Tamber Bey Vineyards offers a truly unique wine-tasting experience at their 22-acre Sundance Ranch located at the north end of Napa Valley in Calistoga.
What was once a covered horse riding arena was converted into a 60,000-gallon winemaking facility in 2012. Since then visitors can savor a flight of five wines and pet a few of the resident equines.
While winemaking is their primary business, the Tamber Bey houses more than 20 horses, including Arabians, rescue horses, and adorable miniatures. Comfortable outdoor picnic tables and cushioned couches are situated near horse stalls where sweet-natured steeds are more than happy to have their heads stroked.
The winery is well-equipped for the winter weather with outdoor heaters and awnings to protect visitors from rain.
Vintner Barry Waitte entered the grape-growing business in 1999 with the purchase of Yountville and Oakville properties. He hired winemaker Thomas Brown a year later. His estate-grown grapes have sourced the Tamber Bey portfolio ever since. Under Brown’s hand, distinct, single-vineyard, single-varietal wines, and an array of Bordeaux-style blends have been created.
Two tasting options are offered: Vineyard Series and Signature series. Tastings start at $45 for a flight of five Vineyard series wines (fee waived with wine purchase).
Offerings include a Sauvignon Blanc from Lizzy’s Vineyard in Oakville, a Chardonnay Sans Chene (without oak) from Yountville, a Rosé out of Red Hills Lake County and two reds, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Rabicano red blend from Deux Chevaux Vineyard in Yountville.
If horses and good wine aren’t enough incentive to visit, the spectacular views of Mount St. Helena and the Palisades alone are worth the drive. Reservations are required. Visit https://www.tamberbey.com/Visit-Us/to sign up and treat yourself to a holiday season outing!
