Thanks to the Ellman Team for hosting us for an incredible tasting at the new Ellman Estate Winery on August 15th. Neil and Lance have created a true family legacy through both their exquisite wines and their gorgeous winery. Bravo and thank you!
It was an amazing experience for our Team, and we're thrilled that Ellman is a part of Vintner's Collective.
After a dry January (rain, not wine!) we started February with a much needed soaking from an atmospheric river. We're hoping this leads to a great snowpack and lots of water runoff.
After a dry January (rain, not wine!) we started February with a much needed soaking from an atmospheric river. We're hoping this leads to a great snowpack and lots of water runoff.
We’re always on the lookout for new restaurants, and if you love hot dogs, (and we do!) check out the new Sumo Dog at the Oxbow Market, opened by Morimoto alum Jeffrey Linak, featuring tasty classic and Japanese-style dogs with wasabi, hot peppers or teriaki sauce. (Fun fact, Garret Murphy’s first taste of Harlan back in 1997 was with a classic dog!)
As we enter our 23rd year, we want to thank you for being our friends and advocates. We're looking forward to spending time with you all, whether in person, on the phone, or via email. We love connecting!
As we enter our 23rd year, we want to thank you for being our friends and advocates. We're looking forward to spending time with you all, whether in person, on the phone, or via email. We love connecting!
We have a fantastic team of individuals who you can count on to make you smile when you stop by, help with your membership, answer questions, or recommend wines. We're proud to work with such wonderful people who genuinely care about little details, go the extra mile, and take good care of all of you.
So, what's new for 2025? One of our newest neighbors is the Napa Toy Museum, at 964 Pearl St. Admission is $8, and the collection is just plain fun: wind-up toys dating back to the 1890s, including robots, mechanical banks, and carved animals. It’s definitely worth a visit. (napatoymuseum.org)
Could Coombsville be the most important AVA in Napa Valley? It is the coolest region to grow Cabernet in the Valley, with the longest growing season and glorious amounts of morning fog and wind from San Pablo Bay.
Purchase our Coombsville Explorer 3-Pack
Coombsville: Napa Valley’s Hidden Gem of Elegance and Structure
Tucked into Napa Valley’s southeastern corner, Coombsville is a region that often flies under the radar—but those who know, know. This AVA (American Viticultural Area) has quietly built a reputation for producing some of Napa’s most refined and structured wines, thanks to its unique terroir and volcanic soils.
Things to Do in Downtown Napa: A Local's Guide to Sipping, Snacking, and Strolling
Downtown Napa has transformed over the years from a sleepy little wine country outpost into a vibrant hub of culture, food, and (of course) world-class wine. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a long weekend, there's plenty to do (and drink). Here's a guide to making the most of your time in Napa's walkable downtown.
If you're a morning person—or recovering from last night's wine tasting—head to OHM Coffee Roasters for a pastry and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. If you prefer to start your day with something more robust, Napa Valley Distillery has you covered with craft spirits and cocktails that are more interesting than your average mimosa.
The Napa Riverfront is one of the most scenic spots downtown. A casual stroll along the water offers great views and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even rent a kayak or paddleboard at Enjoy Napa Valley and see the city from a different angle.
Oxbow Public Market is a must-stop for food lovers, with a collection of local vendors offering everything from fresh oysters to craft beer and artisanal chocolates. Grab a snack, sit outside, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Pro tip: the fresh oysters from Hog Island and the English muffins from Model Bakery are non-negotiable.
It wouldn't be a trip to Napa without some wine tasting, and there are plenty of places to do it downtown. But suppose you want to experience something extraordinary. In that case, visit us at Vintner's Collective | Napa Valley—our tasting room showcasing wines from 20 boutique producers that are hard to find outside of California. Plus, the team there knows their stuff and will make you feel like a VIP, whether you're a wine newbie or a full-fledged collector. (And hey, tell them Mike sent you—maybe they'll pour you something extra special.)
