Fodor's Expert Review Arista Winery

Brothers Mark and Ben McWilliams own this winery specializing in small-lot Pinot Noirs that was founded in 2002 by their parents. The sons have raised the winery's profile in several ways, most notably by hiring winemaker Matt Courtney, who has earned high praise from the Wine Spectator and other publications for his balanced, richly textured Pinot Noirs. Courtney shows the same deft touch with Arista's Zinfandels, Chardonnays, and a Riesling. One tasting focuses the regions from which the Arista sources its grapes, another on small-lot single-vineyard wines. Tastings are by appointment only. Guests who purchase a bottle are welcome to enjoy it in the picnic area, near a Japanese garden that predates the winery.