Simply put, THE BEST Merlot you will ever taste. The tasting experience is unlike any NAPA flashy winery. Shoot up to Spring Mountain and experience what NAPA hospitality used to be. Sheldon is a warm and colorful guy with a long history of NAPA and his lovely winery. The tasting is done on the owner's deck overlooking tha valley with lots of hummingbirds. The highlight is the wine. I joined the club immediately after tasting this yummy wine. read more

Will your GPS find this place? Who cares you're a napa, just grab an uber and enjoy. This spot serves up big bodied Merlot wines. This is probably the best view I have seen in Napa. You enter through the winemaker's home and you sit on the balcony overlooking the vineyards. Truly spectacular. Sheldon, the owner and winemaker, is Napa's unofficial historian. He knew everything. We very much enjoyed the hummingbird feeders and the two wonderful pups. The hummingbirds were so active. I believe Sheldon said he goes through 10 pounds of sugar a day to feed them. Wow! This place is definitely an experience and I definitely recommend it! read more

Paloma Vineyard - Wineries Near Me - St. Helena, California

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We visited Paloma Vineyard yesterday and it couldn't have been more refreshing to enjoy a family owned winery on Spring Mountain, none of the corporate wine room profit center approach you get on the valley floor. Sheldon the owner sat with us and spent time reflecting on the changes in the wine industry over the years. The one thing that hasn't changed- Paloma focuses on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wines are soft, smooth and wonderful. If you want to visit a winery and have a tasting the way things used to be in Napa before $150 per person tastings came in vogue- visit Paloma Vineyard!!! read more

If you want to spend an afternoon with great views from above the Napa Valley surrounded by dozens of hummingbirds and drinking great wine then head up to Paloma. The drive up into the mountains from the valley was beautiful. We arrived early with time to take photos before being led into their home for a tasting on the porch. We got a great history of the vineyard while we drank and were allowed to stick around a bit later for more pictures and conversation. read more

Paloma Vineyard - Wineries Near Me - St. Helena, California

Let's face it: how often to you get to taste phenomenal mountain wine that is in the Top #100 of world with the person who made it? While overlooking Napa Valley more than 2000 feet below? Rarely, I'd say. It's not just Merlot. It's Paloma Merlot, and believe me: there is a huge difference. At this elevation & with such distinctive soils, the resulting wines have a depth & dark berry intensity that will surprise you. Each vintage tells a story of the year that was. Drought. Rains. Wildfires. Summer heat spikes or early bud breaks. Extended growing seasons or years when almost everything failed to follow the norms. Napa Valley in an era of climate change is in the midst of an identity crisis. Not so on Spring Mountain & definitely not at Paloma. The white dove can do no wrong. Only varying shades of right. Take the trek. Book the tasting. Treat yourself to an adventure. Your wine drinking friends will thank you, I guarantee. read more

Paloma Vineyard - Stunning mountaintop views of Napa Valley - Wineries Near Me - St. Helena, California

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We had an amazing time!! The whole experience was perfect - the beautiful views, our host Sheldon, the DELICIOUS wines, the super friendly golden retriever and the hummingbirds that came right up to us! We sat on the balcony through the back of the house and we loved chatting to Sheldon - it was a really comfortable and chill vibe, we would love to come back! We enjoyed the wine so much we bought a couple of bottles - thank you so much Paloma Vineyard!! read more

