Marvel at the Wonders of Nature
while Absorbing the Napa Valley Lifestyle
with these Enticing Outdoor Spaces

The vines have awakened from a long winter’s nap, flowers are blooming, and the robins are singing. What better time to vist some of Napa Valley’s most inviting wineries, where elegant and intimate outdoor spaces beckon you to come, decompress and revitalize your spirit. Whether relaxing in a medieval courtyard, a luxurious patio or a rustic setting in the vineyards, now is the time to immerse yourself in the wine country lifestyle: great food, elegant wines and bucolic settings – shared good friends and the new ones you will make.
With warmer and longer days, sitting outside enjoying the bountiful offerings of Napa Valley’s wineries is pure perfection. Plan your adventure now to experience pure Napa’s best, surrounded by nature, trees, vineyards and all there is to offer, proving, that even among the most challenging of times, Napa Valley is the perfect getaway!
 

ARTESA VINEYARDS AND WINERY is the New World footprint of Raventós Codorníu, Spain’s oldest winemaking family, which spans 471 years and 17 continuous generations of winemaking. Perched high above Los Carneros, on a clear day you really can see forever – all the way to San Francisco. It is hard to imagine an outdoor venue melding a more amazing tapestry of architecture, art, pastoral views, elegance, sophistication, relaxation, and wines, to give the visitor an experience of simply pure magic. Seated, well-spaced, on the outdoor patio you will be mesmerized by the vista that surrounds you. The water features, futuristic architecture, modern art, surrounding vineyards, hills of greenery and wildflowers blooming, and off in the distance the Bay twinkling in the sunlight, is simply magical. Combine the venue with the bubbles (which is what the House of Codorníu is famous for), their selection of single varietal wines plus an accompanying charcuterie platter and you will experience pure bliss. Also, newly offered is the wine and tapas tasting, which may be enjoyed inside or in the courtyard. The house of Codorníu being Spanish, you will be treated to traditional Spanish tapas to compliment your wine. With Spring in bloom, you may want to take the newly offered “wines and vines” tour. “Cruise” the vineyard in an elongated golf cart and enjoy your wine under the canopy of a majestic vineyard California Oak tree. With warmer weather here, Artesa is a romantic, quixotic location to experience Napa’s finest at its finest.

BREMER FAMILY WINERY:  Small, intimate, and inviting, this family-owned Howell Mountain winery simply oozes an invitation to come, sit, sip, and relax. The outside area is dotted with several picnic tables shaded by umbrellas with surrounding oak and pine trees summoning you to enjoy the elegant wines and pastoral atmosphere. Spring and summer are magical times to visit this outdoor Shangri-la. You will hear the rustle of the wind in the trees, while seeing and taking in the essence of the blooming of flowers and surrounding greenery. Cross over the small footbridge and unwind at one of the spaces “on the other side” of the creek. As you relax, tasting your wine, if there has been a recent rain, you will be treated to the sound of the water babbling in the brook. You may also hear the croaking of frogs in the later afternoon hours, while enjoying nature and the elegant wines of Bob Bolan, Bremer’s winemaker. Learn about the wines and history of Bremer from your wine educator; you will feel as if you were visiting a friend in their own backyard. In fact, you are a friend visiting in the Bremer family’s backyard, and as you sip wine in this pastoral location; you will simply feel the everyday stresses disappear. There is an intangible feeling that will come over you, making Bremer a special place to visit and revisit. Come and rejoice in the serenity of an enchanted afternoon.

CADE ESTATE WINERY:  Entering the outdoor “living area” of CADE Estate Winery from the parking lot, the view before you will simply take your breath away. At 1800 feet on Howell Mountain, overlooking the valley floor, with rolling hills in the distance, this casual, outdoor courtyard is the perfect location to enjoy an al fresco wine tasting of CADE’S highly regarded wines. The sights and sounds of the water feature, flowing into the infinity pool may be spellbinding, gazing at the expansive vista that looms before you. CADE has put together several comfortably spaced tasting areas, including tables for smaller, intimate parties, a lounge area, and even a seating area surrounding a fire-pit. Warmer weather is perfect to taste outside, enjoying nature surrounding you, in the expanded, yet still intimate setting. CADE is renowned for their leadership in sustainability and environmental protection, which you get a true sense of as you sip on the patio, letting sight and sounds of nature’s beauty surround you. Book your tasting experience in advance – requesting an outdoor location to immerse yourself in Howell Mountain and CADE wines. For an additional and unique CADE wine tasting, visit their sister property. Formerly Ladera, being the 13th bonded winery in Napa, this historic winery has been re-branded as 13th Vineyard by CADE. Sample Reserve and Estate library vintages at this historic property.

