~Guide to Howell Mountain Wineries in Napa Valley

 

Howell Mountain offers some of the most outstanding wines in the region, although you might easily pass up this superb region due to its location off Highway 29. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular wine in this region. 

Lail Vineyards-Robin Lail and her family are able to trace their roots back to winemaking in Napa Valley for more than 100 years. Her great great uncle, Gustave Niebaum was one of the owners of Inglenook while Robin’s father, John Daniel Jr., was also an owner of Inglenook. 

Howell at the Moon-This somewhat new winery is certainly worth checking out. The first vintage was produced in 2004. 

Robert Craig Wine Cellars-Grapes for three very distinct vineyards are used to produce the award winning Cabernet wines from this winery. 

Lamborn Family Vineyard-Only a small portion of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by this winery, established in 1971. 

Spence Vineyards-For a number of years, this winery produced only homemade, non-commercial wines. The winery eventually offered an inaugural 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage to the public; however. 

Summit Lake Vineyards-This winery has become quite well known for their Zinfandel; which is mountain grown. In addition, they produce a small amount of a port style Zinfandel and a Cabernet Sauvignon. 

White Cottage Ranch-In the northeastern hills you will find White Cottage Ranch, where only a small port of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Sangiovese and Zinfandel blend are produced. All of the wines are handcrafted. 

Bravante Vineyards-The wines produced from this vineyard are truly remarkable as a result of the extraordinary care that is given to the grapes in the Bravante Vineyards. 

Cornerstone Cellars-Mountain wines have been produced by this Napa Valley winery since 1991. The founders, David Sloas and Michael Dragutsy, were originally doctors from Tennessee before they moved to Napa Valley. 

La Jota Vineyard-La Jota was originally established late in the 19th century by Frederick Hess. Following the end of Prohibition, the property was purchased by Bill and Joan Smith and painstakingly revived. Today the property is owned by Jess Jackson. 

Ladera Vineyards-Two mountain Cabernet Sauvignons are the focus of Ladera Vineyards. 

Viader-Specializing in a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Viader was originally established in 1989. 

O’Shaughessy Estate Winery-In the hills of Napa Valley, O’Shaughnessy Estate was established in 1996. The red volcanic soils of the area have proven to be quite successful for the venture. 

Black Sears Vineyard-Only a small amount of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are produced by this acclaimed winery. 

Chateau Woltner-This ghost winery has not been refurbished and is operational again. The property was originally established during the late 19th century. 

Atalon Winery-Grapes from all over the Valley are sourced by Atalon Winery. The focus of this winery is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although the wines from this winery are produced in only limited quantities, the prices are usually quite moderate. 

DR Stephens Estate-This 35 acre estate produces Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes that originate from the Cavernos AVA in Napa Valley. 

Retro Cellars-The primary focus of Retro Cellars is Petite Sirah. Grapes from the Muscatine Vineyard on Howell Mountain are used to produce the wine. 

Outpost Wines-A number of different wines are produced by Outpost Wines including Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Grenache. The grapes here are 100% organically farmed; making it one of the most intriguing wineries to visit if you have the opportunity.