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Message
re: Napa Trip Last Week - updated report on Wineries
Posted on 9/11/25 at 7:37 am to lsuche2003
Posted on 9/11/25 at 7:37 am to lsuche2003
Do you have a price point or type of wine that you like? That would help me give suggestions.
Darioush is very different and a great wine. Quintessa is also very good. Both are high end, with their top wines selling in the $150 - $250/bottle range. Would also highly recommend Jarvis, Chappellet, Fantesca and Palmaz if you haven't been to those places.
Darioush is very different and a great wine. Quintessa is also very good. Both are high end, with their top wines selling in the $150 - $250/bottle range. Would also highly recommend Jarvis, Chappellet, Fantesca and Palmaz if you haven't been to those places.
1
Posted on 9/11/25 at 7:57 am to WacoTiger
Looking for higher end, boutique wineries.
I have been to Quintessa Chappellet, and Jarvis which were all fantastic.
I have been to Quintessa Chappellet, and Jarvis which were all fantastic.
Posted on 9/11/25 at 9:25 am to lsuche2003
I would try the following (in this order):
1. Colgin. Their wine sells for about $575-$600/bottle, but is not readily available. I think it is the best wine in Napa. It will be hard to get a tasting appointment, but you can try to call or email them and ask for Sara Schmidt. You can give her my name (Danny Palmer from Waco). The cost is about $350/person and they will ask you to make it as a charitable contribution to a local Foundation in Napa, so you can deduct it.
2. Peter Michael - fantastic wines, including Chardonnays (best in Napa) and Pinots (also my favorite Napa Pinot). But they are known for their Cabs, which are Bordeaux style blends. I believe that they only take 12 appoints per day. Their property is gorgeous. They produce small batches of each of their wines (about 2,000 - 5,000 cases per wine). You might have to talk you way into an appointment. Tasting fee about $150/person.
3. Palmaz - great food and wine pairing. Onside chef. Unique property and tour near the town of Napa. First class. Tasting is about $150/person.
4. Darioush - owners are from California but formerly middle east (Iran) who fled in the 1970's when the Shah was exciled. Easier to get an appointment here.Property is beautiful with a middle eastern style and their wines are great as well. Tasting probably $125 - $175 depending on the type of tasting. Easier to get an appointment here.
5. Fantesca - owners were originally part of the Best Buy family. They participate in the Krewe of Mid-City parade for Mardi Gras. Our son actually rode in the parade this past February on their float. The property is nothing special, but Heidi Barrett (Scarecrow fame) used to make their wine. As of this year, she is no longer one of their winemakers. Cabs, Pinots and Rose. Really nice people and great wine. Very small boutique winery Tasting fee $200/person. Probably easier to get an appointment.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you end up at any of these places. You can always tell them that "some guy from Waco referred you."
1. Colgin. Their wine sells for about $575-$600/bottle, but is not readily available. I think it is the best wine in Napa. It will be hard to get a tasting appointment, but you can try to call or email them and ask for Sara Schmidt. You can give her my name (Danny Palmer from Waco). The cost is about $350/person and they will ask you to make it as a charitable contribution to a local Foundation in Napa, so you can deduct it.
2. Peter Michael - fantastic wines, including Chardonnays (best in Napa) and Pinots (also my favorite Napa Pinot). But they are known for their Cabs, which are Bordeaux style blends. I believe that they only take 12 appoints per day. Their property is gorgeous. They produce small batches of each of their wines (about 2,000 - 5,000 cases per wine). You might have to talk you way into an appointment. Tasting fee about $150/person.
3. Palmaz - great food and wine pairing. Onside chef. Unique property and tour near the town of Napa. First class. Tasting is about $150/person.
4. Darioush - owners are from California but formerly middle east (Iran) who fled in the 1970's when the Shah was exciled. Easier to get an appointment here.Property is beautiful with a middle eastern style and their wines are great as well. Tasting probably $125 - $175 depending on the type of tasting. Easier to get an appointment here.
5. Fantesca - owners were originally part of the Best Buy family. They participate in the Krewe of Mid-City parade for Mardi Gras. Our son actually rode in the parade this past February on their float. The property is nothing special, but Heidi Barrett (Scarecrow fame) used to make their wine. As of this year, she is no longer one of their winemakers. Cabs, Pinots and Rose. Really nice people and great wine. Very small boutique winery Tasting fee $200/person. Probably easier to get an appointment.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you end up at any of these places. You can always tell them that "some guy from Waco referred you."
Posted on 9/12/25 at 1:21 pm to lsuche2003
Always happy to see other ChE grads drinking great wine!
