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$75 for $99 Certificate
Julie P. said: "A great experience! We visited four excellent wineries during the course of the tour, most of which we would not have discovered otherwise. The…" read more »
308 reviews for Artesa Winery
308 reviews in English
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Review from Ling H.
1/9/2012
Good view and lots of photo ops!!
This place does get crowded and it may be a tad bit on the harder side to find parking, but if you do, ca-ching!
Tastings here are $10 for the classic tastings and $15 for the reserve tastings at about 4-5 different tastings. Wine here is okay as I didn't find one that struck my fancy, but for another $10, you can get a glass of champagne after. Yum! They do limit at 1 glass per person though for obvious reasons. -
Review from Michelle W.
Union City, CA
If you're a big red wine lover, this is the place to be. Their cabs are definitely more on the dense oakey side, but pair oh so perfectly with a hearty slab of steak. I'm a lover of Spanish wines and their recent release of the Alexander Valley Tempranillo is freakin fantastic! At only $25/bottle (for wine club members), we didn't hesitate to stock up on this one. I hope to see some kind of tempranillo on their list at all times from now on.
Sad to say, the muscat is no longer in production on their estate. However, they've replaced their sweet wine with a bottle of sparkling deliciousness. The green apple flavor is overpowering to the rest, and while I can't say it's the best bubbly I've ever had, it definitely deserves to be in a category of it's own.
If there's one place to join the wine club, Artesa is an excellent choice. Up to 4 complimentary tastings each visit, 30% off wines, limited release shipments, and many more benefits of being VIP.Listed in: Favorite Wineries In…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2009
You know if you have to drive up a hill to get to the winery, you're in for quite a view, and Artesa… Read more »
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Review from Linda Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/1/2012
Artesa was the first stop on my trip to wine country with my family, and in reality, this review is for 3.5 stars.
At the time, I was bewildered to drive up the long private driveway up to Artesa's visitor parking lot. The driveway was long and windy, and the views were amazing! Once in front of the building, there were fountains and amazing views of the Napa landscape! Seriously one of best sights to kick off our vacation to wine country.
However, I'm giving 3.5 stars because there isn't too much once you enter the tasting room, compared to other wineries. Admittedly, we did get there around noon, when tours weren't being offered (I think tours are at 10am and 2pm or something like that). There's a gift shop and a large tasting room, but everyone tasting has to crowd around the bar where we sampled 4 wines for $10. There is an outside balcony area that flanks a side of the building where you can sit and enjoy the sights, but that's about all I got out of it for the interior of the winery. It wasn't as interactive as I had thought it could have been and didn't have much to see or do other than sample wine. Great sights here, but we left after around 30 minutes. DEFINITELY worth coming here for the views, though! -
Review from Rochelle D.
San Ramon, CA
2/9/2012 6 photos
Grounds are beautiful, the view awesome, and the building is very modern. Wine is okay. Tastings are $10 for the classic tastings and $15 for the reserve tastings. You receive about 4-5 different tastings.
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Review from Byoung Kyu S.
Plano, TX
2/1/2012
Wine tatsing prices were cheap comapred to other wineries. Tried the reserve tasting of 6 different wines. The hotel provided complimentary tasting coupons which was cool. The wines here weren't as smoothe as some of the older wineries but it was nice how the patio was up on high grounds which provided great views. Try the sea salt dark chocolate for $3. AWESOME tasting and goes well with the cabs.
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Review from Janine S.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
The landscape was indeed amazing and quite dramatic yet difficult to enjoy considering the high volume of traffic and surprisingly large number of strollers and children to navigate around. Am I missing something or is it acceptable to bring children wine tasting? Last time I checked the legally drinking age in California was still twenty one and I am failing to see what business they have being there. Needless to say it would have been a much more pleasant experience if people had the courtesy to hire a babysitter.
Austin our host was very knowledgeable and informative of the area and took the time to make us feel welcome. We had met him the night before when we showed up for a tasting but it had been too late. Instead of turning us away he offered us a complimentary two for one pass to return the next day. Amid all the chaos when we returned he certainly was the best part of our experience at Artesa. -
Review from Diane T.
1/23/2012
First of all, I thought the grounds were absolutely picturesque. It was definitely one of the more modern vineyards/tasting rooms. That being said, it was also one the most popular and was absolutely packed on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, I just wasn't a huge fan of the wine. I enjoyed a couple of the reds towards the end, but nothing was really take home worthy. The super buttery chardonnay was definitely interesting, but I'm just not a huge fan of drinking liquid popcorn jelly bellies.