Downtown Napa's dining scene is off the charts. You can't go wrong with a meal at TORC (modern California cuisine), Scala Osteria (innovative Italian), or Stateline Road Smokehouse, where 2025 James Beard Award Semi-Finalist and Kansas City native Darryl Bell's BBQ will feed your soul. Chef Darryl moved to California to join Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bistro and rose to the Executive Sous Chef position over seven years. He has quite a pedigree!
If you're in town in the evening, check out the lineup at Blue Note Napa, where you can sip wine and enjoy live jazz in an intimate setting. Or, if you want something more laid-back, head to Cadet Wine & Beer Bar, where they often have DJ sets and a fun, unpretentious vibe.
End your evening at ArBaretum, a stylish cocktail lounge with an inventive drink menu that goes beyond the usual suspects. Or, if you're in the mood for a nightcap with a view, grab a seat on the rooftop at Sky & Vine and toast to a perfect day in Napa.
If you stay overnight, places like Archer Hotel or Napa River Inn offer comfort, charm, and easy access to downtown action.
Whether you're here for the wine, the food, or just the vibes, downtown Napa has plenty to offer. Just don't forget to swing by Vintner's Collective—because if you leave town without trying some of Napa's best small-production wines, did you even really visit Napa?
The holiday countdown is on! We're making lists (of wines we love) and checking them twice (remember a sumptuous dessert wine for that holiday meal!). If you're looking for personal or corporate gifts, please reach out to us by phone or email. We are happy to help and can personalize your gifts to make them perfect.
The holiday countdown is on! We're making lists (of wines we love) and checking them twice (remember a sumptuous dessert wine for that holiday meal!). If you're looking for personal or corporate gifts, please reach out to us by phone or email. We are happy to help and can personalize your gifts to make them perfect. On December 6th, we will participate in the Historic Clinton District's holiday fair. From 4 to 9 p.m., all of the festive shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants on the north side of our building will come together to create a fun wintertime event. The following Saturday, December 7th, is our holiday party at our Tasting Room, which is not to be missed! We'll soon be putting together our iconic "Cab Case" for the holidays, which consists of 12 different bottles of Cabernet or Cabernet blends that we believe are perfect for the holidays. We're excited to welcome Moone Tsai (pronounced "chai") to the Tasting Room. Larry and MaryAnn Tsai created the project in 2003. Their estate and home are located in the Las Posadas district of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Our friend Philippe Melka makes their wines, and over the years, they've been extremely well-received, with several of their recent wines scoring 98+ points from Robert Parker. We are pleased to welcome them, and we hope you will try these exquisite wines.
We're excited to share happenings in downtown Napa and around the Valley this spring, Bottlerock and La Onda are the main events!
We're excited to share happenings in downtown Napa and around the Valley this spring.
Bottlerock has announced its new Latin music festival, "La Onda," which will premiere this year on June 1st and 2nd, the weekend after Bottlerock's regular event. La Onda is focused on various music genres, including Regional Mexican, Latin Pop, and Spanish Rock. La Onda (the wave in Spanish) will emulate BottleRock by also showcasing Napa Valley wines and food, as well as Latin cuisine and beverages.
Happy New Year! As January and February arrive, we know one thing; it's a
perfect time to visit Napa Valley.
Happy New Year! As January and February arrive, we know one thing; it's a
perfect time to visit Napa Valley. We appreciate the energy and rush of a crowded
Valley most of the year, and at the same time we look forward to the more
quiet and intimate feeling of winter. Less traffic, blooming mustard and an easier
time making reservations. What's not to love?
It's harvest time again! There's an energy all around the Valley, and that harvest smell is in the air. The 2023 vintage is looking phenomenal.
Fall is here, and we’re excited to see what gorgeous fruit our Vintners bring in for the 2023 vintage. We’re lucky to have had an extremely wet winter, and a long, mild growing season. 2023 has been Northern California’s coolest summer in over a decade, and most wineries report that their grapes are 2-3 weeks behind their normal harvest time. A long, cool growing season can be a boon, resulting in an outstanding vintage. Fingers crossed!
On June 3rd, our daughter Manon Murphy married her soulmate Kyle McCall. A perfect day and a perfect match!