Here are some ‘under the radar boutique’ recs, price points all over the place. Hope these fit your definition. If you want introductions, lemme know
Palisades Canyon - CS / PS / Chenin - beautiful site up in Calistoga
Arrow & Branch / Coronet - great stable of reds from across the valley, brand new facility in Oak Knoll overlooking the Mayacamas
Sown Estate (‘23 is first release)
Roy Piper Wines - one man operation, beautiful CS from Moulds, Bonny’s vineyards
Lerner Project - Russell Bevan winemaker, Armstrong Ranch Diamond Mtn CS is really outstanding, other wines are just as good
Pezzato - up and coming project sourcing grapes from St. Helena and Phelan Ranch
Nacra (unreleased) - new project up on Mt. Veeder
Behrens - gorgeous views up on the top of Spring Mtn and a lovely stable of wines, including Moulds and Cappella fruit
Rivers Marie - great set of cabs from premier dirt, Pinots and Chards
Lokoya - gorgeous views, great but expensive mountain wines
Cimarossa - Howell Mtn cabs with an Italian flair at great prices
Adversity - Russell Bevan’s new personal label, Melanson & Phelan Ranch wines are knockouts
Flint Knoll - great stable of wines, great people
Realm - great stable of reds from all over the valley, not sure this is still under the radar
Fait Main—Benoit Toquette’s (Realm partner / winemaking consultant) personal label. Awesome stable of reds from great dirt at quality prices
Progeny - upscale tasting room up on Mt Veeder, have the lunch and wine pairing, pricey but very worth it
Dunn - Howell Mtn OG CS
Here are some ‘under the radar boutique’ recs, price points all over the place. Hope these fit your definition. If you want introductions, lemme know
Palisades Canyon - CS / PS / Chenin - beautiful site up in Calistoga
Arrow & Branch / Coronet - great stable of reds from across the valley, brand new facility in Oak Knoll overlooking the Mayacamas
Sown Estate (‘23 is first release)
Roy Piper Wines - one man operation, beautiful CS from Moulds, Bonny’s vineyards
Lerner Project - Russell Bevan winemaker, Armstrong Ranch Diamond Mtn CS is really outstanding, other wines are just as good
Pezzato - up and coming project sourcing grapes from St. Helena and Phelan Ranch
Nacra (unreleased) - new project up on Mt. Veeder
Behrens - gorgeous views up on the top of Spring Mtn and a lovely stable of wines, including Moulds and Cappella fruit
Rivers Marie - great set of cabs from premier dirt, Pinots and Chards
Lokoya - gorgeous views, great but expensive mountain wines
Cimarossa - Howell Mtn cabs with an Italian flair at great prices
Adversity - Russell Bevan’s new personal label, Melanson & Phelan Ranch wines are knockouts
Flint Knoll - great stable of wines, great people
Realm - great stable of reds from all over the valley, not sure this is still under the radar
Fait Main—Benoit Toquette’s (Realm partner / winemaking consultant) personal label. Awesome stable of reds from great dirt at quality prices
Progeny - upscale tasting room up on Mt Veeder, have the lunch and wine pairing, pricey but very worth it
Dunn - Howell Mtn OG CS
This post was edited on 9/12/25 at 1:23 pm
Posted on 9/20/25 at 5:55 pm to Humpty Grumpy
Just a courtesy bump to put this thread back on the 1st page.
Posted on 10/3/25 at 8:58 am to WacoTiger
Waco, I have to seriously thank you for your recommendations as my wife and I had a great time in Napa this past week. I would have chosen different experiences if not for your expertise, and admittedly for the worse. Harvest was in swing, the crowds were very light, and a little rain didn't completely ruin the experience.
Vintage House was an awesome hotel. The grounds were scenic, rooms were spacious, and everything was walkable.
No problems driving to two tastings a day at 10am and 3pm, which I very much enjoyed given the windy roads in a convertible.
Jarvis - fantastic experience with a great cave and underwater stream system. Cab Franc and the "Dancing Flowers" were my favorites
Palmaz - what a view from the top of the winery! It felt like the inside of a Goldeneye fortress level, along with the technology there. The Cabs were great, but their Riesling and Moscato were surprisingly good. Food pairings were on point.
Chappellet - after a windy mountain drive in the rain, the property was gorgeous. Had a chance to try their 2021 signature Cab before coming and it still holds up. Their Zin and Chenin Blanc were great, but the star was the 2013 Cab. Beautiful building.
Darioush - unfortunately we were quite tired by then and couldn't set up a more intimate tasting. However, the wines were still very good and they gave us some Shiraz and Pinot which were a nice chance of pace. Beautiful property.
