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Vanessa P. said: "I was lucky enough to get a Groupon deal to this place the weekend my friend & I spontaneously traveled to San Fran/Napa. The deal was $29 for two (omg really $15 dollars each?!?) for wine tasting of 4 pairings for each person, two…" read more »
35 reviews for Arger-Martucci Vineyards
35 reviews in English
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Review from Kari E.
San Rafael, CA
5/24/2011
One of the only wineries I've been to where I have loved every one of their wines (well, except the pinot noir. But that doesn't count because I don't really like pinots at all. My boyfriend who loves pinot noir thought it was awesome). And the guys there knew their stuff, and were totally laid back and welcoming (big plus in the wine country). Beautiful outside area too, the wisteria was blooming and the sun was shining...by far my favorite wine stop of the day. :)
We left with a bottle of the Syrah (and seriously contemplated getting a cabernet as well). Normally I don't like to revisit wineries; I figure there are so many we might as well go somewhere new each time. But I will come back here for sure. No question. -
Review from Angela A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2011
The wine alone would get Arger-Martucci 4 stars, but the host that day, Branden had such an arrogance about him, that I seriously wanted to punch him in the face...OK maybe not that extreme, but it made my wine-tasting experience go down a notch.
It was after lunch, we drank a bunch 'o wine, the weather was warming up and we were feeling a little bit lethargic. He just sat there, looked at us, and talked as if he was way to good to spend 45 mins of his day with us. Don't get me wrong, because he was VERY educated and knowledge about wine, food, and Napa - but he sounded like he was high the entire time.
The wine and the winery's dog, Cinnamon, however, was amazing and pleasant and we bought 2 bottles. -
Review from Gina S.
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good wine and great spot for doing an outdoor tasting (and picnic- we brought our goodies from Dean & Deluca with us and ate at a poolside table while we sampled the reds and whites). Our host was laid back yet friendly and made us feel at home. Definitely not one of the wineries that gets as much attention as it deserves, but selfishly, that's ok with me!
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Review from Binh D.
2/15/2011
Cool little small family run winery with gracious hosts.
Pros: Inexpensive tasting fee $10 for 6 wines and waived with purchase. Got to sit outside in the picnic area next to the pool. Probably the best Cabernet I had all day compared to the other vineyards we saw, and for $40 a bottle, it's a steal.
Cons: None
Overall: If you're looking for a smaller winery to check out, you must see Arger-Martucci. -
Review from Corey C.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2010
Arger-Martucci carries my favorite red wine, their Pinot Noir. The grounds are not hugely impressive like others in the area, but you might actually prefer the more quiet, smaller atmosphere. It seems more true to the history of wine tasting, when it wasn't about the pomp and circumstance of the winery grounds, but just the quality of the wine. Of course, then the tastings would be free too ;)
That said, Why oh Why, Martucci, must you sell the vineyard of my most favorite red wine? I had hoped that my continuing to return and purchase lots of bottles would change your mind, but alas to no avail. So to everyone else, order some of their Pinot before they sell the land! I think they're going until the 2006 year. -
Review from Stacie P.
San Mateo, CA
7/17/2011 1 photo
What a great little hidden gem. The young guy that did our tasting was VERY knowledgeable. Could answer every single question and told us thing we had never dreamed of asking. Impressive.
It was so relaxing to sit by the pool in the backyard. Since it was about 85 degrees we were tempted to jump in!
Wines were fantastic and can't wait to buy more. Thanks for a lovely experience! -
Review from Jenny S.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2006
My absolute favorite place to go!!! I never show up at A-M that I don't spend 3 hours there. When the weather is nice, you can sit by the pool. It feels like hanging out at a friend's house in Tuscany. Katarina runs the tasting room and she is awesome. She teaches wine & cheese pairings at Greystone, and your tasting is likely to be accompanied by some free and yummy cheese.
Pick up the amazing Italian olive oil they stock. Great chardonnay & Pinot, but for the star, splurge on the Odyssey- a great Meritage blend (cab sav, cab franc, merlot & petit verdot).
Tastings are $10, or free when you buy wine. I think their ploy is to get me drunk so I buy more. Works every time. And I don't even mind :) -
Review from brenda s.
New York, NY
3/20/2008
Well, I'm afraid I didn't like the wine here. The star is for the nice swimming pool that is in the garden; bring your swimsuit or not , as you like.
