflects
the physical environment of the tasting room and the knowledge and courtesy of the
staff. |
| The
Winery Review is a reflection of its individual characteristics and
the physical aesthetic qualities of the winery and it's grounds. |
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The ratings reflect wines available only for tasting, not those
wines available for sale at the winery or your local retailer. The
wines available for tasting obviously change
with each vintage. |
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The art of wine tasting is a unique experience and ultimately subjective. We at
H.
Montanile™ hope
to guide you through a wonderful and delicious
experience in Napa and Sonoma.
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- Picnicking
is permitted at these wineries. |
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- Grape Note. |
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BEAULIEU
VINEYARD 1960 St. Helena
Highway (Hwy 29), Rutherford, 707.967.5230 HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-5:00 Tours: 11:00-4:00 daily
Tasting Fee: Georges Latour Reserve room only
($18.00)
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BEAULIEU is
pronounced "bale" "u". Skip the regular tasting
room and head straight for the reserve room. The wines are
spectacular. |
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| 10 |
WINE: |
The Latour Reserve room offers an array
of Vintages. These classic vintages are also for sale. All of these fine
wines, in keeping with the Georges Latour tradition, are the standard by
which all other cabs are measured.
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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The tasting room is simple and elegant.
The staff walks you through your tasting, offering insights into each one
of these fabulous wines. |
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8
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WINERY:
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Several small rustic and brick buildings
adorn these quaint grounds. Take the tour and enjoy. |
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BERINGER 2000
Main Street (Hwy 29), St. Helena 707.963.4813 HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-6:00
Tasting Fee: for reserve tasting Tours:
10:00-5:00 daily
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| 9 |
WINE: |
Beringer produces a full array of
wines. All are consistently good. The reserve Cabernet is a knockout. Reserves are poured
for a fee in the upstairs of the Rhine house. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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Perfectly suited for a
delightful afternoon of wine tasting. The staff is both knowledgeable and friendly. |
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12
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WINERY:
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Flowered gardens decorate one of
the more historic wineries of the valley. The Rhine house, which was constructed in the
latter half of the 19th century, epitomizes the elegance of this winery. Tours through the
original aging cellars should not be missed. Sniff, sip, sit and enjoy! |
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CAIN
VINEYARD & WINERY 3800 Langtry Road St., Helena
707.963.1616 HOURS: Tastings & Tours: given Thursday -
Saturday and by appointment only. Tasting fee: None
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| 9.5 |
WINE: |
The Cain Musque (white) is partially malolactic
fermented with a floral bouquet. The 1997 Cain Cuvee is loaded with
tannins and is billed as a Bistro wine. The 1996 Cain Concept, currently
the only estate bottled wine, is a delicious wine, which was a little
tight still with tannins yet, not overwhelming. The
1996 Cain Five is an excellent Bordeaux styled wine with firm tannins with
years to age, the true star of the Cain family. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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You are greeted by a warm and friendly staff
that will take you on an informative tour of Cain's fabulous winery with a
tasting that follows in a delightful room around a large wooden table. |
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12
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WINERY:
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A fabulous drive along
Spring Mountain high on top of a ridge sits Cain. The magnificent views
are absolutely breathtaking and worth the journey, a twenty five-minute
ride from the town of St. Helena and an absolute must. Take your camera
and enjoy. |
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CAKEBREAD
8300 St. Helena Way (Hwy 29), Rutherford 707.963.5221 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:00-4:30 Tasting Fee: $3.00 for non-vintners/$5.00 for vintners/etched
glass included with both Tours: by appointment.
