Miner Family Vineyards

Winery and tasting room on the Silverado Trail

During his years in the software industry, Dave Miner collected and enjoyed wine, but never once gave thought to making his own. But in 1993 fate intervened: when an uncle fell ill and needed help running Oakville Ranch Vineyards, Miner stepped in.

Before long his temporary career became a life-altering event. In 1998 he—together with his wife, Emily, and his parents—founded the Miner Family Vineyards. Since then the winery has produced small-lot, high-end, reserve-style wines to great acclaim.

The winery does not actually own vineyards, but sources grapes from among the most highly-rated plots in Napa and elsewhere.

The tasting room is on the winery’s second floor and can be reached by elevator or stairs. The blonde-wood room is elegantly spare, with two tasting bars, and offers views extending over Napa Valley. The working cave system contains two main tunnels named for Napa’s major arteries—Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail.

Fascinating Fact:

The wings on the Miner label are based on an ancient Assyrian relief—the image of a Winged Sun God (Dave Miner’s grandfather came to the U. S. from Persia in 1914).

Amenities: Wine Club (complimentary tastings); Cave and production facility tours (by appointment only)
Founded: 1998
Signature Wines: Oracle (flagship Bordeaux-style red blend), Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Chardonnay
Wine Tasting: Basic, no appointment needed; Grand Cru Tasting, by appointment
Hours: Daily, 11-5

Miner Family Vineyards
7850 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
707-945-1270

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