Stone Winery on south end of Yountville, California
Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours
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The child of South African winemakers, Anthony Bell expanded his wine horizons as a teen in the vineyards of France and Spain, and then studied viticulture in his home country and at California’s U. C. Davis. After graduation he landed at Beaulieu Vineyards, eventually becoming director of winemaking, VP, and general manager; among many contributions to the field, he began conducting extensive research into Cabernet Sauvignon clonal variations.
In 1991 he founded Bell Cellars and introduced the first single-vineyard, single-clone varietal wine (the now-famous Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon).
Bell’s serene stone winery lies at the end of a country lane, where it is surrounded by oaks and vineyards. The tasting room is cozy (if the weather cooperates, you might taste outdoors) and the tasting intimate—just you or your group and the host. You’ll hear stories about winemaking and local history; feel free to ask questions. A daily, appointment-only “grape to glass” tour takes you through the vineyards and ends with a tasting paired with cheese and fruit.
Fascinating Fact:
Bordeaux Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon was popular in Napa in the 1860s, but fell into neglect. In 1980, Bell reintroduced it into commercial production for the first time in a century.
Amenities: Wine Club, Blending seminar, Grape to Glass tour (by appointment only)
Founded: 1991
Signature Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone 6), Chardonnay, Claret, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Tasting: Current Release, Reserve, Library, and Clonal Tastings by appointment only
Hours: Daily, 10–4
Bell Wine Cellars
6200 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94559
707-944-1673
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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