Chances are, if you have visited Napa Valley, you have driven on Highway 29, also known as the St. Helena Highway, passing by many wineries with names you recognize. Along the same stretch, you have also passed (or bypassed) Whitehall Lane Winery. So next time you visit Napa, make a point to stop, visit, and sip at Whitehall Lane Winery; you will be glad you did.

Whitehall Lane Welcomes You

Whitehall Lane Winery doesn’t stand out and point at itself; rather, the building blends in subtly with its surroundings. The “low” rise structure, surrounded by vineyards and drought-tolerant plants, exudes an aura of relaxation and class. When you visit and taste their wines, you will experience “class in a glass.” The tasting room is welcoming and comfortable; as you enter and are warmly greeted, be prepared for an adventure in one of Napa’s earlier and award-winning wineries.

Some History - Some Education - and Enjoyment

On a recent visit, our host RJ began by walking us through the winery, explaining the history and philosophy of Whitehall Lane.

RJ first handed us a glass of their recently bottled Petaluma Gap Rosé of Pinot Noir. It was crisp and elegant, displaying great acidity. It was made in the Provence style, previewing what would come as we visited this winery.

In 1979, two brothers purchased the vineyard land and built the winery, naming it after the street it borders. They grew and produced Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. RJ explained that the area’s grape-growing history dates back to the 1800s, but by 1979, Napa was starting to be recognized on the world stage as a serious wine-producing area.

In 1993, the Leonardini family purchased the estate. Since then, the winery has been family-owned and run. It boasts a three-generation team committed to producing high-quality wines. The company has garnered awards and recognition for its consistent quality.

As we toured through the production area, RJ continued to give us “bits” of information, making this a very personal experience:

• Winemaker Jason Moulton brings his vast expertise to Whitehall Lane, having made wine on six of the earth’s seven continents.

• RJ’s explanation of markings on the barrels, pointing out and explaining the symbols stamped on the end of each barrel, such as HT  TV  18 (HT for the “toasting” designation, in this instance, HIGH toast, TV as an abbreviation for the forest designation where the oak tree was harvested from, and 18 as the year they received the barrel, so they know the lifespan of the barrel).

• RJ also pointed out the riddling rack used to produce their “method champenoise” sparkling wine, explaining that each bottle is riddled or turned by hand several times each week.

The Wines

History, education, passion, a stroll through the barrel room, and then wine tasting in the lounge! With a bit of knowledge (and knowledge of wine and history only enhanced the wine experience), it was time to take a run through several of Whitehall Lane’s delicious creations.

Gazing out at the vineyards surrounding us as RJ started to pour the wines added a sense of relaxing serenity. On a personal note, although you can say that Whitehall Lane is primarily a Cabernet house, their Malbec stood out for me. Layers of black fruit, with hints of cocoa and blueberry-smooth and elegant, with a lingering finish, this is one sexy wine! As we tasted, having a library selection poured was quite a treat: a 2014 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet. Whenever you have the opportunity to explore a well-aged wine and compare it to a newer release, it shows not only the potential and age-ability of the wine but the quality. This is a testament to what you can expect from Whitehall Lane wines.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may have an option of tasting in the welcoming tasting room, lounge, barrel room, or outside in the Malbec vineyard … surrounded by nature and beauty.

They say that wine is grown in the vineyard, which is true. However, from the vineyard workers up to bottling, the team’s love, passion, and dedication meld the passion into an exquisite liquid pleasure for you to enjoy “from grape to glass.”

Whitehall Lane Winery’s legacy is built on a commitment to producing elegant wines and offering superb hospitality. Raise a glass to the Leonardini family, Whitehall Lane Winery, and the years to come.

By Don Sonderling, a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle of wine, food, and travel adventures from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com