View From Howell Mountain

The Howell Mountain Appellation offers spectacular views and a rich variety of vineyards to explore on the upper east side of the Silverado Trail.  Because of the altitude, evening temperatures are generally warmer and daytime temperatures are generally cooler than on the Napa Valley floor.  More wineries in Napa Valley make Howell Mountain wines than actually have their tasting rooms up here.

Favorite Tasting Rooms on Howell Mountain

Bremer Family Winery – With their first release in October 2003, the Bremer Family kicked off this family-owned winery in Deer Park where Howell Mountain grapes are handcrafted into delicious wines, frequently with extended barrel aging.  We like their Chardonnay, Claret, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  975 Deer Park Road, St. Helena  (707) 963-5411  [reservation required]

Neal Family Vineyards – Organically farmed and produced wines are the attraction at this friendly winery, the culmination of the Neal family’s 40 years of winegrowing in Napa Valley.  The Cabernet Sauvignons and ZInfandels here are astounding.  716 Liparita Avenue, Angwin  (707) 965-2800  [reservation required]

Viader – High quality, limited production wines can be found here, and you should hope it’s a nice day because tasting on their patio while taking in the view is a lovely experience.  In addition to the original Viader label wines which are frequently comprised of varietals blended together, the DARE by Viader line focuses on single varietals.  Our favorites here are the namesake Viader (a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) and the Viader Syrah, as well as the DARE Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo.  1120 Deer Park Road, Deer Park  (707) 963-3816 [reservation required]

White Cottage Ranch – Back in the 1800s, White Cottage Ranch was a 5000-acre cattle ranch.  Today, part of that land is now the White Cottage Winery, a small production winery (only about 3000 cases per year) making high-quality estate red wines.  We particularly like the Howell Mountain Merlot and the “Risa” Cabernet Sauvignon.  555 College Avenue, Angwin  (707) 965-0516  [reservation required]

Other Links

Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers - Association of vintners and growers in the Howell Mountain AVA.

Napa Valley Vintners – Trade association promoting Napa Valley appellation as the premiere wine growing region.

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