Neat Napa Wineries to visit??

Peter Creasey

Peter Creasey

Peter Creasey
What might be good recommendation(s) for a few good boutique wineries that might be off the beaten track to visit in Napa during late May?

Thanks for any suggestions!

. . . . . Pete
 
Chateau Boswell; to see the caves and taste at Morlet Cellars (which is also in the caves)
Vincent Arroyo; just north of Calistoga

I'm sure I'm leaving a lot out but I just don't go to Napa that much - and when I do, its to see Lou and Betty Lou Kessler - which would also be a good stop.
Best, Jim
 
If you mean "off the beaten track" literally, then go to Volker Eisele. They are in a lonely side valley, very beautiful location. Extremely nice owners and wines that strive more for elegance than power.
 
originally posted by georg lauer:
If you mean "off the beaten track" literally, then go to Volker Eisele. They are in a lonely side valley, very beautiful location. Extremely nice owners and wines that strive more for elegance than power.
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I'll second Volker Eisele. Corison is far from off the beaten path, being right on Hwy 29, but is still worth a visit for the wines. Other favorite stops:

Storybook Mountain (old school Zin)
Stony Hill (Chablis-like Chard, dry Riesling)
Lagier-Meredith (fine Syrah atop Mt. Veeder)

Mark Lipton
 
originally posted by MLipton:
originally posted by georg lauer:
If you mean "off the beaten track" literally, then go to Volker Eisele. They are in a lonely side valley, very beautiful location. Extremely nice owners and wines that strive more for elegance than power.
Click to expand...

I'll second Volker Eisele. Corison is far from off the beaten path, being right on Hwy 29, but is still worth a visit for the wines. Other favorite stops:

Storybook Mountain (old school Zin)
Stony Hill (Chablis-like Chard, dry Riesling)
Lagier-Meredith (fine Syrah atop Mt. Veeder)

Mark Lipton
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Schweiger is a nice "small" producer....
Reverie on Diamond Mountain does some interesting wines..e.g. Cab Franc, Petit Verdot (by itself), Tempranillo and some interesting small production whites
 
I cannot begin to endorse all the wineries that I might recommend. If you visit Storybook mention my name or my wife's name if you talk to Jerry or Sigrid Seps the owners. Volker Eisele winery mention my wife's name, if you talk to Leisel Eisele, Volker's wife. I mention these two because my wife is in a small all female wine tasting group with the two people I have mentioned. Oh, on that note another off beat winerey would be Green & Red, the Heminways are the owners Pam Heminway is also in my wifes tasting group. This is a group of about 11 or 12 members who haven't let anybody new in for many years. Hell, they wouldn't allow any of the husbands to show up for one of their tastings. Corison wines are mighty good, old syle.
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
Chateau Boswell; to see the caves and taste at Morlet Cellars (which is also in the caves)
Vincent Arroyo; just north of Calistoga

I'm sure I'm leaving a lot out but I just don't go to Napa that much - and when I do, its to see Lou and Betty Lou Kessler - which would also be a good stop.
Best, Jim
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Jim, flattery will get you everywhere. But be thankful you have such a charming wife.
 
I'll second Storybook, Lagier-Merideth and Schweiger. And add Cain and Keenan for much the same reasons.

On the main line, north of St. Helena on Highway 29 is Ballentine. Totally unpretentious in tasting room decor and attitude, they give some feel for the way Napa used to be. Plus they ripped out Merlot to plant some Malvasia and kept their old vine Chenin instead of replacing it with Cab. The wines have a split personality: hulking tannic ripe Zin, Petite Sirah and Syrah; zesty fruity light-on-their-feet old vine Chenin and Malvasia. Plus a smattering of the usual Bordeaux varieties.
 
originally posted by Peter Creasey: Neat Napa Wineries to visit?? What might be good recommendation(s) for a few good boutique wineries that might be off the beaten track to visit in Napa during late May?
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Wonderful suggestions were provided, many of which the couple visited as a result. They were very pleased with the wineries you recommended.

They are going to Napa again in August and asked that I inquire if y'all have any newer, more recent recommendations of good places to visit.

Thanks again!

. . . . . . Pete
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
Chateau Boswell; to see the caves and taste at Morlet Cellars (which is also in the caves)
Vincent Arroyo; just north of Calistoga

I'm sure I'm leaving a lot out but I just don't go to Napa that much - and when I do, its to see Lou and Betty Lou Kessler - which would also be a good stop.
Best, Jim
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I have very fond memories of a Vincent Arroyo Petit Sirah from, like, the mid-90s, but never see his wines over here now. Glad to hear he is in your good graces.
 
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