The people here seemed pleasant enough, but not knowledgeable on the day I went . The lady said she wasn't usuallly there and didn't know much. I would suggest skipping it. -
Review from Andy S.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2010
We happened upon this small, family-owned winery at the end of a fantastic wine country weekend -- and I have to say this is easily one of my favorites. Reservations are required, but when we walked up -- they made a reservation for 5 minutes later ;-). We spent a glorious hour and a half sitting on the sunny patio with amazing mountain views sampling from a broad range of about 10 wines. Our guide, Nina was gracious, polite and fun -- loved hanging out and chatting with her.
Make a res, bring a few friends and get ready for a fantastic experience with some really nice wines. The Pinot was a definite stand-out. -
Review from Jay C.
Silver Spring, MD
4/8/2009
The wines at this place are hit or kinda of hit? No matter what you drink they're all good, but some of them are awesome! I really enjoyed the PS and the Cab Franc. The others were defiantly good, but for the price not really worth it.
Since it was raining and windy when I went, I had to taste in the kitchen. It's not too bad, but would have rather went on a sunny day and tasted next to the pool. The staff was very friendly and are very passionate about wine. I believe the person working was the owner's son. He was very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable about all their wines. I enjoyed my time there and bought a few bottles while I was there.
My only complaint was that they lost my order! And were very slow at getting it corrected. It took me a month to get my wine, and it would have been canceled if they didn't make such good wine! -
Review from Dianne M.
San Ramon, CA
6/25/2009
This place was recommended by another winery. We were looking for a new place to try and this was one of their favorites. The tasting room was small but it was a beautiful day and they served us outside which was a great bonus. This may not be something they normally do especially if they are busy but it was a nice treat. The wines were good but since the tasting was $25 (1 general tasting $10 and one large tasting $15) for the two of us and it didn't go towards the purchase we didn't buy.
If I haven't said before tastings that are not free when you purchase some wine is a HUGH pet peeve of mine. I remember the days when tasting was free all over Napa no matter if you purchased or not. I understand why they charge now but I don't understand why discounts are not given when you purchase. Isn't the goal of tasting is to get someone to purchase? -
Review from Jackeline L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2011
Loved the ambiance and wine; tasting took approximately an hour which allowed for a more relaxed environment. The tasting was held next to the pool which was quite nice. I believe you need to make an appointment normally to go in for tasting.
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Review from Frank G.
Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2009
I LOVE this winery and the people. Small, family owned, with a interior tasting room and a beautiful picnic area along side the vineyard for outdoor tastings. They just released an AMAZING white blend called the "Iliad" and their Pinot Noir is the BEST I've ever tasted.
Make sure to visit them the next time your in town. Ask for Chris or Vince and tell them that Frank sent you. Trust Me. ;-D
Cheers!Listed in: Wine (Napa / Sonoma)
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Review from Nichole T.
Long Beach, CA
5/6/2011
Great small family winery. Delicious wines! Unique atmosphere! Brandon is absolutely charming and the wines simply speak for themselves.
Their Pinot Noir is define! And so is the Cab! -
Review from Eric G.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2007
It's like you just walked into somebody's house, and they're letting your taste their wine and feeding you some appetizers.
This is by FAR the best place I've been in Napa. Their tastings are the best. Lannie answered all my silly questions, I learned more about wine here than in any book.
If you like wine, this is the only place you need to go. -
Review from Erica L.
Santa Monica, CA
9/8/2009
Excellent service, extremely knowledgeable staff (though we were a bit spoiled and had a member of the Martucci family conducting the tasting).
I loved Cinnamon (the winery dog)! I loved the Rose and a few of the reds.
Do yourself a favor and stop by this winery if you are in the area. -
Review from san d.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2008
I think I loved our wine tasting host more than the wine ;). We were with the Platypus Tours, and stopped here for a tasting. Founded by a doctor and his friend, this winery is small but so much fun! Since we were in a large group (9), they set up some chairs and tables in a room stocked with barrels.
Nicole, our wine tasting host, was fantastic! She was knowledgeable about the wine and even offered suggestions for food parings with each wine. She also had great stories, personal, as well as historical antidotes about the winery. Nicole introduced us to a wine aerator (Vinturi), which made the wine so much more delicious - she gave us a before and after tasting. The 2003 Arger-Martucci Odyssey was really good with the dark chocolate. Can we say generous pours? We definitely got our money's worth here.
For the ladies...the co-owner's wife makes jewelry on-site. She had some really nice pieces available for purchase. -
Review from Michael B.
Spokane, WA
4/18/2009
This is another fine example of a small Napa winery. I didn't particularly care for their traditional wines, but gulp, their roses, was good. I know I should never utter such blaspheme but it was the best wine on their list. Inside you are sitting in what looks like someone's kitchen. Their is only room inside for groups of 6 or less, probably 14 total and that is pushing it. However, outside at the pool with nice garden and landscape views their is plenty of room, plus you are outside with drinks.
