Sable Ridge Vineyards: 6320 Jamison Rd.Santa Rosa(BennettValley) 707.542.3138www.sableridge.comHrs: by apptTF: $$Wines: Syrah, Viognier, Petite Sirah.
Saddleback Cellars: 7802 Money Rd.Oakville 707.944.1305www.saddlebackcellars.comHrs: 10-4 instant apptTF: $$Wines: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chard, Viognier, Merlot, Old Vine Zin, Cab Sauv.Notes: Tastings are done outside on picnic tables. The winery is owned by Nils Venge, a very-respected consulting winemaker. Money Road is across fromthe entrance to Silver Oak Winery. They are convenient to a number of great wineries and it is surprising to find such a relaxed, natural winery tucked among all of the heavy hitters of Oakville.
Saintsbury Vineyard: 1500 Los Carneros Ave.Napa(Carneros) 707.252.0592www.saintsbury.comHrs: by appointmentMon-SatTF: $Wines: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chard. Notes: They are very respected for their Pinot Noir. Their winery is open by appointment, and it is just a short distance off of the main road. They have good distribution and they do not focus on tastings, but if you are an enthusiast, call them. Note: they are closed Sundays.
Salvestrin Vineyard & Winery: 397 Main St.St. Helena 707.963.5105www.salvestrinwinery.comHrs: by appointmentTF: $$$-$$$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Sangiovese, Retaggio (Red Blend), Sauv Blanc, Petite Sirah. Notes: Multiple tasting and pairing options. This is also the site of the Sunny Acres B&B.
Sausal Winery: 7370 Highway 128Healdsburg(AlexanderValley) 707.433.2285www.sausalwinery.comHrs: 10-4TF: $Wines: Chenin Blanc, Zin, Cab Sauv, Sangiovese, Italian Blends. Notes: This is a charming family-run winery that makes you feel at home. Some very good, old vine wines. Nice picnic tables.
Sawyer Cellars: 8350 St Helena Hwy (Rt 29).Rutherford 707.963.1980 apptswww.sawyercellars.comHrs: 10-5(instant appts)TF: $-$$$ Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Meritage, Blends. Notes: Gifts. A small family-run jewel of a winery tucked among some of Napa’s most famous. They use estate-grown fruit from right outside the door. The tasting room staff is friendly & knowledgeable & the building, which they restored from the foundation up, is charming, and fits into the landscape perfectly. In fact, the real challenge sometimes is finding them. Make the effort! Large groups call ahead.
Schramsberg Vineyards: 1400 Schramsberg Rd.Calistoga 707.942.4558 tourswww.schramsberg.comHrs: 10-4by appointmentTF: $$$$w tour Wines: Brut Rosé, Cremant, Blanc de Noirs, Blanc de Blanc, Mirabelle, Cab Sauv. Notes: This is a historic winery site at the end of a long, winding road. Allow extra time to get there and arrive early. They expanded their hospitality center including a great gift shop. The tasting always includes the tour. When Robert Louis Stevenson visited Napa during his honeymoon he came to Schramsberg to taste the wine. It is not the same owners now, but they have preserved the tradition wonderfully well. It is a treat to visit. Going north on Rt 29, Schramsberg Road is on the left-side past Larkmead Lane and before Dunaweal Lane.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery:602 Bonneau Rd.Sonoma(Carneros) 707.939.9363www.schugwinery.comHrs: 10-5TF: $-$$Wines: Sauv Blanc, Chard, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Pinot Noir. Notes: They are a Carneros estate winery wonderfully convenient to San Francisco. Many of their grapes grow right outside the charming tasting room door. A very knowledgeable staff, excellent wines and a great, German-style building. Schug was the founding winemaker at the revered Joseph Phelps winery in Napa, where they produced Napa's first Bordeaux blend. However, his great love of the Burgundy wines, Pinot Noir and Chard led him to open his own winery. This is a great first or last stop on a San Francisco tour. The wines are well-made and a good deal. They do tours by appointment. Great views of Caneros and the Bay.
Schweiger Vineyards: 4015 Spring Mountain Rd.St. Helena(SpringMountain) 707.963.4882www.schweigervineyards.comHrs: 11-4 by appointmentTF: $$Wines: Sauv Blanc, Chard, Merlot, Cab Sauv, Petite Sirah, Port. Notes: This is a beautiful location. The winery is family-run. They do the tastings in the barrel room. Even though the wineries on SpringMountain are only by appointment, including Schweiger, and they have a gate to insure that, they are often open to a last-minute appointment. The father grows the grapes, the son makes them into wine, and the daughter runs the tasting room. How right is that?
