20% off purchases and a free entry into a drawing to win a small, barking mutt!

Bill Cadman, the owner of Tulocay Winery is a treasure of information about wine. He is also a witty, humorous and thoroughly entertaining gentleman. Well, the “gentleman” part might be a bit of a stretch. Bill is old-time Napa, with not an ounce of pretentiousness about him. His irreverent, light-hearted take on the business of winemaking, however, belies his superior skills. This is seriously good wine.

Nowhere else could you sit down with someone as knowledgeable or as approachable as Bill Cadman. He simply does not have a snobbish bone in his body. But generosity is something that he has in abundance. In this day of $30 tasting fees, Bill still charges nothing to sample his fine wines. He does not maintain a pour list. He’ll just ask what you like and open bottles accordingly.

In 1972, Bill brazenly bought an old chicken farm and began pestering the local wineries for a job. He started his career by operating the crushers at Charles Krug. From there he went on to enjoy a long history in the industry, working for the likes of Robert Mondavi, Joe Heitz and other giants of the winemaking world. In 1975, after consuming copious amounts of wine one evening, he made the presumptuous decision to open a winery himself. “My friends looked at the old chicken coops and declared them perfect for a winery. In my altered state, I agreed!” What ensued was the creation of a refreshingly relaxed wine country experience and a Pinot Noir that would launch his career. He has been enjoying the heck out of life ever since.  

VARIETALS
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Chardonnay

GOOD TO KNOW

• Tulocay Winery is one of the oldest and smallest winery operations in the Napa Valley, providing the most informal and unique tasting experience in the area.

• At his unassuming Tulocay Winery, Buddy, a little, yappy dog, will loudly announce your arrival. You’ll then be escorted to the deck of Bill’s home or to his kitchen table, as the weather dictates, for one of the most low-key and friendly wine tasting experiences you will ever enjoy.

• Bill collects art and his home is filled with some very interesting pieces. With just a little encouragement, he’ll show them to you and tell you the stories behind them.

• Check out his website, www.tulocay.com for his latest offerings of great savings on his wines! 

By Ronda Giangreco