Saintsbury Winery Guide
Location and Hours
Address: 1500 Los Carneros Ave #9742, Napa, CA 94559
Hours:
Everyday: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
Plan your visit and book your tasting experience here.
Saintsbury Winery, located in Napa Valley’s Carneros region, is renowned for its pioneering role in producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making it a cornerstone in the California wine scene since its founding in 1981. The winery remains family-owned and dedicated to sustainable farming, focusing on small-lot wines that reflect the unique terroir of their carefully selected vineyards. Their winemaking philosophy balances decades of experience with a spirit of exploration, ensuring both quality and innovation in every bottle. Tastings are available by appointment, providing a personalized experience for wine enthusiasts.
About Saintsbury Winery
Saintsbury Winery was founded in 1981 by UC Davis graduates David Graves and Richard Ward. At the time, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were relatively uncommon in the Carneros region, but their focus on these varietals helped to transform the region into a hub for world-class wines. With a commitment to producing elegant and balanced wines that express the true character of Carneros, Saintsbury remains a leading producer to this day, driven by the vision of its founders. Learn more about the history of Saintsbury here.
Vineyards
Saintsbury sources grapes from various vineyards, including its estate in Carneros and other sustainably farmed sites across the region. Carneros’ cool climate, influenced by the San Pablo Bay, is perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, offering a unique terroir of clay loam soils and marine influence that produces wines with excellent balance, structure, and acidity. Each vineyard is crucial in delivering distinctive flavors and complexity to the wines. Learn more about the vineyards here.
Key Vineyards
- Sundawg Ridge Vineyard (Russian River Valley): Located in the foggy Green Valley subregion, Sundawg Ridge is renowned for its Pinot Noir. The sandy loam soils and cooler climate give the wines a refined structure and vibrant fruit profile. More details here.
- Pratt Vineyard (Sonoma Coast): Known for its expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this vineyard benefits from the Sonoma Coast’s coastal breezes, providing wines with elegant acidity and minerality. Learn more here.
- Sangiacomo Green Acres Vineyard (Carneros): One of Carneros’ most iconic vineyards, Sangiacomo Green Acres has been a cornerstone for high-quality Chardonnay production. Its clay loam soils, coupled with the cool Carneros climate, result in wines with rich texture and balanced acidity. Learn more here.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard (Santa Rita Hills): Located in Santa Rita Hills, this vineyard excels at producing complex, bold Pinot Noir with a unique combination of rich fruit and earthy undertones, thanks to its cool coastal environment. Learn more here.
Winemaking
Saintsbury’s winemaking philosophy is centered on minimal intervention and allowing the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine. Grapes are hand-harvested, and each lot is fermented separately, allowing for precision and control in expressing the distinct qualities of each vineyard and vintage. The use of small-lot fermentation, gentle pressing, and careful barrel aging ensures wines of exceptional balance, complexity, and elegance. The process is a meticulous blend of traditional and modern techniques to produce wines that are true reflections of their origin. Learn more about the winemaking process here.
This attention to detail across every aspect of production has earned Saintsbury a reputation for producing consistently high-quality wines that honor the traditions of the Carneros region while also pushing boundaries through innovation.
Visiting Saintsbury
Saintsbury Winery offers a range of curated tasting experiences designed to immerse guests in the full expression of their wines. Set amidst the scenic Carneros vineyards, visitors can enjoy a serene and intimate environment guided by knowledgeable staff who share the winery’s history, philosophy, and dedication to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, the experience offers both education and enjoyment.
Tastings
Guests can choose from a variety of tasting options, including flights showcasing classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, library selections, and limited-edition small-lot wines. Learn more and plan your visit here.
Events
Saintsbury also hosts exclusive events throughout the year, offering special access to wine releases, vineyard tours, and celebrations that bring together the wine community. These events provide a deeper connection to the winery and its offerings. Stay updated on upcoming events here.
Wine Selection
Saintsbury Winery offers a wide range of exceptional wines, capturing the essence of Carneros and beyond.
