After visiting 9 other wineries we ended our 3rd day up in Calistoga in The Grade, a little…read moreboutique winery that no one has ever heard of, this was very cool, after all that's why we went to Napa, to experience new things, hard to get wine and secluded intimate fine wine. The parking was on the street but we found a spot easy, I guess depending on the day and time this may be a little difficult since there are several other business and restaurants on the same street. We went in and Justin had everything set up for us. The place is tiny but nicely organized, the presentation and the wines were all excellent. We only bought a few bottles because we were already over our luggage capacities. So we finished in around one hour and left with a good impression and taste... When we got back home, I received an invoice from them charging us for the wine as we were expecting, however, unexpectedly, we were also charged a tasting fee of $75 per person (total of $300). I emailed Justin to clarify the mishap, to our surprise, we were charged a tasting fee, despite the purchases of wine, thinking that they operate like most of the wineries do, waiving the tasting fees based on wine purchases or applying that fee towards the purchases. One week passed by and Justin failed to reply to my inquiry, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and I resent the email in which I included the confirmation email he previously sent prior to our arrival outlining the tasting fee of $35 per person. So at this point the worst case scenario I was expecting was to pay $35 each, and my real hope was not to pay any fee because in our experience, none of the other wineries charged us a tasting fee. After my second email Justin got back to me saying; "The experience you had with us during your visit is an experience we typically charge $75.00 per person. You will see in the receipt that we did take care of 2 of the experiences." This statement is a flat out lie, I assume this guy didn't even take the time to check his computer and see that we had 2 separate receipts and each receipt included $150 in tasting fees. So I wrote back with the invoices attached (mine and my brothers') and also attached the initial email he sent me that clearly stated the tasting fee was $35 per person. The third email was sent on October 24th and here we are today - November 9th, I have yet to receive a phone call, an email or anything, extremely disappointing! So in chronological order: 09/29 we visited the tasting room in Calistoga and had a good time. 10/03 I received the receipt with the unexpected charges. 10/18 I sent the first email, I took a long time due to work activities. 10/23 I sent the same email again. 10/23 Justin replied with a scrawny argument and didn't take time to see the facts. 10/24 I responded to him with both invoices and his first email attached. 11/09 I'm still waiting answer, refund or a convincing explanation... So as it is right now this was the only tasting fee of the whole trip and the most expensive experience when you divide the bottles bought versus the total amount paid. In my opinion and experience, I believe if you have special rules you MUST make it known either via email before the visit or state it clearly during the tasting, neither occurred. If we knew the tasting fee wouldn't have been waived with a purchase we wouldn't have bought anything because of space. Although we understand being charged $35 for the tasting fee because we did receive this information, but being charged $75 is unacceptable. Very displeased! I would highly suggest them to be more personable with their customers. I was looking forward to visiting them again and going to visit their vineyard next time... but from the silence I assume they don't value their customers so I won't be recommending this winery to anyone and I won't be back. If you happen to go here make sure to ask all the relevant questions to avoid surprises later. At the end this was more expensive than eating lunch with the Owner of Moone Tsai and drinking their best wines the following day...

The Grade Cellars is a diamond in the rough. Tom and Brenda are precious and Thomas Rivers Brown is…read moremaking some of his best wine with their fruit. Do yourself a favor and check them out. You'll be glad you did. I promise.

A great wine to store and drink through the years. Their property is incredible and it gives one a…read moresense of being back in the days when Napa wasn't so commercial. Their vines produce rich deep fruits along the hills. Certainly worth making a reservation for and purchasing a case to be enjoyed over the years. For those of you foodies, a fun fact is a story that involves Thomas Keller who actually cooked at the winery twice. Ask the Marstons or Elizabeth F. about the story.

