It doesn’t hurt to dream and imagine your next getaway to wine country.  If you are going to start planning that getaway, Bennett Lane Winery in Calistoga is the best place to start. As the warmth of summer days roll into Napa Valley, a fool-proof way to make the most of the season is a day spent in their gardens at the base of the Palisade Mountains, lauded as one of the most scenic tastings in the north valley.

One of our favorite stops, Bennett Lane, is known for its succulent Cabernets, their signature “feasting wine,” Maximus, and for one of the best visitor experiences in the valley. Founded by Randy and Lisa Lynch in 2003, Bennett Lane’s off-the-beaten-track location and friendly tasting room offers a “secret gem” to Napa visitors and a great way to learn about – and try – some of Napa’s best wines in a more intimate setting.

Wines Consistent in Quality and Taste

Bennett Lane’s Cabs have continuously garnered critical acclaim. In the short period that the winery has been open they have received an incredible 78 scores of 90+ points between Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Year after year, the popular blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah has won accolades from critics and visitors alike. The “red feasting wine,” as Maximus is affectionately referred to on the label, demonstrates owners Randy and Lisa Lynch’s commitment to making wine an integral part of entertaining with family and friends. The current vintage of 2020 is available at the winery –and it is one of the best deals in the valley at $60.  Bennett Lane’s wines are crafted to be approachable, yet complex – or what owner Randy Lynch calls “the best of both worlds,” meaning you can drink them today, but they are structured enough to cellar for several years. “My goal is for us to make consistent wines – both in quality and taste – from year to year, so that consumers can trust Bennett Lane wines,” he says.

Tasting Options

Bennett Lane Winery has three different flight options to choose from, with the most popular Taste of Napa Valley flight starting at just $35 per person. This includes four of Bennett Lane’s wines: Reserve Chardonnay, Maximus Red Feasting Wine, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet enthusiasts can upgrade to their Cabernet Vertical or Cabernet Exploration flight and get a chance to try three of the wineries top tier Cabernets, including the Lynch Family Vineyard Calistoga Cabernet with less than 100 cases produced. On that perfect summer day, be sure and ask about their elusive White Maximus, available exclusively at the winery. 

Be sure to put Bennett Lane on your short-list of must-visit tasting rooms as the production is small and the Cabernets sell out quickly. Visiting Bennett Lane affords tasters another rarity with a small winery: a likely run-in with the winemaking team and owners.

Bennett Lane Winery is located at 3340 CA-128, in Calistoga.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (707) 942-6684 or via Cellarpass.