Milat Vineyards (closed)

Just south of St. Helena is a very special family run estate winery–Milat Vineyards. With many large vintners in the neighborhood, Milat stands out as an oasis from the large commercial operations. Family owned and operated and known for exquisite handmade Cabernet Sauvignon, Milat Vineyards provides warm hospitality, excellent wines and a relaxed comfortable environment.

The property was originally homesteaded in 1877 and is located near the now-defunct Pine Station railroad stop. Its first vineyards were planted in the 1880’s. The Milat family came on the scene and purchased the property in 1949. In 1970 their two sons took over the vineyard operations selling fruit to local wineries. In 1986 the brothers and their wives retained some of the grapes and made the first Milat vintage.

Today their 20 acres estate vineyard produces fruit exclusively for their winery specializing in rich elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking is straightforward, and is primarily minimalist in nature relying on their carefully pruned vineyard known for its noteworthy fruit. Once the decision is made to bring in the crop, the grapes are picked the next morning in the cool air and then hand-sorted before entering the crusher-stemmer. Small stainless steel fermentors handle the must. When fermentation is complete, the juice is pressed and the wine is then aged in various combinations of French and American oak barrels.

The small, bright and airy, tasting room is part of the winery building. VIP Tasting programs and tours can be arranged with an appointment. The friendly staff, most likely will be one of the owners and will be a great guide as you sample their various estate grown wines. In addition to Cabernet the winery produces Merlot, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Zinfandel type port called Zivio. An additional wine, with good value, is their full bodied red varietal blend labeled Pine Station Red Table.