100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 71 Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena, California

Blog 71 Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena, California

Merryvale Vineyards is located in St. Helena and is the first winery built in the Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition. Unfortunately for us, they were hosting a party in their Cask Room when we first tried to visit. This made their facility closed for all tastings on a day when they should have been open during their normal hours of operation.



We tried them again on another day. This time, we made it right before closing and were able to get the last tasting in of the day. They allowed us to try a few of the wines but then wanted to know which wines we were purchasing. They were a little too pushy for me on the sales tactics. They then tried to sell us a $35.00 Pinot Noir (the one that we did not like) when we were trying to buy the $65.00 bottle (the one that we did like).

They also had tip jars sitting all over the counter which was a little tacky. Literally, the only winery in all of Napa or Sonoma Valley, or anywhere, that I have ever been to, that had many, many tip jars on the counter.

As far as the wines go, they make some great wines. I was not impressed with the snobby attitude. Many wineries are great. Now that I saw it, I will skip this one next time. My experience with Merryvale has been much better at a restaurant then it has at the winery. I guess I had to have a bad experience somewhere. I’ll tell you some other stories about bad experiences in a different blog coming up.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!

Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 69 Hall in St. Helena, California

Blog 69 Hall in St. Helena, California



Renovations are done at Hall in St. Helena, California. While I love the Rutherford Property for a private formal tasting, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at Hall in St. Helena.





It is a more casual atmosphere with outdoor tables where you can “order from the tasting menu” if you are a member. I was able to have the wines that I wanted and boy did I pick my favorites. I bee lined to the Kathryn Hall 96 point Cabernet Sauvignon. Why not? My taste buds thanked me for it. Prior to this wine being rated, it has always been one of my faves.







The service is outstanding at Hall. They have the outdoor patio, an intimate indoor seating area in a separate room, and the regular stand-up tasting room that is connected to their gift shop. Outside in the parking area and patio area, you will find red art.









There are several very large roses in the garden area and some abstract pieces all over the property. The indoor area has some black and white pictures on the wall and other art around the tasting room for your viewing pleasure. Art, wine and great service can only make you want to visit Hall more than once.



Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica