The winery’s magnificent grounds are the first indication that one is in for a special treat. The entire property was designated a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Several intriguing buildings populate the grounds. The most stunning is the Rhine House, which has sparkled with original Belgian art nouveau glass and carved woodwork since it was built as Frederick Beringer’s 17-room residence in 1884. Today the entire property is a fascinating place to investigate and learn more about Beringer wines.

Master Emeritus Winemaker
And there is much to learn. Beringer is the only estate to ever win Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year” for both a red and white wine, an honor bestowed on Master Emeritus Winemaker Ed Sbragia. Today, Winemaker Laurie Hook works closely with Vineyard Consultant Bob Steinhauer to uphold the winery’s singular heritage. Laurie applies state-of-the-art technology to the winery’s age-old traditions and resources the grapes from more than one dozen top vineyards located in all corners of the Napa Valley. Her efforts are continually rewarded with medals, ribbons, and accolades. One recent case in point is the 2005 Bancroft Ranch Merlot, awarded 90 points by Robert Parker with these glowing words: “Sexy, chocolaty, black cherry and berry fruit intermix with loamy soil and coffee bean nuances…in this full-bodied, attractive, elegant Merlot.”

Reserve tasting bar
The estate hosts several tasting experiences including private sit-down tastings with cheese plates and Cabernet Sauvignon evaluation seminars and regular and reserve tastings in many unique spots like the Old Winery, the wrap-around porch of the Rhine House, and inside, at the mansion’s ornate reserve tasting bar. For those eager to experience the legacy of the Napa Valley, Beringer Vineyards is the place to visit.

Historic grounds Napa Valley
The beauty of Beringer Vineyards is evident in the wines and fully realized when one visits its historic grounds in the Napa Valley. Beringer is the region’s oldest continuously operating winery with a winemaking tradition dating back 130 years. It was first to offer public tours and remains at the top of the savvy Napa Valley visitor’s list of places to tour and taste.