Girard Winery began in 1975 as a dream of a father-son duo. The two shared a passion for high quality wines, a respect for the Valley's rich history and a pioneering spirit. 25 years later, another vintner with the same passion for winemaking and roots deep in the Napa Valley is continuing the Girard legacy.
1077 Dunaweal Ln., Calistoga, CA 94515
In 1986, Squire and Suzy Fridell packed up their three-year old daughter and all their worldly goods to trade the freeways and the sand of Southern California for the back roads and fertile soil of Sonoma Valley. They purchased twenty-six acres of raw land, just north of the Village of Glen Ellen. The gentle rolling hills were covered with poison oak, oak trees, manzanita trees, madrone trees, bay trees, and a few redwoods. They cut a few of the trees and put in a road, got poison oak, dug a well and brought in power, got more poison oak, built their Cottage, hand-planted two acres of grapevines, and got a lot more poison oak. After a year of Calamine lotion, itching, and cottage living, they got rid of most of the poison oak, built their new home on top of the hill, started building their winery, planted a second vineyard and created a new life for themselves.
Inspired by a centuries-old understanding of the balance between earth and wine, we pursue winegrowing with a respect for each vine and for each person in our extended family. Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards implemented the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices and became certified in 2016.
Godspeed is an artisan grower in the Mount Veeder Appellation of Napa Valley situated at an altitude of 1500 ft. The vineyard is the project of the Larry Stricker family. Since 1990 Larry has taken advantage of his exceptional vineyard by bottling half his production under his own label. Three wines are produced at Godspeed: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Trinity. All three are made in a very elegant, almost "European: style, with an emphasis on the vineyard's unique micro-climate, as expressed in the wine's balance and fruit element.
Originally founded in 1985 by David and Colleen Topper, this small boutique winery is just five minutes from many famous restaurants in downtown Yountville and now family owned and operated by Chris Coors Ficeli, the great great granddaughter of Adolph Coors of the Coors Brewing Company. As you travel to the estate on State Lane in Yountville, one of the many backroads, you can enjoy the view from their vineyards, take in a tour, relax on the scenic deck, or watch the production of grapes as it turns to wine. Taste their Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot which are favorites here and boast incredible flavors!