They slightly older man who helped us was by far one of the friendliest and funniest people we have met behind the counter. -
Review from Nousha V.
Huntington Beach, CA
5/12/2009
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the place...
We live 30 min away from Napa and go there almost every other weekend. We try new places but I have to say every time we bring our guest here who are visiting from out of town, hands down they love it here. Most of them do not want to visit any other vineyard once we stop here.
The wine you get here for the price you pay is fabulous. We are wine snubs (Cab only) but I have to say their Rose is my favorite in summer time and their Odyssey...YUMMMM.
Their service is number one, they make you feel at home and of course there are days that they are too busy and cannot give you 100% attention BUT they have been one of my favorites for the past 2 years. -
Review from Jason D.
Redondo Beach, CA
3/23/2009
This winery was -not- on my preferred list of stops, however, a friend recommended I make the stop. The grounds are very nice, the views are even better, and the wine makers were there on the day we visited. The tastings are done inside typically, but due to the size of our group we elected to sit next to the pool.
The wines are not the greatest, and nothing here really stood out as exceptional, however the pours are the largest I have seen in Napa in a very long time. They are typical whites, roses and reds from around Napa. The tasting fee is waived with purchase, however I did not deem the wines good enough to take some home.
Recommend just relaxing outside at this winery while your host gives you the story on the wines and winery itself. -
Review from Joseph S.
San Jose, CA
3/29/2008
When you first pull up you might second guess that you are in the right place. I mean, you see 2 buildings, 1 resembles a winery, the other says do not disturb, private residence.
just park and follow the sign to the back. The tasting room is essentially a kitchen, it feels very homey. my wife, yorkie, and I entered in and were greeted wonderfully. It was very comfortable and laid back. There were several people who worked there coming in and out, and just conducting business. Its definitely a small place, a boutique winery. (I hate using that term since its over played now and days) the gentleman who poured our drinks was kind enough to answer any questions but seemed rather distraced and mumbled most of the time when telling us about each wine
The wines themselves were mixed, 2 were memorable of the several that were poured the rest just didn't seem ready. Another highlight was another employee there that made us feel at home and suggested some other small places to visit. We will come back again.
based on the wines as a whole, 3 stars, for the atmosphere 5, and for the service3.5. -
Review from Drew B.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2007
This is a class winery. Their Syrah and Petit Syrah are exceptionally good. In fact, I will rate their Syrah as the best ounce-for-ounce wine for the money in Napa valley..... a meager $30 a bottle.
In addition, their manager Lonnie runs a first-class operation. This place rocks! -
Review from Marc G.
St Helena, CA
1/11/2011
Great atmosphere. Great hospitality. Love the way the staff took care of me. Would highly recommend it!
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Review from brian m.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2006
Tucked away and just off of the busy wine highway is a little run family vineyard with more class and charm than the major wineries of Nappa Valley. The tasting room is in the families kitchen, and the barrell room is a small shed out back. The barrels are so packed you can hardley move between them but if you get back there it is worth it. The family does the tasting as well, we had the younger daughter and her mother tasting with us, while dad had just left for the day. The wines are supperior to most I have had out of Nappa, if you are lucky they will have open a bottle of there flag ship wine known as odessey, a cab as good as any in cali.
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Review from Caroline S.
Orange County, CA
10/20/2009 3 photos
This was our favorite winery that we visited in Napa. Fred was hilarious and the wine was delicious. It is quaint and homey feeling with gorgeous views and a winery cat! They have prizewinning Syrah and Pinot Noir and their prices are very reasonable - they don't go up and up every time they win a prize like a lot of the wineries in the area. Try their Rose - it was absolutely delicious!
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Review from Umami Y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2007
Another tiny family-run winery who make great handmade wines. The tasting room is literally their kitchen. Then go hang out poolside. Word on the street is that in summertime, you can actually swim, but I'd ask first. You didn't hear this from me.
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Review from Mike B.
Henrico, VA
5/28/2011
We're not real knowledgable about wines, so please consider that as you read our review. I'm drinking a glass of the 2005 cab right now. We visited the tasting room in late March as the first winery we visited on our first trip to Napa. Our driver from Platypus took us to the tasting room at about 10:30 am.
The vibe is so relaxed that I thought Napa was going to be a very different experience than expected. Vincent Martucci handled our tasting and spent a generous amount of time explaining how the wine is made. We got a great education. Additionally, he poured his terrific wines. We were with another couple and decided to buy a case of cab. We are challenging ourselves not to drink the wine, but we've already been through 3 bottles.
