danasgirl

Hey Fodorites! Hoping you are willing to share your favorite ''off the beaten path'' wineries in Calistoga, Rutherford and/or St. Helena. Going for a mid week visit in September and could use a little guidance. We've been to Healdsburg and Napa/Sonoma previously. Thanks for your input.

japw82

We enjoyed the St. Supery Winery in Rutherford. Is there a wine preference? This will help fodorites in making recommendations.

willowjane

Livingston Moffett was one of our favorites!

elnap29

CASA NUESTRA WINERY on Silverado Trail is definitely "off the beaten path." It's still a very small family operation with grapes grown on the property. The setting is rustic (afterall, it's a working grape farm). The tasting room is in an old shed/office but it is very homey and friendly. The picnic area is nice and there's a lot of history there. I think at least one Elvis Presley movie was made there. They have a really old vineyard that was planted as a recipe years and years ago, which is harvested into their special blend called Tinto.

Another interesting winery "off the beaten path" is QUIXOTE WINERY (off a road off Silverado Trail - a little tricky to find). The winery was designed by artist/architect Hundertwasser and it is very unique and beautiful. When you visit, you feel like you are inside one of Hundertwasser's paintings. The grounds/landscaping and buildings all blend into one. There are even trees growing on the roof! Tours are private by appointment only. $25. For red wine lovers.

CaptCanuck

Frog's Leap has a great laid back tour on their farm. Loved it.

I'm always curious to check out Newton Winery sometime..sounds quite unique.

cheers,
CC

danasgirl

Wow!!! Thanks guys!! These are great recommendations, just what I was hoping for. We are big red wine drinkers, mostly cab and zin.
While in Healdsburg last year we found some wonderful off the beaten path wineries, and many of them had great unadvertised deals (half off!!) on cases of wine they needed to move. One of our favorites was Mazzocco. We liked so many of the wines there that it was hard to choose.
I plan on researching and visiting all of your recommendations. Keep em coming!

willowjane

Milat Vineyards is another favorite. We have actually stayed at the small (just two rooms I think) accomodations. It is family run and lots of fun! The port is very good.