South
to North
After Luna Vineyards cross Silverado Trail and start heading North back to Calistoga. Along
the way you will have the opportunity of stopping at several additional wineries,
all of which will be on your right.
Darioush is easy to spot, thanks to its exotic Persian-inspired architecture. Notable features include 16 tall columns at the entrance of the winery, which is clad entirely in travertine stone from the Persepolis area of Iran. Owner Darioush Khaledi grew up in Shiraz, a prominent grape growing region in Iran, where his father made wine as a hobby. He opened his own winery in 2004, with 63 vineyard acres of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot, malbec, petit verdot, chardonnay and viognier. 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707-257-2345.
A vine-covered stone winery, backed by the dramatic rock outcroppings
of Stags Leap, is home to Clos du Val. In good
weather, this is a lovely place to picnic or play petanque or simply
relax in front of the Mediterranean-style gardens filled with lavender
and other drought-tolerant plants. 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa;
707-259-2200, 800-993-9463.
Vine Cliff is one of the Napa Valley’s few remaining “ghost wineries,” most of which date to the late 18th century. Founded more than 130 years ago by two local entrepreneurs, the winery was tucked into a hidden canyon, then abandoned and eventually burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances. The 100-acre estate is beautifully landscaped and is home to 21 acres of cabernet sauvignon. The current owners bought the property in 1985 and also make chardonnay from grapes grown on their Carneros property. 7400 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707-944-1364.
On the east side of the valley is an unusual small winery run by physician Ralph Wermuth. (When people ask him why he gave up medicine, he likes to tell them, "The medicine didn't work.") Wermuth keeps things simple at Rancho de las Flores (the historical name of the property), producing only cabernet sauvignon, a red table wine and Blanco (made from colombard grapes). Ralph and his wife, Smitty, also sell their handmade note cards in the tasting room. And while you're there, be sure to ask Ralph to sign your bottle of wine. 3942 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707-942-5924.
Marty OImstead is the author of several travel books, including "Hidden Wine Country"(co-authored with Ray Riegert) and the "California Directory of Fine Wineries", all of which are available on Amazon.com.