Razi Winery

FUN FACT ~ Vineyards are everywhere, the towering old trees majestic, the tasting room sleek but welcoming. Since the owner lives on the property there is a good chance that the person pouring your tastes will be the owner or perhaps the winemaker.

Chardonnay and a Red Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah

Razi Winery came to life about two decades ago with the production of Chardonnay, and has grown over the years to include a barrel room and a beautiful tasting room. The enterprise also includes a modern custom crush facility, where small production winemakers and growers can make their own wines.

When architect Fred Razi first acquired the property he replanted the vineyards. This has paid off in the wine he now makes. The vines as well as location, climate and the soil are crucial in making great wine, no matter the varietal.

The winery, on the east side of the Silverado Trail north of Napa, includes not just the trappings of a busy boutique winery, but also the Razi home, pavilion, pool and grounds.

Vineyards are everywhere, the towering trees are majestic, the tasting room is sleek and modern but very welcoming with its adroit use of woods, lighting and high ceiling. Mahogany doors open to the vineyard at the rear. Finished barely two years ago, it also includes a new barrel room and the structure is fronted by a stand of eco-friendly bamboo.

Settle into the leather cushioned stools at the metal topped tasting bar and begin the Razi experience. You might even get a barrel sample. It is always a treat to be able to sample a wine even before it is bottled because it gives you a reference point; an idea of what is to come in the year or years ahead.

Since the owner lives on the property there is a good chance that the person pouring will be Fred Razi, or perhaps the winemaker.

The wines available are the Razi Chardonnay and the newest of the two wines bearing the Razi Winery label, a classic red blend comprised of three components: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, all with fruit sourced entirely from Napa Valley vineyards.

Because Razi Winery does custom crush work, they also pour wines from those smaller labels. Think of it as just one more reason to pull off the Silverado Trail and take the time to savor, not just the wine, but the whole thoroughly enjoyable tasting experience.