Perfecting the old California classics, Robert Biale Vineyards has become a revered standard of heritage vineyard Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in Napa Valley. From the wineries' inception, the Biale Founders have cherished the tradition of historic old vines (some dating to the 1880s!) and prize the small quantity of concentrated and intense fruit that they produce.
Diligent farming, expressive terroir, and superb elegance are the winery's hallmarks. Among the winery's portfolio of 20 wines that are crafted by Winemaker Tres Goetting, Black Chicken Zinfandel is the flagship-and has become a benchmark for the varietal. It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother to make ends meet by selling to insider Napans-along with eggs and produce-some of the family's homemade Zinfandel.
Diligent farming, expressive terroir, and superb elegance are the winery's hallmarks. Among the winery's portfolio of 20 wines that are crafted by Winemaker Tres Goetting, Black Chicken Zinfandel is the flagship-and has become a benchmark for the varietal. It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother to make ends meet by selling to insider Napans-along with eggs and produce-some of the family's homemade Zinfandel.
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The Oak Knoll District's ideal soils, seasons, and conditions allows for farming Zinfandel using old world techniques. The first Zinfandel vines in Napa Valley were planted in what is now called the Oak Knoll District, which lies within the much cooler, breezier southern half of Napa Valley-nearby San Pablo Bay (the northern section of San Francisco Bay).
The Biale family has been growing Zinfandel in Napa since the 1930s and as the story goes, Aldo Biale sold bottles of homemade Zinfandel known as "Black Chickens" over his party line phone. It is because of our devoted members, that the winery is able to continue our mission of preserving these historic Zinfandel vines and carrying on with the family legacy.
Robert Biale Vineyards cordially invites you to come celebrate the release of our fall wines in a tasting series set after-hours! Join us as we delve into our newly released single vineyard Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs joined by Bob Biale and Winemaker, Tres Goetting. Relax on our newly completed and spacious "back porch" while overlooking the vineyards and Vaca Mountains.
Reviews (23)
Michael P.
Jan 30, 2022
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Guess it's naive to expect hospitality from any Napa vineyards, but this place managed to subvert my lowest expectations. Upon arriving a bit early for our reservation, we received a curt "No," when we asked if we could hang out and enjoy the grounds, and instead should leave and come back in *14* minutes.
I almost thought the gentleman was joking, but apparently he was serious. The place was very nearly empty but for one other party. Dozens of tables.
I can't recall worse treatment from an establishment at which I had prepaid reservations.
Terrible experience. Skip it
I almost thought the gentleman was joking, but apparently he was serious. The place was very nearly empty but for one other party. Dozens of tables.
I can't recall worse treatment from an establishment at which I had prepaid reservations.
Terrible experience. Skip it
Cristina R.
Nov 29, 2021
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We recently visited Napa and were lucky that our driver recommended Robert Biale. Visiting this winery was the highlight of our trip and our host, John, made it all the more memorable!
Robert Biale has the most delicious Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, which was a nice change from the majority of our tastings that revolved around tasting bolder Cabernets. We especially loved the 2019 Stagecoach Vineyard and the 2019 Royal Punishers. In addition to the top quality wine, the history about Robert Biale was very interesting to learn about.
We can't wait until our next trip to Napa so that return
Robert Biale has the most delicious Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, which was a nice change from the majority of our tastings that revolved around tasting bolder Cabernets. We especially loved the 2019 Stagecoach Vineyard and the 2019 Royal Punishers. In addition to the top quality wine, the history about Robert Biale was very interesting to learn about.
We can't wait until our next trip to Napa so that return
Gregg Granillo
Nov 13, 2021
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Biale always treats you first class! It is such an educational experience as much as a fun wine tasting experience. The grounds are beautiful and the wine is wonderful!
They specialize in Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, which if you haven’t had good Zin or Petite Syrah yet…. Then you haven’t been to Biale and need to make a reservation stat. Just tell ‘em I sent you! Lol
They specialize in Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, which if you haven’t had good Zin or Petite Syrah yet…. Then you haven’t been to Biale and need to make a reservation stat. Just tell ‘em I sent you! Lol
Taylor Eubank
Sep 24, 2021
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Patricia D.
Sep 20, 2021
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My husband and I came here for our Micro Honeymoon. The location is very nice and they had a sign waiting for us at our table which I though was a nice touch. The wines are good. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Our Wine Connoisseur Alina made us feel very welcomed and even recommenced a few places for us to dine at.
Chris Miller
Jul 15, 2021
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Evan Benoit
Jun 24, 2021
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We got there early in the morning to celebrate our honeymoon. It was beautiful to watch the fog rise and the sun come out. Thomas was an amazing guide for our tasting journey as he was enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable. He taught us so much about the history of the area. The wine was delicious and we had an amazing time!
Nesha P.
Jun 21, 2021
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Meg T.
Jun 20, 2021
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Steph
May 03, 2021
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Zakhar Ivanisov
Dec 11, 2020
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Kao S.
Oct 25, 2020
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It's been years since I've been back here and many more since I had my membership. My supply is running low so I had to come back and refresh the palettes with the current stock. This is a beautiful winery that focuses on Zinfandels and do a excellent job at it. I'd say it's small winery but produces amazing wine.
They have increased their tasting area since I last been here and all have great views of the vineyards while you sit back and enjoy. Their signature Zin "Black Chicken" is an all time favorite and many cabs have been enjoyed throughout the years by
They have increased their tasting area since I last been here and all have great views of the vineyards while you sit back and enjoy. Their signature Zin "Black Chicken" is an all time favorite and many cabs have been enjoyed throughout the years by
Darya S.
