Silverado Vineyards (no affiliation with the nearby Silverado Resort & Spa) was founded by Ron Miller and his wife Diane Disney (Diane passed away in 2013 and Ron in early 2019). In early 2022 we heard that Silverado Vineyards was for sale; the property, winery and brand sold in mid 2022 to Foley Wine Estates (see our notes at the bottom of this review for … [Read more...]

Sjöblom Winery. In a wine region that has become known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, it is refreshing to discover a producer that takes wine making in a different direction then the majority of the valley's producers. Innovative and with an engaging personality, founder and winemaker Mikael (Mike) Sjöblom is not afraid to create wines in styles not … [Read more...]

Sky Vineyards is located at about 2100 feet high in the Mayacamas mountain range near the Sonoma County line. It is one of the higher vineyards in all of Napa County. Founder, Lore Olds has lived here since 1972. His first commercial vintage was in 1979 making this winery the second oldest winery in this area behind nearby Mayacamas Winery. We maintain a … [Read more...]

Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley's Spring Mountain District; it dates from 1971 with their first commercial release coming in 1977. For reference, there are approximately 70 wineries in Napa Valley who were producing wines in 1979 or prior who are still producing wines today. But today there are more than 1,000 … [Read more...]

Snowden Vineyards is run by multiple members of the Snowden family; they have owned their property since 1954 (160 acres). Their vineyards are located east of the Silverado Trail not far from Joseph Phelps Winery and near Auberge du Soleil in an area known as Spring Valley. The vineyard was originally purchased by Wayne Snowden and his wife Virginia. Wayne … [Read more...]

Gamble Estates, formerly Gamble Family Vineyards is owned by Tom and Colette Gamble; we first met with Tom at his home in near Yountville, years ago. Tom's family has a long history of ranching and farming in Napa Valley dating back to 1916 and Colette's family dates even further back to the 1870s. Tom's great-great-grandfather, James (a soap maker from … [Read more...]

Spelletich Family Wine Company was founded in 1994 and is truly a 100% family run winery. Their motto is: "Food, Family & Friends". Their first vintage included three wines: a Chardonnay, the BoDog Red and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Tragically they lost their entire 1997 vintage and most of their 1998 and 1999 wines in a warehouse fire in 2000 at what is now … [Read more...]

Spence Vineyards is located on Howell Mountain at about 1,900 feet in elevation; the closest small town is the nearby Angwin. This is a well-respected region for growing red varieties, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon but also Zinfandel. Howell Mountain in general is known for its shallow rocky soils, but the Spence Vineyards property features soils which are … [Read more...]

Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery is located at the edge of a residential neighborhood in the town of St. Helena. There are three sections to the property: the winery and offices, the vineyard and the Spottswoode Estate home and the accompanying grounds and gardens. This family-owned winery focuses on a select few wines including Sauvignon Blanc and two … [Read more...]