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| 9.5 |
WINE: |
Consistently good wines are poured from this
vineyard. The fragrant sauvignon Blanc is a winner. The cabernet is one of
the finest and an excellent edition to your cellar. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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Intimate tasting rooms with a sophisticated
and friendly staff. |
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8
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WINERY:
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Beautiful flowers
welcome you to this charming new winery, opened in 1996. Parking is
limited so arrive early. |
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CAYMUS 8700 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford 707.967.HOURS:
Tasting: 10:00-3:00 on the hour by appointment - no fee Tours:
none
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CAYMUS' has been the recipient of the unparalleled award winning reputation
by WINE SPECTATOR. |
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| 11 |
WINE: |
Tasting includes CAYMUS' white selection
including the delicious Conundrum, which is only sold at the vineyard. Although, the
Special Select Cabernet will no longer be poured,
Caymus'
cabernets are stellar. Buy when released, as Caymus will sell it's entire stock and
cellars nothing. First come, first served. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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Simple yet elegant.
Tastings are offered in small groups (by appointment only), in a lovely
room seated around a large wooden table. The sommelier educates you
about Caymus and the wines during the relaxing and delightful tasting. |
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8.5
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WINERY:
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Off the beaten path situated amidst the Cabernet Sauvignon
vines of the valley somewhere between Hwy 29 and the Silverado Trail sits this hidden
beauty. |
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CHATEAU
MONTELENA 1429 Tubbs lane, Calistoga 707.942.5105
HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-4:00 Tours: by
appointment.
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Do not arrive too close to the end of tasting time or you may not
be well received. |
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11
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WINE: |
A winner of the Paris tasting in 1976, Chateau
Montalena took the world by storm with its 1973 Chardonnay. While the selection varies,
usually 3 wines are poured. The cabernets are generally of an older vintage while the rest
are current. All are exceptional. |
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8
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AMBIANCE:
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Here you will find a serious wine taster's winery with a
serious staff. Go early. |
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11
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WINERY:
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After tasting the wines, be sure to walk the grounds where
you will see a building reminiscent of a French castle. Follow the garden to the pond. It is truly spectacular. |
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| CHIMNEY ROCK
5350 Silverado Trail, Yountville 707.257.2641 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tasting Fee: $3.00 Tours: by appointment
fee: $5.00. |
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7
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WINE: |
Situated in the Stag's Leap District, well known for its cabernet sauvignons, appears to have influenced this
winery's recent focus on cabs rather than it's longstanding mainstay of a variety of
whites. |
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9
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AMBIANCE:
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A pleasant high ceiling
tasting room greets you warmly as does the staff. |
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9.5
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WINERY:
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Stucco stonewalls flank the
entrance to the vineyard. The long driveway leads you through the vineyards to the tasting
room set at the foot of the mountain. Truly a gem. |
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CLOS PEGASE
1060
Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga 707.259.2200 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tours: 11:00 & 2:00/art collection.
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12
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WINE: |
BUY A CASE! Outstanding! Forget the past. Clos
Pegase has arrived. The reds: fruity, smooth, delicate, and elegant with a firm hint of tannins at
the end. Drink now or cellar and enjoy later! |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the wines and
is not shy to recommend their own personal favorites. You will feel at home in this
vineyard's tasting room. |
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12
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WINERY:
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The grand yet austere facade hides the opulent art
collection decorating the winery. The open air gardens in the center are inviting and lead
you to the magnificently appointed tasting room where the large casks of wine can be
viewed through a sheer glass wall. Taste the wine and experience Clos Pegase culture. Do
visit the underground caves. |
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| COSENTINO
7415 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29), Yountville
707.944.1220 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:30 daily Summer till 5:00 Tours: none
Tasting Fee: $3.00 |
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7
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WINE: |
The
red is a Bordeaux blend that is fruity and has a tannic finish. The Cigar
Zinfandel has become one of Napa's more popular wines with its ripe fruit
and spicy finish. |
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9
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AMBIANCE:
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A
long tasting bar and friendly staff make for a pleasant visit. |
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8
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WINERY:
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A modern winery with modest grounds right off of Highway 29 and next door
to the famous Mustards Grill. |
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CUVAISON 4550 Silverado Trail, Calistoga 707.942.6266
HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-5:00 Tours:
by appointment.
