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Jan W. said: "Loved this place! We visited yesterday after being referred by the ladies in the tasting room at Frisk Winery just up the road. The gentleman in the tasting room, Scott, was friendly, knowledgeable and just nice to be around making our…" read more »
33 reviews for Cuvaison Estate Wines
33 reviews in English
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Review from Raina S.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cuvaison has great wines in a beautiful location along the Silverado Trail. Although the tasting room is rather fancy, the staff are very friendly with no snobbishness to be found. I like that!
I was visiting with my Mom and Erin S. We tried both of the available tastings. I can't recall the names, but one was the "standard" and the other was the "reserve." There actually wasn't a huge difference between them, though with the reserve tasting, you have a bit more freedom of choice. And, at my visit, you had the opportunity to taste a wine that runs about $90 a bottle. Since I rarely spend that much money on wine, it was a nice treat.
They had a fantastic reserve Chardonnay, which was rich with nice buttery, oak-y flavors. That's my favorite kind of Chard, though the un-oaked kind is nice, too. Since they waive the tasting fee if you purchase wine, you really can't lose by having a tasting here and taking a bottle home with you. -
Review from Athena S.
1/2/2012
Here are your choices: either a $15 & 25 for 4 tastings ...
Anti-climatic sterile environment inside. At least the guys at the counter seemed to know what they're talking.
Outdoor grounds are basic and sure, a nice place to sip your wine but if you recall, you're in Calistoga so any picnic bench is just as lovely.
Had Cavaison wine before and I think they're good not great. -
Review from Jim K.
Cedar Falls, IA
8/29/2011
Stumbled on this one at random a few years ago, and made it a point to return. They had totally redone the tasting room, and it was really nice. We were there not long after opening, and the man was very welcoming. Since it was early we were not in full flight tasting mood, but he let us sample a couple at no charge. We bought a couple glasses and tossed an extra few bucks for the trouble.
The wine is prett good as well. We just had a bottle of merlot that was quite tasty and pretty bold for a merlot.
Check this place out. -
Review from Scott I.
South Elgin, IL
2/7/2012
My wife and I have been fans of Cuvaison, since we discovered their wines in 2002! We have had the pleasure of visiting their tasting rooms both in Napa as well as Carneros. The staff at Cuvaison, is as consitent as their wine, which is why we continue to visit their establishments as well as drink their wine.
Although we have not been able to visit the Napa area recently, as we live in the Chicago area, we have still received outstanding and stellar service from their staff, more specifically Laurie Rostad. She has assisted us in a few purchases over the last couple months, and has made the process effortless.
I highly recommend Cuvaison, and I will continue to be not only a fan, but a loyal customer!
Scott Iversen -
Review from Bryn T.
Sacramento, CA
2/4/2012
A group of us went to Cuvaison Estate Winery to celebrate my 50th birthday back in October. We really enjoyed the scenery and had a unique cave tour. The staff is very knowledgeable and we LOVE their "BRANDLIN" Cabernet Sauvignon, our favorite cab ever!! Definitely will be going back for more!!
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Review from Alex B.
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Our new favorite winery!! Dog-friendly. I don't say this often, but ALL of the wines were amazing. That's why we joined the wine club! The tasting room servers were also super friendly and welcoming. They loved our English Bulldog (Mr. Pickles)... and even brought him some water. We will definitely return... not only to pick up our shipments, but to enjoy the company and delicious wines.
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Review from Ruby T.
Mountain House, CA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think there are two locations for Cuvaison. This review is for the one that is located along the Silverado Trail. We stopped in here cause I was curious about the picnic grounds. Pulling in, I could see they were not really a big deal, but we entered anyway. This place was full, but we managed to find a table and wait for service and a tasting. I'd been gifted a bottle in the past, and knew the wine wasn't anything spectacular, so I really had no expectations. Although they were quite busy, we were greeted, and were told someone would be helping us right away.
Our wine attendant came to our table with glasses in tow. We were interested in the $15 flight. I mentioned my husband prefers wine with a slightly sweeter flavor and our attendant said he would do something a little different. We tried to follow our flight list during the tastings, but we were being given flights out of order and became somewhat confused. Most of the wines were really nothing special, but we enjoyed the banter we engaged in with our pourer and his colleague. We did find one that we liked but could not remember what wine it was, so we waited for our pourer to return. A small group entered and the pourer left us to assist them and did not return for A WHILE.
