Category Archives: Napa Valley

Flora Springs

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Entrance to The Room at Flora Springs in St. Helena

677 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574

Website: https://www.florasprings.com/

Located on busy Highway 29 in St. Helena, it’s hard to believe that Flora Springs’ tasting room is part of a historic ghost winery that has existed since before Prohibition. The modern exterior is so architecturally unique that it is difficult to explain. The tasting room which the winery simply calls “The Room” sits inside the wavy, irregular shaped stucco structure painted with tan stripes. There is an archway in the center that looks like an opening to a cave with glass doors leading into the tasting room. There is a painting of a woman (whom I thought looked like a Greek goddess or muse) reaching for grapes on each side of the entryway. The image is meant to represent owner Flora Komes.  This same iconic figure is on the winery sign inviting visitors passing along Highway 29 and the wine label. The interior of the tasting room is bright and fun. To the left of the room is a long, curvy wine bar with dangling red lights overhead and wine bottles encased in lit-up boxes behind the bar. In the center of the room to the right is a separate hallway-like area with a long table that is set with chairs and wine glasses for private tastings. At the end of the wine bar, opposite from the entrance, are some stools and a couple of computers. The space reminded me of a mini-internet café. The fun continues outdoors to the Vineyard Courtyard picnic area and Rooftop Lounge where guests can sit and take in the surrounding vineyards.

Private tasting area at Flora Springs' Tasting Room

Private tasting area at Flora Springs’ Tasting Room

There are a couple of reasons why I am a fan of this winery. First, I feel it has a good story to tell. The property was purchased by Jerry and Flora Komes in 1977. Jerry was in the construction business in San Francisco and Flora was a nurse. After many years of traveling all around the U.S. and overseas as part of Jerry’s work, the two of them were looking for a place to “kick off their boots”. They came upon this neglected ghost winery that was built before Prohibition by a couple of Scottish brothers. Flora had a love for gardening and fell in love with the property from the first time she saw it. When they purchased the property they had no intentions of starting a winery, and Flora claims she rarely drank wine. Their children saw the potential for making wine and convinced their parents to start a winery. The winery is now run by Jerry and Flora’s children and grandchildren. The name comes from owner Flora and for the natural springs on the winery property.

The second reason I really like this winery is because I think it has a fun atmosphere. The modern artistry makes it feel upbeat and the staff was very friendly. When our server saw I was taking notes on the wines and I mentioned I keep a journal on all the wineries I’ve been to he gave me some labels to take home with me. The outdoor area really made me feel very at ease. Besides the typical tasting, The Room offers food and wine pairings, box lunches or picnics in the courtyard, and private VIP tastings in the Lounge Cave Room. Guests could also venture a little ways down the road to The Estate and get a tour of the historic ghost winery and have lunch in the caves. Overall, I enjoyed the wines and was very pleased by the winery.

Outdoor patio behind Flora Springs Tasting Room

Outdoor patio behind Flora Springs Tasting Room

Peju Province Winery

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Peju Province Winery

Peju Province Winery

8466 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573

Website: http://www.peju.com/

My first thought upon arriving at this winery was that the owners must be of French heritage. The winery is housed in a 50 foot, pink stucco tower resembling a French Provincial tower. It is surrounded by a pool and fountains. The parking lot was lined with Sycamore trees and a view of the vineyard. Beautiful gardens and landscaping with Greek mythological statues encompass the area leading to the tasting room. It would be a lovely place to relax and read a book.

The owners of this winery are Tony and Herta Peju. Although they were both born in Europe, neither one is French. Tony’s birthplace was on the Caspian Sea and Herta was born in Austria. The two of them were living in Los Angeles before purchasing the 30 acres of land in Rutherford that is the Peju Province Winery today.

This was one of the most fun wine tasting experiences that I have had in Napa. The interior of the winery is 1600 square feet with a mezzanine. On the lower level, there are various wine accessories for purchase and there is a large stained glass window created in 1906 depicting the three Greek graces in a beautiful garden. A hostess greeted us upon entering the tasting room and led a small group of us up the stairs to one of two tasting counters. Rather than conducting separate tastings for individuals, the Peju tasting room “ambassador” pours all the same wines for the entire group gathered around the counter, sharing the story of each wine and history of Peju. When the tasting is complete, the group is ushered out and a new group is brought up to the counter.

This was a unique experience and our “ambassador” was entertaining. I enjoyed the educational aspect of the tasting, and we were encouraged to ask questions as we were sampling. I found the wines to be enjoyable.  The Provence Rosé and Carnival white wine are very easy drinking wines that are refreshing on a hot, summer day.

Peju Province vineyard in Rutherford, CA

Peju Province vineyard in Rutherford, CA

Darioush

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Darioush Winery

Darioush Winery

4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

Website: https://www.darioush.com/

This winery is named after its owner Darioush Khaledi. Darioush grew up in Shiraz, Iran where his father made wine as a hobby. He became a collector of fine wines as an adult and immigrated to the United States in the 1970’s.

Darioush's elegant tasting room

Darioush’s elegant tasting room

The winery visitor’s center opened to the public in August 2004. It is located off the southern end of the Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll district. The architecture was designed after Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia. Materials and furnishings for the winery were brought in from exotic locations. A beautiful fountain and 16 stone columns stretch the length of the walkway to the entrance of the tasting room. Once inside the tasting room, I felt like I was in an art museum or a fancy Las Vegas hotel. My impression was that this was a place for wealthy people and I felt under-dressed in my casual clothes.

I found the tasting fee to be a little high for a sampling of 5 current release wines. The Darioush Estate includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The wines are high quality but a bit pricey. This was a very pretty winery to see but I felt it was geared toward more affluent visitors.