Marston Family Vineyard is a wonderful winery with exceptional wines. Although it is in the Spring…read moreMountain District, it is not off Spring Mountain Road so there is no need to drive up that high winding road. It is easily reached by following White Sulphur Springs Road in St. Helena to the end. Directions are essential, however, as is an appointment and a gate code. You might want to have your camera ready as you drive up there. In addition to several small streams, there are some large redwood trees and many lovely views. Here are some photos: http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/03/marston-family-vineyard.html The vineyard has an interesting history that includes Clark Gable spending his honeymoon there. The Marston family purchased the vineyard in 1969 and use to sell their grapes to other wineries but began offering their own first commercial release in 1998. But an interesting history, warm hospitality and lovely setting are only part of the attraction. Marston Family Vineyard makes very limited releases of some outstanding, handcrafted wines. Their 2010 Albion (96% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Semillon) is incredible. Only 125 cases were produced. As with French white Bordeauxs, some Semillon is added. I really liked it at the tasting, but was later able to appreciate how great it was after opening a bottle at home. Very much in the French style, this would never be mistaken it for a New Zealand SB, nor does it taste like most Californian SBs It does not have the sometimes overpowering tropical fruit of many Kiwi SBs. Unlike many California SBs, it is not a grapefruit bomb, nor is it lacking integration, with fruit going off in one direction, acid in another with a rather fragmented structure. Instead, it is very French in character with a drier presentation, subtlety, finesse, nuance, minerality and exquisite balance. A nice light nose with melon and some grapefruit on the palate, this strokes the mid palate like ambrosia from heaven. The balance, structure and complexity are truly amazing! This is the one of the finest Sauvignon Blancs I've ever tasted. Marston sourced some great fruit and then worked miracles to produce one of the nicest white wines I have ever had. I really love it, even more so after trying a bottle at home!!! This delightful Sauvignon Blanc was to be followed up by two remarkable Cabs. We tried both of their Cabs and each one was wonderful in its own way. The 2008 Elizabeth John Cabernet Sauvignon had a great aroma, with some cherry on the palate. It was lighter than their flagship Cab and ready to drink now. This is definitely not a second label but a wonderful Cab that is intended for more immediate gratification without having to be cellared for many years. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, (250 cases produced) which is drinkable now but will improve with age, also had a nice aroma but was bigger without being overpowering, offering more complexity on the palate, with cherry, plum and some spice. There were fascinating layers of flavor, all gracefully balanced, with a long finish. This Cab has a complexity, style and finesse that places it among the finest Cabs in Napa Valley. The Wine Spectator rated it last summer at a very respectful 92 points and ranked it as one of the "Outstanding 2008 Napa Cabernets." We would rate it higher than that but then nearly a year has passed since the WS review and this Cab will improve with age if you can resist drinking it now. Tastings at the winery are by appointment only and cost $35 but this can be applied toward purchases. The setting is lovely and includes a brief tour an interesting history. The tastings is accompanied by fine cheeses and cold meats with a different glass for each sample. Marston provides an excellent tasting experience and Elizabeth is enthusiastic, devoted and delightfully interesting. The Albion sells for $50, Elizabeth John for $65 and the current release Cabernet Sauvignon for $100. All three were essential purchases for us. Library wines are also available for $120. (Robert Parker and others raved about the 2006, so we bought a bottle along with the 2008 and Elizabeth John) Marston Family Vineyard is the antithesis of the large commercial wineries with their crowds of tasters pushing in to the stand up bar for a tasting. It is an enchanting place where the love of wine and devotion and enthusiasm of the Marston family are readily evident.

Very Good food specially short ribs nice service good ambiance while eating on a moving train nice…read moreview from outside no traffic

There are so many great places in the valley and we had the great fortune to discover this gem…read more Tasting was focused on Levendi wines which were delicious. Rose, which I normally do not drink, was refreshing and delicious. The reds were great with the Pinot Noir a fave of the group. The cabs were also well done Thank you Brett for a great tasting! You made it super fun. Everyone - check out this spot. Lots of options. You'll get what I mean once you drop by.

Such a great wine tasting experience! Brianne was very knowledgeable and easy to chat with. The…read moreviews from both the outside and inside of the winery were beautiful. All of our tastings were really amazing! The snacks were also a unique, tasty experience on their own! I would recommend going to Cardinale if you're looking for good wine tasting!