CASTELLO DI AMOROSA will transport you back eight hundred years to the 13th century. Of course, you come for the wine, but your visit will combine the wines of Castello di Amorosa with history, making you feel as though you are visiting an authentic 13th century Italian Tuscan castle – because you are! This is not just a “tourist” replica, and as you stroll the grounds, sip the wines, drink in the history, you will understand why. It took fifteen years to build the Castello. No detail was left to chance, from Italian artisan’s hand forging iron, searching out and using handmade antique bricks and tile, to the construction of the battlements, torture chamber, great hall with hand painted frescos, and hidden passageways; Castello di Amorosa is just a wow factor. There are several wine experiences to choose from, including mouthwatering pairings (and for sweet lovers, a Belgian Chocolate pairing). Experience a multi-dimensional blending of wine, food, history, and art at this one-of-a-kind locale.
While exploring the grounds, meet Giacomo (the most photographed goat in the world) and watch the peacocks “strut their stuff” inside and outside the castle, in addition to emus, pigs, sheep, chickens and other outdoor farm animals that would be part of any Italian castle. Spring and summer are the perfect times to visit Napa Valley and the “Castle of Love,” while experiencing the taste and feel of Tuscany outside on the grounds of this romantic structure.

CHARLES KRUG WINERY is simply the Napa Valley icon. The oldest winery in the valley (dating from 1861), and the first tasting room in the area (opened 1882), the winery has been in the Mondavi family for the last 79 years and is five generations strong. This Napa Valley historic location, and wines, are simply not to be missed. The outside grounds are expansive, and you can sip away while learning the history of the winery from your wine host. Small parties of two, or large event happenings can safely and comfortably be held on the winery grounds. There is an outdoor Cabana Garden, with four cabanas (4-6 guests) and a double, for up to a party of 12. Throughout the outdoor area are fire pits, picnic tables and a large lawn for family and pet friendly visitors. May-November pizza service, and seasonal food and wine pairings will also be offered.
Keeping wine lovers connected during Covid brought on challenges, resulting in many innovative virtual events, which are now part of Krug’s regular features, such as: Historical Wine Experience, Wine and Cheese Pairings, Wine and Chocolate Pairings, and Truffle Shuffle Dinners: Cook along with a celebrated chef, preparing a full meal with truffles as the main ingredient.
Surrounded by the historical building, trees, vegetation and vineyards, a tasting at Charles Krug winery is a ‘wow’ experience. The innovation never stops at Charles Krug – check the website, pick your tasting, and come immerse yourself in the wines and history of Charles Krug and Napa Valley. Refer to the website to see what’s up next – and be certain to come, sit, sip, eat, and enjoy wine country weather soon.
See why Great Wine Capitals voted Charles Krug Winery #1 Winery in the World for Art and Culture!

DOMAINE CARNEROS, perched majestically on a small hill as you enter the Carneros region, will take your breath away. Since its completion in 1989, anyone traveling the road between Napa and Sonoma can’t miss this elegant French Château. Its presence greets you and beckons you to visit. At first sight, the grand staircase and formal gardens in full, colorful bloom will enchant you. Just seeing the Chateau makes a statement of sophistication, beauty, elegance, and wonder. Domaine Carneros sets the standard for Méthode traditionalle sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, and a tasting here is not to be missed. The expansive outdoor terrace seating areas are naturally well socially distanced, shaded and make the perfect location for small, intimate tasting experiences. There are several tasting options available, including table service where you have a choice of various pairing options from the ultimate chips and dips with caviar, to bubbles and bites: A Journey to Morocco. Check the website for tasting and food pairing options.
Responding to the pandemic and keeping in mind the importance of engaging the wine loving public, Domaine Carneros implemented a virtual tasting program, which can be tailored to an intimate group of two (perfect for a special occasion), up through larger events. There are also food pairing options you may add on to supplement the virtual tastings. Phoebe Ullberg (marketing director) commented, “it certainly has been an interesting time, and we’ve been invigorated and challenged to find new ways to connect through it all.” And, yes they have!
You will feel like a queen or king, sitting in front of your chateau, sipping, eating, and enjoying the pure luxury of your sense of sight, smell, hearing, and taste, all blended as one, at Domaine Carneros. True French elegance in Napa, California.

DUCKHORN WINERY, named one of the top 100 wineries of 2021 by Wine and Spirits Magazine, is immediately inviting as you leave your car and approach the elegant yet “Southern comfort” style main house. The wrap-around veranda may remind you of slower days, where you can just sip a mint julip and visit with friends. In this case, you will be sipping some of Napa Valley’s premier wines, with a focus on Merlot. The expansive covered veranda has seating for smaller and larger groups, including high-top seating with expansive vineyard views. Spacing is ample for a safe and comfortable visit and tasting experience.
In addition to the veranda seating, for larger groups there is “The Vignette,” livingroom-style sofas and chairs, and also “The Grove.”  Outdoor areas are comfortably shaded by large umbrellas. And, adding to the award-winning wines (Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2017, the 2014 Three Palms Merlot), the location, surrounded by greenery, walking paths, vineyards, trees, and flowers in bloom, is one of Napa’s most relaxing gems.
Two of Duckhorn’s other properties, Migration and Paraduxx also offer substantial outdoor seating spaces, with “naturally social distanced” seating arrangements. Whereas Duckhorn has a focus on Merlot and Bordeaux, you will find Migration highlighting cooler-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (in addition to other varietals), and Paraduxx specializes in unique red blends. To accompany your tasting experience, you may choose from different food options, including, of course, a cheese and charcuterie board and “sweet treats” at Paraduxx! For your four-legged friends, Paraduxx and Migration also offer a Bark-uterie dish.