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Review from Steve K.
12/14/2011
Artesa is located on an amazing property... We enjoyed taking endless pictures of the grounds, fountains, and sculptures. And that view! WOW! It's a must-see for visitors to the area.
The actual tasting room is ultra-modern, but a bit cold and sterile, like a modern art museum. And there were plenty of pretentious folks hustling off to the special members-only tasting area, far away from the rest of us peasants, but our pourer was friendly and fun... not hoity-toity at all.
The Classic Tier wines are good, if not great, and not especially complex. Pricing is average, with our favorites being the chardonnay and merlot. -
Review from Joel V.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was blown away by by the absolute beauty of the ARTESA WINERY. From the waterfalls running down the stairs as you enter, to the beautiful fountains on the view level, to the spectacular panoramic views of the Napa Valley - Artesa definitely is one of the most pleasing wineries to the eye that you will encounter.
At the top of the hill sits the uber-modern tasting rooms, where you can sit outside and taste and soak in the views. The nice lady gave us many more tastes after we bought a few bottles. We thought the Cab was exceptional.
5 stars!Listed in: Napa and Sonoma Wineries
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Review from Lisa C.
11/22/2011
Gorgeous 360-degree views in the front and back! The building and decor were very modern, and upon entrance, you almost feel like you're at a museum. You pay the cashier at the front for your tasting and proceed to the tasting room, where you can also access the back patio. Seating is available inside and outside.
$10 for classic tasting
$15 for reserved tasting
If you're not a wine drinker, you will appreciate the scenery. -
Review from Tiffany W.
Silver Spring, MD
12/20/2011
This place is gorgeous with a great view. Loved the service there and loved how no reservation was needed for wine tasting. They had competitive prices too.
Highly recommend for anyone wishing to do wine tasting in Napa. -
Review from Chuck N.
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably the best views of Wine Country in all of Napa Valley. Though the wine isn't on par.
After trying V. Sattui and Mondavi, the wines there are a million times better than Artesa's, but the views cannot be beat. The staff here is very friendly too.
If you're looking for a photo op and romantic place to relax, drive 15 mins from the main road and you'll find Artesa in the hills.
We tried both the classic ($10 for 4 flights) and the reserve tasting ($15 for 4 flights) and neither had a single wine that wowed me.
Though they did have a half pinot half champagne that was very strong ($12 for a flute) and extremely tasty. -
Review from Erica S.
11/20/2011
"Darth Vader's house" (so called by the guide at di Rosa) has a nearly 360 view of the surrounding vineyards, a hyper-modern tasting room that is partially covered by grass and boasts modern sculpture and sleek fountains, and generally has good wine. It can get crowded, but there is plenty of outdoor seating. The staff seemed a little flustered and the atmosphere was a little impersonal, but that's what you face at a large tasting room, so can't fault them there.
Check out the view of the di Rosa sculpture park from above--actually the entire view is fantastic, so even if you don't like the wine it's worth the trip. -
Review from Kristen S.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2012
I went to this winery on the advice of a good friend, and I was highly impressed! The wine is delicious, the building is beautiful, and the view can't be beat! Even above that was the customer service. Every member of the staff was fabulous. They were extremely knowledgeable about the wines and provided a contrast in the different price points of wines. My friend that I was with was not drinking but the staff made me feel right at home. I arrived late in the day, so I was on a limited time frame. I wanted to buy the glass of bubbly after, but it was close to closing, so the gentleman helping me gave me a complimentary taste. It was great! I don't remember the name of the employee who was helping me, but he had a name identifying him as one of the tasting room managers. He just made my day! I will definitely be back later!
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Review from Moua L.
10/16/2011 18 photos
I wish I could have tasted the wine, but a tasting for one person was $45. Not that I was a cheap @$$, well, maybe I was.
At least I got to enjoy the stroll inside the winery. And the restroom mirrors were romantic and girly. As we traveled outside to the fountain area, the views of Napa were incredible. Everywhere you turn, there's a picturesque moment, whether it's at the fountain pool, the rolling grape hills or architectural exteriors.
Not sure I'll ever pay $45 for a tasting here in the future, but may just come back for the views. -
Review from sasha h.
10/18/2011 4 photos
5 stars for the property itself, looks sleek and modern and is well maintained. There are several fountains and sculptures as you walk up the stairs towards the main entrance and really green grass everywhere, great place to take pictures. Patio area is beautiful, can sit outside and just admire the view of the carneros valley. Tasting room is pretty big, lots of tables, art all over the walls. The problem is the bar itself which is small compared to the crowds this place draws.
