BOUTIQUE
For the traveler seeking something more intimate, a little off the beaten path, and a little less obvious.
Cathiard Vineyard Cave
Cathiard Vineyard
From the moment you pass through the gates you’ll know this is Napa Valley with European flair at Cathiard Vineyard. The Californian sister estate to the renowned Château Smith Haut Lafitte in France, they purchased the property from Flora Springs just a few year ago and are striving to make some seriously high-end wine. Their horseshoe cellar carved into the hillside is something to behold and rumor has it they’ll be making their own barrels on property soon.
Pro-Tip: In the nicer months you can hop on Cathiard’s open-air electric vehicle and traverse the scenic backroads nestled within their hillside terroir.
BALDACCI
Family-owned and operated, the property is gorgeous, and you immediately feel right at home. It’s located in the renowned Stags Leap District of Napa Valley where the Baldacci family has been producing high-quality wines since they purchased the property in 1998. The winery is known for its small-lot, handcrafted wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, but the black label Cabernet, grown on their ranch, is particularly noteworthy for its rich flavors and complexity.
Amanda wine tasting at Baldacci
KELLY FLEMING
What I love about Kelly Fleming is that she is a real person. And I know that should seem obvious, but if I'm being honest, the "named" wineries have sort of lost the human element lately. In real life, Kelly Fleming is a salt-of-the-earth, good natured human being, dedicated to her land, her wines, and the people/animals she surrounds herself with. Her philosophy is to not treat the vines independently, but as a component of a broader environmental, biodynamic spectrum. It's a small but mighty team here, and together they produce some of the loveliest Cabernet's and Sauvignon Blanc's in Calistoga.
BRION
Located on the acclaimed Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville just a stone’s throw from Dominus, newcomer Brion focuses on 4 single-vineyard site wines made by 3 different winemakers. It's an unusual approach to be sure, but one that makes a lot of sense. The Moon Mountain AVA wine is made by Massimo Monticelli (of Silver Oak fame), the Oakville Ranch and Caldwell vineyard wines are helmed by Mark Herold (Merus), and the Sleeping Lady Vineyard wine is under the care of Julien Fayard. You’ll enjoy a side by side lineup of each of the wines when visiting to see each of their personalities shine.
SEAVEY
Napa Valley's "Best Kept Secret." Though the family owned winery keeps a fairly modest profile, it is widely regarded as one of the great hidden gems. Philippe Melka has called it home since the start of his professional winemaking career in Napa, departing directly from his internship at Dominus to start at Seavey in the early 1990's where he still remains as winemaking consultant. Tucked away on Howell Mountain, it doesn't quite meet the elevation requirement and thus claims the St. Helena AVA. While Seavey only produces a Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon, they have a vast amount of Library wines back to the early 1990's available to taste and purchase at very reasonable prices.
FROG’S LEAP
This is my go-to rec for pretty much anyone looking for that quintessential Napa Valley wine tasting experience. Frog’s Leap does it right with a simple yet hospitable experience that will make you feel like you’re part of the family. As one of the first wineries to utilize organic grapes in their wine in Napa Valley, they’ve always had a special commitment to sustainability. Guests can wander around the gardens, hang with the chickens, and even check out the beehives. It’s a diverse ecosystem and the fact that the wines are absolute classics makes it all the better
FAILLA
So you don't love Cabernet. Failla is one of the only Napa Valley wineries that not only makes Pinot Noir, but specializes in it. Along with Chardonnay & Syrah owner/winemaker Ehren Jordan (Turley, Neyers) and his team set out to make beautifully crafted, elegant, restrained wines from various vineyards in both Napa Valley and Sonoma. The wines are ranked in the top of their class and the tasting experience is equal parts thoughtful, hospitable, and intimate. I count the hospitality team at Failla as one of the best and most educated in the valley, complete with wine professionals that range from CIA Wine Program Graduates to Master Sommelier.