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Milat Vineyards Winery
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Milat Vineyards Winery
Small, family-owned and charming winery!
Definitely not a snobby frou frou place and the owner chats with you while you're sipping your wine. The chocolate port sauce was to die for, and he gave us some dessert port to go with that. Yummers!!!!
What an awesome pit-stop along our way in St-Helena! This is a family owned vineyard and born in 1986.. Just as old as me! The tasting room is a bit small and only has one chair... So when big groups and other individuals come on in, the place does get cramped and you don't get a chance to hang out at the front wine bar with the host. We had a group of 7 yesterday and were all lined up along the bar. Other couples came in so we tried to squeeze or make room for them. There was definitely a strong and strange odor we all smelled as we entered the premises.. But you will get used to it within minutes.. unless you keep going in and out. Bathroom is located on the side of the building!. Little amount of parking spots so beware!
Service was fabulous. The owner was hilarious from the beginning to end. He made us feel very welcomed with his humor and knowledge of wine. He had a carefree personality and since one of our friends bought about 4 bottles of wine, all the tasting fees were on him! yay! It is cheap though.. $5 for 7 flights of wine.. you get to try the blanc, chardonnay, port, cab, merlot, zinfandel, port de chocolat... The chocolate syrup was delicious and a great addition to desserts! I was just scooping that little sample up like crazy.
I wish I was able to enjoy this experience more due to me getting sick.. It's okay.. Until next time!
I've never found a Napa wine that I've truly liked... until today. Five of them too. This unassuming little winery is such a gem among the huge touristy hot spots that surround it. The one of the owners, Mike, is incredibly easy-going and friendly; we felt like his personal guests rather than one of the million lost sheep miserably crowding huge oaken halls. And most of all, the wine -- finally some wonderful Napa wine:
++ | Chardonnay |
Bright, fruity, good balance of sweet/dry, light finish
++ | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Extremely mellow tannins! Smooth & round flavor which masks the strong bite a typical cab would have.
++ | Chocolate Port Sauce |
French chocolate mousse in liquid form. This is DELICIOUS and pairs perfectly with the Zivio port wine.
Chenin Blanc & Zin are also great here.
Tasting = $5 for 7; waived w/purchase OR if the owner is in an especially happy mood
The guy was quite funny. Possibly offensive to some people, but oh so entertaining.
You get 7-8 tastings for $5.
It has that small winery feel. One counter, small parking, not crowded.
The Wall Street Journal loves this place and I have to agree.
Definitely get the chocolate wine sauce. Freakin' amazing.
The owner (Mike) is really friendly & loves entertaining his guests!
All Milat wine is divine. The chocolate wine sauce is to die for!!! By far the best chocolate port sauce I have ever had.
Amazing Napa wine!!! Milat is one of my favorite Napa wineries!
Definitely worth checking out :)
Our private driver took us here towards the end of our Sonoma-Napa tour. We were trying to blast out some quick stops toward the end of the day. What a nice surprise from this unpretentious and laid back winery. One of the owners (I think this was Mike) served us in the tasting room and had us laughing for over a half an hour. This is "old school" Napa, not old and fussy. The owners are original Napa and have been farming grapes here for over 60 years.
The wines are good and once again unpretentious. The Chardonnay was lovely, the Zinfandel good and the Chocolate Port Sauce was amazing. There are also two cottages on the property if you are looking for something laid back.
On our way home from an epic and impromptu day of random wine tasting, Baby Brian, Nicolas and I drove past a small shack of a tasting room that had one sign precariously perched atop its roof -- Milat Vineyards. Seeing a tiny parking lot with but one vehicle, I said to the boys, "We HAVE to finish our day up at this joint."
We walked in just as a couple was leaving, making the three of us the ONLY patrons in this tiny space of a tasting room. We noticed that tasting was only $5 and refunded upon purchase -- ah, a winery that speaks our language! Our kind host for the day, Mike, just made our experience that much more awesome.
We talked up a storm with Mike about everything, from education to the economy, to shots of Jack (sadly, we didn't take any with him, but 'twould've been outstanding to do so), and he was just about the funniest and kindest person we'd encountered all day long. I was so impressed with his wines and his very nondescript, non-bullsh*tting manner of helping us out that I decided to purchase a bottle of his popular Zin, which was left off the tasting menu due to its low supply. I figure, if it's almost gone, then it must be good! Nicolas also purchased a chenin blanc (I'm so proud of him for putting his money towards the smaller wineries, I love him) and I added to my basket a bottle of their chocolate port sauce (which Baby Brian then proceeded, a number of times, to spill on his sweater -- I love him too) to give to Angie B. and Natalie M. upon our return to Berkeley.
Mike didn't even charge us for the tasting (possibly because we bought wines, but also possibly because he is just a cool cat), and we took a couple sweet pictures in the tasting room with him. I highly recommend Milat not only for the quality of its product, and not only for Mike being totally awesome, but also to support the smaller family-owned and operated wineries in the area. I'm all about that. Thank you Milat for an outstanding closing experience to our day, and trust me -- the chocolate port sauce was a HIT for dessert!
(I'll update when Baby Brian, Nicolas and I bust open our celebratory Zin -- we're saving it for a 'special occasion.')
I definitely want to go back. We stopped by because we saw a review in the paper. The host/wine guy was super friendly and easy to talk to. I think he's part of the reason our visit was so enjoyable. Everyone in our group left with at least a bottle of wine.. or three.
