Tucked down the end of a winding dirt road, Tres Sabores Winery is a little glimpse into the Napa of yesteryear. Rambling roses and perfumed pomegranates stand guard at the ends of each row of vines, while little goats nibble down the weeds in between, and the resident dog often trots over to greet you as you arrive.
Tres Sabores was founded in the late 90s by a woman named Julie Johnson, who was formerly the co-founder of Frog’s Leap Winery and a huge pioneer in the biodynamic wine movement. Today, her little vineyard continues to go above and beyond not only ecologically, but also in uplifting the community around them through mentorships and professional networks.
I was introduced to Julie and her wines during a tasting at my local wine shop back when I lived in Detroit. When I first came out to Napa, her winery was literally the first place I visited, and I’ve been a club member ever since.
I admit that I’m a little biased, but I think you’ll love this place too.
About Tres Sabores Winery
Location
Nestled in the foothills of the Mayacamas within Napa Valley’s Rutherford District
Tasting Fee
$60 per person
Sustainability
California Certified Organic Farm, Napa Green Certified, Fish Friendly Farming Certified, Biodynamic, Heritage Vines
Accessibility
The staff is very accomodating, but the property itself is very rustic without any paved surfaces.
In Three Words
Idyllic, Gracious, Pioneering
My Visit to Tres Sabores Winery
I’ve been to Tres Sabores countless times now as a wine club member, but I always relish the times I am able to bring a friend for the first time. Everyone falls in love with the place. It’s inevitable.
There is a certain rustic grace that charms everyone who walks in. The winemaking process is very evidently tied to the land, and the winemakers here consider themselves to be farmers first and foremost.
During your tasting, you’ll likely hear the baas of the goats who are housed out back in a little barn alongside a dozen or so hens and turkeys.
Tastings here are small, unhurried, and intimate. You’re encouraged to take time to wander around the property, saying hello to the little animals and smell the fresh herbs growing in the back garden. You are also very likely to meet the owners, who love nothing more than to stop by your table and chat about winemaking.
You’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your tasting to a full farm tour at booking, and you definitely should. I’ve done the tour a handful of times now when hosting friends and family for the first time, and each and every time I’ve learned something new.
As for the wine itself, everything is fabulous. Again, I’m biased, but whenever I bring bottles to parties it’s the first to go.
In general, the wines at Tres Sabores are all made in an old world style. This means that they tend to be on the drier side and lower in alcohol compared to your typical Californian wine.
The wine that Tres Sabores is most famous for is the zinfandel, made from dry farmed heritage vines from the early 70s that Julie refused to rip out despite current trends. It’s has sumptuous, berry forward aromas and a peppery finish that works especially well with a charcuterie board.
You should also be sure try the Ingrid & Julia, a provençal style rosé named for the species of white petaled roses that grow alongside the vines here. It’s perfect on a hot day, and is what my friends and I refer lovingly to as a ‘porch pounder’.
Tres Sabores also throws fabulous parties. Some are open only to club members, but many are open to the general public as well at a slightly higher ticket price. Last year, I also attended a dinner party here called Outstanding in the Field that was totally dreamy and worth checking out.
To finish up, I’ll just say that I could go on and on about Tres Sabores, but I’ll let you head over fall in love yourself.
