An outdoor space with seating and umbrellas can accommodate larger parties.
Since 1998, the Baldacci family has been farming winegrapes in southern Napa Valley, welcoming three generations (so far) to the land and to the embrace of tradition. The winery sits on 29 acres, with 17 planted primarily to cabernet sauvignon along with a smattering of cabernet franc and petit verdot. Additional vineyards in Carneros and Calistoga provide varietal variety for winemaker Michael Baldacci (second-generation) to play with.
Early samples
We’re welcomed with a glass of Pops sparkling wine, a beautifully crisp blend of chardonnay and pinot noir sourced from the family’s 21-acre Carneros vineyard.
As we enjoy our bubbles, Michael takes us on a quick walk in the cave, where he tells us about the history of the land and, by extension, the family’s journey here. “My parents bought property in 1998, when there was nothing here but vines,” he says. “They saw an opportunity to create a family legacy.”
We also sample a bit of the 2024 Black Label Cab straight from the barrel. “The 2024s are one of the better versions of what a Napa Valley cab can be,” he says. Already, the wine is showing power, depth and character.
Family history
The family’s first vintage was in 2000, and doors opened to visitors in 2003. Between 2017 and 2020, the property underwent an extensive renovation that included drilling a cave and building the new Estate House tasting room. In 2023, the Baldacci clan celebrated 25 years on-property.
The tasting room is a rich blend of traditional farmhouse finishes and more upscale touches; it includes areas for walk-in guests, large groups and more intimate experiences. It’s bright and sunlit, with high ceilings, comfy seating and large windows to showcase the vineyard views. An adjacent outdoor space with seating and umbrellas can accommodate larger parties.
Seated tastings
In addition to the bubbles, the Carneros property provides still chardonnay and pinot noir. The site also has small plantings of syrah, merlot and gewürztraminer (this last is used for a Late Harvest dessert wine).
The 2023 chardonnay is fresh and not-too oaky, with bright acidity and a creamy, textured finish. A pinot noir from the same vintage (named for Michael’s grandmother, Elizabeth, who had a “bold, lively” personality) is big and expressive—definitely made in a cab-lover’s style.
A 2021 cab from the family’s Calistoga vineyard has a powerful nose and a mid-palate of dark chocolate and baking spice. Next up is a 2021 Brenda’s Vineyard Cab. “It’s named for my mom, so this is the best of the vineyard, best of the barrel selections,” says Michael. “It’s one of my favorite wines to make because of how specific I can get with small-lot fermentations.” It has a dark earthy nose, tobacco and licorice notes, and a silky, smooth finish.
Finally, Michael pours a 2018 Black Label Cab. Smooth, silky tannins frame a complex and luxurious flavor profile. “We always include at least one wine on a tasting flight that’s an older vintage or not in the current release schedule,” he says. “We like to show how they age and demonstrate consistency over the years.”
As we wind down our experience, we can hear other visitors chatting and laughing with their hosts. The sun is shining, there’s a slight breeze and the grapes are getting ripe. Harvest will be here soon. Life is good in Napa.
Did you know?
As of press time, the Baldacci family’s Calistoga vineyard, located at the base of Diamond Mountain, is safe from the Pickett Fire and not in the projected path of its spread. Thank you to Cal Fire and all the volunteering and traveling firefighters for your continued efforts.
Tastings
Portfolio Tasting
Begin with a splash of sparkling wine and then enjoy a flight of three diverse wines: Carneros Chardonnay, Elizabeth Pinot Noir and Fraternity Red Blend. 60 minutes. $65.
Estate Tasting
The Estate Tasting experience includes three single-vineyard wines from Napa Valley, including two cabernets sauvignon, along with seasonal small bites. 75 minutes. $85.
Cave Tour & Estate Tasting
This private experience features a guided cave tour, complemented by an opportunity to sample wine straight from the barrel. 90 minutes. $125.
Winemaker Harvest Tour
Every Sunday this season, join a winemaker-guided cave tour followed by a seated communal tasting. 75 minutes. $95.
Baldacci Family Vineyards
6236 Silverado Trail
Napa
