At Montelena, we question everything - convention, past methodologies, or how we can do something just a little bit better. With a 14-decade legacy comes the responsibility for further growth and we refuse to rest on our laurels. Chateau Montelena has a celebrated history, and the Judgment of Paris is just one chapter.
Modern technology does not replace people or the art in winemaking but expands our creative potential. There are no formulas here. Fifty years of Barrett ownership have cultivated a profound understanding of the land we farm. We're not interested in recreating a specific flavor in our wines year after year, but capturing each unique season through the lens of our growing site.
Modern technology does not replace people or the art in winemaking but expands our creative potential. There are no formulas here. Fifty years of Barrett ownership have cultivated a profound understanding of the land we farm. We're not interested in recreating a specific flavor in our wines year after year, but capturing each unique season through the lens of our growing site.
Services
We look forward to welcoming you to the Montelena Estate for a tasting reservation or to pick up a wine purchase. To join us on the Estate, you must have a reservation or pickup confirmation, and all members of your party must be aged 21 years of age or older. Unable to visit in person? Connect with us for a private virtual experience by calling 1.800.222.7288 or emailing [email protected].
Gain access to future vintages of our flagship Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Secure bottles of our most coveted wine, highlighting the unique nuances of the Montelena Estate. Build a robust cellar with our most sought after wines. Choice membership includes our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an assortment of current release offerings.
Reviews (26)
Charbel Makhoul
Jan 31, 2022
Report
Not recommended, not worth the money... Bad experience. Very much overrated. The whole experience was about selling you and not make you discover and enjoy the wine, explaining the process, ... . Our host was looking at the watch all the time. The wine was expensive for what it is. We payed $120/person for a private tasting. And yes the outside of the Chateau and the lake were beautiful. You don't get to visit the caves, the vineyards... Simply disappointing.
Bailey Kelly
Jan 29, 2022
Report
Beautiful location. Did the library tasting. We were 6 minutes late and didn’t even get a greeting when we walked in… so a little too pretentious for me. Wine was good not earth shattering.
Wine was good, ambience beautiful. But the only reason I’d go back is to take a picture on the little pond . Would not pay for a tasting again- they were just now welcoming or gracious.
Wine was good, ambience beautiful. But the only reason I’d go back is to take a picture on the little pond . Would not pay for a tasting again- they were just now welcoming or gracious.
R. R.
Jan 23, 2022
Report
Sammi M.
Jan 23, 2022
Report
I came here on a Thursday after booking a tasting for myself and my husband. We did the standard tasting and were in a group with 4 others. It started right on time and David, who was doing our tasting, was informative and friendly.
The wines were good, I especially liked their award winning chardonnay. I'd also say it was exciting to try a $185 bottle of cab sav.
The grounds were beautiful. Unfortunately work was being done on a part of it so we couldn't see the lake and islands too wellsince we weren't allowed on the sidewalk.
Overall I'd say worth the visit. It was shorter
The wines were good, I especially liked their award winning chardonnay. I'd also say it was exciting to try a $185 bottle of cab sav.
The grounds were beautiful. Unfortunately work was being done on a part of it so we couldn't see the lake and islands too wellsince we weren't allowed on the sidewalk.
Overall I'd say worth the visit. It was shorter
Kelli B.
Jan 20, 2022
Report
I have been meaning to update this review for months- apologies to the wonderful people at Chateau Montelena for my slow response! I connected with Sheri, who commented on the original post and she could not have been more thoughtful and accommodating in listening and responding to our concerns. She explained the various changes the winery had been experiencing in regards to the ever changing state of covid and worked with us to reserve a tasting experience to accommodate our needs. I couldn't be more appreciative of her time, explanation and efforts.
We ended up doing the Library Tasting
We ended up doing the Library Tasting
Warner S.
Jan 19, 2022
Report
We did wine tasting at this very famous high end winery last weekend.
For the prices they charged for 5 very tiny pours (55$) we were very disappointed. Their much promoted Chardonnay was not worth $70 at the winery. It was flat and non inspiring. There reds were inconsistent and even their big time Cabernet Sauvignon at $185 was not competitive in taste or price to many of the other great wineries in Napa. I know wines.
You can do a lot better!
