V. Sattui Winery

Put the V. Sattui Winery on your must-do list. It's not a huge winery with touristy gimmicks, but it is one of the friendliest and boasts award-winning wines and spacious picnic grounds. Come for the wine tasting and stay for lunch on the lawn. You'll be glad you did.

Roses punctuate the end of each grapevine row at V. Sattui. Photo ©Photoquest

Get to Know V. Sattui Winery

Wondering what the "V" stands for? So was I. This winery was named after Vittorio Sattui, who moved from Italy to San Francisco in 1882. Vittorio became a successful winemaker in the area until Prohibition began in 1920.

Nearly 60 years later, Vittorio's grandson, Dario Sattui realized his own dream of owning a winery, naming it in honor of Vittorio.

And the dream is still growing.

When you visit this enchanting stone winery that includes wine caves and aging cellars, you'll take in the trellised grapevines punctuated with roses...browse the famous cheese and deli market...sample premium wines in the visitor-friendly tasting room...and linger over a picnic lunch amid more than two acres of peaceful lawns, gardens and sprawling oaks.

Wine Tasting at V. Sattui Winery

The main tasting room is big -- and beautiful. Step through the threshold on to the polished hardwood floors and take in the sights and sounds.

The tasting room can get busy (you'll be standing elbow to elbow here on Saturdays). Go in the morning (it opens at 9am) or during the week if you want to sidestep the crowds.

Although this winery is popular, you'll never feel like you're being shuttled through the tasting room at a frenzied pace. You'll be warmly welcomed by knowledgeable servers who will help you to choose your favorites.

You can sample five Premier and Estate award-winning wines for $45. This is a seated tasting in the tasting room or outdoors in a spacious setting. Want to upgrade your tasting to include premium cabs? Or add a sampling of cheese, charcuterie or chocolate? Check out your options on their website.

V. Sattui Wines

This winery's philosophy is that quality wines are made in the vineyard. Of course, it helps that those vineyards are in the Rutherford appellation -- the heart of the Napa Valley and the ideal spot for many red grapes.

Some of the award-winning reds include stellar Cabernets, Merlots and Zinfandels. The warm, sunny climate here on the valley floor shines through in the ripe, fruit-forward flavors of these red wines.

Acquisitions of vineyards in other Napa Valley AVAs have allowed the V. Sattui Winery to expand its production to include Chardonnay and some sparkling wines from the cooler Carneros region.

It's worth mentioning here, you won't find V. Sattui wines at your local wine store. You can buy them at the winery and on their website.

Here are a couple stellar wine reviews...

2021 Collina d'Oro Pinot Noir: "Bursting with opulent aromas of black fruits, violets and toasted oak. A rich, full-bodied wine on the palate with complex notes of baking spices and black cherry that are followed by silky, soft tannins." 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast

2018 Vittorio's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: "Intense aromas of black currant and a nuanced bouquet of black olive, oak and tobacco. Soft and silky on the entry, yet full-bodied with the liveliness of blackberry fruit flavors with sculpted tannins and a mild astringency on the finish." 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast

V. Sattui is host to many events throughout the year, including private parties and weddings. Photo ©Bonandbon

Winery Events at V. Sattui

Beautiful V. Sattui winery hosts some of the most anticipated Wine Country events each year. Go to their website for all the details and to make a reservation. Here are some of the upcoming events:

Festa Italiana ~ July 28, 2023
Harvest Ball ~ September 16, 2023
Crush Party ~ October 13, 2023

Have a Picnic

V. Sattui is one of the few wineries in Napa Valley that allow picnics on the property. But don't pack that picnic basket -- you're not allowed to bring your own food and wine. It's a regulation of Napa County.

That's okay, though. Something better awaits. You'll want to explore the V. Sattui market for freshly made deli sandwiches, charcuterie, salads, pastas, fruit, more than 200 kinds of cheese. And don't forget dessert -- from freshly baked cookies to scrumptious tiramasu, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Spring through fall, the outdoor grill is fired up for lunch on the weekends. Savor the smoky flavors of wood-fired homemade pizzas and more seasonal entrees. Want more? How about truffle parmesan fries. Or panini, cannoli, and house-made gelato.

Mmmm...hungry yet?

Grab a bottle of wine and you're ready to head to the spacious picnic grounds, where you can relax under the 250-year-old oaks. Drink in the ambiance...this is an idealic Wine Country experience you won't soon forget.