Premium Wineries on the tour itinerary
Whitehall Lane - Napa Valley
In 1993, the Leonardini Family of San Francisco took control of the Whitehall Lane estate. They updated the winemaking, instituted a new barrel-aging program and continued sourcing the finest vineyards. We started with one vineyard and now own six prime vineyards that are the cornerstone on which the wines are made and include the Whitehall Lane Estate Vineyard, Rutherford West Vineyard and Bommarito Vineyard in the Rutherford Appellation, the Leonardini Vineyard and Fawn Park Vineyard in St. Helena and the Oak Glen Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District. The Estate Vineyard is 25 acres of "Rutherford Dust" offering beautiful Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The Rutherford West Vineyard offers outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon fruit while the Bommarito Vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The Leonardini Vineyard is 14 acres of gravely soil yielding powerful Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and elegant yet intense Merlot grapes that go into the "Leonardini Vineyard" vineyard-designated wine. The Fawn Park Vineyard is on a gentle slope of Eastern hillside and produces intense Cabernet Sauvignon. The 25-acre Oak Glen Vineyard produces flavorful Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Franciscan - Napa Valley
Stylus is the supreme expression of Franciscan’s signature in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The engraving on the label presents an aerial perspective of a wine press that symbolizes Franciscan’s commitment to creating exceptional wines in hundreds of small lots and blending them to perfection. Cabernet Sauvignon has always played the leading role in Franciscan’s vision, since our first vintage in 1975, which set a quality standard for Napa Valley. Franciscan’s Magnificat and Cuvee Sauvage are synonymous with legendary quality found in the Napa Valley. Now, we are pleased to introduce Stylus, which continues to elevate the quality standard for Franciscan.
V. Sattui - Napa Valley (also Picnic Lunch)
V. Sattui is a family-owned winery established in 1885 and located in St. Helena, the very heart of California's famous Napa Valley.
Their award-winning wines are sold exclusively at the Winery, by mail order, and from their website direct to customers. They have no outside distribution.
The St. Helena location includes a stone Winery building and a large gourmet Cheese Shop and Deli surrounded by two and a half acres of tree-shaded picnic grounds.
V. Sattui’s picnic grounds are reserved for customers only, and Wine Country Tour Shuttle guests each receive a coupon good for purchase of any food from the Cheese Shop and Deli.
Further information about V. Sattui can be found here.
Domaine Chandon - Napa Valley
Domaine Chandon is set on a beautiful property amidst expansive landscaping and springfed ponds in the heart of the Napa Valley. This romantic, quiet, secluded location provides the ideal setting for sipping wine, dining, touring the winery, viewing the local artists or simply strolling on the picturesque grounds.
Specialties:
1) Brut Classic
2) Blanc de Noir
Further information about this winery can be found here.
Alternate Wineries
Rutherford Grove Winery - Napa Valley
Rutherford Grove Winery is a boutique family-owned winery set in a beautiful garden grove in the heart of Napa Valley. The winery is owned by the Pestoni family, who has lived in Napa Valley for five generations. This is the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of wine during a picnic, or on an afternoon stroll. Rutherford Grove offers a tasting menu of all their wines and features several limited production bottlings which can be found only at the winery. See more of Rutherford Grove Winery.
Rutherford Ranch Winery - Napa Valley
Rutherford Ranch winery an oustanding winery stop. A sure crowd pleaser, at Rutherford Ranch winery we taste 5 wines under very relaxed conditions. You will taste their Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhiannon along with chocolate bites to help accentuate the quality of their wines. The Rutherford Ranch tasting fee is waved when you purchase a bottle of wine.
Specialties:
1) Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Rhiannon (a Bordeaux style blend)
Further information about Rutherford Ranch winery can be found here.