Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Despite its location, Sinskey is best known for Alsace-style wines and Carneros Pinor Noir. Moreover, unlike most tasting rooms, all tasting flights are accompanied by nibbles prepared in the adjoining kitchens, often by Dr Sinskey’s daughter-in-law Maria, who has written cookbooks about seasonal food. Most of the grapes here are estate-grown and farmed biodynamically or organically.
Abraxas is one of the winery’s best-known wines: a shot at bone-dry Alsace Edelzwicker, blending Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Or try Orgia, a Pinot Gris fermented on skins. Marked by their freshness and flair, Sinskey’s wines are an invigorating alternative to Napa’s cult of Cabernet.
There’s usually no need to book an appointment at this somewhat atypical winery, where five wines can be tasted, with nibbles, for $40. A seated tasting with food and wine pairings is offered for $70; while a tour of the gardens and wine caves, including a seated tasting with seasonal dishes, goes for $95. The more expensive ‘Chef’s Table’ option provides a similar tour and tasting, but with a five-course meal accompanied by older vintages ($175). If wines are purchased, a discount to the tasting fees is applied. 6320 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 10am-4.30pm daily www.robertsinskey.com