Disclosure: I was invited out for a tasting and tour of the property at V. Sattui Winery. All opinions are my own.
When planning your trip to Napa Valley, it can be quite overwhelming. With so many wineries in one area, how does one ever choose? And each one is so distinctly different from the other. However, when it comes to a winery, it’s those extra special touches that can make the experience a bit more enjoyable.
V. Sattui Winery definitely has that with their outstanding Deli offerings available:
In a section of their tasting and gifting room there is a section dedicated to just food. From a fantastic cheese selection to deli offerings such as a variety of salads to choose from to even a dessert patisserie section with lovely truffles, like the ones featured above. They will even prepare sandwiches and panini’s for you and more. Everything’s right there to enjoy on the fantastic picnic grounds surrounding the property:
They also have a beautiful wood fire grill on the outdoor properties and on the weekends (spring through fall) they have a weekend BBQ where mesquite-grilled prawns, tri-tip, salmon and ribs. Wood-fired pizzas are made to order. Can you say YUM?
V. Sattui Winery is owned by Dario Sattui, who, had a dream of reopening the V. Sattui Winery, which truly started back in 1882 when Vittorio Sattui arrived in San Francisco, working as a baker, but making wine on the side. Eventually earning enough where he could focus on winemaking as his primary source of income, but, in 1920, when the Great Prohibition came to be, that killed the V. Sattui Wine Company, and the business laid dormant for 60 years when Dario Sattui’s vision came to be.
The entire history of the Wineries beginnings are found on their site and it’s quite the story.
BUT this is a winery, and lets get down to the reason WE are truly here: The Wine.
A tasting at V. Sattui Winery is a pretty relaxed environment. With two tasting room options available. The main tasting room lounge located next to the Marketplace, and if you wanted a more intimate experience, head to the fireplace room where you can enjoy a tasting right next to the fireplace while overlooking the beautiful picnic grounds.
There are two tasting options available: A 10 Dollar Premium Tasting which includes 6 vintage and estate wines, your choosing.
And then they also have the Reserve Tasting available for 15 dollars which is a collection of their limited collection wines.
And let me tell you, they have a HUGE selection of wine to choose from depending on your taste for the day. If you love sweet wines, they have a great selection of Moscato’s to choose from along with Late Harvest Rieslings, and for those that love a bit more RED, they have some great Cabernet Sauvignon’s including their 2010 Preston Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (a personal favorite!) AND you may want to try a few of their dessert wines: The Madeira and Angelica. These special blends have a bit of Brandy added to them making them a bit more sweet.
While I was there, I was also shown the Members Only Tasting Area which is a beautiful room. Lined against the wall are barrels, and yes, members get the opportunity to taste new releases straight from the barrel. Shown above, this was my first official barrel tasting, and it’s one I will remember. I was trying out the 2012 Preston Cabernet Sauvignon, but, to be honest, I prefer it a bit more aged.
Features of becoming a Wine Club Member include access to the Members Only Tasting Room along with free tastings for you and up to 3 guests. Invitations to special events at the winery and pre-release notifications with the option to purchase futures of their wine before bottling.
So, the next time you’re in Napa, or if you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley, be sure to stop into V. Sattui Winery
V. Sattui Winery
1111 White Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
And one little tip: When you stop into the Deli, YOU have to try their Artichoke Cream Cheese. Trust me on this.
