Raymond Vineyards
A visit to Raymond Vineyards is truly a unique experience – and offers something different for everyone. Located on Zinfandel Lane, which spans the Napa Valley just south of St. Helena between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, the Raymond Vineyards hospitality center is set back from the road a bit, behind organically- and biodynamically-farmed vineyards. Don’t be surprised if you see some sheep grazing away between the rows of vines surrounding the driveway – a touch of whimsy that merely sets the stage for what you’ll find once you arrive at the tasting room. Raymond Vineyards celebrated their first vintage in 1974, but...
August Briggs Winery
J ust shy of the town of Calistoga, near the North end of the Silverado Trail, you’ll find a blowing-dandelion sign announcing the August Briggs Winery, a tiny gem of a tasting room nestled snugly between several picturesque vineyards and an oak-studded hillside that marks the beginning foothills of where the Mayacama and Vaca ranges merge together at the top of the Napa Valley. We visited during a holiday weekend in early Spring, as the buds were just beginning to break on the vines, and I could imagine the views from their picnic areas during Summer and Autumn must be spectacular. As one of the few Napa Valley wineries offering complimentary tastings, I can also imagine this winery would get crowded during peak season, so I suggest visiting earlier in the...
Paraduxx
T he Paraduxx tasting experience is like no other. Nestled between vineyards along Silverado Trail, just south of Rutherford, is a yellow farmhouse that serves as the tasting room and hospitality center for your visit to this amazing property. Paraduxx does not have a stand-up bar like most tasting rooms – rather, you choose a seat, indoors or out, and your selected tasting flight is brought right out to wherever you’re seated. What makes the experience at Paraduxx so unique is that it is at the same time personal, casual, and truly relaxing. We visited on a Sunday in mid-February, and didn’t arrange a reservation ahead of time, but I imagine that reservations are a must during peak season (and...
ZD Wines
J ust because ZD Wines ends up being the last alphabetical entry in many lists of wineries, don’t let that stop you from moving it right to the top of your own list of places to visit in Napa Valley. The ZD Wines tasting room is located along Silverado Trail in Rutherford, and offers some excellent organically-grown wines in a pleasant, friendly environment. After parking near the certified-organic Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, you walk down a shaded garden path to a tasting room bathed with soft, indirect light from the North-facing windows and are greeted by the warm, friendly staff. And now you’re ready for the real treat: ZD’s wines. ZD Wines was founded in 1969 by two aerospace engineers, Norman...