707-944-9090
6320 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558
Tasting Room: $206320 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558
Tour: yes
Picnic Area: no
Hours: Daily 10am to 4:30pm
Description
This organic and biodynamic vineyard and winery sits slightly uphill, northeast of the Silverado Trail. Our host indicated that Robert Sinskey Winery has been organic since 2001 and will soon be approved for the biodynamic designation as well. They encourage bats and owls to take up residence in the vineyards. All of the composted waste from production of the wine is put back in the vineyards which are subjected to minimal tilling. Sheep and chickens help to maintain a balanced system. All of these efforts are focused on the goal of producing exceptional wine.
Grounds
The grounds of this winery are minimal. After parking, the winery entrance is clear and inviting. A semicircular stone bench on the left is mirrored on the right by a semicircular pond full of very large, colorful koi. Beyond the pond raised planting beds awaited spring planting. Sheep were indeed grazing the vineyard, mowing and fertilizing as they went.
Tasting Room
The architecture of this winery is a clear reflection of the owner's passionate focus on wine, food, and an organic/biodynamic approach to their land. A long curved tasting bar is flanked by high stone walls. Beyond the bar is an obviously well used demonstration kitchen. The owner's wife, Maria Helm Sinskey, is a chef with a cookbook for sale in the winery and another in progress. Many complimentary recipes are provided in the free brochures highlighting their wines and methods.Staff
There was only one host working the tasting bar when we visited late in the morning on a winter weekday. A "rush" of about 4 people were at the bar when we arrived and we had to wait for a bit as the host calmly continued to provide a quality experience to those there first. When she turned her attention to us she was friendly and knowledgeable about the wines and vineyards.
Wines
There are two ways to taste at Robert Sinskey Vineyards. We were "walk ins" and did the Gluttonous flight for $20. Scheduled tours and tastings range from $30 to $60 per person and are limited to groups of 6 or less. A refund of $15 is possible with purchase of 2 or more bottles of wine. The $20 Gluttonous Flight included four wines (priced at $29-$52 per 750 ml bottle) to be enjoyed with a small tray of complimentary bites.- Abraxas - Vin de Terroir, Los Carneros, 2006 This was paired with the ham and gruyere tartlet.
- Pinot Noir, Vandal Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, 2004 The gougeres savory cheese puff was a perfect accompaniment.
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Vandal Vineyards, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, 2004 This was perfect with a slice of toasted baguette topped with aged gouda and fig and quince jam from the RSV orchard.
- Cabernet Franc, Vandal Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, 2004 This was enjoyed with McEvoy tuscan olives and olive oil roasted almonds with rosemary and sage.
Our Rating
Good
