Napa’s Hidden Treasures: 7 Secret Wineries

St. Helena Winery at Dawn

You can't go wrong with the trusted wineries of Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, but if you’ve never discovered a dazzling new winery for yourself, it’s time to take a chance. In order to mitigate some of the risk of a day filled with the wrong wineries, we’ve unearthed some of the hottest hidden treasures for you (all appointment only):

Black Cordon Vineyards was born in 1978 when Karen and David Dunphy fell in love with the Napa Valley and its striking black cordons (the branches of a vine are called cordons and they often appear black in the wet season). Despite fantastic scores on their wines, they remain under the radar and will likely be the ones pouring their earthy, velvety, rich, dark-purple (almost black) cab for you when you visit.

Morlet Family Vineyards is owned and operated by Luc and Jodie Morlet, who make unique cuvees (blends) of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Semillion, as well as a Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Napa Cab. Their use of traditional techniques with California style produces a variety of wines that are both serious and fun. It’s only $25 per person for a tasting, which is waived if you buy a bottle. They’ll spend up to an hour and a half walking you through their caves and wines.

St. Helena Winery is making some of the best and most drinkable red wines in the Napa Valley. Keep them if you want or down them right away–these bold reds are already aged and ready to enjoy when released. The homey property is comfortable and beautiful (sip on the veranda overlooking the vineyard from their re-modeled historic home) and has a guesthouse with a pool for special guests and Bocce court for visitors who want to play.

Marita’s Vineyard is in beautiful Coombsville, Napa Valley’s newest AVA, and one of the closest (to SF) yet most rural areas of the Valley. This kind and vivacious family and staff make a limited amount of very tasty wine, and keep Marita’s Vineyard a secret so that they can continue to treat all visitors like honored guests.

Parallel Wines has been coveted and whispered about in local circles but lately that whisper is becoming more of a clamor. Their branding is youthful, hip, and pays homage to their love of skiing and vineyards. And their bold and flavorful wines, despite being limited and made by famous winemaker Philippe Melka, are very reasonably priced. Taste just about any time at Vintners Collective in Downtown Napa or call to schedule a cave tour.

Vineyard 7 & 8 is a family owned winery and vineyard near the top of Spring Mountain. Perched above St. Helena, Vineyard 7 & 8 has gained a great deal of local fame for their wines and can be found on some of the best wine lists in the country (like Thomas Keller’s French Laundry). You can also find their wines at Fine Wines International in Pier 19 and other high-end shops if you want to try it first, or re-stock when your stash runs dry.

East Coasters Shirley Roy and her late husband Charles started Roy Estate in 1999. This quiet but classy gem has kept it small despite continuously high ratings and great word of mouth. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and Proprietary Red are approachable despite their full, heavy, and spicy flavors. You'll learn and laugh a lot on their friendly, private tours.

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By Cheap Soccer Cleats (not verified) on March 15, 2012

What is an "AVA?"

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 21, 2012

Honig vineyard in Rutherford is small and they have a very friendly staff.

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 21, 2012

I love Napa, but when are Mendocino and Lake county going to get some wine geek love?
Im not talking about highway 101 or 128 wineries. Im talking about the hidden ones
Mendocino just north of Sonoma is where Cali's climate shifts from Mediterranean to Pacific Northwest
The oak filled hills of Lake county has a wine tradition since the 19th century

That last photo says it all for me regarding why Napa wines are so good even if many are WAY overpriced.
Its the FOG and wind that act like a big air conditioner from SF right up through Napa. The daily cooling down of the grapes gives it structure and complexity.
A sommelier told me there are over 500 wineries in North Cali that are closed to public almost all year and do only tasting by reservation a few times a year some don't ever open to the public

By whoiskeyserhoze? (not verified) on January 21, 2012

Dear all, From today's San Francisco newspaper with an article about Napa Valley wine tasting!! How timely! Super talking with both of you and once again, Happy New Year and Happy Year of the Dragon! XOX G&M

By Gail and Merl Pugh (not verified) on January 21, 2012

Thanks for the great recommendations. I hate going to the touristy places along 29 that are mobbed with limo rats. There are so many small, intimate wineries making amazing wine in Napa, you just have to know where to go. My newest favorite is Amici Cellars in Calistoga. Small, by appt only, but for the serious wine lover. Fun people, laid back atmosphere and really great wine.

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 20, 2012

Very interested to taste from St. Helena winery. Also curious about the "Coombsville, Napa Valley’s newest AVA." great suggestions, will have to check them out!

By Rena Ramirez (not verified) on January 20, 2012

These look like wonderful picks -- thanks as always, Ian, for your thoughtful reporting and great photography. Reading this column always inspires me to explore more that's out there!

By Patsy Barich (not verified) on January 20, 2012

One of my favorites is Truchard Vineyards. Nice little hidden gem that is family own and operated. The wines are beautiful and the tours take you out into the vineyard. Amazing views while tasting wine, life couldn't get much better. They are by appointment only so be sure to call ahead of time, otherwise chances are you won't get in. Take it from me, it's the best vineyard in the valley.

By Ryan Jacobson (not verified) on January 19, 2012

My favorite winery is ZD Wines on Silverado Trail. It is family owned and I think both their red and white wines are spectacular. Give them a try!

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 19, 2012

Great choices again Ian. Although most people know about The Meritage Resort and Spa, I think people miss the fact that the Trinitas Cellars Tasting Room is located in the Estate Cave behind the resort. Great wines in an amazing atmosphere. Plus, if you don't feel like driving afterwards, stay for dinner, get a spa treatment at Spa Terra or stay overnight.

By Andrew Bradley (not verified) on January 19, 2012

The risk of a day filled with the wrong wineries would be choosing to try new things that don’t suit your group or are not what you’re really looking for... It would be quite a shame to spend an adventurous day without your favorites only to find your choices were not good ones… thanks for the comment!

By Ian White on January 19, 2012

If "You can't go wrong with the trusted wineries of Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail" the where, pray tell, is "the risk of a day filled with the wrong wineries"?

By Anonymous (not verified) on January 19, 2012