White Wines
- 2022 Carneros Chardonnay
- 2021 Vincent Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
- 2021 Lee Vineyard Chardonnay
- 2021 Sangiacomo Green Acres Chardonnay
Explore more here.
Red Wines
- 2020 Carneros Pinot Noir
- 2020 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir
- 2020 Toyon Farm Pinot Noir
- 2021 Sundawg Ridge Pinot Noir
- 2021 Pratt Vineyard Pinot Noir
Explore more here.
Library & Magnums
- 2010 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir (1.5L)
- 2006 Toyon Farm Pinot Noir
- 2010 Lee Vineyard Pinot Noir (1.5L)
- 2005 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir
- 2013 Lee Vineyard Pinot Noir (1.5L)
- 2007 Toyon Farm Pinot Noir (1.5L)
Discover library wines and large-format bottles for special occasions here.
New Releases
- 2021 Carneros Pinot Noir
- 2021 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir
- 2021 Sundawg Ridge Pinot Noir
- 2021 Pratt Vineyard Pinot Noir
Explore the latest wines from Saintsbury here.
Wine Club
Joining the Saintsbury Wine Club offers access to exclusive small-lot wines, invitations to member-only events, and special discounts. Club members receive quarterly shipments featuring curated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay selections, along with limited-release wines. Additional perks include priority access to new vintages and the ability to purchase special bottlings before they’re available to the public.
Explore the full Wine Club schedule and membership benefits here.
Cannabis Pairings For You
Elevate your wine-tasting experience at Saintsbury Winery with premium cannabis selections from Abide Napa. Here’s how to pair these exceptional wines with some of the finest cannabis strains available:
- 2022 Carneros Chardonnay & Pineapple Express (Sativa): This pairing thrives on complementary flavors and effects. The 2022 Carneros Chardonnay’s acidity and citrus notes elevate Pineapple Express’s tropical fruit flavors, like pineapple and mango. The duo provides a light, refreshing experience, blending the Sativa’s energy with the Chardonnay’s liveliness. The result: a balanced, vibrant, and refreshing pairing where neither dominates.
- 2020 Carneros Pinot Noir & Guava Gelato (Hybrid): This pairing showcases how the 2020 Carneros Pinot Noir’s tart red fruit notes and earthy undertones complement the sweet, tropical flavors of Guava Gelato. The wine’s acidity enhances the fruity, spicy profile of the cannabis, while their earthy complexities provide balanced depth. Together, the Pinot Noir and Guava Gelato elevate each other, enhancing the layers of flavor in both.
- 2020 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir & Pluto (Indica): Pairing the 2020 Brown Ranch Pinot Noir with Pluto offers a balanced and deeply relaxing experience. The rich, full-bodied Pinot Noir, with dark berry flavors and earthy notes, complements Pluto’s berry-like undertones and grounding earthiness. Pluto’s cerebral effects, followed by deep relaxation, complement the wine’s complexity, making this pairing ideal for unwinding with a smooth, immersive experience that enhances both the wine and cannabis.
Explore Saintsbury’s wine selection and enhance your tasting experience with Abide Napa’s curated cannabis products.
Health and Safety Tips
When enjoying wine and cannabis together, it’s important to prioritize health and safety.
Here are some tips for responsible consumption:
- Moderation: Consume both wine and cannabis in moderation to avoid over-intoxication.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Personal Tolerance: Be aware of your own tolerance levels and consume accordingly.
- Avoid Mixing with Other Substances: Do not mix with other intoxicants.
- Designated Driver: Ensure you have a safe way to get home; use a designated driver or ride-share service.
Shop Cannabis and Wine Products!
Ready to elevate your experience? Dive into Saintsbury’s incredible lineup of wines and explore premium cannabis products from Abide Napa. Whether you’re stocking up on your favorite Pinot Noir or looking for new ways to enhance your tastings, there’s something for every connoisseur. Discover the perfect addition to your next wine night!
Shop now and find your next favorite pairing!