A small vineyard with giant wines. We have always admired and supported the artisan family businesses of the world. Do not leave the valley without a visit and a case of wine from this jewel in the Stag's Leap district. Excellent Cabernets and Merlot’s are produced on 7 of their 78 acres in the volcanic Stag’s Leap District. The Robinson Family vineyard is nestled against the foot of the large rock formation known as Stag's Leap Palisades. The heat from the sun is transferred into the large structured volcanic rock which penetrates the vines during the day. The cool coastal nights of the valley give the fruit an intense and robust flavor creating a supple and balanced wine. This is truly a family business with four generations handpicking the grapes during the crush. The warm and friendly Robinson family welcomes tastings but with appointments, which Robin said can be last minute. They also ship. “Please come sit with us, hear our story, drink some wine and enjoy a truly unique experience in the Napa Valley.” Robin Yates. We recently featured their 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon at a high profile event in Los Angeles that accompanied our main course. It was a big hit!

You can’t help but falling in love with this exquisite property. We have been here so many times not only for tours and tastings but also to simply enjoy a bottle of the Sophia Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine with friends. As passionate as I am about French Champagne I found this sparkler to be a refreshing and light accompaniment to a sunny afternoon outdoor party or for that matter a rainy day when there is noting to celebrate other than tranquility. Tasting notes on the $19. bottle of Sophia include rich pear, honeysuckle and exotic passion fruit aromas with crisp apple, ripe melon and juicy tangerine with notes of bright lemon and honey on the finish. I take my out of town guests here for a bottle of Sophia with some bread, cheese and other delicious treats from their shop that can be enjoyed on their grounds. Niebaum Coppola has many interesting wines to include Rubicon. The winery is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, award winning director and producer. You will also be treated to an exhibit of his Oscars and memorabilia from movies such as Godfather, Accopylise Now, and Dracula. They have a wine club and a fabulous gift shop. They recently began to charge an admission fee of $25. which includes a tasting and tour of the historical property.

Built on a 350 acre historic estate Cline Cellars is arguably one of the most enchanting properties in Sonoma. Fred Cline pioneered the planting of Rhône varietals including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. We had my daughter’s wedding at this lovely property. The accommodating and professional staff helped put together a magical event. We paired a different Cline wine to each course with rave reviews from our guests. Many of our guests also joined the wine club or had wine shipped home! The tasting room is located inside an original 1850's farmhouse, and is wrapped by a large and pleasant, old-fashioned porch for outdoor seating. Six spring-fed ponds, with lush green lawns, rustling willow trees, ever-changing gardens and the glorious, fragrant blossoms of over 5,000 rose bushes, surround the grounds. Pack your picnic lunch and but a bootle of their wine to enjoy on the grounds.

Enjoy these handcrafted estate grown wines from a 3 story observation clock tower overlooking the Steltner vineyard and the Stag's Leap district. Dick and Christine Stelzner established their winery in the 70's and have a wonderful collection of very reasonably priced wines. Plan to visit both Steltzner and Robinson's Family Vineyard which are situated in the same area.

Pat Kuleto, renowned restaurateur, created heaven on earth high above the Napa Valley in the mountains off the Silverado Trail. Talented winemaker, Dave Lattin has created wines as interesting as Pat Kuleto's restaurants. Wine tours and tastings are by appointment only but this winery should not be missed. Visiting Kuleto is an experience. The expansive property is reminiscent of Tuscan style villa complete with vegetable and herb gardens, flowers, olive trees, 16 varieties of fruit trees , livestock and a stocked lake. Kuleto wine club gives members new releases of their estate wines, special discounts, exclusive access to library wines,discounts and complimentary tours and tastings. Their Harvest party was fabulous! Pictured are Janelle Weaver, the estate's executive chef and Pat Kuleto.

Throughout the years we have hosted and met many culinary legends but it was always the artisans and pioneers that were closest to Jill's heart. This month Jill attended Grgich Hills harvest party and was honored to meet Mike Grgich, a true American pioneer. Grgich Hills Cellar, located in the heart of Napa Valley, was founded in 1977 by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich and Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. coffee family after Mike’s 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the now-famous Paris Tasting, beating the best of France. Today, Grgich Hills remains family owned and practices the art of winemaking, crafting food-friendly wines known for their consistency, quality, and longevity. The Grgich philosophy is that great wines start in the vineyard. They farm their 366 acres organically and biodynamically. Starting with the 2004 vintage, all of their wines are made from estate-grown grapes, creating wines with great balance and finesse. The winery is run by Mike and his daughter Violet. It continues to win awards and competitions throughout the country.