Ballentine Vineyard

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 3/5

  • QPR: 5/5

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

  • Tasting fee: $40 Waived with membership or purchase

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.0

Another great recommendation from the Titus team, really great value for the price with bottles ranging from $30-55 for estate and single vineyard wines and $50-100 for reserve wines. Tasting room is small but very cute with a patio overlooking the vineyard. We loved all of their reds, especially the Merlot! Super easy to drink, when we went back to purchase more of the Merlot after a few months, they were sold out already. Our friends who went with us ended up joining the club membership.

More about the winery: Website, Yelp, IG

AXR

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 3/5

  • Main varietals: Cab Sauv, Bordeaux varietals But also have one of the best Chardonnays

  • Tasting fee: Waived with membership

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.4

Concierge at Titus vineyards recommended this winery so it’s been on my list for a long time. However, they are a small boutique winery and I wasn’t able to get an appointment as I would usually plan 1-2 days before our drive up to Napa. After reaching out a few times, they were super kind enough to squeeze us in to stop by and purchase a bottle with mini samples to taste before purchasing. Although we didn’t get the full tasting experience, we fully enjoyed the short visit. I usually don’t go out of my way to find a good Chardonnay but LOVED theirs. Super crisp and refreshing. Their red wines were also amazing and we ended up purchasing the signature red blend, Ganzin. We plan on going back for the full experience and purchasing more of their wines.

More about AXR: Website, Yelp, IG

Husch Vineyards

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 5/5, average price $15-30

  • Main varietals: Pinot, Whites, Cab Sauv

  • Tasting fee: $10. waived with purchase

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 3.8

Husch is the Oldest winery in Anderson Valley with a charming tasting cottage. Similar to other wineries in the area, they have a lot of whites and Pinot Noirs on their wine list. I was able to choose 4-5 wines to taste from extensive list of ~20 different wines so there’s something for everyone here! They also had a good dessert white wine that wasn’t too sweet. The view isn’t as grand as some of the larger wineries but the cottage itself is SO CUTE and there’s plenty of backdrops for photos.

More about Husch: Website, Yelp, IG

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