Jun 21, 2020
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Great place, very well organized and safe during this downtime. Our server was kind and very attentive to us.
V Sattui (who claim to be all that, were over crowded with no parking space, and people running around with no masks, were absolutely pathetic) could really learn from your customer service.
Amazing experience here! Highly recommended!
V Sattui (who claim to be all that, were over crowded with no parking space, and people running around with no masks, were absolutely pathetic) could really learn from your customer service.
Amazing experience here! Highly recommended!
Myra G.
Feb 16, 2020
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My step sister brought my mom and I here and we absolutely enjoyed the wine and the atmosphere. We reserved an appointment for 10:30M and were lucky to get the couch seating. It was perfect with the heating and the comfortable seats. It made for a beautiful Sat morning wine tasting.
My mom and I weren't expecting to go wine tasting so it was a pleasant surprise. My step sister came to pick up her membership shipment. After hearing their story and tasting their wine, I see why she's a member.
Alina, was a great host and she was so informative and so knowledgeable. She was warm and
My mom and I weren't expecting to go wine tasting so it was a pleasant surprise. My step sister came to pick up her membership shipment. After hearing their story and tasting their wine, I see why she's a member.
Alina, was a great host and she was so informative and so knowledgeable. She was warm and
Gregg G.
Jan 11, 2020
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Matthew
Jun 02, 2019
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Carlos C.
Jun 01, 2019
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Right off the start I fell in love with the vineyard, it's so quaint and simple, which to me is gorgeous. If you don't know the story of this winery, you should book a trip, have a glass and listen (make sure to make reservations).
Our table was personalized with our parties name waiting (no other vineyard did that, high five!!!!). As soon as we sat down, we were greeted by a smiling face, he was a cross between Aqua Man and Khal Drogo. He started off with a joke and put everyone at ease. As we went through the tastings our host made sure that we were taken care of, and made it a point
Our table was personalized with our parties name waiting (no other vineyard did that, high five!!!!). As soon as we sat down, we were greeted by a smiling face, he was a cross between Aqua Man and Khal Drogo. He started off with a joke and put everyone at ease. As we went through the tastings our host made sure that we were taken care of, and made it a point
Maggie P.
May 07, 2019
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This is one of the best Zin wineries that you'll ever go to! I highly recommend checking this spot out - they have a beautiful outdoor area that faces their vineyard, the staff is outstanding and over the top hospitable, and all of their wines are delicious.
Their 2012 Black Chicken is one of the best Zinfandels that I have ever wine. We visit at least once a year and are never disappointed!
Their 2012 Black Chicken is one of the best Zinfandels that I have ever wine. We visit at least once a year and are never disappointed!
Tim L.
Feb 11, 2019
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I should have written a review a long time ago for Biale. We've been club members for over 7 years and this is the one membership I refuse to give up because no one produces Zinfandel wines like this establishment. Their focus on Zin is what lead me to join as a member and it has kept me ever since. Someone find me a winery that does it better and I'd love to put my allegiance to the test. Regrettably, we don't take advantage of their seasonal events. We have it on our list. In the meantime, I'm happy to keep taking shipments of their great wine and make the occasional in person
Karen S.
Nov 05, 2018
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My husband and I are Biale club members and decided to do a Zinner Sanctum tasting during a recent visit to Napa Valley. During this tasting you compare the current released vintage with a library selection. For our tasting it was the Founding Farmers, Monte Rosso and Aldo's Vineyard Zinfandels. It was interesting to see how the Zinfandel changes when it ages.
Our tasting was with Jen and is was relaxing to sit outside on the couches trying the different wines. We took a walk out to the vines and learned A LOT about pruning, disease and harvest. We did a lot of tours and tastings
Our tasting was with Jen and is was relaxing to sit outside on the couches trying the different wines. We took a walk out to the vines and learned A LOT about pruning, disease and harvest. We did a lot of tours and tastings
Jodie S.
Jul 29, 2018
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Loved the atmosphere and grounds here. Once you are seated for your tasting, it feels like you are "within the vines". The back patio felt like I was back in Ohio, but instead of cornfields it was vines. We were hosted by a lovely young woman who was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the black chicken story, and could answer any random question that my friend had about the winemaking process. I am a late harvest FAN, so I really didn't enjoy any of the wines here, but did buy a bottle of black chicken because I really dig the story behind it. Can't wait to share the story
Louisa M.
May 24, 2018
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Let me address the elephant in the room before I write anything more: I didn't like the wine at Robert Biale Vineyards. It's not just that I didn't like it, I really, really didn't like anything I was poured. That being said, my experience was quite lovely and the hospitality was warm and friendly.
I booked a reservation for two people on a Monday at 10 am. I'm a GEMS member so Biale extended a 2-for-1 tasting offer, which meant two of us would get a seated tasting for just $30. I arrived right on time and wandered the grounds trying to find the entrance to the tasting
I booked a reservation for two people on a Monday at 10 am. I'm a GEMS member so Biale extended a 2-for-1 tasting offer, which meant two of us would get a seated tasting for just $30. I arrived right on time and wandered the grounds trying to find the entrance to the tasting
Marc K.
May 11, 2018
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If you are a fan of Zin, this place is a must. They have over a dozen different Zins and a couple of Petite Sirahs. They give you a table where a wine educator walks you through the tastings. We had Tom and he was amazing. Very personable, funny and knowledgeable. We generally don't buy wine from wineries but we ended up buying 3 bottles. Highly recommend this place but they are reservation only so plan ahead.
