Chimney Rock

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 3/5, average price $50-110

  • Main varietals: Cab Sauv

  • Tasting fee: $60 One tasting fee waived for each 2 bottle purchase of red

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.4

Chimney Rock is part of the Terlato Wine Group so I got to visit when one of my friends was a member at Rutherford Hill Winery (Members get bar tastings for free). Overall the winery has a nice ambiance with a cute main building and a nice patio in the back. I did prefer Rutherford Hill’s wines in terms of QPR though and would recommend it for couples or smaller groups that typically purchase or drink ~$100+/bottle wines.

More about Chimney Rock: Website, Yelp, IG

Chappellet Winery

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 3/5

  • Main varietals: Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Bordeaux varietals

  • Tasting fee: $75, waived with membership

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.2

I first came across Chappellet wines at a random restaurant in SF and I loved the glass of their Mountain Cuvee so much that I bought a bottle next time I saw it at K&L. I’ve always wanted to visit for a tasting but their calendar was always fully booked for at least 3-4 weeks. When I learned that their wine maker is the same as the winemaker at Titus, where I have a membership and is my ultimate favorite, I had to make a reservation and waited out 4 weeks to visit.

The view, history, and the ground was definitely highlight of the visit and the wines are also equally great. I would say though, you are paying a bit of a premium for the entire experience. Tasting and the tour experience is very private to your group, where you tour the expansive vineyard ground with a stunning view and experience a seated tasting inside their historic pyramid shaped building filled with arts and wine barrels. Great spot if you are looking for a special experience or wanting to impress!

More about them: Website, Yelp, IG

Rutherford Hill Winery

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 4/5, average price $30-100

  • Main varietals: Cab Sauv, Bordeaux varietals

  • Tasting fee: $45-60, waived with membership

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.0

My friend used to be a club member here for a couple years so I was able to visit multiple times and have always enjoyed my time there. Wines are pretty good and they have a good selection of bottles in the $30-50 range. They have a patio tasting area in addition to the separate picnic area where you can purchase and drink bottles as well. Tasting fee is not on the cheaper side but overall, a solid choice with a good view and cute grounds.

More about Rutherford Hill: Website, Yelp, IG

Photos from Rutherford Hill's Official IG

V. Sattui

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 4/5, average price $30-80

  • Main varietals: Variety of reds, whites, and sparklings

  • Tasting fee: $45, waived with membership

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.2

V. Sattui is a sister winery to another well-known Napa winery Castello di Amorosa. I’ve been to V. Sattui multiple times but mostly for their deli/BBQ lunch at their picnic area. I can’t speak much about the tasting experience or their wines because it’s been a few years since I did a tasting there. However, it’s a great stop for lunch or just to hangout for couple hours as they have great food and picnic table where you can open one of their bottles. The ground is also beautiful with a main building that reminds you of somewhere in Italy and abundance of greenery.

More about V. Sattui: Website, Yelp, IG

Thumbnail photo from V.Sattui official IG

Handwritten Wines

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 2/5

  • QPR: 3/5, average price $60-150

  • Main varietals: Mostly Cab Sauv from different AVA

  • Tasting fee: $60. Waived with a membership or purchase of $60

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.5

Similar to its sister winery, Jessup Cellers, it is located in downtown Yountville so doesn’t have a vineyard view. The tasting experience itself was amazing starting with the friendly host and perfect table setting. Wines are really good and free truffle potato chips and buttery/flaky snack (I forgot the name of it..) add to an already amazing experience. $60 tasting fee is waived with a $60 purchase so I would definitely say purchase a bottle if you like the wine!

More about Handwritten: Website, Yelp, IG

Thumnail image from Handwritten’s official IG