Caldwell Vineyard
Caldwell Vineyard
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Owner John Caldwell (JFC) is known by many names but here in legendary Napa Valley, he’s a legend all his own. Over the last 40 years John has built Caldwell Vineyard into what is arguably one of the greatest and most unique wine estates in the world. With 28 different clone-specific grape varieties, Caldwell also has the distinction of being the one of the first U.S. wineries with its own barrel cooperage, something only seven other wineries in the world can say. Everyone here embodies his spirit- it's a whole new way of experiencing fine wine.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
83 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
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padstevens
Huntsville, AL72 contributions
Dec 2022
We had an amazing experience at Caldwell. Highly recommend taking time to visit but be sure to book well in advance as they are very limited in appointments. It was definitely worth the wait! Mario, our host, was friendly and knowledgeable. We will definitely return. Thanks!
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jens
Stavanger, Norway28 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Very nice wine tasting experience.
First of all very good wines, and particular for us visiting from Europe it was a good selection of wines we not so easily would be able to get our hands on.
Second the caves and surroundings are just amazing. Breath taking views over the valley and a great atmosphere in the caves / wine cellar.
Third a fantastic sommelier who knew all about the wines but also history of the winery +++
Very welcoming and highly recommended!!
Next time I want also a tour around the property :-)
First of all very good wines, and particular for us visiting from Europe it was a good selection of wines we not so easily would be able to get our hands on.
Second the caves and surroundings are just amazing. Breath taking views over the valley and a great atmosphere in the caves / wine cellar.
Third a fantastic sommelier who knew all about the wines but also history of the winery +++
Very welcoming and highly recommended!!
Next time I want also a tour around the property :-)
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki GB
San Diego, CA5 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
This was by far the best wine tasting we have had in Napa. Our host “anonymous” or Pierre as I called him, was fun, informative. The wines are fabulous as well as the cheese pairings. The cave tasting was a wonderful experience as was the drive up to the winery.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJBK
Wilmington, NC48 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Unfortunately is was a rainy day so we didn't get photos outside, but this was our favorite winery in Napa. Mario made our experience fantastic and the wine is outstanding! We also learned a lot about not only wine, but different glasses and pairings from Mario. He is very passionate about Caldwell Vineyard and their wines. The cave is beautiful. Don't miss this one.
Written February 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim S
Sugar Land, TX11 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
This hide away hill top winery is an absolute stop, if you can. The cave tasting is one with an opportunity to hear great stories of creating unique varietal grapes and sharing some of the finer wines in Napa. We just replenished our "Rocket Science".
Written July 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cordon J
Tyrone, GA368 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
My wife and I joined John Caldwell for a wine tasting in his cave. We were joined by another couple. Before we went in, great views and then we sat down for 2.5 hours with him (reservations required - get the 4pm so he can talk longer). John is quite the character and has a very interesting pass. Hearing the history of the Coombsville AVA and him being a pioneer in this area was fantastic. Wide variety of wines and his reds are to die for. John also has a way for words, so be prepare for "anything". Very relaxing and a great time. I would definitely recommend this on your Napa wine stop.
Written April 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msilber
Bedford, NY20 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
My fiance and I went here earlier today and were so blown away...hence the immediate tripadvisor review.
Not only is the location and story behind the winery unique, but the way their tours and tastings are run are far superior to any other vineyard. The vineyard is completely underground in a cave, unlike any other. The laid-back, non-pretentious, approach is fun and refreshing. Not to mention, the wine is delicious.
This was an incredibly fun experience and we'd strongly recommend it to anyone visiting Napa in a heartbeat!!! It was certainly the highlight of our trip up the coast.
Not only is the location and story behind the winery unique, but the way their tours and tastings are run are far superior to any other vineyard. The vineyard is completely underground in a cave, unlike any other. The laid-back, non-pretentious, approach is fun and refreshing. Not to mention, the wine is delicious.
This was an incredibly fun experience and we'd strongly recommend it to anyone visiting Napa in a heartbeat!!! It was certainly the highlight of our trip up the coast.
Written December 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anoop A
Chicago, IL15 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
This is a very unique tasting. Rarely do you have a chance to taste wine with the proprietor present and that is the experience at John Caldwell. Great stories and great history.
However, I would only recommend this tasting to those that are serious about wine.
However, I would only recommend this tasting to those that are serious about wine.
Written May 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bub9999
East Longmeadow, MA42 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We recently were in Napa for a week-long vacation with two other couples. Caldwell had been on our list to visit from our prior trip to the region, and boy did this one not disappoint.
First, I will say we were completely blessed in the fact that John Caldwell did our tasting. His stories, his laughter and his pure joy was contagious. We immediately felt at home in the cave with both the wine and stories flowing. Add in that we also got to spend time with the Master Cooper, Romero, made it even more special. He regaled us with his journey to learning the art of barrel making, both the discipline and the craft. What an experience!!! The stories, the laughs and – oh, ya – the wine... sigh...
The Caldwell style of wine-making seems somewhat unique in the region. Notably, my husband - who has consistently declared his despise for Chardonnay - finally found a version of this variety that tempted his palate (done in a more French than CA style). From there we tried a lovely Rose... but, of course, the reds are the star of the show with a broad range of varieties to try, we can honestly say that there was not one wine we tasted that we didn't love. Rich, decadent, warm and just pure delicious. It is also worth noting that this tasting is paired with a generous range of edibles that make an amazing complement to the range of tastes running across your palate.
All in all, this is a hard experience to compare to... And our whole group left feeling lucky that we had spent a few hours with these special people.
First, I will say we were completely blessed in the fact that John Caldwell did our tasting. His stories, his laughter and his pure joy was contagious. We immediately felt at home in the cave with both the wine and stories flowing. Add in that we also got to spend time with the Master Cooper, Romero, made it even more special. He regaled us with his journey to learning the art of barrel making, both the discipline and the craft. What an experience!!! The stories, the laughs and – oh, ya – the wine... sigh...
The Caldwell style of wine-making seems somewhat unique in the region. Notably, my husband - who has consistently declared his despise for Chardonnay - finally found a version of this variety that tempted his palate (done in a more French than CA style). From there we tried a lovely Rose... but, of course, the reds are the star of the show with a broad range of varieties to try, we can honestly say that there was not one wine we tasted that we didn't love. Rich, decadent, warm and just pure delicious. It is also worth noting that this tasting is paired with a generous range of edibles that make an amazing complement to the range of tastes running across your palate.
All in all, this is a hard experience to compare to... And our whole group left feeling lucky that we had spent a few hours with these special people.
Written October 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick L
Coppell, TX26 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Brian gave us our first cave tour ever and it was our 5 winery of the day. Let me tell you the service was amazing beyond our expectations. We visited over 11 wineries and this by far was our favorite. They have the whole package from private tasting(1 on1), with amazing wine( The best we had) and awesome views. See if they will let you taste the Platinum they have its a cab and its delicous.
Written May 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I just discovered this winery when researching Napa wineries. My name is Susan Trepp Lachtman and I've know John Caldwell since I was 12 years old. Intact, John went to Europe with my father Leo Trepp. I haven't seen him for 40 plus years so you can imagine my delight when I read about his winery. My husband and I would like to come to the winery this Saturday. Do we need a reservation? Will John be there? I'd love to see him.
Written April 3, 2015
If they have an opening, you may still be able to get in. I'd call - they do not do walk-ins. John and his wife are fun, wonderful people!
707.255.1294 - phone number
Written April 3, 2015
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