Many people diminish Merlots since the movie Sideways was released in 2004. Ironically, the portion of the movie where Jack tells Miles not to sabotage his night, and to drink Merlot as if the others in the party wants to drink Merlot... then it came infamous line where Mile's replies: No, If anyone orders Merlot I am leaving. I am not drinking F--- Merlot! Well, what most people don't know is that the reason why Miles didn't want to drink Merlot is because this was the favorite variety (grape) of his ex-wife, it was not because he didn't like it or something was wrong with the varietal. This was omitted from the movie, hence this spectacular grape began to suffer just one year after Paloma was named Wine of the Year by Wine-Spectator in their 2003 edition. The wine was 2001 Paloma MERLOT Spring Mountain District MSRP $45 back them. On September 27th we visited this iconic winery, it was our fourth winery and last of our first (long) day in Napa. Getting here from the valley is tricky and may take as much as one hour, the road gets curvy at points but is pleasant and tolerable. Once you are on the property it's gorgeous, the views are amazing, and it's so peaceful that you may not want to leave... I wish our schedule allowed us to arrive earlier and to stay longer but despite getting there after 4pm we spent well over one hour, tasting different vintages of Paloma Merlot, talking about different things with Sheldon, even a little of politics. Let's leave it there LOL. These wines are very good, I bought a bottle of 2010 Merlot Spring Mountain District that we drank 2 days after (still at Napa) and it was well integrated and smooth, I enjoyed it a lot! There are a few things that impacted me; -This winery maybe the only one standing that doesn't charge a tasting fee! -Their prices have gone up only $20 in the last 20 years or so! -You feel no pressure to buy anything, no tricky forms to fill out, it's very casual. And then we went out to see and touch grapes, interact with the dogs, one of them almost killed my girlfriend, the dog was so happy she came running at 50 MPH and hit her onto her knees, she fell face down on the dirt. She laughed, and we did as well but if that would have happened to me our trip would have been over on just the very first day. Bottom line, this winery is a must for people that enjoy serious Merlots, Nature, Dogs and the company of the owner Sheldon Richards! I want to thank him for being so gracious to us, and my friend David who goes there every year for Harvest and set us up to this magnificent experience! read more

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We decided to check out Paloma Vineyards since we enjoy Merlots and had read an article about Paloma. https://www.visitnapavalley.com/blog/post/secret-wineries-of-napa-valley/ The drive up from the valley floor was beautiful and after a few miles it opened up to the top of the mountain. We arrived at the winery and were greeted by a very friendly golder retriever. Sheldon the owner/winemaker greeted us upon entering the house/winery. It was very casual and he gave us some insight on the history of the winery and his background. We also had a chance to discuss some trellising and farming topics. The first merlot that was poured was the 2013 Merlot which is sourced from directly behind the house/tasting room. We then had the 2014, and 2017 Merlot. The 2014 was still fresh with a great nose and the complexity of wine was evident when tasting it. We finished up with the 2017 Cabernet. The wine ambassador Laura took over for Sheldon since he had other things we was working on. The view from the back porch was awesome and we had a chance to revisit some of the wines we tried. At the end we took home the 2014 Melot. Will definitely be back this summer when the weather is nicer. This is definitely a must vist for those who enjoy Merlot and want to have a laid back and enjoyable visit. read more

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Stunning views and world class wine. First of all, the mountain views at Paloma Vineyard are absolutely breathtaking and a visit can easily be justified by the views alone. On the porch, there are about ten hummingbird feeders, so there is ample opportunity for hummingbird-watching afforded by a visit as well. In addition to the views, the wine is phenomenal. The merlots are world-class, and a quick taste reveals how deserved this recognition is. Overall, Paloma Vineyard is a "can't miss" stop in St. Helena and I highly recommend them. read more

The tasting does not get more personal than in Jim and Barbara's home - great merlot and a magnificent view too. Although Jim is no longer with us, Barbara carrries on the tradition of single varietal focus (Merlot) with just a dash of cabernet for blending (usually about 85/15). The Spring Mountaintop vineyard is family owned, and still farmed by hand. Winemaking since 2007 is handled by their son Sheldon. Paloma Merlot is one of the most reliable and consistent brands you can find - year in and year out, this is a round, fruit forward and well-integrated effort. The view off the deck into the vineayrd is stunning, and the abundance of hummingbirds is certain to amaze any visitors. Plus, Barbara is great people. Don't expect the standard tasting room event - this is a one-wine shop, but well worth the trip up the mountain. read more

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Wow! Really appreciated the personal wine tasting! Excellent wines, gorgeous views, and personal thanks to the owner. Well worth the small effort. The hummingbirds were a surprisingly delightful addition ! Thanks you. read more

Awesome views, dozens of hummingbirds, and amazing world class wines to sip with the owner who made it. A must stop on your wine tour.

