Beringer, just north of downtown St Helena, is one of the most visited wineries, but it’s so spread out that it rarely feels crowded. Continuously in operation since in 1876, today the mansion and old winery building house the tasting rooms and gift shops. The modern winery is across the street. Owned by the Foster’s Beer Company, who understands hospitality, they offer a wide variety of wines and tours. The most charming tasting experience is of the reserve wines in the gorgeous Beringer Mansion which was patterned after the family home in Germany. The walk-in tasting is excellent. They also, by appointment, do sit down tastings upstairs where they roll out the ‘best’. Many of these Mansion wines are sold only at the winery, so if you have an impression of Beringer as ‘white Zinfandel’, be prepared to have that idea knocked out of the park. The grounds are great for strolling, and to the left of the Mansion are rarely noticed, shaded picnic tables. Pick up a picnic at Dean and DeLuca or the Sunshine Market in St Helena and enjoy. Amicis Winery Guide Rating #95 points. Wines: Chardonnay, Dessert Wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Viognier, White Zinfandel, White Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Syrah. Just north is the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, a great non-wine stop and St Clement winery and Markham, and by appointment Joseph Phelps. 2000 Main St.St. Helena94574 7079674412www.beringer.com Hrs: 10-6 (10-5 winter)ToursTF: $$ - $$$
Call 707-235-2648 for Tours, Books & Seminars Copyright Ralph & Lahni de Amicis 2011 All tasting fees, hours, wine lists, etc are subject to change.