What I didn't love here was the wine and more relevant the service. The guy who helped us was flat out rude, didn't explain a thing, just kinda said the name then walked off. I'm sure there are nicer people there, hopefully. They do have a variety of tours at different price points that looked interesting (cheese, chocolate, food, barrel tasting etc). I expected more of the wine, especially the pinot and chardonnay. They were ok but definitely not as good as they should have been.
Only reason i'm giving it this many stars is the grounds and view which are well worth a visit alone. -
Review from J N.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't remember the wine, either. I do remember that the ladies pouring the wine were dressed in black, middle aged--nothing wrong with that, of course--but indeed they were and not too friendly to anyone younger or cooler than themselves (and I should know). ha.
But the bathrooms and the view are a hit. Yay!
Totally modern and chic. Great place to take photos, and a must stop on your wine tour, nonetheless.
Go!Listed in: Hail to Healdsburg! Wine…
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Review from Heather s.
San Mateo, CA
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
What gorgeous views!! Of all the wineries I've visited, this one has the most amazing Napa Valley views, from atop the hill.
The view is obviously what draws the crowds. Great architecture with beautiful pools and sculptures greet you as you climb the stairs to their tasting room. The tasting room is large, but the serving bar is crowded into only one side -- there's not a ton of room for visitors tasting. Walk past the tasting room and out onto the spacious balcony overlooking their beautiful views. We sat here awhile sipping our wines, enjoying the scenery. Their wines are nothing special, and pricey at that - $10 tastings for 4. 2 stars for the wine tasting...
Come for the views - you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off, the view is outstanding. Even the architecture is picture worthy. They have a nice patio near the tasting area where you can enjoy a glass of wine. Classy and beautiful.
I was privileged enough to be able to try wines off the club member tasting list, and I have to say from the regular to limited reserve Artesa really delivers in smooth, fine tasting wines. Their cabernet savignons are great. Their sparking wine is also refreshing and not to sweet.
Can get really crowded, so if you are looking for an intimate tasting with a lot of attention from the servers, you may not get it here. But you will get some quality wines! -
Review from Rachel R.
Eugene, OR
12/30/2011
Leave your bloody children at home!!!! Quite possibly THE most irritating part of my experience in Napa is that people think it's socially acceptable to bring their babies/toddlers wine tasting!! FYI: your children are bored out of their gourds while mommy and daddy are slowly getting intoxicated and driving to the next "adult juice tasting."
Anyway....
Artesa was scenically very beautiful, a must see architecturally. The wines were so-so, nothing exceptional to note. We had a very informative and personable host, Austin. Our experience was definitely heightened by the fact that Austin was enthusiastic about the wine and our experience while visiting artesa. We actually came back after receiving a 2-for-1 from Austin the night before, after we showed up too late to receive a tasting.
Overall, stop to see the vista... Leave your kids at home. -
Review from Randy C.
Mountain House, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Some of the most spectacular views of wine country can be seen here! The view itself is worth the drive up to this winery. The winery grounds have plenty to look at as well. Beautiful!!
The wine itself wasn't bad, but I expected more from them, especially the pinots. Actually, the star of the wines that we tasted was the merlot. Weird.
Definitely come and check this place out the next time you're in Napa. The view won't disappoint you. -
Review from Theresa M.
Fair Oaks, CA
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL property!!! Even though part of it looks like a bunker - that part of the artsy fartsy uniquness of it all. Wines were pretty tasty, but definitely OUT of MY price range. We saw a couple taking engagement photos here - smart. But I could imagine an actual wedding would be definitely on the "pricey" end.
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Review from Lame O.
Fairfield, CA
12/19/2011
Easily one of my favorite wineries in the Napa area. It kinda reminds me of a munitions bunker in the side of a hill, but as you get closer, and eventually inside, you will soon realize that is place is more like a work of art. I love the wines here especially the white ones, and the tasting area is amazing. I always opt to sit outside and enjoy the spectacular views.
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Review from Jon M.
Burlington, VT
7/11/2011
The difference between Napa and Sonoma County is that in Napa you are likely to trip over the passed out bachelorette party on the way out the door of the winery, whereas in Sonoma you are more likely to trip over the winemakers dog.
Don't go to Artesa on a weekend, let alone a holiday weekend. It felt like a shitty club, being elbowed out of the way by women wearing platform heels swarming the tasting bar.
Yes the views are fantastic. And the grounds feel like a German art gallery. But I wasn't looking for the W Hotel lobby bar when i rolled up. -
Review from Laura S.
