California Winery Advisor

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Benessere Vineyards

 3.5/4 3.5/4 (1 reviews)

1010 Big Tree Road , St. Helena, CA 94574

(707) 963-5853

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About This Winery

“Italy in Napa” is the theme of this boutique winery specializing in estate-grown, lushly flavored Italian varietals. The winery is located in a garden-like setting well back from the highway, and is definitely worth a visit. Benessere is Italian for
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“Italy in Napa” is the theme of this boutique winery specializing in estate-grown, lushly flavored Italian varietals. The winery is located in a garden-like setting well back from the highway, and is definitely worth a visit.

Benessere is Italian for "well-being," and that is how the owners make you feel when you visit their off-the-beaten-path winery. Sangiovese is the predominant grape grown on their property, from which richly flavored wines with notes of cherry, sandalwood, and rose petals are produced.

Zinfandel and Merlot are also grown, along with small amounts of Syrah used for blending. The soils are clay-loam with gravelly bands, which is perfect for these varieties. The warm climate of this area is very similar to that of Tuscany, where Sangiovese thrives.

The winery is located in a pastoral setting, where visitors are greeted by mature oaks and the estate vineyard. The newly constructed winery has a small courtyard leading into their cozy tasting room. The barrel room is used for tasting as well. The mood is relaxed and peaceful as you taste your way through their menu.

Wines produced include Aglianico, Pinot Grigio, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, and a number of Italian blends. For something special take home a bottle of their 2006 Phenomenon.

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Winery Information

Hours: Open daily 10 to 5 pm by appointment
Fees: $15 tasting fee, waived with 2 bottle purchase
Price Range: $16 to $60 per bottle
Established: 1994
Vineyards: 42 acres
Production: 5000 cases

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Amenities

  • Gardens

Ambiances

  • Casual & Relaxed
  • Family Run
  • Kid Friendly
  • Off the Beaten Path

Wine Types

  • Blends
  • Estate Grown Wines
  • Italian
  • Syrah

Winery Map

1010 Big Tree Road , St. Helena, CA 94574

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Reviews

 4/4 (1) 4/4 (1 reviews)
 3/4 (1) 3/4 (1 reviews)
 3/4 (1) 3/4 (1 reviews)
 4/4 (1) 4/4 (1 reviews)

Rating Entries

I vote this winery the most difficult to remember how it's spelled, but I don't forget how great the wines are. Located just outside the lovely town of St. Helena, this is definitely not a place for the tourist wine drinker; this is for the experienced, educated wine drinker seeking excellent "new world" Italian varietals. Zinfandel, Syrah and Sangiovese can be obtained for somewhat cheaper prices elsewhere, but Benessere's are more intense, more earthy, more fruity. They are reminiscent of the high-priced Italian wines with new world fruit. In fact, they coined the phrase Super Napan to describe their Phenomenon, (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah) which is their excellent version of a Super Tuscan. We just had to take home a couple bottles of that. If you want to buy something lower-priced here, do as we did, and buy the BK Collins Old Vine Zinfandel. Its deep purple color tells you that it's an intense zinfandel and must be paired with a weighty meat, not a fish or chicken.

 3.5/4 3.5/4 (0 reviews)

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