Beringer Vineyards, which in 1934 was the first Napa Valley winery to offer public tours, has revamped its property and offerings to accommodate a variety of private outdoor tasting experiences. Visitors get their own designated space and can choose from 1- to 2-hour experiences, including a “vineyard walkabout,” brunch and tastings at sites around the winery’s historical home in St. Helena.
The winery estate, where brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer oversaw the first harvest and crush in 1876, still has many of its original buildings that offer visitors a chance to soak up the history while sipping the wines.
Among the new experiences available to visitors with reservations:
The Backyard
A round of three tastings at a private table in Beringer’s “Backyard,” surrounded and shaded by stately, ancient oaks. The tasting selections are from a group of winery-exclusive wines.
The Veranda
Guests can taste current reserve wines at a safely distanced private table on the sweeping veranda of the Rhine House, which the Beringer brothers built in 1886.
The Plaza
A family friendly chance to enjoy a glass of wine outdoors in the broad plaza of the Rhine House. Tables are safely distanced around the fountain designed by San Francisco artist Ruth Asawa. (This experience is not a tasting.)
The Old Winery
A chance to drink in the wines and the scenery on the promenade out the original winery that the Beringer brothers built in 1876. The experience (not a tasting) includes a glass of wine for adults and is open to minors seven years and older.
Reservations are required for all tastings and experiences, which run from $7.50-$45 per person; check online for details and a full list of experiences. 2000 Main Street, St. Helena, 707.257.5771, beringer.com
Photo courtesy beringervyds