Artesa has to be one of the most beautiful wineries I've been to. It's tucked away off the main road but well worth the drive. The architecture is quite unique and modern; beautiful fountains alongside steps lead up to an entrance that appears to be bored into the side of a hill. Being atop said hill gives Artesa with an amazing view that stretches out for miles (supposedly on a clear day you can even see San Francisco).
The interior was also very nice, it was open with lots of skylights providing a ton of natural light. Actually, the building reminds me of the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco; built into the land, airy, bright and spacious.
The vibe was very relaxed and casual and there was a good amount of people inside but it wasn't painfully crowded. We were able to get a tasting without any problems.
To be honest, I didn't remember what I thought of our tasting (I think I thought it wasn't bad) but the beauty of the place was much more memorable. Definitely a must see if you go to Napa. -
Review from Reena B.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2011
Based on the reviews, we came to Artesa. Yes, grounds and view are beautiful. However, the wine tasting area reminded me of what a tour bus would roll up to. Not a small intimate winery that crafts wine. It reminded me of Dr. Evil's Lair.
Wine was so-so, they were overcrowded, so the service was not great. I woudln't go back. -
Review from Lizete S.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011
We visited recently and thought the wines were ok. The grounds are beautiful but the interior lacks ambiance. I found it rather cold and a little too modern.
We had two different tastings and thought the wines overall were just ok, nothing really memorable unfortunately. -
Review from Rob G.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Absolutely beautiful views, best in the Valley. I love their wines, stick to the reserves. Their wine-tasting area does need a revamp, and their staff could definitely stand to be more friendly..
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Review from Scott N.
This review is just based on the location itself. No wine tasting or anything of the matter.
This location is like situated out of nowhere and built in cave. The architecture with the fountains and the water running is simply amazing. When you walk into the location itself, it doesn't even look like it was carved into the side of the hill. It was very modern with some very nice furniture and art.
This place looks like it's more for the sophisticated people. -
Review from John B.
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Artesa Winery is known for their futuristic winery building and beautiful fountains. The fountains that were on were incredibly beautiful, but unfortunately some of their biggest ones were off because of winds. The inside of the winery is also incredibly modern. Worth a quick stop in just for that.
We had a nice tasting. Our servers were a guy and a girl who were young hipsters. We enjoyed chatting with them.
The wines were good enough that we would go back another time when all the fountains are on. -
Review from Mindy C.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011 7 photos
If you've never been to napa, this place is DEFINITELY the place to visit.
I came here on the second day of my napa trip, I was pretty tired after a great brunch, not really ready for more drinking and walking. When we drove up the hill into the winery, the view was GORGEOUS! I can honestly say that you can take picture from any angle, it's as pretty as a picture! All of us were snapping photos, suddenly everybody was wide awake and ready to go. The architecture of the building and its infinity pool with the fountains were modern and beautiful.
The wine tasting experience here was okay, there are too many picture at the bar, and the bartenders gave us very little wine compare to other wineries. The wine were not as great as the other places which explains why it's relatively cheap here.
Honestly, just drive here for the breath taking scenery, it will definitely brighten your napa trip. Enjoy!!! -
Review from Long N.
Fountain Valley, CA
10/17/2011
Beautiful view. Helpful staff. Great wine.
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Review from Ross B.
Catheys Valley, CA
6/5/2011
This is place is completely about the view. If you are in Napa or Sonoma and it is sunny, please come here to enjoy the view. It is on top of a mountain (or an incredibly large mound of dirt) - I believe the winery is actually underground, under the main building (maybe I imaging things - I could be wrong).
No real complaints, maybe they were a bit short, but i understand the wine bar was busy, so I'm not going to hold them to it.
Please go for the VIEW! Bring your best camera! -
Review from Anna L.
10/20/2011
Despite this place looking kind of like a museum especially with it's side gift shop (ehhh)...it still has gorrrrrgeous views and pretty good wine. I LOVE the fountains and having to see that as I walked up the steps was a delight. My bf and I loved it and will definitely come back here with friends. Also, it's a hot spot for a party - I saw that some reviews talk about how this place is popular for weddings and being a wedding coordinator, I can see why. Nice layout, multiple rooms, clean design and very nice bathrooms. The service is great too - the guy told us to walk around with our wine and come back when we're ready to do the next tasting. He also let me try some of the other white wine since I"m more a fan of white than red. Love this place! Also, there was a half asian/half indian baby that my bf and I tried to look at (he's indian haha)...so that was a plus.
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Review from Carly C.