Meanwhile, we were given some of the most amazing jerky by the other attendant. I think it was John Wayne Terryaki Jerky. Some of the best jerky I've tried, ubber tender. We inhaled that, and still waited, and waited. After a while, I told my hubby to pay for the tasting so we could move on to our next appointment of which we were already late, due to the lack of service at Cuvaison. There was a good tag team of attendants to keep us engaged with the winery, but when push came to shove, we were left out to dry, and ultimately, late for 2 appointments, which were back to back. We also did not get our last tastings.
Either way, we wound up paying more for my husbands tasting, which was surprising as I'd said we both wanted the $15 tasting and the increase in price was never discussed with us. Especially hard to swallow, considering we did not get to taste our final selections. I don't really see the appeal at Cuvaison, but then again, we all have different palates. With the volume of people visiting this place, I think they may need more man power. Our experience may not have suffered, and we would not have been left sitting for so long, with empty glasses. -
Review from Eric P.
Santa Monica, CA
10/17/2011
We were here on a weekday and the place was empty. The pourers were extremely nice and we enjoyed a picnic on the property. Great little spot, but nothing fancy. The pinots, however, are wonderful... try the F Block.
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Review from Melissa B.
Frankfort, IL
4/20/2011
This was truly a favorite stop on my trip this past weekend! We began with a tasting. We tried several different Cabs and Pinot. I stuck with the reds and my friends tried some of the whites. I loved the Pinot Noir here. It was one of my favorite wines from the whole trip!
After the tasting we moved outdoors to the beautiful grounds and had a lovely picnic that we had arranged. Gabe was extremely helpful in setting this up for us. Here I enjoyed the Chardonnay as well. Our group was almost sad to leave. The views are some of the best in the area. I really recommend having a picnic here if the weather allows!
This will absolutely be a place that I order from frequently now after trying several wines they offer.
On a side note- Once again Gabe and two other men (can't remember names) were helpful and wonderful! I can't say enough how much our group of 3 adored them!! However, we dealt with a woman (Sharon?) I believe, who was a witch! She needed a major attitude adjustment! She actually laughed out loud at my friend when she mentioned she enjoys Chenin Blanc! On my return trip I will refuse to deal with her when I stop in! -
Review from Tony S.
Truckee, CA
Updated - 2/12/2011
No matter who you are.........a 'must' stop on the Silverado Trail!
Beyond the simpleness of the property, the opportunity to be hosted by wine maker Steve Rogstad or the daily hosts: Mike or Travis.......to walk at will through the Cave or grounds, enjoy your picnic lunch (if at the appropriate time) and sample their various blends or S Block flights - a visit to Cuvaison can be (and usually is) calming and/or uplifting.
Bene. Bene!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/10/2010
Gracious yet unpretentious.....a bevy of classic varietals.
Particularly enjoying the Cuvaison '08… Read more »
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Review from Rachael B.
San Jose, CA
3/30/2011
buttery but crisp chardonnays, and fruity deep zinfandels. i haven't been to other location in carneros, but i have been to this tasting room twice on two separate trips, and both time left quite pleased both with my tastings and my purchases.
both times we were the only people tasting so we got great personal attention and service. definitely a must-stop along the silverado trail! -
Review from Jason L.
Wauwatosa, WI
9/9/2010
Cuvaison was my first, and I will always remember it fondly...as in first wine tasting ever in Napa!
This was our first stop on our private bike tour through the valley (booked via Napa Valley Bikes--and definitely worth it!). The building is newer and very well designed architecturally. When we arrived we were the only customers in the building and the host was ready for us (thanks to Nappa Valley Bikes).
Our host was very helpful walking us through the tasting menu and their very solid wines. However, he was a bit too pushy trying to sell us on their wine club while we were just trying to soak in the moment of tasting some good wines.
We ended up grabbing their Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (which we will enjoy in 2015) and a Pinot Noir (today!). -
Review from Vikram A.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2007
The people running their tasting room are often very personable and always eager to talk. When we were there, they let us try a few different wines from the menu that weren't part of the regular series. I've also come here with one of their wine club members, now that's some cool treatment. They have a seperate tasting room just for their members. You pretty much get your own server back there and can go to town in your trials.
