White Cottage Ranch

was originally a 500 acre cattle spread dating from 1898. It also used to be a Dude Ranch and people would spend parts of their summers here. The headquarters of the ranch are where the current winery is located. Due to its original large size it encompassed land that is currently being used by other nearby wineries. The winery itself is located just outside of the small town of Angwin (which we have been told due to the town’s religious affiliation is only one of two towns in the USA to have Sunday mail service). Allow at least 20 minutes to reach the winery from the turnoff on the valley floor. The winery sits at about 1400 feet and ranges in elevation up to 2000 feet so they sometimes get a light dusting of snow in the winter.

The owner Dennis Johns has a very long history in the Napa area of making wine and as as result has accumulated tremendous knowledge and winemaking skills. His styles of wine and wine making philosophy have changed over the years. He now introduces oxygen to his wine during several stages of the wine making process; this is done to the majority of his wines. This is a philosophy different than many area winemakers but is in no way whatsoever detrimental to his wines. Winemaking as with religion has no “right way or path”. Today he makes wines that are smooth, and very easy to drink when you open the bottle. They can be aged but they are meant to be consumed now. White Cottage makes a rather large variety of different types of wine. We had the pleasure of trying several from barrel – including a Cabernet Franc and then a Cab Franc blended with about 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. What a difference the Cabernet Sauvignon makes when blended – it ads a backbone and complexity that the Cabernet Franc just does not have by itself. By itself, the Cab Franc sort of just drops off and disappears in your mouth. The Ezivese is a unique blend of Sangiovese and Zinfandel.

A typical tasting will be held in their tasting room or if weather permits outside on their porch which overlooks the native woods and vineyards. This is a personal tasting, usually conducted with the owner in which you get to know him and how he makes his wine. White Cottage planted blocks of grapes within the native vegetation so as to keep a balance with the surrounding environment, rather than clear cut everything. We also tried their Sauvignon Blanc – this is a crisp refreshing wine great for serving on warm summer days. Be sure to try their Howell Mountain Cabernet – it is made with top quality mountain fruit. Do not only take our word – as the winemaker says, it is up to you to decide which wines you enjoy. Visit: www.whitecottageranch.com —-> Now owned by Fairchild??? Signs are all gone…

NOTE: This review has been archived.
REASON: Dennis Johns sold the winery and property. He now makes wine under his own label.