Food
Ciccio - best foccacia bread ever, was a more down to earth restaurant compared to some of the others
North Block - extremely accessible tasting menu with great value for price, some awesome dishes there and varied wine pairings to break up all the Cabs
Kitchen Door - quick lunch in downtown Napa between tastings, had great short ribs
Lunch at Auberge - three course lunch with the best views, everything was executed very well
Bottega - some of the best Italian out there; honestly too much good on the menu to eat it all. Calamari and rabbit/mushroom rigatoni were fantastic
Vintage House was an awesome hotel. The grounds were scenic, rooms were spacious, and everything was walkable.
No problems driving to two tastings a day at 10am and 3pm, which I very much enjoyed given the windy roads in a convertible.
Jarvis - fantastic experience with a great cave and underwater stream system. Cab Franc and the "Dancing Flowers" were my favorites
Palmaz - what a view from the top of the winery! It felt like the inside of a Goldeneye fortress level, along with the technology there. The Cabs were great, but their Riesling and Moscato were surprisingly good. Food pairings were on point.
Chappellet - after a windy mountain drive in the rain, the property was gorgeous. Had a chance to try their 2021 signature Cab before coming and it still holds up. Their Zin and Chenin Blanc were great, but the star was the 2013 Cab. Beautiful building.
Darioush - unfortunately we were quite tired by then and couldn't set up a more intimate tasting. However, the wines were still very good and they gave us some Shiraz and Pinot which were a nice chance of pace. Beautiful property.
Food
Ciccio - best foccacia bread ever, was a more down to earth restaurant compared to some of the others
North Block - extremely accessible tasting menu with great value for price, some awesome dishes there and varied wine pairings to break up all the Cabs
Kitchen Door - quick lunch in downtown Napa between tastings, had great short ribs
Lunch at Auberge - three course lunch with the best views, everything was executed very well
Bottega - some of the best Italian out there; honestly too much good on the menu to eat it all. Calamari and rabbit/mushroom rigatoni were fantastic
Posted on 10/3/25 at 9:47 am to metallica81788
Wow - what a great report and visit. I am glad that I could contribute a little to your trip. You can tell that I love Napa Valley (and likewise, I can tell that you now do) and I am tasting the wines and food as I read your posts. You picked perfect wineries and I am glad that you enjoyed your trip. Very jealous that you were there during harvest. I have never been at that time of the year and I plan to do so soon. Cheers!
Posted on 10/5/25 at 8:00 pm to WacoTiger
Impressive detailed write-up! Nicely done!
Posted on 10/6/25 at 5:33 pm to WacoTiger
Waco, Humpty and ProjectP - the recommendations in here are fantastic and detailed. This is amazing. I'd like to piggy-back on this thread and see if yall have any recommendations for my specific situation.
Will be in San Fran for work the last week of October and flying my wife out Thursday evening. We are going to spend one day in the city, and then head up to Petaluma to visit my aunt/uncle who just retired there a few months ago. Here is our plan: We want to drive over to Napa Sunday morning and visit two wineries/vineyards (one late morning, one in the afternoon) and then drive back to San Fran Sunday night. We have a flight back to Houston Monday morning. We love wine, but for this specific "one-day" trip, my wife wants to focus on going to 2 spots with the best views/scenery. So keep that in mind
We've been to Napa four times and here are some of our recent favorites - Plumpjack, Alpha Omega, Joseph Phelps, Cade Estate, Nickel&Nickel, Stag's Leap, St. Supery, Grgich Hills, Silver Oak, Schramsberg, and Cakebread (we have a good family friend that works there).
Looking for something around $100'ish per person for tasting, and again, epic views/scenery is the goal here for this one. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Will be in San Fran for work the last week of October and flying my wife out Thursday evening. We are going to spend one day in the city, and then head up to Petaluma to visit my aunt/uncle who just retired there a few months ago. Here is our plan: We want to drive over to Napa Sunday morning and visit two wineries/vineyards (one late morning, one in the afternoon) and then drive back to San Fran Sunday night. We have a flight back to Houston Monday morning. We love wine, but for this specific "one-day" trip, my wife wants to focus on going to 2 spots with the best views/scenery. So keep that in mind
We've been to Napa four times and here are some of our recent favorites - Plumpjack, Alpha Omega, Joseph Phelps, Cade Estate, Nickel&Nickel, Stag's Leap, St. Supery, Grgich Hills, Silver Oak, Schramsberg, and Cakebread (we have a good family friend that works there).
Looking for something around $100'ish per person for tasting, and again, epic views/scenery is the goal here for this one. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Posted on 10/7/25 at 11:44 am to skewbs
If you already enjoy Nickel & Nickel, look into Far Niente for a visit.
