Napa Valley V. Sattui Winery

I visited Napa Valley a few years ago while spending a week in San Francisco.  Napa is actually not that far from the city by the bay. As this was the first time I had visited there, we went with a small group of people and a guide that has been there many times. We hit five great vineyards that day and tasted at each one. If anyone has not been to a wine tasting, you really should give it a try. It is a very relaxing time and a great way to meet people from all over the world. I quickly made a good friend with a young man who was from Vietnam, who was working in the IT field in San Francisco. My three favorites that day were Domain Chandon, Whitehall Lane and V. Sattui, which is where these shots were taken. V. Sattui is the oldest vineyard in the valley and is the only vineyard that is grandfathered to have a deli on grounds. Many years ago when Napa was gaining popularity, there was a battle between the local bed and breakfasts/ hotels, restaurants and the vineyards.  Many of the vineyards were serving food and lodging, which was a source of contention to the other local businesses. In the end, the wineries were relegated to do what they do and the other businesses do what they do. V. Sattui was somehow grandfathered and allowed to keep their deli. We had a great lunch including antipasta, olives and a bottle of wine in their garden. The Sattui family also has olive vineyards in Italy and import fine olive oils and olives. They are very traditional in their methods and use only the finest barrels that are a specific wood from a specific forest. Whitehall Lane is the opposite, they are very modern and use stainless steel to ferment and age..  It was a great day, I can’t wait to get back there later this year.