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9.5
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WINE: |
From Cuvaison's Chardonnay to it's fabulous
cabernet and magnificent merlot your palette will welcome the splendor of each.
The Eris Vineyard Pinot Noir is outstanding. These
wines are stunning. The Carneros vineyard grapes should not be missed. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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If your grandparents owned a vineyard, this would
be it. Warmth and hospitality permeate the tasting room. Although sometimes busy, an
attentive staff makes you feel at home. |
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10
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WINERY:
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A split front door welcomes you while the grounds
feel like you are on vacation at your very own B & B. |
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DOMAIN
CARNEROS Duhig Road
off Highway 12/121(5 miles West of Napa) 707.257.0101
HOURS: Tasting: Mon-Thurs
10:30-6:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-3:00 Tours:
11:00,1:00 & 3:00 daily
Tasting Fee: By the glass (Finger foods)
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10.5
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WINE: |
Bubblie, Bubblie, Bubblie! Aside from their recent release of an excellent Pinot
Noir this house is dedicated to producing sparkling wines. All of the
wines are fresh and delicious especially Domaine Carneros' La Reve.
Indulge. A variety, you may order a bottle, sit, sip, relax and enjoy. |
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11.5
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AMBIANCE:
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A spectacular "cafe" like atmosphere
awaits you at this tasting room with a wait staff that attends to your
every tasting need including delicious edibles. |
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11
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WINERY:
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Styled
after a French chateau perched a top a hill overlooking its' vineyards
this winery is a delight for the senses. The tasting room is simple yet,
elegantly appointed with high ceilings, a fireplace and beautiful views. |
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DOMAIN
CHANDON California
Drive (off Hwy 29), Yountville 707.944.2280 HOURS:
Tasting:
11:00 - 6:00 daily hours vary in the winter. Tours: 11:00
- 5:00 on the hour daily. Tasting Fee: Sold by the
glass, so prices vary.
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A Fabulous
place for lunch, dinner or just a bottle of bubbly on the patio.
The wine list is outstanding & extensive. |
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11
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WINE: |
Domain
Chandon offers a wide array of sparkling wines, Chandon brings pleasure to
all of your senses. From the Roses to the Bruts Chandon is heaven for
sparkling wines lovers. The Etoile is Chandon's pricey classic and is well
worth every sip. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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Charm
and elegance is the order of the day at Domain Chadon. Sit at a patio
table on a sunny day and order by the bottle or glass. Taste fine
sparkling wines over a gourmet lunch or please your palette at the tasting
bar. The staff is as sophisticated as the wines and will treat you like
royalty. |
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12
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WINERY:
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Nestled
into the countryside this contemporary structure is surrounded by gardens
and vineyards. You'll feel as if you have arrived at a very fine country French
restaurant. |
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FORMAN VINEYARDS St. Helena
707.963.0234
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FRANCISCAN 1178
Galleron road @ Hwy 29, Rutherford 707.963.7111 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tasting Fee: $3.00 Tours: none
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8
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WINE: |
Represented by four
labels: Franciscan, Mt. Vedeer, Pinnacles and Estancia. A solid showing across the board.
The Mt. Veeder label stands a bottle above the others. |
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8
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AMBIANCE:
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Friendly and
informative. |
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7.5
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WINERY:
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The tasting room and gift
shop are one. One might wish for more gardens and typical vineyard scenery. |
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| FREEMARK ABBEY 3022
St. Helena Way (Hwy 29), St. Helena 707.963.9694 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tasting Fee: $3.00 Tours: 2:00 daily |
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9
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WINE: |
It's premiere is the sweet
dessert wine Edelwein Gold, a Johannesburg Riesling. But don't overlook their cabernet, as
it is once again a shinning star of the vineyard. |
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9
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AMBIANCE:
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A brief wine education
can be found here by the friendly staff. |
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7.5
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WINERY:
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A turn of the century stone
structure invites you into the comfortable tasting room. |
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FROG'S
LEAP 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford 707.963.4704 HOURS:
Tasting & Tours: given Monday-Friday
9:00-4:00 by appointment only.