Absolutely beautiful property and I think is around the price range you're looking for.
Rudd is also stunning and had a nice walking tour of the property. I think the tasting is a little more expensive. The wine certainly is. It was a very formal tasting when we did it in January. It was set up in a boat house a ways away from the main building, so getting additional wines to taste was a bit of a chore.
Absolutely beautiful property and I think is around the price range you're looking for.
Rudd is also stunning and had a nice walking tour of the property. I think the tasting is a little more expensive. The wine certainly is. It was a very formal tasting when we did it in January. It was set up in a boat house a ways away from the main building, so getting additional wines to taste was a bit of a chore.
Posted on 10/8/25 at 3:15 pm to skewbs
quote:
We love wine, but for this specific "one-day" trip, my wife wants to focus on going to 2 spots with the best views/scenery.
Another one with a good view is Baldacci. They have (IIRC) the Eagles Nest tasting. It's situated in a private tower overlooking a good bit of the Stag's Leap district. Good wine, good people, relatively inexpensive tasting. Great view at sunset because of the elevation.
I'm starting to wonder if I know any of these ChemE's in real life.
Posted on 10/8/25 at 4:35 pm to fjlee90
Has anyone on this board ever been to J. Rickards in Sonoma Valley? Thoughts?
My cousin owns it and my wife and I plan to visit in the next year or so. We are not wine drinker, but would like to visit and experience a few wineries.
My cousin owns it and my wife and I plan to visit in the next year or so. We are not wine drinker, but would like to visit and experience a few wineries.
This post was edited on 10/8/25 at 4:36 pm
Posted on 10/9/25 at 9:46 am to fjlee90
quote:
Another one with a good view is Baldacci.
Baldacci wine is excellent. We did a cave experience on a rainy, overcast day, so I can’t comment on the views. But the tasting experience was wonderful and again the wine is excellent.
Posted on 10/9/25 at 7:28 pm to ProjectP2294
quote:
Baldacci wine is excellent. We did a cave experience on a rainy, overcast day, so I can’t comment on the views. But the tasting experience was wonderful and again the wine is excellent.
Their outdoor terrace is pretty great for hanging out as well.
Did the cave tour at Pine Ridge, right up the road. Did not disappoint. Our guide was a retired ChemE. Made me think about what I really want to do in my retirement.
Posted on 10/11/25 at 9:40 am to skewbs
quote:
Looking for something around $100'ish per person for tasting, and again, epic views/scenery is the goal here for this one
There are great views all around the valley—our favorites are up at elevation, so here are a few recs.
These likely fit your price point:
Behrens
Amizetta
Aonair
Black Sears
Kamen
Cimarossa
Chappellet
Smith Madrone
Pride
If you’re considering upping the price point, these come into play also:
Barnett
Lokoya
Continuum
Checkerboard
Lerner Project
Colgin
Ovid
Diamond Mtn Vineyards (f/k/a Constant)
Progeny
Posted on 10/12/25 at 4:40 pm to WacoTiger
Just a quick update for you Waco. Thanks again for guidance. I’m a procrastinator but I’ve booked the following
Vintage House
Dinner
Jeanty
Market
Auberge
Debating Italian or just winging it one night
Tasting
Quintessa
Nickel
Opus
Waiting on Jarvis and Mowe before finalizing others - may have waited too late.
Plan to hit Archer for HH. Also looking for another HH with great views
Vintage House
Dinner
Jeanty
Market
Auberge
Debating Italian or just winging it one night
Tasting
Quintessa
Nickel
Opus
Waiting on Jarvis and Mowe before finalizing others - may have waited too late.
Plan to hit Archer for HH. Also looking for another HH with great views
Posted on 10/14/25 at 5:27 am to skewbs
Sorry for the late reply. Others have made good suggestions. Palmaz has great views. Your problem is that a lot of wineries are not open for tastings on Sunday. You would have to individually check each winery suggested. Good luck.
Posted on 10/14/25 at 7:26 pm to WacoTiger
We are going to Sonoma in December. Anyone have recs?
We prefer old world earthy reds and citrusy whites with minerality. Price not a concern.
We prefer old world earthy reds and citrusy whites with minerality. Price not a concern.
Posted on 10/16/25 at 9:48 am to Warheel
My absolute favorite on the Sonoma side is Passalacqua in the Dry Creek Valley area outside of Healdsburg. I can't speak to their white wine, but they do great cabs, zins, and red blends. Beautiful property as well.
Posted on 10/26/25 at 8:09 pm to ProjectP2294
Bump for anyone planning a trip to Napa.
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