Hispanic culture has deep roots in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country. Many of the local wineries we visit are some of the first Mexican and Spanish owned wineries in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and the wine is absolutely delicious!
A selection of some of the Hispanic rooted wineries we might visit during the tour include:
Ceja Winery
Arriving in the Napa Valley in 1967 as braceros, the Ceja family is now producing some of the finest wine in the famous Carneros region. Carneros is close to San Pablo Bay, and the cooling fog keeps the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from ripening too quickly, creating the ideal climate for fine wine. Their amazing tale is a true American success story, and their welcome is as warm as the sun that shines down upon their slice of earthly heaven.
Robledo Winery
Robledo Winery is found in the Sonoma Valley, and their story is much like the Cejas’. Also beginning as farm workers, the Robledo Family now owns over 200 acres of grapevines. The wine is specially designed to be “food friendly” and their “Seven Brothers” Sauvignon Blanc is just one of the award winning wines you will taste during a visit to Robledo. Can you guess why their Sauvignon Blanc is called: Seven Brothers?
Mi Sueño Winery
Mis Sueño is Spanish for “My Dream,” and these words perfectly describe why Rolando Herrera became the owner of his own winery. Born in the Mexican state of Michoacan, his family arrived in California in 1975. Beginning his wine career with the famed vintner Warren Winiarski at Stag’s Leap, he now produces small lots of extraordinary wine you will taste at his facility in South Napa.
Historic Sonoma Plaza
An eight acre natural jewel in the heart of Sonoma, the Plaza is lined with historic adobes and is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Your guide will point out historic buildings and tell stories of the Bear Flag Revolt: the curious military action that ended Mexican rule over California. You will also hear tales of General Mariano Vallejo, the most famous of all Californios, and a man beloved as a great citizen of both Mexico and America.
San Francisco Solano Mission
Now a California State Park, this is the last of 21 Spanish missions that once stretched from San Diego to Sonoma. Beautiful, historic, with excellent exhibits, the San Francisco Solano Mission is a treasure located right on the Historic Sonoma Plaza.
In 2005 three partners, Gavin Newsom, Gordon Getty, and John Conover formed Cade Estate Winery located on the very top of Howell Mountain to complement their Oakville PlumpJack Estate Winery. Views are dramatic from the top of the mountain and the buildings are modern and considered state-of-the-art. The facility was designed to be Napa Valley’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified Estate Winery. There are two unique properties at Cade that offer two different and unique experiences. This winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Take a tour and tasting high above the fog while enjoying the captivating view or take in the history on the gravel terrace adjacent to the historic stone winery.
Cain Vineyard & Winery is cradled in a spectacular bowl overlooking the Napa Valley from the crest of the Spring Mountain District. We are dedicated to the creation of three Cabernet blends, each drawn from its own unique vineyard sources, each with its own distinctive signature: Cain Cuvée, Cain Concept, and Cain Five.
Casa Nuestra wines are “Estate Bottled." This is the most restrictive and sought-after designation, requiring that wines qualify for vintage dating and appellation of origin. From their 17 acres of vineyards, they make about 2,500 cases annually. Specializing in wines from noble grape varietals which are otherwise disappearing or have disappeared from the Napa Valley: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and a Tinto ‘field blend.'
Don and Molly Chappellet founded the winery in 1967 on a slope of land known as Pritchard Hill located off a rural road in St. Helena. The area is now regarded as one of the best growing regions in the world for Bordeaux varietals, and Chappelet wines reflect the exceptional conditions. Experience incredible views looking down on Lake Hennessy, enjoy the barrel room for a tasting or tour through the actual winery facilities with one of the knowledgeable staff.
The first tasting room in the oldest winery in Napa Valley has evolved into a modern world-class tasting experience. Owned by the iconic Mondavi family, they have introduced winemaking practices to the Napa Valley that still influence the industry today.
Charter Oak Winery & Vineyards in St. Helena, takes pride in being the "most original, old-world," winery of some 500 wineries in Napa Valley. The reason to visit: See how early wine pioneers lived and made wine in Napa Valley -- and taste wines which hearken back to those simpler times.
The vines are over 115 years old, they’re wise and storied — they are the heartbeat of Hayne Vineyard, and the soul of the wines produced.
While the vineyard has been around for five generations, it was Andy, who developed the Chase Cellars brand back in 1998. Katie took over the day-to-day operations in 2012, with the goal of maintaining the legacy of the vineyard through sustainable farming, and business practices, so they can ensure the integrity of this place survives for generations to come.
The core of the VGS experience lies in vibrant, inviting cottage in which our attitude resonates throughout - lighthearted, easygoing and (though sometimes irreverent) certainly never pretentious
Clif Bar co-owners Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford have married their passions for cycling, food and wine into one great destination. Come for the bike ride, stay for lunch at their Bruschetteria food truck and enjoy a tasting of their wines sourced from some of Northern California's finest vineyards.
Conn Creek has committed to Bordeaux style red wines produced from grapes sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. Conn Creek is also one of the first wineries in the valley to commit to green building practices.
Vinves, wines and people have a lot in common; the good get better with time. A great wine should have balance and interest at every age, Delicious in its youth, Continuum has firm supple tannins, richness and length. With age, this wine will evolve to express greater nuance, delicacy and interest.
The 100 acre estate in St. Helena is on the location of the historic Dowdell & Sons Winery. The sustainably farmed vineyards have been continuously farmed since 1870. Pam Starr designs the wines to express the extraordinary terrior of this incredible location.
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