For the prices they charged for 5 very tiny pours (55$) we were very disappointed. Their much promoted Chardonnay was not worth $70 at the winery. It was flat and non inspiring. There reds were inconsistent and even their big time Cabernet Sauvignon at $185 was not competitive in taste or price to many of the other great wineries in Napa. I know wines.
You can do a lot better!
Taylor O.
Jan 17, 2022
Report
We're in love with this place! The vibes here are immaculate. If you're looking for a tranquil, classy tasting with plenty of Instagram pic opportunities, this is it. We went on a Sunday and it was super quiet in comparison to places to like the castle. But it's just as beautiful! We did the basic tasting and although the tasting room was small, Lin (our sommelier) made it feel so intimate and curated. It was perfect. Lin also made a great recommendation for us to grab dinner in Calistoga -- which made the whole experience that much better! She was very knowledgeable and down-to
Willow R.
Jan 14, 2022
Report
We had a lovely experience here recently. Our host was delightful. The wine was good but I won't be back for that. I would take someone here for the experience, the story, the grounds, the building, and because it is such a landmark winery. The wine, personally, I didn't love. Others in my group did, but I think I was looking for a bigger, bolder profile on each wine. I would be willing to give them a second try however. Tash was our host and he was knowledgeable and generous with his time and the attention we received.
Matthew F.
Jan 11, 2022
Report
This is one of our favorite wineries to visit. We plan a stop here every time we visit wine country. We love their cabernets and chardonnays as well as the scenic pond they have.
Leon did our library tasting on our last visit and did an exceptional job. It was one of the best tasting experiences we had in recent memory.
Leon did our library tasting on our last visit and did an exceptional job. It was one of the best tasting experiences we had in recent memory.
Marie A.
Jan 08, 2022
Report
This tasting was a highlight of my entire trip to Napa - Lynn was a gem, she guided me through each of the wines and I was wowed by all of them. I never gravitate to Chardonnay but this award winning wine turned me (so much so I bought bottles). The Zinfandels were lovely too. Can't wait for an excuse to go back!
Joshua Wolfson
Jan 05, 2022
Report
I'm a member at a handful of wineries up and down California and they each are unique and special in their own way but there is none other that gives you more for your membership than Chateau Montelena. The grounds are the most beautiful. The staff take such good care of you. The picnic area and setup is gorgeous and they provide all of the comforts you can dream of. You must make a reservation but it's included in the membership but the outdoor picnic will be one of the best of your life. Oh and the wine is fantastic!
Icarus
Dec 29, 2021
Report
Guisela L.
Dec 29, 2021
Report
We'd love to come back. We arrived late for our appointment so we were rushed to get out Christmas Eve. Last I checked they were open later but I guess due to lack of interest or a simple desire to leave early they decided to close up early. It's ok we don't mind drinking quickly. Hospitality was nice enough considering we were getting pushed out. Lol all good as that was on us. But we'd like to come back to take our time and go on a tour.Chardonnay is unique and Cabernets we're tasty. We ended up taking a 2007 Cab home...maybe I'll open it soon. :)
Jackie B.
Dec 28, 2021
Report
Ange L.
Dec 21, 2021
Report
Beautiful estate. Chardonnay was a true delight and hallmark of this winery. David was a great storyteller and his wealth of knowledge for the region was as valuable as the tasting itself.
4 out of 5 stars has more to do with Covid protocols- unfortunately the bookings allowed too many people within the indoor bar area. Masks are down for wine tasting with little social distancing.
4 out of 5 stars has more to do with Covid protocols- unfortunately the bookings allowed too many people within the indoor bar area. Masks are down for wine tasting with little social distancing.
Yvette Meza Vega
Dec 21, 2021
Report
Great winery! Probably one of my favorites from my trip. They have some pretty good wine deals that the other places I went to didn’t have. The walk towards the tasting was so nice and green! They also have a beautiful walk way along the water for some great pictures after your tasting.
Parking wasn’t an issue but be sure to make reservations in advance!
Parking wasn’t an issue but be sure to make reservations in advance!
JiHye Y.
Dec 19, 2021
Report
Wow, I've never had a wine tasting inside a castle before!! the property here is gorgeous - we saw swans and ducks and even heard about some otters that like to come and play.
we had our wine tasting in a private room with two other parties. had so much fun hearing stories about the winery + the wines from our guide; they love good wine and are dedicated to the quality of wines they produce. loved getting to try these wines that they so clearly take much pride in (and with good reason!!), and I would drink their Chardonnay every day if I could. so crisp!!
we had our wine tasting in a private room with two other parties. had so much fun hearing stories about the winery + the wines from our guide; they love good wine and are dedicated to the quality of wines they produce. loved getting to try these wines that they so clearly take much pride in (and with good reason!!), and I would drink their Chardonnay every day if I could. so crisp!!