Seavey Vineyard:1310 Conn Valley Rd.St. Helena 707.963.8339www.seaveyvineyard.comHrs: by appointment 10-4TF: $$ Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot.
Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery: 389 - 4th St. E.Sonoma 707.938.5532www.sebastiani.comHrs: 10-5TF: $- $$Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Barbera, Zin, Pinot Noir. Notes: They are very near the SonomaPlaza, old time Sonoma remade for modern tastes. In the 1990's they sold their bulk wine division and began concentrating on premium wines. They produce high-quality, reasonably-priced wines. They also have one of Wine Country's great gift shops. Visit the historic barrel room inside the beautiful visitor center. A must see! The Sebastiani winery opened for business in 1906. They were able to operate through prohibition because Samuele was able to get a permit to make sacramental wine for the churches. The family sold the winery in 2009, however they continue in the wine business, and own vineyards and wineries in the area.
Seghesio Winery: 14730 Grove St.Healdsburg(Northern Sonoma - Downtown) 707.433.3579www.seghesio.comHrs: 10-4:30TF: $-$$$CWPWines: Zin, Arneis, Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Sangiovese, Italian varietals. Notes: They are in downtown Healdsburg, the town simply grew up around them. They planted their first vineyards in 1895, and they continue to make great wines. The site has bocce courts, a nice gift section, gracious grounds, and a stunning tasting room that looks through a glass wall at the barrels in their cave. They produce greatly respected Italian varietals, they offer food pairings and library wines. During Barrel Tasting Weekend and Passport Weekend they are a 'must visit', a lot of fun.
Selby Winery: 215 Center St.Healdsburg(Downtown Tasting Room) 707.431.1288www.selbywinery.comHrs: 11-5:30TF: $Wines: Chard, Sauv Blanc, Rosé of Syrah, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zin, Zin Port, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Dolcetto, Semillon, Dessert Wine.
Sequoia Grove Vineyards: 8338 St Helena Hwy (Rt 29). S.Rutherford 707.944.2945www.sequoiagrove.comHrs: 10:30-5TF: $$-$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Chard, Syrah. Notes: They are next to some of Napa's most famous wineries and they can hold their own for quality. A charming, relaxed tasting room and a good staff make for a great experience. Look for the Sequoia trees. Shafer Vineyards: 6154 Silverado TrailNapa(Stag's Leap District) 707.944.2877www.shafervineyards.comHrs: by appointment at 10 & 2 Mon-FriTF: $$$$Wines: Chard, Cab, Blends. Notes: They are a family-owned and run winery. Their Hillside Select is a world-class wine. As you drive north on Silverado Trail they are on the right side. There is no sign, just a number. They expanded their hospitality center and it is spacious & light-filled. They are one of Napa’s great ultra-premium producers and a great family. In a recent competition between the best of Italy and the USA their wine won top honors.
Sherwin Family Vineyards:4060 Spring Mountain Rd.St. Helena(SpringMountain) 707.963.1154www.sherwinfamilyvineyards.comHrs: by appointmentTF: $-$$$$ Wines: Cab Sauv, Blends. Notes: They are on the top of SpringMountain, turn right at the large collection of mail boxes and follow the signs. They taste in a great building looking out at the vineyards. It feels like visiting a friend's housefor a tasting. Their Cab blend gets consistently high marks.
Siduri Wines: 980 Airway Ct. Ste. CSanta Rosa(Northern Sonoma - Corporate Park) 707.578.3882www.siduri.comHrs: 10-3by appointmentTF:$Wines: Pinot Noir. Notes: The tasting is in an corporate park. The wines are excellent.
Signorello Vineyards: 4500 Silverado TrailNapa 707.255.5990www.signorellovineyards.comHrs: 10:30-5TF: $Wines: Cab Sauv, Zin, Pinot Noir, Syrah Seta: is a Sauv-Semillon Blend. Notes: A charming, small family winery perched on the hillsides of Silverado just north of Darioush. Well-made wines from estate vineyards. They make a Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon blend, because their winemaker, Pierre Birebent is French and that’s the traditional blend. Pierre is rare in Napa because he’s both the vineyard manager and winemaker, and all of their grapes come from within walking distance from the winery. So he guides the grapes from the fields into the bottles.
