Frog’s Leap walks their Talk
I brought clients to the Frog's Leap winery and hadn't been there in a while. Because we work at updating our iPhone Apps and books we tour pretty widely and that means it can take us a while to get back to a winery no matter how much we like it. The first thing you need to understand about Frog's Leap is that they were organic way before their neighbors and even back in the day when chemicals were being used widely in Oakville and Rutherford.
Then California tightened up their organic standards and suddenly many growers who were organic no longer could claim that distinction, but Frog's Leap could and continues to. When I first started bringing clients there they only saw visitors during the week and in conjunction with a tour, but what a nice tour it is. As their popularity grew they built a wonderful new hospitality building using very high green standards. Students of architecture would get a lot out of visiting even if they didn't have the wine, but why wouldn't you, because the wines are excellent.
Now they are open seven days a week without an appointment and the tastings are on the patio looking over the vineyards and gardens. To tour the place make an appointment. As you drive in the entrance way the fruit trees and gardens welcome you. All around the winery buildings that look like big barns the vineyards stretch into the distance. The level of hospitality is very good, friendly, relaxed and yet attentive. The tasting fees are still moderate considering the quality of the wines. If you find yourself in Rutherford take the time to drop in and enjoy Frog's Leap.
Helpful note: They are on Conn Creek Road with forms a Y with Rutherford Road and Skellenger Road. The only sign is written on a board on the white fence near the entrance way. There is no powered gate. The best way to spot them is to look for their big red barn with the leaping frog weather vane on top.
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