Beyond that, they have a neat little gift shop and I even got my decanter from this place, lots of fun. But, of course, the highlight of the place is that they have a cat running around. Who doesn't love that!?Listed in: Doing the Napa Run
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Review from Joseph W.
Los Angeles, CA
7/1/2008
Cuvaison is a huge name in the Napa scene, known mostly for their affordable and accessible chardonnay. The tasting was free when we went, although it was somewhat slow so perhaps they really do charge when things are a little busier. Plus this place seemed like one that would credit your tasting fee towards any purchases, and since they have many wines that are reasonably priced, it's a no-brainer.
The highlight for most of us was the entry-level zinfandel, which was rich and full of great black fruit, and had total alcohol integration. Again, nothing life-changing here, but very solid and in such a pretty setting. Great for picnics, too! -
Review from Ted R.
5/23/2008
Great winery with many superb wines across a range of varietals. This has been one of my fave stops for years. I'm no fan of paying for tasting, but it's worth at the best places, and this is one of the very best. If there's two of you, have one get the $10 tasting set and the other get the $15 set and share.
Staff is super-friendly and will throw in a bonus pour if you're chill, smile and enjoy yourself. General life tip: uptight people don't get hooked up as much... These folks, they know a shxtload about the wine. So ask the right questions and get some good stories. If in doubt, ask for Travis. He's way cool.
This time, I came home with the Bald Mountain Zin, the Carneros Pinot Noir and the Malbec. Yeah, you heard me, Malbec. One of only three Cali Malbecs in existence, homey! If I ever joined a wine club, this would be the one... -
Review from Andi O.
Manhattan, NY
10/15/2011
The only thing that surpassed the fine wines at this unique winery was the attentive host Justin. Don't miss this place on your trip to the Napa Valley!!!!!
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Review from Katie T.
9/15/2008
We stumbled into Cuvaison because it was just down the street from Dutch Henry, and it ended up being one of our favorites of the day. Wines here are affordable (many bottles around $20) and good. The tasting fee doesn't get waived with wine purchase or signing up for the wine club (which our friends did). I found that a bit off-putting. But other than that a solid find.
For dog owners, they were happy to let our puppy into the tasting room with us and even offered her water while we were tasting.Listed in: Stumbling through Napa
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Review from Kish K.
Oakland, CA
9/8/2010
Please note that this is based on VERY poor service from the Group Manager, Joelle. I have been to the winery several times and I have never seen more than 6-10 people in the tasting room. That said, I called the winery trying to get a tasting for 20 people. Sure it was last minute (Wednesday for a Saturday Tasting) but I had hope. I initially talked to Austin . He was very nice and excited to have a big group for tasting. Unfortunately, he could not accommodate us without clearance from the Group Events Manager, The Almighty, MEAN Queen of the Valley, Joelle. So I called the Almighty One (you guessed it !Joelle) and left a voice mail. 36 hours after the initial call and several voice mails later, I finally reached The Almighty Queen of Cuvaison, Joelle. Oh my! Absolutely NOT what I expected. I should have not bothered. She was rude and very unprofessional. Additionally, I DID NOT appreciate her hanging up the phone on me during our conversation. I am sure this is NOT a reflection on the winery or maybe it is. I did not expect miracles, but I expected respect and courtesy from Joelle. She was VERY condescending and rude. She completely threw every effort Austin made out the window. She was unwilling to listen, she kept interrupting my sentences and she made sure to tell me that the phone number I called was her personal line even though when I called it, the message clearly stated "Thank you for calling Cuvaison"
With $20 per tasting (which they do not credit back to purchases) plus possible purchases, ti was a stupid business decision.
To the winery's credit, someone did call me back after I lodged a complaint with the President of the company.. However, she also made sure to tell me that it was her day off. Why bother calling? That really wasn't my problem if you are calling on you day off. Solve the issue at hand
Here is what I now suggest. If you are a small group, that does NOT require Joelle The Queen of Cuvaison, it is a nice winery and the worker bees provide good service. If you are a group of more than 5 people. RUN!!! RUN FORREST RUN!!! and for $20 a tasting, there are a lot of much nicer, friendlier cheaper & accommodating wineries to deal with the arrogance and "personal line/ Day off" BS. -
Review from Rachel s.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2010
Dear S-block Chard: I'll stop the world and melt with you..
