On weekends, no matter what time of year it is, the crowd at the large wooden tasting bar at V. Sattui Winery on the southern outskirts of St. Helena is likely to be two or three deep. In this mix you will find people from every corner of the globe, from every walk of life, with a wide-ranging understanding of wine. Many of them are likely to be repeat visitors as well; some may be making their tenth or twelfth visit to this big stone winery with the Tuscan-looking tower and sunken courtyard and spacious grounds. Others may be there for the first time, or visiting with friends who already consider the winery their “second home” in the Napa Valley.
One thing they will all have in common is that the first taste of the wine they are sampling did not happen at a wine shop or in a restaurant. With a total production of about 40,000 cases a year the family-owned and operated winery only sells it wines at the winery or by mail order and that is it. No wholesalers, no restaurant wine lists, you can get it at the winery or through the mail, that is the deal, and year after year that works just fine for winery owner Daryl Sattui.
The list of award-winning wines offered in the tasting room is almost as diverse as the people that line up every day to sample them. From an entry level Gamay Rouge through the whole gamut of almost every varietal you have ever heard of, plus some that may be new to you. There are Muscats, Rieslings, Chardonnays, a Pinot Noir, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a full roster of spicy Zinfandels, complex gold medal-winning Cabernets, sparkling wine, a Port, Madeira and more.
Any of the wines can be purchased and enjoyed outdoors on the lawn at one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the winery property. In fact to many people
V. Sattui is one of the best picnic spots in the valley, with a well-stocked deli full of the makings of a light snack or an elaborate picnic. To the people who give out awards
V. Sattui is simply the “Winery of the Year” for the Western United States for the year 2005. And it seems to receive an informal ‘People’s Choice’ endorsement very year. Just ask anyone at the tasting room bar for further proof, then ask for a glass and a sample and begin the V. Sattui tasting experience...
The V. Sattui Winery is located just south of the town of St. Helena on the east side of Highway 29 at 1111 White Lane. They are open to the public every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information and directions you can contact them at (707) 963-7774 or
1-800-799-2337 or look them up on the Internet at www.vsattui.com.

Related Information

• V. Sattui Winery