Central Napa Valley

YOUNTVILLE, Rutherford, St. Helena

FRIENDLY FACES

JESSUP CELLARS • Rutherford Hill • Raymond Vineyards

Please be sure to make advanced reservations.

Jessup Cellars Pic
  • Napa Green Winery Certified
  • (707) 944-5620

JESSUP CELLARS

It says a lot when a winery is known for having some of the friendliest staff around. When you step into Jessup’s tasting room you’ll quickly notice that their experience combines wine and art – rotating exhibitions offer plenty to feast your eyes on as you try their wines. They have a great variety of wines to choose from, including their new “Ma Chérie Rosé,” and several special blends or cuveés. A big part of their owners’ commitment to sustainability is giving back to the community. They host an ‘Art House Sessions’ summer music series and ‘Art House Short Film Series’ that spotlight and raise funds for community arts organizations and other causes. They are also dog friendly and encourage tail wags. Sweet little Southside Café is right next door if you want to grab a coffee or quick bite.
Rutherford Hill Winery Pic
  • Napa Green Winery Certified
  • (707) 963-1871

Rutherford Hill

Head north from Yountville and get ready for a little elevation. In Rutherford you’ll veer right uphill and keep going to the end of the road. If you enjoy a bird’s eye view book the Oak Grove Table & Cheese Platter experience, and enjoy a flight of wines while looking out over the southern expanse of the Napa Valley. Or if you’re looking to experience a grand wine cave and taste wine straight from the barrel book their Cave Tour & Barrel Tasting. Among their array of wines Rutherford Hill’s Merlots continue to standout. Rutherford Hill has been working steadily to improve energy efficiency, including an extensive LED lighting upgrade, so they can ensure almost all of their energy comes from their solar array. They also recently installed Electric Vehicle charging stations, so your EV can soak up some energy while you soak up the views. For some added spoilage you can head a short ways back down the hill to Auberge Du Soleil and have lunch or dinner on their Bistro patio suspended on the hillside.
raymond-vineyards
  • Napa Green Winery Certified
  • (707) 963-3141

Raymond Vineyards

Next, head west and wind down at Raymond Vineyards. You can start your visit with an amble through their “Theater of Nature,” connecting with the ways biodiversity, cover crops and special composts all contribute to healthy and thriving vineyards. As you enter into the winery you change worlds, with velvets and chandeliers. This contrast makes sense if you know that Raymond is owned by a Frenchman, Jean-Charles Boisset. Raymond goes beyond organic to Biodynamic farming, which is a system that not only eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides but also cultivates a greater diversity of plants, insects and animals and invests in more attentive farming, managing each area of the property based on specific conditions rather than a one-size fits all approach. As you sample the wines see if you agree with some growers and winemakers that believe these farming practices enhance the quality and sense of terroir found in the glass.

Please note: In order to protect the health and safety of all guests as we continue to be vigilant about the spread of COVID-19 all wineries will be reservation-only for the time being. It is essential to make appointments in advance and also review each winery’s posted policies and procedures before you arrive. Don’t forget your classiest wine tasting masks for entering and exiting the winery.

SOUTHERN NAPA VALLEY

CENTRAL NAPA VALLEY

NORTHERN NAPA VALLEY