Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours
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Years ago, as a successful Bay Area businessman, Brian Fleury became interested in wine and began building a private collection. Bitten by the “wine bug,” Brian moved with his family to Napa Valley.
He soon hired winemakers and other experts to teach him the art of winemaking, and then founded Fleury Estate Winery. With 50 acres of estate vineyards in three different Napa sub-appellations (Rutherford, St. Helena, and Howell Mountain), Fleury produces tiny lots of high-quality, hand-crafted wine. It’s a family business in the best sense, with Brian and his wife, Claudia, tackling most of the winery chores themselves.
One of the best things about visiting here is that the small winery is off the beaten track and possesses a down-home, “countrified” feel. The surroundings are simple and straightforward, with artwork by the Fleury’s son adorning the walls. Tasting usually takes place on a marble-topped table in a shed filled with barrels (and occasionally dogs), but might also occur in a well-appointed tent or in an historic cottage surrounded by a lavender garden. And unlike most Napa wineries, at Fleury you may be joined by owner/winemaker Brian.
Fascinating Fact:
The winery’s bathrooms—two gigantic wine barrels—are the most frequently-photographed site on the grounds.
Amenities: Gardens, Complimentary Concierge Services, Dog-friendly, Barrel-blending seminars
Founded: 1998
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Passionne (Bordeaux-style blend), Port
Wine Tasting: By appointment only
Hours: Daily appointments 10:30–noon and 1:30–3:00
Fleury Estate Winery
950 Galleron Road
Rutherford, CA 94573
707-967-8333
Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.
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