Just off of Napa’s busy Highway 29, a two-lane road winds upwards through shaded forest groves. The trees occasionally part to reveal alluring glimpses of neatly-trellised vines. Upon arrival, the verdant Sherwin Family Vineyards estate emerges from the surrounding forest. This family-owned boutique winery crafts critically-acclaimed wines in the Spring Mountain District AVA. With a secluded property free of crowds, overlooking lush vineyards and a private lake, Sherwin Family Vineyards makes our cut as one of the most beautiful Napa wineries to visit.
Sherwin Family Vineyards Wine Tasting Experience
Entering the tasting room, there is the sensation of setting foot inside someone’s home. The rustic wood interior is warmed by carpets, a fireplace, and framed paintings. In this intimate setting, guests can enjoy a private, one-on-one tasting as winemaking staff share the vineyard’s extensive history and wines.
During a tasting, you will have the opportunity to taste through multiple Sherman Family wines. Visits are by appointment only, enhancing the exclusivity of the experience. Currently, tasting appointments are $95, but the fee is waived with a minimum wine purchase. In the summer, guests can taste wine on the deck overlooking the vineyards. In the winter, guests can cozy up to a glass by the fireplace. The winery also takes larger groups of over 6 by appointment.
About the Sherwin Family Wines
All of the Sherwin Family Wines are grown at their 30-acre estate in the Spring Mountain District AVA. This a small winegrowing district with just 12 wineries. With its steep and hilly terrain, the vines enjoy cooler temperatures from the higher elevation, shade from surrounding forests, and good drainage. This environment is particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon, enabling the grapes to attain good tannic structure.
All of Sherwin Family’s wines are built to be approachable, yet ageworthy. Our personal favorite was the Cellar Scraps blend. This unique wine is a nonvintage blend of leftover estate Cabernet Sauvignon. To note, the playful “Cellar Scraps” name belies the seriously delicious wine within the bottle. Ripe black cherry and brambly mountain berries burst forth on the palate, along with vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of cocoa. Its tannins are lush and velvety, with the potential to age well, but also entirely drinkable now. Sherwin Family Wines also produces a Rosé, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Visiting Sherwin Family Vineyards, we were left with a sense of peace from its natural beauty, and deep satisfaction from its remarkable wines. To learn more about Sherwin Family Vineyards or make an appointment, visit SherwinFamilyVineyards.com.