Lava Vine Winery

A Napa Valley Winery on the Silverado Trail at Calistoga

Lava Vine is owned by Joseph and Jill Cabral, who purchased four acres of steep, volcanic rock-and-ash land in 2000 in Franz Valley.

Portuguese varietals then grew on the property, so Joe—a home-builder by trade—joined a home-winemaking club and created his first wine, a port. It was so good that he partnered with winemaker Nile Zacherle to bottle it commercially. They soon grafted the old vines with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Rhone varietals.

Today Joe is the grape grower and vineyard manager, while Nile serves as winemaker.

Lava Vine’s well appointed tasting room is on the Silverado Trail just south of Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga, housed in a former coffee roastery—a small wooden building tucked behind a two-story house. A prominent framed sign above the wooden tasting bar reads “Dogs are always good.”

A small room off the tasting room is used for private wine/food pairings and to host private groups. Nile Zacherle’s own label, Zacherle, can also be sampled here.

Fascinating Fact:

The steep, 45º angle of Lava Vine’s slopes, combined with the loose and rocky soil and close vine spacing, require that farming and picking be done by hand. Two sheep provide weed control and “organic fertilization.”

Amenities: Wine Club (complimentary tastings), Events throughout the year, Dog-friendly
Founded: 2004
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Syrah non-vintage dessert wine
Wine Tasting: Basic, no appointment needed
Hours: Daily, 10–5

Lava Vine Winery & Tasting Room
965 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-9500

email: info@lavavine.com
website: www.lavavine.com

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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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