Freshen up your Napa wine tasting game.
In recent months, a clutch of new wine tasting rooms has debuted at both storied and lesser-known wineries from Napa to Calistoga. Here's where to make a reservation for your next trip to Wine Country.
Markham Vineyards
(Courtesy of @markham_vineyards)
Twelve long months of renovations at Markham Vineyards left the St. Helena winery’s tasting room lighter and brighter than before. The new open floor plan with its soaring ceilings and skylights has been outfitted with custom furniture and specially commissioned artwork that lends the space a sort of museum-of-modern-art vibe. Classic tastings focus on Markham’s portfolio of Bordeaux varietals (they’re especially known for their lush, red fruited merlots) are $45/person. If you have limited time or want something a little less formal, check out the bar tasting, which includes three pours for $25/person. // Open daily 10am to 5pm; 2812 St. Helena Hwy North (St. Helena), markhamvineyards.com
Mathew Bruno Rutherford Estate
(Courtesy of @mathewbrunowinery)
In June, a brand new tasting room debuted in a historic Napa home, an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian in Rutherford. Winemaker Mathew Bruno and team painstakingly renovated the estate with seating in its sophisticated mauve lounges inside, on the wrap-around porch, and in a courtyard planted with a lavender garden and bocce courts. Mathew Bruno Rutherford Estate offers three tastings: An estate version featuring current releases like their black cherry-noted 2021 Sun Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50/person); a reserve tasting with curated cheese and charcuterie ($75/person); and the bocce experience ($200/person), which includes an extended tasting, curated lunch, and plenty of time for a game. // 10am to 6pm Tuesdays through Sundays; 1151 Rutherford Rd. (Rutherford), mathewbruno.com
Burgess Cellar
(Courtesy of Burgess Cellar)
This summer, Burgess debuted its new tasting room, a Provençal-inspired salon with a columned entryway, wood accents, and loungeable couches and leather chairs.in a neutral palate. It’s a serene and inviting spot for the winery’s estate tasting ($75/person), which includes pours from four current releases like the lively lemongrass and grapefruit-noted 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley. With their La Terre experience ($120/person), you’ll savor not just Burgess’ wine but its gardens and vineyards, too. // 10am to 5pm Thursdays through Mondays; 2921 Silverado Trail (Napa), burgesscellars.com
Frank Family Vineyards
(Courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards)
Frank Family Vineyards recently welcomed a second tasting room to their historic Calistoga estate Alongside the original tasting room inside their intimate and homey Napa Valley craftsman, the winery now has The Miller House, a farmhouse-chic 2,300 square foot barn with sculptural wood-beam ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an inviting lounge arranged around a central fireplace. Along with the new space comes an elevated tasting experience with hyper seasonal farm-to-table food pairings by chef Christina Machamer ($120/person) that complement pours from portfolio favorites like the sparkling, lemon-kissed blanc de blancs. The Miller House’s bespoke patio is also open for seated Estate tastings ($60/person). // Open daily from 10am to 5pm; 1091 Larkmead Ln. (Calistoga), frankfamilyvineyards.com