Redding, CA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
So normally I'm not a fan of these big huge wineries where you are elbow to elbow with a million other people but I do love artesa, I think it's their merlot, it caught me the first time I went years ago and it made me fall in love with her all over again this time.
I have tried going to this winery a few times over the years since my first visit and have just turned around in the parking lot and left, nothing but tour bus after tour bus, but this was a monday so I figured the odds of actually being able to enjoy a tasting would be good. The tasting bar itself was packed but the tables were empty (inside and out) so we got our first pour and retreated to a table outside, the view is stunning, how can you not relax when you have wine in your glass, a soft breeze blowing in from the bay and good friends to enjoy it with? I have to say me and my friend had it made, we simply sent her husband in to get the next wine on the list when we were finished, he was such a good sport about it too :)
So we may not have got the full spiel about what vineyard it was from or how they made each wine but that was okay, the wine spoke for itself quite nicely. Back to the merlot, the one we tasted was the limited release, oh my, it was like velvet. Well I could go on but I'll just say this, if you go do the reserve tasting and try the merlot, you won't be sorry. -
Review from Suzi F.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2011
I just went to Artesa for the second time this past weekend. The first time was three years ago, and I never forgot it.
I will say this. The wines are not the highlight of this winery. And yes, I know that sounds contradictory to a Napa trip, but I'm sure many people (meaning girls) will agree that the views and the photo ops are a highlight of a wine tasting trip as well.
Artesa has many notable pieces of art. When you drive up the hill to the winery, you will pass by a beautiful fountain. When you walk up the stairs from the parking you will be greeted on either side by a fountain and another sculpture sitting in a pool of water. There is art throughout the winery, and they have a beautiful patio area that overlooks the Carneros winery and much of Napa Valley. It really is a breathtaking view.
Now, onto the wine. Tastings are either $10 or $15 depending on if you get the classic tasting or premium tasting. I would recommend spending $20 and going on the tour. For $20 more you have a guide walk you through the winery and show you the wine production area, the barrels, give you a narrative on the history of winemaking, and point out some art pieces. It adds to the experience and is certainly worth it if you're just going to one or two wineries and want to experience more than just the wine itself. -
Review from Greg B.
4/18/2011
I've now rated several wineries, all very different with varied qualities of wine, some with tours, others with nice tasting flights. I like that every winery seems to have found it's one unique contribution to the otherwise crowded winery scene in the Napa/Sonoma region.
To be honest, I don't even remember the wine at Artesta (maybe I was a few drinks in by this point?), but like the others, Artesa found its differentiators:
1. Spectacular view with plenty of photo spots
2. Beautiful architecture in the visitors center
I remember parking in the lot at the bottom of a line of stairs with a water fountain down the middle. I think it took us 30 minutes to even make it to the winery as we stopped every step to take a GB of photos. Artesa truly has the best views of any winery I've been to, coupled with an avant-garde visitor center with open spaces and a nice terrace.
We weren't able to make the tour as it was only offered at 11am and 2pm and I think we got there right at 11:30 or so, which was disappointing. I can't comment on the wine, so it might have been great (if true and if the tour is nice, it probably earns the 5th star).
Read other reviews for the tour and wine tasting, but its a 4-star visit for the view and architecture alone! -
Review from John C.
9/14/2011
The most memorable winery on my visit to Napa. Arteza is not on the main drive of wineries. Its situated on top of a hill towards Sonoma but its location offers up the nicest view of the valley and surrounding vineyards. The main building sits high above the property is is in a modern style. Its fountains and pools are beautiful and its tasting room and facilities are uncluttered, clean and streamline. I did the reserve tasting of 5 wines for only $15. This is a great deal as the wines you get to choose from are all over $28 a bottle. You can also elect to do the standard non-reserve tasting for $10 but pay the extra $5, its well worth it. I won't go into detail about the wines as I feel wines are a totally subjective item but I will say that they were amongst the best I tasted on my trip to Napa. This place is a must see!
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Review from Jana B.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/14/2011
We went early on a Sunday and beat the crowds to this beautiful location overlooking wine country. Even if you don't like wine, the views are well worth the stop. We did not take a your but did try the $10 and $15 flights. The wine was just ok. The young man pouring it seemed more enthusiastic about our cell phones than the wine he was pouring.
The grounds were beautiful but they needed more places for people to sit and enjoy a bottle of wine on the grounds rather than on their large cement patio off the tasting level.
I will return for the view. -
Review from Christina F.
New York, NY
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful grounds and really nice tour guide. Would definitely recommend!
