Friday Five
Let’s distract ourselves from politics for the moment and talk about something else: wine. The weather has been so nice lately, which means it’s time to head to wine country before tourists roll up in the summer. We know that as locals, you are likely to spend more time in Sonoma than Napa. Sonoma is the cooler, more chill sibling.
Buttoned-up Napa Valley is known to be more of a luxe destination for travelers, but we’re happy to report there are some down-to-earth destinations left worthy of a weekend afternoon well spent.
If you’re looking for a more low-key Napa experience to check out this spring, we suggest the following spots.
1. Hunter Glenn Estate
About a 10-minute drive from downtown Yountville, off the beaten path of the Silverado Trail, lies the 75-year-old estate of a Napa Valley grape-growing family. The property is old, but the winery is new from brother-sister team Caroline Shifflett and Jeffrey Shifflett. A tasting does require an appointment, but once you’re there, the vibe is very unpretentious. Tastings happen in a small barn surrounded by five acres of grapes. In an intimate setting in one of the barns on the vineyard, squeezed between wine barrels, you’ll learn about the amazing history of the farm, and enjoy a day on what the family affectionately calls “the Ranch.” At a tasting, you can enjoy everything from their delicious syrah to a chardonnay. Don’t miss their light bites, including the family’s rosemary nut recipe. Tastings are $40 per person, and you can email Caroline at caroline@hunterglenn.com to schedule.
1201 Darms Lane, Napa Valley | Website
2. Laura Michael Wines
If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your tech job to make wine, winemaker Laura Swanton will be your hero. Located on the edge of the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, Swanton — a former sales specialist with Cisco Systems who pivoted to teach herself how to make wine — co-runs this adorable boutique winery and tasting room. The vibe reflects Swanton’s entrepreneurial spirit; it’s low-key and tucked away between stacked cases and barrels of wine. The best part? The price points. For $10, you can get three tastes, and for $15, you can have five. Also for $10, you can get a single tasting of their Bentley cabernet, which costs $100 for a bottle. This winery specializes in red wine, unoaked chardonnay, and a dry rose.
2250 Lake County Highway, Calistoga | Website
3. Frog’s Leap Winery
Frog’s Leap Winery is a Napa staple that’s been able to maintain a sense of groundedness among all the hubris. This property features a picturesque red barn, a brood of chickens, and endless grapevines. Located in Rutherford, this is a family-owned, family-friendly winery that welcomes your four-legged friends. The lawn is lovely, but if it’s a cooler spring day, you can enjoy a tasting on their adorable heated porch with blankets. Frog’s Leap usually requires an appointment, which you can make on their website or by phone. A flight of five wines costs $45, for their most affordable private tasting. You can also do a communal tasting in the loft of their barn for $35, which includes a flight of five wines.
8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford | Website
4. Maxville Winery
Here, the focus is on the land. Located in zinfandel country — St. Helena — this winery is known for its stunning views. While it’s not a small boutique winery — it actually sits on 1,000 acres of land — this family-owned spot still embodies a small winery vibe. You can taste a wide selection that includes sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, merlot, zinfandel, petite verdot, and petite sirah. For $45, you can get a tour of the property and a tasting. Just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time; this is the least expensive option. For $65, you can do a tasting and a wine cave tour.
4105 Chiles Pope Valley Road, St. Helena | Website
5. Twenty Rows
Not a winery, but a tasting room, this spot attracts a blend of locals and tourists thanks to its low-key vibe. It’s the perfect spot if there’s bad weather in Napa and you want to be inside — or if you’re just looking for a different experience than your typical winery but still want really good wine. At Twenty Rows, the owners make wine by reaching out to vineyards throughout the Napa Valley for their grapes, so you’ll get a taste of a little bit of everything here. Reservations are needed and can be made here. The cheapest tasting is $30 for a flight of five wines.
68 South Coombs St., L6, Napa | Website