Manon and Kyle were married at Jacuzzi Vineyards in Sonoma, under gorgeous blue skies and surrounded by family and friends. It's hard to believe Manon was playing in the cold room at VC as a 3 year-old, and has grown up with Vintner's Collective. Our hearts are full!
Just as bud break was appearing on vines across Napa Valley, we had the pleasure of visiting our friends in the heart of Coombsville at Covert Estate.
Just as bud break was appearing on vines across Napa Valley, we had the pleasure of visiting our friends in the heart of Coombsville at Covert Estate. A beautiful retreat hidden on a south-eastern slope, the soil benefits from cooler temperatures thanks to a layer of fog from the San Pablo bay. We enjoyed a sampling of their stellar line up in the tasting room 'cave'. The interior of which boasts an impressive chandelier that pays homage to the history of the three families that came together to form the Estate. This collaboration between the Nicholson family, the Nestor family and winemaker Julien Fayard is reflected in the incredible wines we tasted. Thank you Covert!
Welcome to the New Year! It's the first issue of 2023, and the word of the day is...RAIN! We're getting lot's of it! Wine Club Members, there's an online version of the Tasting Notes in your account. Cheers to you!
Welcome to the New Year! It's the first issue of 2023, and the word of the day is...RAIN! We're getting lot's of it! Members, there's an online version of the Notes in your account. Cheers to you!
Can't think of a better way to spend a winter day, than at Roy Estate.
This was an especially sentimental visit for us, having known Shirley and Charles since they started their winery in 1999. The couple have always worked so tirelessly to craft world-class wines and engage Napa Valley’s most sought-after winemaking consultants. Planting the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot fruit in the blessed terroir of the sprawling 17-acre site they strived to make wine worthy of the Grands Crus de Napa Valley designation.
It’s a new day for the property, which survived Charles’ passing, and the 2017 fires which destroyed Shirley’s home. The proprietors Stephany Maillery and Stephan Crétier serve as stewards of the land, positioned at the cooler southern end of Napa just south of the renowned Stag’s Leap District. Along with the team at Roy they set the highest expectations for themselves, the awareness and appreciation of the land is apparent in everything they do, which we love them for! The meticulous care and guidance of renowned winemaker Philippe Melka is praised by Shirley for his attention to detail and thorough understanding of the winemaking process. Melka aims to minimize the technique and focus directly on the land and its unique qualities, showing the site through the wine and respecting the grapes. These are just some of the many reasons the Roy Estate is a celebrated and cherished part of the VC family!
We are so excited about their new building, which is gorgeous and the perfect compliment to the wines and the terroir. Here’s to a new era at Roy.
Garret hanging out with Philippe at Tench Estate!
"Hanging out with Philippe Melka at Tench Estate, next to Screaming Eagle. Harvest is finally winding down! Philippe was tasting the progress of various wines in different barrels such as the Tusk 2022 wines, absolutely delicious by the way! The most successful varietal of the 2022 vintage seems to be the Petit Verdot, which weathered the heat spiked very well!" ---Garret Murphy
2022's last issue of the ClubNotes! Members, if you are looking for the full version, you'll find it in your account under Our Wines/Club Member Tasting Notes. Not a Member? Might be time to join a VC Club.
2022's last issue of the ClubNotes! Members, if you are looking for the fu ll version, you'll find it in your account under Our Wines/Club Member Tasting Notes.
Garret had a great afternoon with Don Surh as the Las Bonitas grapes came in!
"I followed Don Surh around at Cuvaison winery while he was working on the Las Bonitas fruit, sorting through all the berries and with the help of an optical sorter getting rid of imperfections, stems and leaves etc… then we proceeded to taste samples in the tanks and barrels, very hard work indeed!" ---Garret Murphy
Hot off the presses, our September | October ClubNotes! Members, if you are looking for the full version, you'll find it in your account under Our Wines/Club Member Tasting Notes. Not a Member? Might be time to join a VC Club.
Hot off the presses, our September | October ClubNotes! Members, if you are looking for the fu ll version, you'll find it in your account under Our Wines/Club Member Tasting Notes.