Silver Oak Cellars: 915 Oakville Cross Rd.Oakville 707.944.8808www.silveroak.comHrs: 9-5TF: $$Wines: Cab Sauv Blends. Notes: Known for its very appealing Cab Sauv blend, this is a popular destination. They taste two blends, one from NapaValley and the other from AlexanderValley in SonomaCounty. The site has been completely transformed for the better, a great tasting experience. Silver Oak Wine Cellars: 24625 Chianti Rd.Geyserville(AlexanderValley) 707.944.8808www.silveroak.comHrs: 9-5 TF: $$Wines: Cab Sauv.Notes: A very appealing Cab Sauv blend, They pour blends from both wineries. A pretty building, with a friendly staff, but the location means it sees less traffic than it deserves. Silverado Vineyards: 6121 Silverado TrailNapa(Stag's Leap District) 707.257.1770www.silveradovineyards.comHrs: 10:30-4:30TF: $$-$$$Wines: Sauv Blanc, Chard, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cab Sauv.Notes: Perched on a hill on the Silverado Trail, they are popular for their beautiful building, location and views. The wines are good and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It is owned by the Disney Family. It has been reported that there is a stained-glass depiction of Mickey Mouse. There is not! There is a free form stain glass window, but it is just one of the many attractive features of this gorgeous building.
Silver Pines Vineyards: 5164 Sonoma Mountain RoadBennettValley 707.576.1833www.silverpinesvineyards.comHrs: by appt. Wines: Pinot Noir, Rose, Sauv Blanc, Syrah, White Dessert. 980 feet up in BennettValley!
Silver Rose:351 Rosedale Rd.Calistoga 707.942.9581www.silverrose.comHrs: 10-4, M-Th no appt. 10-5 Fri-Sun by appt. Wines: Cab Merlot, Chard. Notes: This is a serious winery, but it is also an Inn & Spa just minutes from downtown Calistoga. Good gifts and nice picnic tables on the patio. Simi Winery: 16725 Healdsburg Ave.Healdsburg(Northern Sonoma) 707.433.6981www.simiwinery.comHrs: 10-5Tours: 11 & 2. Large groups req apptTF: $ Wines: Sauv Blanc, Chard, Merlot, Cab SauvNotes: One of the family wineries that put its roots down before Prohibition. Great wines, friendly staff, gifts and picnic area.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards: 4022 Spring Mountain Rd.St. Helena 707.963.2283www.smithmadrone.comHrs: by appointment Mon-SatTF: PIEWines: Cab Sauv, Chard, Riesling. A small producer of great wines up on the mountain.
Sodaro Estate Vineyard:24 Blue Oak LaneNapa 707.975.6689www.sodarowines.comHRs: by appointmentTF:$$$ CWPWines: Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Blends. Notes: This charming family winery on the east side of Napa is newly opened for appointments. They have a great vineyard & winemaking team and the vineyards in that part of Napa have been producing excellent results so we expect great things here. Sojourn Cellars: 141 East Napa St.SonomaTR (Plaza) 707-933.9753www.Sojourncellars.comHrs: 10-5 by appointmentTF: $. Wines: Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir. Notes: This is a new tasting room for a small winery that creates very, good Pinot Noir and Cab Sauv. Why just those two? Because the two friends who started the winery like those two wines, so that is what they make. The tasting room is just a couple of minutes walk off of the plaza, down the street that was used for the movie Bottle Shock, about the Judgement of Paris. It beautifully portrayed a street in Paris.
Souverain: 308B Center StreetHealdsburgTasting Room 707-433-2822www.Souverain.comHrs: 11 to 6TF: $-$$$$Wine and Cheese Pairing.Wines: Sauv Blanc, Chard, Voignier. Cab Sauv, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zin. Notes: They are owned by Beringer and produce a nice selection of well-made wines.
Spann Vineyards: Tasted at the Family Wineries of Kenwood 707.933.8343www.spannvineyards.comWines: Eclectic, interesting blends both red and white, plus Charbono, a deep, earthy varietal that is hard to find.
