We believe that wine is a gift born of the farmer's ongoing conversation with nature. It is a gift whose only purpose is to encourage joy and foster communion - with one another, with the land, and with the Spirit that surrounds and binds us all. These principles are the roots from which Black Sears vines grow.
We produce 100%-varietal, estate-grown wines hand-crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown in small lots: highest elevation Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel from Howell Mountain's summit - signature reds that are both powerful and balanced, and always an uncompromising expression of Howell Mountain's intrepid soul.
We produce 100%-varietal, estate-grown wines hand-crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown in small lots: highest elevation Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel from Howell Mountain's summit - signature reds that are both powerful and balanced, and always an uncompromising expression of Howell Mountain's intrepid soul.
Services
Highest elevation Howell Mountain See-clone Cabernet Sauvignon handcrafted by the incomparable Thomas Rivers Brown, Black Sears Estate Cabs are incredibly concentrated, structured wines that gracefully walk the line between power and elegance. These are site-driven wines whose spice and minerality perfectly compliment the abundant black and red fruit - an homage to their mountaintop origins.
We offer only the very finest in authentic (warts-n'-all) Napa Valley winery experiences - complete with knowledgeable (foul-mouthed) farmers, adorable (filthy, stinky) vineyard dogs, exciting (potentially deadly) wildlife encounters, and panoramic views of two majestic valleys from Howell Mountain's most elevated (remotely-located, difficult-to-find) estate.
Reviews (8)
Henry P.
Nov 23, 2019
Report
Probably our favorite winery in the entire valley region. They make an incredible Zinfandel, Cabernet and Cab Franc. Chris was our host and he was such a likable smart fun guy. We felt very welcome. The grounds are just beautiful. You are on top of Howell Mountain in what feels like heaven. It's a storybook experience with world-class wine. We will definitely be back!
Derrick S.
Aug 01, 2016
Report
One of Napa's best kept secrets. Elite cab, cab franc, and zinfandel. Unrivaled tasting experience.
Tucked atop Howell Mountain, Black Sears has been in the family for generations (as have some of its zin vines). We loved the spicy zinfandel and didn't blink at the $70/bottle price tag -- definitely a deal at that price. The cab sav and cab franc were exactly what I want out of a Howell Mountain red, and reasonably priced at that. Definitely worth purchasing by the case.
But for us, it wasn't just the fantastic wines. It was also the ambiance. A few of the unique touches included
Tucked atop Howell Mountain, Black Sears has been in the family for generations (as have some of its zin vines). We loved the spicy zinfandel and didn't blink at the $70/bottle price tag -- definitely a deal at that price. The cab sav and cab franc were exactly what I want out of a Howell Mountain red, and reasonably priced at that. Definitely worth purchasing by the case.
But for us, it wasn't just the fantastic wines. It was also the ambiance. A few of the unique touches included
Janet M.
Sep 19, 2015
Report
We love to find small, boutique wineries in Napa. Back in 2010 hubs was doing his research and came across Black Sears. So up to Howell Mountain we go. This is not a short trek, but it is so worth it. It is a beautiful drive, passing some well known wineries such as Lamborn and Outpost. Black Sears sits at the top of Howell Mountain, overlooking Pope Valley on the other side. They mainly produce Zinfandel and Cabs. Chris greets us along with the family dog Lou. Tasting is by appointment only, but if you are a zin lover it is a must stop. The scenery is breathtaking and well the wines.
Erika C.
Mar 18, 2015
Report
Wow, this was a truly intimate visit. We met with Chris, the son-in-law of the owners, and Lou, the dog - I don't think a dog has ever been so excited to see us coming as this sweet pup! It's a true family business and they spent a lot of time with us. We tasted 3 or 4 amazing red wines at a beautiful large wood table set up a short walk away from the buildings so we could look down and out over the vineyards and take in the vista. We saw the caves and f course, we didn't leave empty handed! One of our favorite visits of the trip.
Stephen J.
Apr 22, 2014
Report
Anne C.
Oct 25, 2013
Report
Located on the tippy top of Howell Mountain this ultra small winery was a hidden gem that I had found during my trip research. Tours are by appointment only but we were given a wonderful tour of all the grounds, the caves, and a tasting of three of their reds. (A red blend, Zinfandel and Canernet savauigoun)
The hospitality and company of Chris was wonderful and his wines were definitely not bad! Had not planned on buying any but after the tasting and tour we came away with three.
If you have time time and are looking for great reds, contact this Black Sears. You will not be disappointed!
The hospitality and company of Chris was wonderful and his wines were definitely not bad! Had not planned on buying any but after the tasting and tour we came away with three.
If you have time time and are looking for great reds, contact this Black Sears. You will not be disappointed!
Mark C.
Oct 25, 2013
Report
This is a must see vineyard while you are in the area. Chris was our guide and is the owner. This vineyard is up on the top of Howell Mountain, though it is close by and easy to get to. By appointment only.
Not only were we given a tour of the property but also of the awesome and huge cave where all of the wine is stored.
We were able to taste 3 wines at no cost!
We tried a cab/merlot blend, Cab Sauvignon 100% grape, and a zinfandel, 100%. All are excellent tasting, have smooth finish and the flavor is fabulous.
Very reasonable priced wines, we purchased some zin and cab to enjoy for later
Not only were we given a tour of the property but also of the awesome and huge cave where all of the wine is stored.
We were able to taste 3 wines at no cost!
We tried a cab/merlot blend, Cab Sauvignon 100% grape, and a zinfandel, 100%. All are excellent tasting, have smooth finish and the flavor is fabulous.
Very reasonable priced wines, we purchased some zin and cab to enjoy for later
Zia T.
Feb 11, 2013
Report
I was just up on Howell Mountain this weekend and not only was this hands down the best tasting stop of the day it was one of the best tasting experiences of my life. The property is beautiful and the tasting is a casual affair that mostly involves walking around the property with a glass of wine, talking about grapes, goats and biodynamic farming - not so much about the properties of the wine. This is a small family winery (a family farm, really) and the people are absolutely lovely - totally cool and chill and with none of the pretense that has been creeping through the valley like an insidious
