V. Madrone:3199 St. Helena Highway N.St. Helena 877.994.6311www.vmadrone.comHrs: by appointmentTF: PIEWines: Cab Sauv, Petite Sirah. Notes: Only very recently opened to the public, charming with great wines. V. Sattui Winery: 1111 White Ln.St. Helena 707.963.7774www.vsattui.comHrs: 9-69-5 in WinterTF: $-$$Wines: A wide collection of wines. Notes: NapaValley's most visited winery thanks to the best deli surrounded with picnic tables, a great gift shop & busy tasting room. To picnic you have to buy the food there, but at least you can buy a bottle of wine to go with it. A popular limo stop.
Valley of the Moon Winery: 777 Madrone Rd.Glen Ellen 707.939-4500www.valleyofthemoonwinery.comHrs: 10-4:30Tours at 10:30 & 2TF: $$Wines: Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Syrah, Zin, Old Vine Zin, Petite Sirah, Cuvee de la Luna, Sparklers, Vintage Port.Notes: This is a big, rambling winery with a friendly staff & good wines, not far from the Plaza. They also have a nice gift section.
Van Der Heyden Vineyards: 4057 Silverado TrailNapa 707.257.130www.vanderheydenvineyards.comHrs: 10-6TF: $$Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Chard. Notes: A small, charming winery that sits at the base of the Silverado Trail. It is unique and friendly and always worth a visit. They also make some good wine.
Vérité: 4611 Thomas Rd.Healdsburg(Southern AlexanderValley) 707.433.9000www.veritewines.comHrs: 10-5 by appointment closed SundayTF: $$$ Wines: Bordeaux style blends. Notes: Archipel wines are also tasted here. It is a premium sit-down tasting of high-quality wines. Viader: 1120 Deer Park RoadDeer Park(Northern Napa) (707) 963-3816www.viader.comHrs: 10-4:30 by appointmentTF: $$$$Wines: Bordeaux style blends. Syrah, Tempranillo. Notes: This is a very respected, family-run winery that sits on the slopes below HowellMountain. The wines are very good and they do a great tasting, as well as dining & food pairings by appointment.
Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace: 25200 Arnold Dr.Sonoma(Carneros) 707.935.5738www.viansa.comHrs: 10-5TF: $-$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Chard, Barbera, Merlot, Nebbiolo Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Aleatico, Primitivo, Vernaccia, Pinot Grigio, Tocai, Cab Franc, Arneis, Rosato, Aleatico, Sweet Wines, Blends. Notes: This is one of the first wineries that you see as you approach Sonoma from the South. It was started by members of the Sebastiani family, and designed as an Italian villa, complete with terraced vines, olive trees, tiles and of course, Italian varietals like Vernaccia and Pinot Grigio. The Pinot Grigio vines were some of the first to be planted in Carneros. They have a Deli/Market & picnic tables with views of Carneros. The gift shop has a multitude of food samples, and there are two tasting bars, so it is rare that you can't find a spot for a tasting. The wines are consistently good, but if this is your first stop, don't overdo it, there are lots of other wineries to enjoy. Vincent Arroyo Winery: 2361 Greenwood Ave.Calistoga 707.942.6995www.vincentarroyo.comHrs: 10-4 appointmentTF: $ Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Chard, Sangiovese, Port, Blends. Notes: A friendly family-run winery just above the town of Calistoga. The tasting bar is elementary, the dogs are friendly, the wines are good and the grapes come from walking distance.
Vine Cliff Winery: 7400 Silverado TrailYountville 707.944.1364www.vinecliff.comHrs: 10-5by appointmentTF: $$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Chard, MerlotNotes: A jewel of a winery in its own canyon on the Silverado Trail just North of the Yountville Cross Rd. Beautiful gardens and caves. Good tour, great staff and excellent wines. Last minute appointments.
Vineyard 29: 2929 Highway 29 N.St. Helena 707.963.9292www.vineyard29.comHrs: by appointmentTue-Sat up to 6 guests. TF: $$$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Sauv Blanc, Zin, Blends. Notes: Allow 1 ½ hrs for tasting & tour and 2-4 weeks notice. No children or pets. Some very good wines & interesting people.
The Vintners Collective TastingRoom on Main Street in downtown Napa is a popular place that pours wines for a wide collection of high wineries nearby. It is a great old stone building. It has a bar feeling but a great selection. Watch our Video.
VJB Vineyards & Cellars: 9077 Sonoma Hwy.KenwoodTasting Room 707.833.2300www.vjbcellars.comHrs: 10-5TF: $CWPWines: Cab Sauv, Syrah, Barbera. Notes: A very convenient tasting room next to Café Citti' in Kenwood. They also have an espresso bar and wide range of interesting food items that they produce. Not surprising since they are from Italy and ran very successful restaurants for many years. Their winery and home, where they do events, is the Italian-style villa behind Ledson. Watch our Video
Volker Eisele Family Estate: Tastings at the Napa Wine CompanyOakville Wines: Bordeaux white blend (Gemini)Cab Sauv, Terzetto (Bordeaux red blend). Von Strasser Winery: 1510 Diamond Mountain Rd.Calistoga(DiamondMountain) 707.942.930www.vonstrasser.comHrs: 10:30-4:30 by appointmentTF: $$$-$$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Zin, Blends. Notes: They do a wonderful cave tour and tasting including chocolate. Lovely outdoor patio for events,great wines and views. Easy to reach on Diamond Mountain Road. A jewel.
Call 707-235-2648 for Tours, Books & Seminars Copyright Ralph & Lahni de Amicis 2013 All tasting fees, hours, wine lists, etc are subject to change.