I had a fantastic experience visiting this winery with a group of friends. The house is located…read moreperched on top of a hill with vast views of the valley with vineyards and mountain tops in the distance. Our wine host Phil, was fantastic and was very friendly and educational. The wine tasting was excellent and I hope to visit again.

Hubby and I went here with 4 of our best friends on a couples retreat…read more I CANNOT describe the beauty of the day and the pictures do not do it justice. God's artwork in our surroundings were stunning! We had a picnic style lunch, delighted in wine tasting (sparkling is always my favorite), laughed, the fellaz played Cornhole and the young lady who was our host was FANTASTIC! Her knowledge of the product and best ways to pair them was phenomenal. She made us laugh and I think we made her laugh too!

Amazing views and winery! We only stopped by almost at closing and after the last tasting hour…read morebecause we were told there were amazing views. The staff/sommelier were amazing, and came to greet us despite it being closing hour. Instead of turning us away for being closed, they opened their space to give us a small wines tasting and describe the vineyard. We had amazing conversations along with great tasting wine! (Also a dog friendly space) I really appreciate the extra kindness and the staff going out of their way to make it a great visit experience! I would highly highly recommend!! We will definitely be back after the amazing experience. PS The Sauvignon Blanc and Double Barrel Petite Syrah are amazing.

Dunn Family Vineyards has got a beautiful vineyard in Howell Mountain producing Dark and Rich Cabs…read more unique to Howell Mountain. Rafi our host was professional and took us on the Journey of Dunn Vineyards, The tour took us in the wine caves full of Cabernet Barrels of goodness ! The caves ended with a volcanic termination at the end of the cave , take a deep breath and enjoy the volcanic essence thousand of years old ! Come to Dunn Family Vineyards and enjoy the way a vineyard should be and still is . Also enjoy the great wines from Retro a newer and upcoming 10 star vineyard producing great wines ! You can't go wrong touring Dunn !

Very fine age able cabs from two vineyards. Right now we are drinking 1999 and 2000 in both Napa…read moreValley and Howell mountain.

Made a reservation for a tasting. Unfortunately the night before I ended up in the hospital. I was…read moregiven strict instructions not have any alcohol, caffeine, etc. I called Sara, (the wine makers wife) and sent an email requesting a refund since it was no one's fault. Sara refused the refund saying it wasn't their fault either. This was even after I sent her my documentation from the ER doctor. For this reason alone, I am giving a 1 star.

It was a sunny day here in Ncal we decided it was a good day to visit Napa! We wanted to find…read moreAndersons vineyard, because it is one of the oldest vineyares with a wine cave. The GPS took us down a very narrow windy road, pretty soon it was just us and nature, and no more cell signal! We thought we were lost, but just when we were about to give up, a small sign popped into our view: Anderson's! As luck have it, the master wine maker himself decided to take us, even though they don't typically take walk ins. Our experience includes i believe 10 wines, the wine maker explains each, from the type of grapes, to soil and the whole process to make each wine. Each of the wine we had can only be ordered through Anderson's wine club, they are not available retail. We even got to taste two bonus wines that was $600+. As you probably already sense, I'm not a wine connoisseur so I can't really provide details of each, but I can tell you they are excellent wines, cos as much as I had, I didn't turn red or got drunk! Lol. It is definitely a great experience, well worth the price of admission! I would definitely do it again for the experience.

Hands down the best view of the valley from this vineyard's private deck…read more We were lucky enough to spend a part of our afternoon with Peter, the owner. He was super friendly and easy to talk to. We loved hearing about the history of Andrew Geoffrey Vineyard. We went home with several bottles of the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and a couple of the 2008 as well. Although they were all fantastic, those were our faves.

Best view I've ever seen in Napa. You actually look down on Sterling, which people often rave…read moreabout for its view. The wine is amazing too. I don't think Napa gets much better than this.