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

Halter Ranch

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 3/5, average price $30-65

  • Main varietals: variety of whites and reds

  • Tasting fee: $35

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.1

More about Halter Ranch: Website, Yelp, IG

Martorana

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 3/5

  • QPR: 3/5, average price $38-50

  • Main varietals: Merlot, Zin, Petit Syrah, Cab

  • Tasting fee: $20, waived with 2 bottle purchase per tasting

  • Average wine rating on Vivino:

Chateau St Jean

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 3/5, average price $20-100

  • Main varietals: Cab Sauv, Pinot, Sparkling, Whites

  • Tasting fee: $45 for reserve tasting. Waived with membership (not with purchase)

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 3.8

Chateau St Jean is one of the larger wineries that distributes number of their wines to retailers. You can see their wines at most grocery stores but I would say highlight of their tasting experience is the beautiful building and the grounds. Their outdoor patio is super cute and looks out to the vineyards and a large grass area that looks like an outdoor event space. You are greeted with a glass of sparkling rosé (great casual weekday or weekend brunch sparkling) and they have a good selection of Cab, Pinot, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux blends. They used to offer two different tasting experiences but now only seem to offer reserve outdoor tasting. Recommend if you like trying different varieties of wines and want to take cute photos at the winery!

More about Chateau st Jean: 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