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9.5
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WINE: |
Frog's zinfandels are stellar and their sauvignon
blanc is their shining star. All of Frog's Leap's Wines are delicious. This vineyard is a
must for any wine lover. |
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12
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AMBIANCE:
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By appointment only unless you happen upon a fair-haired
maiden who will invite you in for wine and the fruit that grows in the vineyard. Don't
chance it-make a date with Alice in the wonderland of the gardens and vineyards known as
Frog's Leap. |
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11
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WINERY:
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Nestled
into the countryside this contemporary structure is surrounded by gardens
and vineyards. You'll feel as if you have stumbled into a country home. |
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| GRGICH HILLS CELLARS 1829
St. Helena Way, Rutherford 707.963.2784 HOURS:
Tasting:
9:30-4:30 Tasting Fee: $3.00 (includes etched glass) Tours: by appointment |
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10.5
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WINE: |
Although very well known for
their outstanding chardonnay, their cabs age extremely well. Tannins don't overwhelm even
the young cabs, which are consistently extraordinary. Mike Grgich is also well known
for producing Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay, which won the Paris tasting in 1976. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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Delightful. Modest yet
charming. The staff greets you and spends time discussing each wine during
the tasting. |
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9
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WINERY:
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While the exterior is
simple, immediately stepping inside you are enveloped with the aromas of wine and the oak
casks, which hold the delightful nectar. The casking room is adjacent to and
visible from the tasting room. Take the tour. |
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GROTH
750 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville 707.944.0290 HOURS:
Tasting: Monday-Saturday 10:00-4:00 Tasting Fee: $5:00 which will be
deducted from purchase) Tours: 11:00 & 2:00 Sunday Friday all by
appointment. Call or you will be disappointed.
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10
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WINE: |
Less is most certainly more. The focus
here is on a handful of premiere Wines; fume blanc, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.
Don't miss a one. The cabernet is fruitful yet subtle to the palette absorbing gently and
elegantly. Buy what you can. Often the premier cabernet is limited to one bottle per
visit. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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A friendly sophisticated staff sits back and allows you
to educate and enjoy yourself while sipping on Groth's finest. Don't be afraid to ask
questions or engage in conversation because the staff is as fine as the wine. Maybe they
will even invite you for lunch. |
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11
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WINERY:
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The GROTH WINERY stands regally, set back from the road.
The interior is understated and elegant. Take your wine out to the patio overlooking the
lush romantic garden. A fine affair in all respects. |
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HEITZ 436
St.Helena Hwy (Hwy 29), St. Helena 707.963.3542 HOURS:
Tasting:
11:00-4:30 Tours: are given at 500 Taplin road Monday Friday 2:00
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10
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WINE: |
A wine to be cellared.