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Review from Omar L.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2008
I was driving around not knowing any place to go for wine tasting and I came by here since I was tired of driving down these roads that you can't pull over to the side and make a U-turn.
This place was pretty good being one of the first places I went to for wine tasting. THe people working there were nice and there's 2 options for tasting, the regular one at 10.00 and the 'exclusive' one at 15.00. Me and my friend did both, although half were good half weren't. But you can't really give them bad reviews based on the taste of wine, what if the wine wasn't to your liking but is to someone else right? After our tasting they gave us dessert wine too, which was not to my taste, a bit too sweet. But good service and they have a friendly cat that'll come by and sit with you :-p -
Review from Dixi S.
Long Beach, CA
2/25/2011
Awesome wines! Need I say more?
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Review from Carla H.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2011
I love the wines and always stop here and pick up a bottle of the port. The only drawback is that they still charge a handsome tasting fee even after you purchase wine. I think it's tacky to charge a tasting fee when someone makes a purchase. I will probably just purchase the port and not taste in the future, however, there are a lot of really good port makers out there too.
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Review from Olin S.
Northern, CA
8/6/2010
The guy came in and did our wine tasting who went to Chico State was awesome! For a none wine person he set everything up perfectly and our group had a great time.
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Review from Mark A.
San Jose, CA
9/23/2007
Excellent wine.. friendly staff.... cant praise this place enough... been a member for 2 years....
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Review from Rhae R.
South Pasadena, CA
7/2/2007
Loved Cuvaison! It's a super cute little house-like winery, and the tasting room staff were so friendly - they really interact with you and are happy to talk all about the wines. We paid for a reserve tasting, and then they also let us taste all of the other wines that they had open (which ended up being 12 wines...not too bad). There was also a nice picnic table under the trees, but sadly, that was taken by the time we arrived. Still, this was a great, friendly little winery, and I'll definitely be back!
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Review from Jess K.
10/16/2009
We were staying in Calistoga and just happened upon this winery on our way to the ranch. The wines were great (you get to try a bunch of them and each one is really high quality) and the ladies were nice and chatty. We came on a day when two new women were being trained and left with a bit of a buzz and knowing their life stories. It seemed less pretentious than others might but that could just be because of the new women who didn't know (think?) to act more reserved.
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Review from Susan K.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2006
One of the only places in Napa that has a tasting price that compliments the selection of wines. It is off the beaten path of most Napa wineries but worth the drive. It is next to another note worth vineyard, Dutch Henry. Cuvaison has a great white selection that won't burn a hole in your wallet.
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Review from brian m.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2005
Another great winery to stop at. The staff is very good, and very friendly. For all you sideways geeks and recent haters of merlot, give this one a try and it will change your mind, not mention there zin is killer as well. Nothing is that expensive here either i belive all there wines are under 40 dollars.
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Review from claudia y.
South San Francisco, CA
2/9/2009 1 photo
we stopped here because it was dog friendly. the tasting room was being renovated so there wasnt much to see. maybe we would come back to see it when it was done.
we shared a current release flight $10 and an estate selection flight $15. does more expensive wine taste better or what? we bought the more expensive ones. the tasting came with the glasses. -
Review from Peter and Julie H.
San Jose, CA
8/16/2007
[8/3/07] $10-$20 tasting. Just tried their Cabernet Sauvignon, and was disappointed. "Cab was ok, nothing special" is what I jotted down. The staff member that poured for me seemed to be very uninterested, giving it a bit of a corporate feel.
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Review from Grace R.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
The tasting room isn't the prettiest in the valley, but the wines are high quality and Travis our wine associate was a great guy. Their cab and magnificent dessert wine were the standouts, although they also have a nice everyday cab we enjoyed.
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Review from Jenn B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/19/2009
came across this place because my mom remembered visiting years and years ago. tasting prices were fair. apparently sometimes it's free but we went during the summer so i am sure they were dealing with a lot of people more interested in cruising around getting tipsy than buying some wine. i like to think that i belong to both groups. anyway, i ended up with the zinfandel which was nice and earthy. i still have a sauvignon blanc that i've been meaning to crack open. definitely worth the visit.
Listed in: Napa Winoculars
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Review from n s.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2008
great wine. unpretentious atmosphere.