Paloma wines - Merlot, (Cab, Syrah from years past) never disappoint ! Sheldon is a true wine educator, farmer, vintner, professional and one hell of a nice guy. We are so glad to have learned about Paloma several years ago and to have made 2 visits. Paloma wines are great for all occasions! (Just drank a 2012 a few nights ago and it's as amazing as it was the last time we drank one in 2016 !) read more

Paloma Vineyard - View from back deck - Wineries Near Me - St. Helena, California

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There are not a lot of places in Napa that offer free wine tasting but Paloma vineyard is on of the handful left. They have a beautiful estate and the wines are amazing! There are some picnic tables to enjoy the beautiful view and wine. We will definitely be going back. read more

Easily the best Merlot in all of Napa. Everyone come Here for a very personal tasting experience in their home. We sat on the patio and drank delicious wine w the owner and wine maker. Definitely worth a visit if you can plan in advance! read more

Paloma is a lovely spot. The wines we tasted were excellent.Our host was very gracious but I felt very rushed at the end. It turned out the twosome coming after us had had their first date there 20 years ago. If he had told us this at the beginning we would've used our time much better. I would recommend it but I would also ask if there is a time limit when I arrive. read more

Beautiful scenario, friendly, great conversations and hundreds of hummingbirds. Schedule a tasting. You will love it

For those looking for a truly unorthodox wine tasting, call and make a appointment today. The tasting is free and consists of just one wine. Rather than try to recreate my experience with words, which cannot be done, go visit Barbara today and taste "her" Merlot before it's too late. *note* be careful when driving to Paloma. There are two electric gates you must drive through. One of the two when entering/leaving will open towards your car so be ready to reverse once the gate starts to swing open. read more

Paloma Vineyard makes some of the best red wine in the world. It is a unique, small, family run winery up in Spring Mountain near St. Helena. If you are a serious wine drinker and love great Bordeaux or Napa red wines, then you will certainly want to visit. If you can't visit, then buy a bottle of their Merlot if you can find it. This is not your one dimensional, easy to drink (but easier to forget) Merlot, the type that was so maligned in the movie Sideways. It is a complex, layered, fascinating Merlot that is very different from your usual California Merlot regardless of price. The Paloma 2008 Merlot, like the great right bank red Bordeauxs, is primarily Merlot but is blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is 30% new French oak. Deep ruby like in color, it has a blackberry aroma with a full luscious silky taste of ripe cherries and plums along with hints of chocolate and minerality that is incredibly layered and complex. The finish is very long and interesting, another sign of a great wine. This wine is very well balanced so that it is quite drinkable now, but will obviously age well over the next ten or fifteen years. The voluptuous layered complexity of this wine in mid palate along with its long finish, place it in a rare class. This is the best Merlot I've tasted in forty years of wine tasting. Paloma's Merlot compares favorably quality wise with wines that sell for several hundred dollars but is priced at a mere $54. It could easily be a cult wine that you would have to sign up years ahead of time to buy and then spend a small fortune on once you were privileged enough to be able to purchase a bottle. As with all wineries up on Spring Mountain, reservations are required but easily made by phone or email. There is no charge for the tasting, which is in their own home, and Barbara Richards or her son Sheldon will spend an hour with you explaining their philosophy and their obvious love for growing and making one of the great wines of the world. Although the Merlot is the only wine available for tasting, they do bottle a very limited amount of Cabernet Sauvignon every few years and offer it for sale when they have some, the 2009 selling for $54. Obviously, Paloma is a very special place. Paloma Vineyard is not just a wonderful winery; it is a labor of love by a remarkable family. read more

I spent an hour talking with the woman who made the number one wine in the world. The Paloma 2001 Merlot Spring Mountain headed the Wine Spectator 2003 Top 100 list. On her back porch, overlooking rows of meticulously groomed vines against a backdrop of rising fog we talked about her winery. "Why Spring Mountain? Why Merlot?" I asked, and was surprised and charmed by the answers. Paloma sits atop a steep hill surrounded by verdant groves of tall trees in Spring Mountain. Proprietors Barbara and Jim host guests for wine tastings in their lovely rustic home. They produce two wines, one from estate-grown Merlot (with Cabernet blended in) and Syrah (formerly estate fruit, but now sourced). The current release, the 2006 Merlot ($54), is a marvelous wine that captivates the palate and senses. Rich aromas of violet, potpourri and dark fruit carry over to the body with excellent concentration and tannic strength. Simply swirling and smelling the wine in my glass was an acute pleasure and one that I look forward to reliving in the bottle I purchased. As for those questions, I won't divulge the answers here- you'll have to ask Barbara yourself! read more