If you are new to wine, Arger-Martucci is a great first winery to visit. They teach you a great deal about winemaking and also happen to make spectacular wine (in my novice opinion). No question was too naive and Vince seemed to thrive on the opportunity to share his passion.
I highly recommend their tasting experience and their awesome wine. -
Review from Anthony C.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/20/2010
This winery is amazing. Small, personable, family owned, and Amazing. If you are TIRED of the crowds, snoody tasting room staff, and standing at a tasting room bar... then this is the place for you!!! It was a beautiful day when the GF and I went for a bike ride on hwy 29... we stumbled upon this wonderful winery. The setting was an awesome backyard poolside patio with umbrella draped picknick tables. Our favorite wine was the 2007 Arger-Martucci Vineyards Viognier... So I highly recomend it!!!
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Review from Eric V.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/13/2010
Great reds with a small boutique feel accompanied by good service. If you have a party over 6 give them a call cause it's a small tasting room. They have a small patio out back were a few of you could enjoy lunch, just ask them.
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Review from Mark F.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2007
While the pseudo sommeliers continue to pay homage Opus One, Silver Oak and Groth, I would argue that Arger-Martucci's *entire* line of wines rate higher than any of its competitors along Highway 29. Their Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petite Syrah are particularly exceptional.
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Review from Shad A.
Fayetteville, GA
7/31/2009
Big red tasting. CabFranc is the bomb
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Review from Mary V.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2008
edit june 1 08:
hmmmm. i'm keeping the 5 star rating but things have changed around arger and not really for the better. i was sad to see the 2 wine pouring folks we usually run into had left and a new staff greeted us. she was nice enough but wasn't particularly knowledgeable. also, they changed up the tasting so that you choose a flight vs tasting what's on the menu. apparently they were pouring too much and people were getting shit-faced. anyhow, they were still very welcoming of the dog and she still poured us some library wines but it didn't have that same arger feel. le sigh.
i'm giving them 5 stars, because the entire experience is truly 5-star worthy. we've been here 4 times: twice just 2 of of us; twice with big groups. and now that they recognize us, they totally give us the star treatment, pouring library wines and new releases. we're always seated out by the pool, and they'll bring out a platter with their delish olive oil, cheese, crackers, nuts, salami, and fruits (the salami and cheese platter only happened once but i'm holding out hope for the future). the wines are great! the viognier is really good - creamy and green apple notes. the chard and the pinot are just ok, but their odyssey blend and their syrahs are silky smooth deliciousness. the 2004 petit syrah is probably one of the best wines i've ever tasted, and i bought an 01 cab that is also the best i've had. (i tend to speak in superlatives) they're kind to the dog, who chills by the pool, and it's a relaxed, unpretentious experience. i'm really in favor of the relaxed family vibe for wine tasting instead of the corporate wines and this is it. we'll keep going back and bringing friends!Listed in: Oenophilia
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Review from Lillian B.
San Jose, CA
3/12/2009
This is a terrible place! We were told they had a nice Petite Syrah so we went to try them out. We were not welcomed all that well...and the wines were ok, AT BEST! We got charged by them (signed up anyway cause we thought we wanted to give them another shot)...MONTHS went by and we forgot all abou tit. We were then charged and I asked what the shipment contained and that we would then like to cancel. I was OFFERED a refund...I thought was nice. So I accepted...it's been nearly a MONTH and they BARELY communicate back and I have not received any wine NOR my refund!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very poorly run establishment...never gonna waste my time there AGAIN!!!
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Review from J C.
Peninsula, CA
5/1/2007
Really a nice little winery owned by a cardiologist in Davis and run by his daughter. The syrah is quite good.
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Review from Pam E.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2010
We had a great experience at the winery itself. It was the last stop of the day and we enjoyed tasting some great wines and chatting with one of the owners. My friend and I both ended up ordering a case of wine to be shipped to our respective homes. That is were the great experience ended. After three weeks, I finally called to check on my order as I hadn't heard anything. The first time that I called, they could not locate my order even though they had already charged my credit card. I was assured that I would get a return phone call and never did. Second time that I called, I got the same story. They would look into my order and call me back. Again, no return phone call. The wine, miraculously, showed up two days later. As of the time of this review, my friend has yet to receive her wine and it has been over a month since it was ordered. She has left several messages and has not been given the courtesy of a return phone call. My recommendation would be to enjoy the wine at the tasting room. If you have any intentions of having something shipped, I would go somewhere else where they value customer service.
