Wolf Family Vineyards offers four estate grown wines in artisanal quantities hand made by Karen Culler in the small winery and cave on the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Phaedrus, a blend from the youngest vines on the property. A fortuitous combination of the demanding standards of the winemaker and the family’s “no compromises” philosophy results in wine that pleases the collector’s long term palate. Total winery production averages 1000 cases per year.

The thin rocky soils and rugged terrain on Mount Veeder make farming the vineyard a challenge. Cultivation and harvesting are done entirely by hand. Water is scarce and drains quickly through the volcanic mountain soil. The vines grow slowly and produce small clusters and intensely concentrated berries resulting in extremely low yields; as little as half that of vineyards on the valley floor.

Farming on the mountain is definitely demanding. But were rewarded with wines that show intensity and depth, with rich, earthy tannins and bold, dark fruit flavor.

Creator of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc from Yountville, Napa Valley.
For over 80 years, the Bardessono family has been farming grapes and providing fruit for some of Napa Valley's most prestigious producers. John Bardessono and his brother-in-law, Martin Zucco, purchased the Yountville vineyard property in 1926 with earnings from their work in an old copper mine. Eventually, the land was handed down to John's sons, Pete and Steve, who continued to farm wine grapes and sold them to prominent Napa Valley wineries for over 50 years. Again, the property was handed down to Pete's son Tom, who is the current owner and manager of Bardessono Vineyards today.

W.H. Smith makes fantastic pinot noir and they now have a tasting room in Calistoga. They make about 5 different pinots: Sonoma coast, Helenthal, Umino, Maramar, and Maritime (a proprietary blend). They also make cabernets but I think the pinots are way more to my taste.