Visiting a slew of wineries can be fun, but often it's just as enjoyable to relax a bit more and drive a bit less. Ma(i)sonry, just north of the heart of Yountville and located a short walk from Bardessono and Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, is a perfect spot to relax, check out art, and try wines from 15 limited production wineries. The ivy-covered manor is so enjoyable that it was featured in the New York Times Magazine as a must-stop an 11-hour Napa Valley tour.

Sit amongst the sculptures, fountains and fire pits outside (under a cozy blanket, which they will provide if it’s wintery) or choose an art and book-laden room to enjoy a custom flight of wines, paired with cheeses. Taste different brands against each other or wines made by the same winemakers over time, to discover the intricacies that each season or weather pattern brings to a wine.

Many of the wines in this collection are rare and lack venues of their own to be showcased. Places like Ma(i)sonry and Vintners Collective in downtown Napa offer the opportunity to try rare wines and give boutique winemakers the chance to share their craft and survive in a highly competitive market.

My favorites were varietals from Renteria Wines, Brown Estate and Blackbird Vineyards. The art is also top-notch -- featured artists rotate frequently but include locals such as San Francisco’s Citizen, Sonoma’s Ron Mann and others from around the globe.

Ma(i)sonry calls the experience a “life aesthetic” and I call it a comfortable way to enjoy new wines with friends in a personal  and inspiring atmosphere.

Ma(i)sonry

Hours of Operation:
Friday & Saturday 10-9 (winter) 10-10 (summer)
Sunday - Thursday 10-6 (winter) 10-7 (summer)

Price Range:
Tastings and Flights $8 to $45
Bottles $14 to $125