Lay Heitz' reds down in your cellar and allow the tannins to work. As the
wines in the
tasting room are often young and vibrant, age brings about a smooth velvety mature wine to
be savored. |
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8
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AMBIANCE:
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Plain and
gracious. Often only two wines are poured. It's quality not quantity. |
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7.5
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WINERY:
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A simple structure with a
small pouring room is the home to a very big wine. If you are serious about wines not
extravagance, visit this winery. |
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THE
HESS COLLECTION 4411 Redwood Road
(approximately 8 miles West of Hwy 29), Napa 707.255.1144 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:00-4:00 daily Tours: self guided Tasting Fee:
$3.00
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The drive to
the Hess Collection is off the beaten path; the art collection is
well worth the trip. |
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8
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WINE: |
The chardonnay and cab are the standouts. The
chardonnay has a strong, classis
oaky flavor while the cabernet has the intensity and depth of the mountain
soil from which it comes. The zin is also delicious. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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Fine art and fine wine make this truly an extraordinary experience. It's
more than wine, it's culture. |
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11
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WINERY:
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This old ivy covered structure is the classic style winery. The grounds
are beautifully manicured and adorned with magnificent flowers. Inside is
a gift and wine shop, a high ceiling and stone tasting room with several
floors of art work. Plan to take your time when visitng. |
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MERRYVALE 1000 Main Street, St. Helena
707.963.7777 HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-5:30
Tasting Fee: $5.00 Tours: none
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9
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WINE: |
Fine wines, particularly their chardonnay and
sauvignon blanc. The profile, a red blend, is the vineyard star. A
tremendous, elegant wine. Merryvale's Antigua, a vermouth, will not disappoint. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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Great! It's an open warm invitation to sip
great wine. You will want to stay for dinner and dine
in the fabulously elegant dining room which is only reserved for intimate affairs. |
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9
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WINERY:
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The warmth of the
interior melts away the stoic exterior. Go inside, sip the wine and enjoy. |
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If not offered for tasting, you may want to splurge and
buy a bottle of the profile series red. It's outstanding! |
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ROBERT
MONDAVI WINERY 7801 St. Helena
Highway (Hwy 29), Oakville 800-MONDAVI HOURS: Tastings: 10:00 - 5:00
Tours: On the hour, reservations are highly recommended. Tasting
Fee: None with the tour except the reserve wines. Tour fee: $10.00
per person.
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A fabulous tour not to be missed!
Visit the Art Gallery and gift shop before you leave |
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10
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WINE: |
The Pinot Noir was absolutely delicious and
elegant. The 1996 Zinfandel was a delightful surprise with lots of
blackberry and spice, a very jammy and full-bodied wine. The 1996 Reserve
Cabernet is styled along the line of traditional cab; Full bodied, deep
and rich with complex berry flavors with firm but not overwhelming tannins
and long lustrous finish, a truly fine wine. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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An exceptional staff greets you at the Robert
Mondavi Winery. Your tour guide will delight in answering all of your
questions as you stroll through the winery and learn of it's history and
of Robert Mondavi's life long quest to preserve the environment. |
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11
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WINERY:
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Lush manicured lawns
and gardens await you at this Spanish Mission like winery. |
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| MUMM NAPA
VALLEY
8845 Silverado Trail, Rutherford 707.942.3434 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tasting Fee: by the flute or 1/2 flute Tours: 11:00-3:00 on
the hour
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10
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WINE: |
This is a sparkling winery,
no pun intended. If you like sparking wine or her French sister, champagne,
Mumm is a
must. The tasting is plentiful. Blanc de blanc, blanc de Noir and brut are all excellent.
You won't go home empty-handed, nor should you. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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Wait to be seated
by the charming staff in a tasting room that looks more like a cafe. Indoors or outdoors, whatever is your pleasure. You will sip and
relax overlooking the splendor of the mumm vineyard. |
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10
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WINERY:
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The French owned winery offers the best of both worlds. If heaven were a sparkling
wine vineyard then you will have arrived. |
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| NAPA WINE COMPANY 1133
Oakville Cross Road, Oakville 707.944.1710 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:30-3:30 Tasting Fee: $3.00 by appointment Tours: none
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N/A
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WINE: |
The wide variety of labels
poured here make it an unfair proposition to rate. There many fine wines, including
the excellent Pahlmeyer. Be sure to taste the bold and
spicy Fife Zinfandel, a winner. This is a must as the wine offerings are
unparrralled. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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This facility is located
just off of Hwy 29 along side railroad tracks that are no longer in use. The tasting room is
light and airy. The pourer's come with a sense of humor, which makes their wine expertise
less intimidating. Come here to discover the variety of reserve and dessert wines as well. |
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N/A
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WINERY:
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As this is a storing and
crushing facility for many wines it does not fit into the winery category. |
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NEWTON VINEYARD 2555
Madrona Avenue, St. Helena 707.963.9000 Tasting & Tours: by
appointment only and only on Fridays at 11:00. Tasting fee: none
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