Since visiting the Napa Valley in 1973, while attending college in southern California, Peter Thompson set his sights on getting into the wine business, specifically in the Napa Valley. In 1992, Peter began actively pursuing his goal of owning a vineyard in the prestigious Napa Valley. During a two and one-half year search for the ultimate vineyard property, Peter selected the Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards site atop Diamond Mountain. The property was undeveloped, but only needed the right combination of efforts to realize its incredible potential for creating a state-of-the-art vineyard to produce world class California Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
Fittingly, Aonair is Gaelic for "one man" and reflects Grant Long Jr's passion for handcrafted small-lot wines. These outstanding wines are only available at the winery. Grant Long Jr. founded Aonair Wines in 2008 after learning to make wine in a garage growing up and being mentored by great winemakers throughout his life. Located in the rugged, forested hills of St. Helena about 12-15 minutes from the valley floor and Silverado Trail, this small winery has the feeling of a luxury cabin lodge. Enjoy a roaring fire, wander outside on the deck with the fire-pit, and enjoy incredible views of the hillside and vineyards. Rich full-bodied red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a flagship white wine are produced in extremely limited barrel quantities.
Iconic winemaker Richard Arrowood, whom has made acclaimed Sonoma County wines for 50+ years, founded Amapola Creek in 2010. Nestled in the Myacamas Mountains, guests are privately hosted at the rustic, barn-styled winery on the Arrowood family estate. The focus is on ultra-premium, small batch wine including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, and Russian River Chardonnay. The tastings are private and personal and have a laid back feel at the home property of the winemaker.
With a winemaking legacy that dates back to 1551 in Spain, the Raventos family knew that the Carneros region offered the best Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Cabernets for their sparkling and still wines. With breathtaking views that stretch all the way to San Francisco and stunning architecture, this is a "must see while in Napa" winery.
Auburn James was founded in 2005 by two winemakers, James Frost and Matthew Ospeck. They are known for their Bordeaux red blends which are lush and silky with expressive aromatics. You can taste their wines on the deck overlooking the winery, vineyards, and bocce court or in the tasting cottage. Auburn James is a small, intimate winery with a rustic artistic feel that one must see and experience!