Spottswoode Winery: 1902 Madrona Ave.St. Helena 707.963.0134www.spottswoode.comHrs: 10 by appointment Tue & FriTF: $-$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Sauv Blanc, Blends. Notes: Organic/Biodynamic practices, Tours. Book 6–8 weeks in advance. They are downtown St Helena. SpringMountain Vineyards: 2805 Spring Mountain Rd.St. Helena(SpringMountain) 707.967.4188www.springmtn.comHrs: 10-5 by appointmentTasting & Tour Fee: $$$(Applied to purchase)Wines: Syrah, Cab Sauv, Sauv Blanc, Blends. Notes: A Grand Estate at the foot of SpringMountain, with their vineyards stretching above them. Wonderful wines. The mansion and grounds are remarkable. They have a good staff, with a lot of style. Allow two hours for the tour, that includes the caves, winery and mansion. Lovely gardens.
St. Clement Vineyards: 2867 N. St Helena Hwy (Rt 29).St. Helena 800.331.8266www.stclement.comHrs: 10-4TF: $$-$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Chard, Syrah. Notes: The Victorian tasting room overlooking Route 29 was built as a home in the late 1800’s. Cute gifts & great views. Wonderful picnic tables on the patio. Call ahead to reserve the picnic tables. The tasting bar is small but the gift shop is nice. They always have the best Panama hats, helpful on our sunny days. The are owned by Beringer.
St. Francis Vineyard & Winery: 100 Pythian Rd.Santa Rosa(SonomaValley) 888.675.WINE (9463)www.stfranciswine.comHrs: 10-5TF: $$-$$$$Wines: Chard, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Zin, Syrah. Notes: Spanish style visitor’s center & tasting room overlooking vineyards and mountains. Traffic light at the corner makes it a great ‘northern limit’ for a SonomaValley tour on a busy day. Some seriously good wines and a wonderful staff.
St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery: 8440 St Helena Hwy (Rt 29).Rutherford 707.963.4507 x 36www.stsupery.comHrs: 10-5:30 TF: $$-$$$Wines: Sauv Blanc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Chard, Unoaked Chard, Syrah, Cab Franc. Notes: Owned by a French winery family and fronted by a beautiful Victorian house but the tasting room and winery is a modern structure. The second floor has a gallery, self-tour andreserve room, opened by appointment. A spacious main tasting room and nice gift shop. Good, European-style wines, complex and satisfying. For the best tasting find a place at the bar away from the entrance. If you are coming in a limousine or hired car, or with a large group, you need to call ahead.
Staglin Family Vineyard: 1570 Bella Oaks Ln.Rutherford 707.944.477www.staglinfamily.comHrs: 11-3 by appointmentMon-FriTF: $$$$ Wines: Chard, Cab Sauv, Sangiovese. Notes: A well-repected family-run winery with stellar wines. Known for their architecture and their organic methods.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: 5766 Silverado TrailNapa(Stag's Leap District) 707.261.6441www.cask23.comHrs: 10-4:30TF: $$-$$$$Wines: Riesling, Sauv Blanc, Chard, Merlot, Cab Sauv. Notes: They help put Napa on the Map at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, winning for their Cab Sauv. The caves are wonderful, but normally are only open as part of a group tour. The produce some seriously good wines. They were sold by the original family in 2008 to a partnership of Antinori & Chateau St Michele. Stags’ Leap Winery: 6150 Silverado TrailNapa(Stag's Leap District) 707.944.1303www.stagsleapwinery.comHrs: by appointmentTF: $$$$includes tour.Wines: Viognier, Chard, Merlot, Cab Sauv, Petite Syrah. Notes: It wasn't until the Judgment of Paris win that the two 'similar named' wineries worked out their differences with the placement of an apostrophe. Their approach is much different, and they are most known for their less traditional wines. They have a great building and a fantastic Petite Syrah. Steltzner Vineyards: 5998 Silverado TrailNapa(Stag's Leap District) 707.252.7272www.steltzner.comHrs: 10:30-4:30 appointment (same day)TF: $$-$$$$Wines: Sauv Blanc, Rosé of Syrah, Chard, Claret, Merlot, Cab Sauv, Cuvee, Pinotage, Sangiovese, Merlot Port. Notes: They have an intimate, sun-filled tasting room that sits in front of their caves, just off the road in Stag's Leap. They offer tours and some very good wines.
