Backroad Wineries of the Napa Valley

With summer around the corner, driving up Napa Valley’s Highway 29 can feel like a traffic jam of Los Angeles proportions. While no one will argue that Highway 29 boasts some of the world’s most remarkable wineries, you may find yourself yearning for some peace and quiet. Here are a couple of my favorite off-the-beaten path wineries in the Howell Mountain district.

Bremer Family Winery
975 Deer Park Road
This beautiful stone winery was originally built in 1891 overlooking Deer Creek on the slopes of Howell Mountain. Now the Bremers, along with winemaker Bob Bolan, make beautiful Howell Mountain wines including a Bordeaux blend they call Austintatious, named for their son Austin. Taste wine in the intimate tasting room or under big oak trees by the creek. And don’t forget to say hi to Crackers and Laddy Lu, the two dogs that live on the winery property. Call ahead to make an appointment. Beating the Traffic: The best way to get to Deer Park from Napa is to head North on the Silverado Trail and take a right on Deer Park Road.

Ladera Vineyards
150 White Cottage Road S
Continue up Howell Mountain and you will reach Ladera. An even older stone winery – built in 1886 - sits on this historic property surrounded by vineyards that trace back to 1877. Owners, Pat and Anne Stotesbery, left a ranch in Montana for the Napa Valley and have been making – along with winemaker Karen Culler – cabernet from Howell Mountain and Lone Canyon ever since. Tours by appointment only. Beating the Traffic: From Bremer Family Winery, continue up Deer Park Road and make a left on White Cottage.

Written by Linzi