Tasting Room of the Week:

WINE SPECTRUM SHOP+BAR

by Michelle J. Baker
There’s a world of wine awaiting you at Folio Winemakers’ Studio, located in a most tranquil spot in the heart of Napa’s beautiful Carneros district.
Folio Winemakers’ Studio is part of Folio Fine Wine Partners, launched in 2004 by Michael Mondavi and his family. In September 2006, the Mondavis purchased this property, the former Carneros Creek Winery/Mahoney Vineyards, from Francis and Kathleen Mahoney. The facility then became home to the Folio brands I’M, Oberon, Hangtime, Spellbound and Medusa, as well as several “custom crush” clients.
The Taste Gallery at Folio is something like a co-op, with more than 20 wines available to sample from the Folio brands as well as boutique producers Mayro-Murdick (owned by Tina and Mike Cox, the winemaker at Schug), Trinitas and soon Renteria, all of whom make their wines on the property.
The wines at the Taste Gallery are organized by both brand and varietal on the elegant tasting menu. The current lineup at Folio includes everything from Riesling and Pinot Blanc to Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah. Folio’s Oberon label recently introduced a couple of big, luscious 100% Cabernet Sauvignons – the “Hillside Reserve,” from select hillside vineyards in Napa Valley, and the “Oso Vineyard,” from the Mondavi family’s property in Pope Valley. The Taste Gallery also has a wide range of high quality, excellent value wines, including the Spellbound and I’M wines.
The Taste Gallery is surrounded by 20 rolling acres, including 15 acres of vineyards. The building has a fabulous back porch that literally perches guests in the middle of the vineyard. Visitors are welcome to take their samples out back, relax on the comfortable patio furniture and take in the glorious view.
Folio Winemakers’ Studio continues to host First Fridays, a monthly art opening at the Taste Gallery featuring inspiring works by local artists. Guests can meet the exhibiting artist while enjoying the taste of the Studio winemakers’ art. The current featured artist is local abstract painter and ceramic sculptor Peter Scaturro, whose work will be on display through May 1.
Along with their terrific wines and interesting art, the Taste Gallery has a great selection of Wine Country gifts, including books, housewares, and wine gear. On the way in or out of the Taste Gallery, you can’t miss Folio’s gorgeous vintage 1950s Porsche tractor, which is on display in the parking lot.
Folio also recently launched two quarterly wine clubs: the Gallery Club offers members six bottles four times a year, while Portfolio Club members receive three bottles six times a year. Members of both clubs receive 20% off club wines, plus preferred pricing and access to limited-production wines, member-only invitations to wine events, and special discounts at favorite luxury resorts.
Folio Winemakers’ Studio is located at 1285 Dealy Lane in Napa, just over one mile from the Carneros Highway (Highway 12/121) and Old Sonoma Road. The Taste Gallery is open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (707) 256-2757.

Related Information

• Folio Winemakers' Studio