Stephen & Walker: 243 Healdsburg AveHealdsburg 707.431.8749www.trustwine.comHrs: 10-6 TF:$ Wines: Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Port, Zin. Sterling Vineyards: 1111 Dunaweal Ln.Calistoga 707.942.3344www.sterlingvineyards.comHrs: 10-4:30TF: $$$$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Chard, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sauv Blanc, Blends. Notes: This iconic winery is just south of Calistoga, and famous for the aerial tramway that brings you to the mountain top tasting room. It is a fun time, with a good gift shop and a wide variety of wines. Allow at least two hours for your visit. They have great views. Some of their grapes come from their vineyards outside of Napa, a benefit being a wide variety of wines, so there is something for everyone.
Stony Hill Vineyard: 3331 N. St Helena Hwy (Rt 29).St. Helena 707.963.2636www.stonyhillvineyard.comHrs: 9-5 Mon-Fri by appointment with tourTF: $Wines: Chard, All White Wines. Notes: They are a small winery down a long road. Saying it is on Rt 29 is not accurate. Enter via the drive to the Bale Grist Mill. Then, just before the park's entrance the drive to the winery goes off to the left. Very nice people and good wine.
StorybookMountain Winery: 3835 Highway 128Calistoga 707.942.5310 apptwww.storybookwines.comHrs: by apptMon-SatTF: $8 or more $$ Wines: Zin, Cab Sauv, Blends. Notes: This is a beautiful location on the edge between the NapaValley and Knight's Valley. The tour and tasting is by appointment, and normally done by the owner. It is a very special place, although a bit of a ride.
Stryker Sonoma Winery: 5110 Highway 128Geyserville(AlexanderValley) 707.433.1944www.strykersonoma.comHrs: 10:30-5(Mon-Wed by appt Jan-Mar) TF: $-$$Wines: Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah, Zin, Pinot Noir, Blends, Chard, Semillon.Notes: An ultra-modern building,great views and wonderful picnics. Good wines, nice staff.
Stuhlmuller Vineyards: 4951 W. Soda Rock Ln.Healdsburg(Northern Sonoma) 707.431.7745www.StuhlmullerVineyards.comHrs: by appointmentTF: $Wines: Cab Sauv, Chard, Zin. Sullivan Vineyards Winery: 1090 Galleron Rd.St. Helena 877.BIG.REDS (244-7337)www.sullivanwine.comHrs: 10-5 by appointment TF: $$- $$$$Wines: Rosé, Chard, Bordeaux Blend, Cab Sauv, Merlot. Notes: A rambling family winery. They make big red wines and create a gracious tasting experience. Summers Estate Wines: 1171 Tubbs Ln.Calistoga 707.942.5508www.sumwines.comHrs: 10:30 - 4:30TF: $$Wines: Cab Sauv, Chard, Merlot, Charbono, Zin, Muscat Canelli, Petite Sirah. Notes: This family winery sources their own grapes from nearby vineyards and makes good wines at a good price. The tasting room is sunny and friendly, the tasting is relaxed and informative. The winery is very true to its location. They also have a nice gift section and picnic tables.
SummitLake Vineyards & Winery: 2000 Summit Lake Dr.Angwin(HowellMountain) 707.965.2488 apptwww.summitlakevineyards.comHrs: by appointmentTF: $$Wines: Cab Sauv, Zin, ZinPort. Page 197 Suncé Winery: 1839 Olivet Rd.Santa Rosa(Russian River Valley-Olivet Rd) 707.526.9463www.suncewinery.comHrs: 10:30-5pronounced Soon-say!TF: $ Wines: Chard, Sauv Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zin, Cab Sauv, Meritage, Barbera, Port, Sangiovese, Super Tuscan, Cab Franc, Malbec, Syrah, SyrahPort, Petite Sirah. Notes: Very cute.
Sutter Home Winery: 277 St Helena Hwy S(Rt 29).St. Helena 707.963.3104www.sutterhome.comHrs: 10-5TF: $Wines: White Zin, Moscato, Chard, Pinot Grigio, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, White Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Zin, Gewürztraminer. Notes: This is a spacious tasting room with a wide variety of wines to offer. Many of their grapes come from outside of Napa. The Zinfandel from Amador county, to the east in gold-rush country is a stand-out wine. A friendly staff & a nice gift shop. Swanson Vineyards & Winery: 1271 Manley Ln.Rutherford 707.944.1642www.swansonvineyards.comHrs: by appointmentTF: $$$Wines: Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Rosato, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Syrah, Chard, Blends, Muscat. Notes: These are great wines poured in an elegant tasting room, often with a food-pairing. This is the family that created Swanson Frozen dinners. It is not surprising how many families that made their fortune in food go on to open wineries. Wine is food too, after all!
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.