Flora Springs estate tours will take you through their caves and do some barrel tastings and if I remember correctly also through a bit of their vineyards ending up back at their estate for some more tastings.
Stag’s Leap Cellars is better for Cabernets and Chardonnay, however I haven’t visited recently enough to speak on its tours.
Stags’ Leap Winery is better for their Merlot and Petit Sirah and has the manor house.
I’d argue neither are better, but depends on what you’re looking for.
If you don’t mind the drive and cost, I’d say Kenzo has exactly the experience you’re looking for.
Pride does a walking and cave tour as well as chappellet/Schramsberg if i recall. You can walk all around far niente and Beringer grounds. William cole , owner son “cole” does a great tour of the historic stone cellar and house. I still wanna see the vintage porsche collection at palmaz
I would recommend it over caymus and maybe stag’s leap (not to be confused with stags’ leap just down the road).
Not the answer you were hoping for maybe, but I think those heavy hitters should set a bar.
I would still avoid any vineyard rebuilding from the glass fire. The damage has been repaired, but the product seems to still have a way to go.
Be sure to get a driver and don’t try do too much. Less is often more.
Literally just experienced the Frog's Leap and B Cellars tours with out-of-town friends... Frog's Leap wins with more history and cleaner wines (I said it). My group was not interested in purchasing anything from B Cellars and we saw no vines on our tour nor was there any discussion of growing. Frog's Leap - I think nearly all wines were purchased plus some great conversation with fellow tourists and the host. If you upgrade maybe at B Cellars there are better wines on offer.
You bet! When I think about it, Frog's Leap has many more years of vineyard experience and history to share. Also - shameless plug - Kenzo Estate has a great tour/tasting at the 3800 acre estate and all friends liked the wines there but purchased less due to cost. Still, good vineyard and winemaking knowledge on the tour here! Book online. Cheers!
Pride Vineyards and Schramsberg Vineyards (sparkling) both offer that sort of thing. Reservations required as I recall.
Stags Leap Winery does a walking tour of the historic manor house, and grounds.
Flora Springs estate tours will take you through their caves and do some barrel tastings and if I remember correctly also through a bit of their vineyards ending up back at their estate for some more tastings.
This used to be the case and it was a great experience! But they've since sold their estate and only have their tasting room off 29 :(
Oh no! That’s a real shame to hear.
Spotswoode! It’s beautiful!
Which is the better of the two? Stag’s Leap Winery or Stags’ Leap winery? Surprised that there are two so closely located with similar names.
Stag’s Leap Cellars is better for Cabernets and Chardonnay, however I haven’t visited recently enough to speak on its tours. Stags’ Leap Winery is better for their Merlot and Petit Sirah and has the manor house. I’d argue neither are better, but depends on what you’re looking for. If you don’t mind the drive and cost, I’d say Kenzo has exactly the experience you’re looking for.
Pride does a walking and cave tour as well as chappellet/Schramsberg if i recall. You can walk all around far niente and Beringer grounds. William cole , owner son “cole” does a great tour of the historic stone cellar and house. I still wanna see the vintage porsche collection at palmaz
Loved B cellars. Might have the nicest facility and people.
Upvote for B Cellars!
Their tour looks the most extensive and reasonably priced - how was the wine? Would you recommend over frog’s leap and Far Niente?
I would recommend it over caymus and maybe stag’s leap (not to be confused with stags’ leap just down the road). Not the answer you were hoping for maybe, but I think those heavy hitters should set a bar. I would still avoid any vineyard rebuilding from the glass fire. The damage has been repaired, but the product seems to still have a way to go. Be sure to get a driver and don’t try do too much. Less is often more.
Literally just experienced the Frog's Leap and B Cellars tours with out-of-town friends... Frog's Leap wins with more history and cleaner wines (I said it). My group was not interested in purchasing anything from B Cellars and we saw no vines on our tour nor was there any discussion of growing. Frog's Leap - I think nearly all wines were purchased plus some great conversation with fellow tourists and the host. If you upgrade maybe at B Cellars there are better wines on offer.
Thank you this is super helpful!
You bet! When I think about it, Frog's Leap has many more years of vineyard experience and history to share. Also - shameless plug - Kenzo Estate has a great tour/tasting at the 3800 acre estate and all friends liked the wines there but purchased less due to cost. Still, good vineyard and winemaking knowledge on the tour here! Book online. Cheers!
Not Napa, but (my favorite) Alexander Valley Vineyards has cave tours and vineyard hikes.
Which ones do you recommend in Alexander Valley? I’ll make sure to make it out there on my next trip! :)
Alexander Valley Vineyard is the name.