World Traveler
Dec 16, 2021
Report
We were visiting on New Year's Eve (12/31/21) in the morning. We had booked the Library tasting and this was our first tasting in the Napa Valley. First, the grounds are beautiful. There are two islands in the pond and each has a gazebo and seating. Walking on the bridges to visit the islands was enjoyable. We got checked in for our tour and waited for our guide. Once he came out, he took us inside for the tasting. There was no tour of the facility, just the tasting. There was a group of 4 seated with my husband and me. The tasting guide was only expecting 3 people in the other group and rather
Erin S.
Dec 11, 2021
Report
Vikk Maa
Dec 01, 2021
Report
Dani L.
Oct 13, 2021
Report
Sean M.
Sep 01, 2021
Report
Celina J.
Aug 10, 2021
Report
We did the library tasting for 8 people. Our guide was Jay, who was pretty informative and knowledgeable. It was interesting to learn that the Judgement of Paris and the movie Bottle Shock revolved about this winery. The grand take away is that it is all on ones preference. It could be the cheapest bottle but if it taste good to you then that's all that matters. I ordered a bottle of the 2017 Montelena Estate Cab Sav and chose to ship to my house (who wouldn't for such a cheap shipping fee!) To add on, I thought the bottles would arrive today so I made a quick call to their customer service
Stevan S.
Jun 03, 2021
Report
We are a biracial couple that had come to visit this vinery and instead of being treated with respect like other patrons, we were humiliated and berated by an 18 year old racist host there.
We tried to do a walk in and were turned away because they were not accepting walk ins. As we were leaving we saw a beautiful lake and decided to sit for a few minutes on the bench next to it. The racist host came up to us hauling down the road on his golf cart. When he got off he started to berate, insult, and harass us.
I will post the video of the interaction with him on Instagram that you can see and
We tried to do a walk in and were turned away because they were not accepting walk ins. As we were leaving we saw a beautiful lake and decided to sit for a few minutes on the bench next to it. The racist host came up to us hauling down the road on his golf cart. When he got off he started to berate, insult, and harass us.
I will post the video of the interaction with him on Instagram that you can see and
Haley S.
Apr 11, 2021
Report
Stunning scenery and delicious wine--what more could you ask for from a wine tasting??
The staff here were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The tasting was about $40 per person and lasted about 45 mins. We got a really detailed history of the estate, the process of making their signature wines, and a general overview of wine making. We got to taste 5 wines (2 whites, 3 reds) and it included their newly released Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (retails for $185 a bottle)!! Great variety and loved to taste their Chardonnay which won a national competition!
Definitely worth a trip--if you&apos
The staff here were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The tasting was about $40 per person and lasted about 45 mins. We got a really detailed history of the estate, the process of making their signature wines, and a general overview of wine making. We got to taste 5 wines (2 whites, 3 reds) and it included their newly released Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (retails for $185 a bottle)!! Great variety and loved to taste their Chardonnay which won a national competition!
Definitely worth a trip--if you&apos
Grace L.
Oct 25, 2020
Report
Library Tasting!
Came here in October 2020 after the fires and during a pandemic. Reservations only!
When you arrive at the gate, you are welcomed and presented with a contract to sign to come in regarding Covid and the safety precautions they have in place. As you take your car to the main parking lot, there is a greeter that will welcome you to the grounds. They welcomed us by the name reserved. It was very personal experience.
A beautiful waterfall as you enter!
My girlfriends celebrated a new bride for wine tasting at this beautiful winery! Not just beautiful but it had an exclusive feel
Came here in October 2020 after the fires and during a pandemic. Reservations only!
When you arrive at the gate, you are welcomed and presented with a contract to sign to come in regarding Covid and the safety precautions they have in place. As you take your car to the main parking lot, there is a greeter that will welcome you to the grounds. They welcomed us by the name reserved. It was very personal experience.
A beautiful waterfall as you enter!
My girlfriends celebrated a new bride for wine tasting at this beautiful winery! Not just beautiful but it had an exclusive feel
