Napa Valley
Hidden Wineries
View at Buehler Vineyards
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Believe it or not, there are some hidden wineries in the Napa Valley.
It is hard to escape the crowds when visiting the Napa Valley especially
on weekends. These wineries of the Napa Valley
are sure to be less touristy. Some of these wineries are open by
appointment only but don't let that discourage you. They love to
have visitors and will make you feel at home. There are several other
hidden wineries in the Napa Valley but these are our favorites.
Tips for your Napa Valley Wine Tour
You are encouraged to have a designated driver. Consider hiring a limousine or van service.
First time to a winery in Napa? Find out what happens in a typical tasting room.
Are you wondering about how to taste wine? Wine Tasting Techniques
Most wineries in the Napa Valley charge a tasting fee. Expect to pay $10 or
more to taste. Two people can always elect to share a tasting.
Plan a picnic lunch. This is one of wine country’s greatest pleasures.
If you cannot picnic, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Napa Valley’s many fine restaurants.
We list premium lodging and budget lodging.
Pace yourself and make a day of wine tasting. Don't forget your camera.
Visiting three wineries in one day is enough to you keep you busy and content with the slow and easy pace of wine country.
Please read our Disclaimer Document on the information contained on Wine Country Getaways.
Winery Descriptions, Driving Directions, Tasting Room Hour
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Now in its third generation of ownership, this winery remains one
of Napa Valley's best kept secrets. Perhaps because the winery
is located at the very south end of the Valley and on a crossroad,
many tourists miss this winery. The tasting room is amazing, located
on the ground floor of the Trefethen winery built in 1866. It is
designated as a National Historic Landmark. The wines are all well
made but we think the Dry Estate Riesling is an absolutely fantastic
bargain wine. The Cabernets are also terrific. This is a first
class winery.
Tasting Room is open 10 to 4:30, 707-255-7700
Trefethen
Elyse Winery
The Elyse Winery is
on Hoffman Lane on the west side of Highway 29 as you near Yountville.
If you are traveling north from Napa, you will probably miss Hoffman
Lane. That's a good thing because it is a dangerous left turn to
get to Hoffman and Elyse on the west side of Highway 29. For safety
sake, we encourage visitors to forget the left turn and instead
exit a mile ahead at the first Yountville exit. Turn under the
freeway and get back on Highway 29 going south. Technically, the
winery is open by appointment only but will take visitors just
about any time between 10 and 5. The owners are Ray Coursen and
his wife Nancy. Ray does the winemaking and makes delicious red wines. One
of our favorites is the Nero Mista, a blend of red varietals that makes a
very food friendly and balanced wine.
Tasting room open daily by appointment only, 707-944-2900
E-mail:
info@elysewinery.com, Elyse
Tres Sabores
Julie Johnson is the owner and winemaker of this secret and hidden
winery near the base of the Mayacamus Mountains. You will need
to call ahead to make an appointment and chances are Julie will lead you
on a vineyard tour and have you taste her wonderful wines. Julie's
Cabernet and Zinfandel vineyards are certified organic. You will
see bat and owl houses, cover plants, and other sustainable farming
practices. This a great trip out to the ranch and something you
will not soon forget.
Tasting room is open by appointment only, 707-967-8027
E-mail:
jaj@tressabores.com, Tres Sabores
Summers Winery
Summers Winery is a small
family-owned winery located at the very north end of the Napa Valley
on Tubbs Lane. Summers has a very inviting picnic area that
includes a Bocce Ball court. Two wines in particular standout at
Summers Winery, the Charbono and the Petite Sirah. The Charbono
grape used to be abundant in California but now there more than
100 acres of Charbono vineyards in California. This is a very food
friendly red wine. The second wonderful wine is the Petite Sirah
from Knights Valley. This is a big wine that is full of flavors.
Tasting room is open daily 10:30 to 4:30 , 707-942-5508
E-mail:
beth@summerswinery.com, Summers
Chappellet Winery
Chappellet winery is one
of those wonderful hidden wineries and a secret place that remains
largely an undiscovered treasure in the Napa Valley. The location
is off the beaten path on the eastern mountains of the Napa Valley
and open by appointment only, so visitors tend not to flock to
the Chappellet Winery. Chappellet is located near Hennessey Lake
on Highway 128 about three miles east of the Silverado Trail.
The views are fantastic. Chappellet is best known for its Cabernet
Sauvignon grown on the estate hillside vineyard known as Pritchard
Hill. If you would like to visit Chappellet, call
the winery or visit their Web site to reserve a scheduled tour
spot. (Book
a Tour/Tasting)
Tasting room is by appointment only Mon. - Fri. by reservation
at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and on
Sat. and Sun. by reservation
at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., 1-800-494-6379 ex. 4270.
E-mail:
toursandtastings@chappellet.com, Chappellet
Buehler Vineyards
You won't find too many visitors at Buehler because the winery
is open by appointment only and the winery's location is at the
base of Howell Mountain, some six miles in from the Silverado
Trail. Don't let this stop you from visiting, the views are breathtaking
and the wines are a great value. The winery has 55 acres of hillside
vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The
Cab and the Zin are priced very fairly and taste twice as good
as many Napa wines at twice the price.
Tasting room open by appointment only, 707-963-2155
E-mail:buehlers@pacbell.net, Buehler
Corison Winery
Even this winery is right on Highway 29 just north of Zinfandel Lane, most
travelers miss this winery because the beautiful green barn is set back from
the roadway. It is very easy to miss. Cathy Corison is one of Napa Valley's
first women winemakers and is well recognized by her colleagues as one of the
more influential winemakers in the entire Valley. Her Corison Cabernet wines
have long been noted for their quality and character.
Tasting room open daily even though is says by appointment, 707-963-0826
E-mail:bob@corison.com, Corison
Winery
Tudal Family Winery
Tudal Family Winery is a 3000 case winery located in the St. Helena
AVA. Hardly anyone knows about this great little winery because it
is hidden off Big Tree Road just north of St. Helena. Look for the
entrance to the Bale Grist Mill State Park traveling north. When
you past it,
look for Old Big Tree Road coming in on the right. Tudal has picnic tables
and a Bocce court. Tasting is done in the old Tractor Shed during
the winter months. When the days are nice and warm, tastings are
held outside. Mention us and you may get a discount on the tasting
fee. Call ahead for an appointment.
Tasting Room is open by appointment, 707-963-3947, Tudal
Smith-Madrone
Winery
It all started in 1971 when the Smith
Brothers purchased land on Spring Mountain to begin their amazing story
of making wine in the Napa Valley. You won’t find a fancy tasting
room or barrel room, or any merchandise for sale. The only thing you
will find is just pure, honest, old-fashioned conversation and a passion
for making good wine. Yes, Smith-Madrone represents the good old days
of the Napa Valley. Visitors are welcome at Smith-Madrone, but call
ahead to make sure someone is there to show you around. It is a beautiful
ride up Spring Mountain and even more beautiful to experience this
style of the Napa Valley
Tasting Room is open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 707 963 2283,
Smith-Madrone
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