Hi there, I’m planning a trip out to Napa for late June this year and was hoping to lean on some advice from fellow board members. The group I’m taking is large with varying interest in wine and tastes. My tastes lie more towards mountain cabs with a bit more finesse (I collect Promontory, Lokoya and Harlan currently) and from Veeder specifically. I know others in my group may prefer something that is a little more drinkable young and others may be looking for a complete experience with beautiful view and gracious hospitality. I on the other hand could be under the overpass - as long as the wine is good, I’m happy. That being said, we are planning to go to Promontory and Lokoya on one day as combines my taste profile and an excellent experience.
However, for my third day (we will be in Sonoma the second day), I wanted to plan a few other vineyard visits. I’ve had Mayacamas and enjoy it, so I’m planning to take the group there. However, I’m curious what the group thinks of Progeny and The Vineyardist. How would you describe their winemaking style and the general tasting experience? What do you think would fit with my palate versus say those that prefer a more fruit forward style? Many thanks in advance.
Large groups are tough, I tried that and gave up. Too many varied tastes. I, like you tend to go for the wine not the view.
For hospitality I usually tell people to go to Pride. Nice tasting and visit. Good place to see how a winery is run. Once is enough but its a good visit for a entry visit.
Futo just magnificent between Promontary and Bond for Location, Ovid, Continuum spectacular views, Dana and Morlet classy visit on the upper end all great
Blankiet just beautiful the wine for 2021 are rated very high Graham Macdonald winemaker.
Rivers Marie in Calistoga
See if Aaaron Pott will entertain a group great guy, great education
Also love Mayacamus - u may like Corison Kronos one of my favorites
there a few all good visits and excellent wines especially 2021 vintage.
For what it’s worth, I find Progeny cabs to be beautifully polished and (somewhat) accessible early on. The fruit is pure and bright, not flabby and overly extracted.
The Vineyardist is, in my opinion, a bigger and more structured profile. There’s more of a balance between fruit and savory notes, showing classical Diamond Mtn fruit.
From an enjoyment standpoint, I love drinking both.
Both also happen to be some of the most impressive visits I’ve done from the architecture of the wineries to the views. The visit to Progeny is a bit more buttoned up and classical, whereas the visit to The Vineyardist is an experience as Julie will take you to the top in her vehicle, pop some wine, and drink over looking the valley, before going back to their unbelievable tasting room with views for days.
From a visit standpoint, The Vineyardist is an all time favorite.
You won’t go wrong, just depends on what you are looking for.
Never had Progeny or the Vineyardist, but if Mt Veeder is your thing I highly recommend Pott.
Aaron is a fabulous host & our group’s visit a few yrs ago was a trip highlight we all still talk about.
He’s got a few estate Veeder bottlings- Cab Franc, Viognier, Incubo (cab blend), Space & Time (cab franc & merlot) which might be my fave wine from Pott. Also a number of single vineyard wines from the valley and a base Napa Valley cab that compares favorably with others like that from Rivers Marie, Myriad, Elyse, etc.
Thank you, all! Lots to mull over here for sure. Will let you know what I decide to go with. I’m leaning towards The Vineyardist with potentially Progeny, Chappellet or Pott in place of Mayacamas.
Really enjoy all these Mt Veeder wines. Have only been to Progeny and it’s beautiful property. I will say the visit was not particularly special. Pott would be a great pull
Was able to score a tasting at Fe (Aaron Pott is the winemaker). Though not Veeder, excited to try something new from Spring Mountain (my second favorite mountain!).