Napa Valley Wineries

The soul of wine making in America, Napa Valley is a wine lover’s heaven on earth. Encompassing 297,000 acres on Northern California’s coast, Napa Valley boasts some of the world’s most acclaimed vineyards and wineries in historic towns like Napa, Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville/Rutherford, and Yountville. Captivate your senses as you explore the beautiful rolling hills and vine-braided terrain of Napa Valley, home to more than 250 vineyards and wineries that produce award-winning wines with excellent flavor and diversity. Amble down the Silverado Trail, with 35 charming wineries and Napa’s oldest vineyards. Enjoy an unforgettable Napa Valley getaway as you wind through the breathtaking scenery, tour charming wineries, picnic in radiant vineyards, sample exquisite wines and learn about California’s largest wine appellation.

June 2010 Winery of the Month:     Rutherford Ranch Winery

Rutherford Ranch Winery is family owned and managed with a portfolio of wines representing the rich diversity of Napa's outstanding appellations. Their focus on eco-friendly practices has led to the creation of a winery and estate vineyard that are 100% certified organic and meet the most stringent state and government agricultural standards.

The winery is on the site of the original Round Hill Winery. In 2000, it was taken over by Marko and Theo Zaninovich, who replanted the estate vineyards with superior vines and renovated the winery and tasting room. Despite these changes, the estate's 100 year-old olive grove and unpretentious charm remain essentially unchanged.

Ratherford Ranch Winery offers Napa visitors an opportunity to taste and discover wines described as the 'Best Value in Napa Valley' in a relaxed and informal setting. An array of Napa varietals, including limited production Reserve and Estate wines are available for tasting, as well as their signature Chocolate & Reds tasting package. Rutherford is located just off the Silverado Trail at the Rutherford Cross Road about 15 minutes from the River Terrace Inn with easy access and parking.

May 2010 Winery of the Month:    Pine Ridge Vineyards

Located approximately 8.5 miles north of the hotel at 5901 Silverado Trail (the road the locals use to get up and down the Valley), Pine Ridge Vineyards has been producing outstanding Cabernets since the late ‘70’s. While best known for Cabernet’s Pine Ridge also produces Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and some special proprietary blends only available at the winery.

 Nestled between two vine covered knolls on the eastside of Silverado Trail, Pine Ridge features a comfortable tasting room and offers a comprehensive tour of the winery three times each day (10 AM, noon, and 2 PM). The tour starts in the vineyards, where all great wines begin. It then continues through the production area and caves. While in the caves the group is treated to a barrel sample before sitting down in their Cabernet Caves for a tasting of three current releases wines. After their sampling, the group is escorted back to the Tasting Room to complete their experience with Fortis, Pie Ridge’s flagship wine. Tours are by reservation, with a maximum of 10 guests per tour. Check with the hotel Concierge for availability during your stay at River Terrace.

April 2010 Winery of the Month:      Clos du Val

Clos du Val is River Terrace Inn’s Winery of the Month for April2010. Stop by our Terrace Café, where we will be pouring Clos du Val wines all month. We will also be holding complimentary Clos du Val tastings every Friday afternoon throughout April.

March 2010 Winery of the Month:    Robert Mondavi Winery

 Looking for a wine tour but not getting in until late Friday? Try Mondavi’s exclusive “Twilight Tour” starting at 5pm November-April, and at 5:30pm May-October. A Wine Educator will take you through the To Kalon Cellar and barrel aging rooms while discussing the inner workings of the winery. The tour concludes by the fireplace with a tasting of Reserve and Spotlight wines accompanied by an artisanal cheese board.

January and February 2010 Winery of the Month:      Stonehedge Winery