Bennett Lane Winery – Calistoga Dreaming
After months of dreaming of your wine country getaway, Bennett Lane is the perfect winery to make all of those dreams a reality. 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.
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.
Bennett Lane’s Cabs have continuously garnered critical acclaim. In the short period that the winery has been open they have received an incredible 63 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 2014 is available at the winery – and it is one of the best deals in the valley at $50.
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.
Bennett Lane will begin tastings in their beautiful garden, the perfect setting for wine and social distancing. Guests will be treated to their Seated Garden Tasting for just $25. This includes four of Bennett Lane’s wines: 2019 Reserve Chardonnay, 2014 Maximus Red Feasting Wine, 2015 Merlot, and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet enthusiasts can upgrade to their Reserve Tasting Flight for $45, 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.
Put Bennett Lane at the top of 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 owners Randy and Lisa Lynch.
Bennett Lane Winery is located in an understated Mediterranean-style building at the secluded and beautiful northern end of Napa Valley, and is well worth the drive. Weekends are filling up fast, and tastings are available by appointment.