Picayune Cellars

Why should you visit Picayune Cellars when you are in Napa?

Claire Weinkauf came to California in 2006 with the great wine maker, Paul Hobbs. She noticed that it can get pricey in Napa and Sonoma County to pursue truly great wine. In 2011, she and her friend Jennifer Roberts set out to change that by founding Picayune Cellars. They used the négociant business model to acquire small lots of outstanding wines from their friends. They would then blend and taste until they had something that met their exacting standards. Jennifer later ceded her half of the business to Claire, but the basic business model stays the same.

If you want to get the full effect of the Picayune Cellars, come to Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga. Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga is a picturesque little road, and there is nothing more picturesque there than the Picayune Wine Tasting and Mercantile building. A little yellow house with a green door, it looks like a transplant from happier times.

The feeling continues when you enter the building. The floor is weathered wood, and there are throws on the window seats. Pale blue chairs sit around wood tables and under tapestries. Here you can sample the wines that Claire works so hard to bring to perfection. It is the perfect complement to her small lots and desire to share her passion for quality wines.

If you love blends and are in Calistoga, make sure you drop by to check out Claire’s labor of love. We think you will find a kindred spirit here. Because they are a négociant, you will sample a number of wines not typically available at Napa wineries. Picayune offers Pinot Noir and a Rhone style blend on top of the classic Bordeaux offerings.

Address: 1458 Lincoln Ave, Suite 9, Calistoga

Phone: (707) 888-9885

Tasting Room Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm By appointment on Tuesday