Migration Winery

Paraduxx

Enjoy your visit to any of these individual properties.
If you’ve had Covid travel delays, experience fine wines in your home with the “Little Ducklings” tasting gift package. These three- or six-bottle assortments consists of 375ml bottles of Duckhorn portfolio’s flagship wines from three of Duckhorn’s premier properties: Duckhorn, Paraduxx and Migration. Assortment may vary, based on availability, and sells out quickly. Check the Duckhorn website for availability.
Whether comfortably socially distanced at one of these properties, or in your living room, sip and enjoy Duckhorn wines.

HALL WINERY, St. Helena. It’s hard to miss HALL winery as you travel Highway 29, with an oversized modern art sculpture of (not so) Little Bunny Foo-Foo (hopping through the vineyard), just inside the vineyard to greet you. The lush greenery, modern art, exquisite architecture, and the Mayacama Mountains overlooking the property beckon you. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful weather, as you revel in the outdoor seating areas to accommodate your tasting experiences. Plan a tasting visit to this inviting property soon; experience the wines of HALL, the spacious, eye-appealing grounds and the stunning collection of art.

SEQUOIA GROVE WINERY twice awarded best Napa Valley Tasting Room in 2020 and 2021 by the People’s Choice Award by NAPA VALLEY LIFE magazine is a not to be missed destination for an elegant yet casual and relaxing tasting experience. Their historic 1908 redwood tasting barn is welcoming, but during Spring and Summer you will want to enjoy your wine tasting experience outdoors. The winery may only be a few hundred yards from bustling highway 29, but it is its own secluded enclave, surrounded by majestic, hundred-year-old Sequoia trees. In their peaceful gardens, one can enjoy the breeze rustling in the trees and the birds chirping while you take in the fresh springtime aromas of this magical location. The outdoor areas have been designed for comfortable and safe socially distanced tasting experiences. You will be seated in your own personal area, be it a table for two or a larger “outdoor living room” space for larger parties. To warm the chill of a late Spring afternoon, you may even be seated by one of the firepits or heaters. All the while, you will be shaded by individual umbrellas or larger shade sails. Sequoia Grove offers several different wine tasting options. To accompany your outside tasting, you may add on a selection of patio pairings designed to enhance the wines on your tasting. However, to truly elevate your senses of sight, smell, and taste, indulge in Sequoia Grove’s ‘A Taste for Cabernet’ Wine and Food Experience. This special pairing experience takes place inside in the refined Cambium Room, with thought and care given to comfort and safety. The pairings change seasonally and are subject to local availability. Executive Chef Britny Maureze will WOW your palate with her artistically prepared and perfectly paired dishes, all designed to highlight Sequoia Grove’s world-class Cabernets. Create memories for yourself and your closest friends as you sit under the Sequoias, sipping refined wines, paired with gourmet dishes, a few hundred yards but a world away from the busy world outside. Sip back, exhale, immerse and indulge yourself in Sequoia Grove’s warm hospitality, provided by the knowledgeable and friendly staff who welcome every guest with a personalized, memorable experience.

V. SATTUI WINERY is a tale of history, family, and a Napa Valley icon, that like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes after laying dormant for about half a century. Resurrected by the great grandson of the founder, Vittorio Sattui, Dario Sattui has created a landmark winery that welcomes all with true Italian hospitality and a selection of wines sure to please every palate. Enjoy a wide variety of wine tasting options both indoor and out, and to enhance your tasting, add on an assortment of house-made artisan truffles or a cheese and charcuterie board. And, if bubbles “tickle your fancy,” be certain to check out the Bubble Bar tasting.

Wine and food just go together, and V. Sattui is the place to go for a truly Italian picnic! V. Sattui offers an authentic Italian deli second to none. With more than 200 cheeses, a selection of house-made charcuterie and delicacies plus home-made desserts that will make your mouth yearn for more...you can create the perfect picnic in the perfect location. The manicured grounds feature ample outside seating areas, including picnic tables, benches and an expansive lawn offering both shade and filtered sun under their ancient oaks.
Once you have ordered your food and wine, simply sit down, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy your Italian wine country picnic at a leisurely pac. First time or hundredth time visitor, you are always assured of a memorable and tasty visit, in one of Napa Valley’s most esteemed and respected wineries.

Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle and culture, from
the Central Coast through the Napa Valley. He can be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com

(Best to call in advance for reservations at all venues and abide by current Covid
and winery protocols.) Most locations are strictly 21+. Please check in advance.