2003 WINE SPECTATOR WINE OF THE YEAR. If you love soda pop and fast food....stay in the valley. If you understand the allure, nuance and fascination of wine and love it's real art...then head up to Spring Mountain.... I would do Keenan (make sure Laura is there) and Pride (make sure Ken is there) and Paloma. I have a special affinity towards Paloma. In spite of the fact it's simply the BEST (my friend Ryan says they -Spring Mtn District- need to change their tag line "Best Merlot on Earth" it has the best ambiance. Sheldon doesn't have a tasting room or the bells and whistles. What he does have is the GENUINE. Doesn't charge for tasting. Hopes you buy wine... but doesn't worry about it. He simply does it ALL by himself. 2500 cases! He bin ferments (you won't know or appreciate this--But I do. It's like its hand made. His competitors don't do it. ) If you go to Napa and don't visit here..you are kinda dumb. $72 a bottle?? A steal. read more

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Absolutely breathtaking view, the wine changed my life! Such a stunning experience I had to go two days in a row! Must go spot- you're in for a great treat! read more

Definitely a hidden gem!!!! The drive up to the vineyard alone is amazing and quite the adventure... paradise ! The personalized wine tasting was a great experience .. make reservations!! read more

Paloma Vineyard - Wine country ... gorgeous! - Wineries Near Me - St. Helena, California

I agree with the other reviews. In summary, hard to find but well worth the effort, stunning views, the best Merlot in Cal according to me and Winespectator, and Barbara was very inviting and funny. We had no reservation but I called ahead to see if we could come by and buy a couple bottles. She said anytime so in 30 minutes we were there, she let us in her home, and forced us to try her wine. Thank you Barb. Drank 2011 and 2010 vintages, both absolutely delicious. read more

Paloma Vineyard - Back patio view atop Spring Mtn at Paloma Winery - Wineries Near Me - St. Helena, California

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I bought this merlot and immediately put it it in a chiller. I was excited to drink it after cellaring it. This was the worst thing I've had in my adult life. Licorice gone bad, wouldn't wish this wine on my worst enemy. It was so bad. read more

Paloma is a special experience for true wine lovers. If you are new to wine, Paloma is not the best place to come. The tasting is very simple, laid back, and personal... but very different. First off, to get to Paloma you must drive up Spring Mountain Road, which is about as far from accommodating as possible. The road is windy, steep, narrow, two-laned, and tough to get up compared to the other wineries. Paloma does not have a sign, only a small address sign on the side of the road. Paloma is about as far above the Napa Valley that you can get. It is located on Spring Mountain, an appellation that is located on the Western mountain range above St. Helena. Once you come to this appellation, you will love it. When you first walk into Paloma, you will be greeted by Sheldon or Barbara Richards. Sheldon is Barbara's son, and together they run all operations on site, and I mean ALL. They have about 2 workers who help out, but Barbara or Sheldon are involved in every step. After being greeted by one of the two family members, you will be welcomed into their home to taste a bottle of their world-famous Merlot. I don't know what is more impressive: the view from their home, or their Merlot. Both are extremely impressive, to say the least. The view is, no question, one of the best in Napa Valley, and is worth the trip just for the view. The wine is inky, full of ripe, black fruit, and has an amazing finish. If you are coming here, you probably know how good their Merlot is, so no need for me to say too much. read more

Skeptical about a trip to the peak of spring mountain for a merlot tasting, it turned into the highlight of a tasting tour. The view was breathtaking, almost European, the wine was delicious, and Barbara the hostess was witty and welcoming. And the hummingbirds. Other reviewers got it right. A one wine, couple vintage winery in Barbara's beautiful home. It's hard to find and it's merlot (thank you Paul Giamatti for making me doubt that it can ever be this good). Take advantage of this while you can read more

Still the best Merlot I've ever tasted. Still the most incredible view of hummingbirds and Spring Mountain. Rest in Peace, Miss Barbara. You were one of a kind. :-( read more

I have been using Magnum tours since Jim founded the company. We have taken large groups and small groups. Everyone we have ever taken on a Magnum tour is blown away by the service and the attention to detail that the company provides. We have developed long standing friendships with the owners of several wineries thanks to Jim and his staff. I tell people that you have never really experienced Napa till you do it with Magnum Tours. read more