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Napa Valley Wine Tour of the Mount Veeder Appellation
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Hess Winery
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If you want to get off the beaten path, try this
getaway to three great wineries in Napa Valley’s Mount Veeder
region. Mount Veeder is part of the Mayacamas Mountains,
the mountain range that separates the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
This can be a very relaxing day trip, or you can turn it into an
overnight stay in either in the Napa Valley or the Sonoma Valley.
Plan for a picnic lunch at Chateau Potelle, which is located just
at the summit of Mount Veeder.
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Tips for your Napa Valley Wine Tour
You are encouraged to have a designated driver. Consider hiring a limousine or van service.
First time to a winery in Napa? Find out what happens in a typical tasting room.
Are you wondering about how to taste wine? Wine Tasting Techniques
Almost wineries in the Napa Valley charge a tasting fee. Expect to pay $10 or more to taste.
Two people can always elect to share a tasting.
Plan a picnic lunch. This is one of wine country’s greatest pleasures.
If you cannot picnic, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Napa Valley’s many fine restaurants.
We list premium lodging and budget lodging.
Pace yourself and make a day of wine tasting. Don't forget your camera.
Visiting three wineries in one day is enough to you keep you busy and content with the slow and easy pace of wine country.
Please read our Disclaimer Document on the information contained on Wine Country Getaways.
Winery Descriptions, Driving directions, Tasting Room Hours
Hendry Winery
This is a classic family-owned small winery, a throwback to another
era. Owner George Hendry and his nephew operate this small winery.
The winery is open only by appointment, but George Hendry loves
to have visitors come and taste his delicious wines. The vineyards
are separted into small plots, each a microclimate. Each plot
grows whatever grape George concludes will do best in this area
of his vineyards. The results are deliciious wines. To get to
the Hendry winery, take the Redwood Road exit off HIghway 29.
On Redwood Road, go to the left when the road splits (about
one mile). Continue another 1.5 miles. Watch on the right for
the tiny Hendry sign at 3104 Redwood Road. You will need to call
several days prior to your trip to make an appointment to visit
this wonderful winery.
Tasting open by appointment only. (707) 226-8320
e-mail: info@hendrywines.com, Hendry Winery
Hess Collection Winery
Watch for the signs
to the Hess Winery about four miles up Redwood Dr. At this point,
Redwood Dr. turns to the left and after one mile you will arrive
at the Hess Collection Winery. The Hess Collection Winery is
a spectacular winery. The gardens are lovely and the walk to
the tasting room takes you through a reflecting pond on one
side and a beautifully covered wall of ivy on the other side.
Tasting is $5.00 for the current releases and $10.00 for reserve
tasting. Consider taking the self-guided tour, it is quite informative.
This winery is a popular destination spot and it can be crowded
on the weekends. The Hess Collection is a large production winery
and has several labels of wine offerings. The Hess Estate Cabernet
Sauvignon is an excellent value.
Tasting room is open daily 10 am to 4, (707) 255-1144
e-mail: info@hesscollection.com, Hess
Collection Winery
Chateau Potelle
From Hess, go back down the road one mile where you turned left
to Hess. Turn left and head up Mount Veeder. It’s about a
20-minute drive from this point to the entrance to Chateau Potelle.
Watch out for bicycles, this is a favorite training ground for serious
cyclists. They love these hills. Along the way you will pass the
Mount Veeder Winery. If you are interested in visiting this winery,
you will need to call and arrange an appointment, as they do not
have tasting room hours.
At the entrance to Chateau Potelle, a one-mile narrow road leads
to the winery and tasting room. This definitely is a hidden winery.
The tasting room is small and quaint with views that are absolutely
beautiful. Chateau Potelle makes some very delicious wines. They
have received recent accolades from the Wine Spectator, and Wines
and Spirits magazine has designated Chateau Potelle Winery of the
Year; not bad for a small boutique winery tucked among the hillsides
on top of Mount Veeder.
The line of wines labeled VGS are their estate wines. These wines
come from vineyards on the hillsides of Mount Veeder. These wines
are made with great care and limited production. They also produce
a delicious Sauvignon Blanc made from Mendocino grapes for $15 and
an outstanding Zinfandel for $20 made from Paso Robles grapes. The
Paso Robles Syrah is also a great choice.
The picnic area overlooks the mountainside and is a beautiful and
serene spot for your picnic lunch. Try a glass of the delicious
Sauvignon Blanc with your lunch.
Tasting room is open daily 10 am to 5, (707) 255-9440
e-mail: info@chateaupotelle.com, Chateau
Potelle
From Chateau Potelle you have a few options. You can continue along
Mount Veeder Road and at Dry Creek Road turn right, which will take
you back to the Napa Valley. Turning left, you will end up on Highway
12 in Sonoma Valley. You can also decide to head back down Mount
Veeder from Chateau Potelle.
If you decide to go to the Sonoma Valley, see our Sonoma
section for the top wineries, restaurants, and accommodations.
More information on the Wineries of Mount Veeder can be found at
the Mount
Veeder Appellation web site.
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