It was $5/tasting with 7 wines in their list. And you get your money back if you buy some. Not a bad deal I think.
Our group of 11 started our Napa wine trail at Milat Vineyards http://static.px.yelp..... What an awesome choice. Family owned, you really get the feeling like you're a close friend just stopping by for a visit to chit chat. Definitely not the hoity toity winery where you might feel uncomfortable that you're swirling or sipping all wrong. Instead we were joking with Bob Milat (a fellow Cal Poly alum!) http://static.px.yelp.... and hearing his stories while sipping on Chenin Blancs and Merlots.
$5 for 7 tastings http://static.px.yelp.... ...what a deal. The tasting room is a small space but the genuine vibe the minute you walk in more than makes up for it.
If you're into the sweets, get the Chocolate Port Sauce...which from what I recall, Bob said tastes even better poured over..ahem. What a funny old man!
Bob Milat, my buddy, my pal. I thank this man for making my view of Napa change drastically from the snooty stuck up wine connoiseur to just the simple chilled laid back vibe. Heck, he's my fellow Cal Poly Alum and he absolutely made wine tasting in Napa remind me of those I've gone to in Paso Robles. This spot is definitely a small winery and it doesn't have the whole fancy schmancy feel, but it takes you down to earth a little bit more and just enjoy the experience.
And at $5 for 6-7 tastings, that's really cheap for Napa. I would definitely come back here since I enjoyed their Chenin Blanc and the Port Chocolate Sauce.
I am reviewing their lodging, not their winery since my boyfriend and I stayed here recently during a trip to Napa. He had stayed here once before so when he found out his friend was getting married in the area, he booked a reservation for their cottage. They have 3 different rooms available and they're all in the back which would make them easy to miss unless you know about them.
Anyway, the cottage was small and cozy with an awesome view of the vineyard. We got there late at night so I didn't realize that the big window across from the bed had such an awesome view! There was also a little patio area outside which was nice. We didn't spend much time here since we were out most of the time but I enjoyed my stay! :)
We have been going back to stay at the barn now for 3 years at Milat. It is a great launching point to visit other winery's and to hit up the nearby villages and St Helena. The owner Mike is the best serving up the Estate Wines and he is a happy hour host all the way. Visiting Milat to taste is probably best past 4 pm when the buzz is in the atmosphere.
Mike and his brother Bob ( we missed him this time though ) are as funny and politically incorrect as Napa probably Will serve up. They don't like a winery or an eating establishment - they'll be more than wiling to tell you why and of course if they like a certain local again they will share their opinions. The laughs are hearty as the wine is sampled. Also the Vineyards are great to roam through as we hang by our room and the photos are memorable as the view of the vineyards from our room above the barn. Go there and stay there you will not be disappointed.
The one winery where I've actually enjoyed a majority of their wines. Their chocolate port sauce is the best chocolate sauce I've tried. I guarantee you this, you WILL NOT be treated as just another customer and get a typical memorized few sentences about each wine. Mike as well as his family members talk to you and treat you like just another one of their close friends stopping by to hang out. My favorite winery in Napa, and I've visited about 30. I love their cab
This winery was a recommendation from a good friend. Unbelievable!!! These guys do a great job, the Merlots are good, the Chenin Blanc to die for. I even bought the Cabernet.
Now for most tasting rooms I have been to many this one is small, but you can't beat the personality of the owners. They are totally awesome. Very personable, funny as hell and willing to respond to any question regarding their wine production include yeast variation anyone could possibly ask.
This is a must go!!!
3 good things about this place. $5 tasting for 8 wines, word. Small cozy unpretentious place, word. Port chocolate wine sauce, word!
We stopped by here totally randomly because some douche-bag with Lamborghini had to smash into a bus and stopped the traffic. Other wise we would have never found this lovely place.
Wine was okay. Good deal if you want to get drunk for $5!
As a former Napkin, this is 0ne of my favorite places to come when I am visiting the other side of the hill, mainly because it's none of the pretentious crap that makes us true locals cringe at being party to.
Bob and Mike are some of the most fun brothers and winemakers you will ever meet. The chenin blanc is amazing for a variety you don't see enough of here in the valley.
There desert wine is incredible, especially if you do it with the chocolate as well. (But who can really turn down wine and chocolate I ask you?)
The merlot has an amazing cedar and pipe tobacco quality that seems to return year after year, telling me the terroir is coming through in the wine, and both are characteristics that I dig in a good red.
If you are in the area, or planning on coming to the area this is a MUST DO on any list. If need be - scratch the Castle, the picnic, the film tour the what have yous - this is the place you need to check out to see what true artisan winemaking is all about.
Also they have a beautiful bed and breakfast cottages - if you are looking for a place to stay up in the valley. They are moderately priced, and there is more information on their website.
So - GO GO GO! Check them out, oh and you can tell them that:
"cookie's neice" sent ya.
One of the best on St. Helena's wine strip. I have a bottle of Milat's zin that I refuse to open - not because it's mediocre, but because it's too damn good. I want to relish its every characteristic. Upon first taste of this nectar I was paralyzed with pleasure. I wanted to suspend time and experience that the one moment when the wine becomes mouth-temperature and before it falls into the nether regions of the body and becomes one with the soul. Also: Bob is quite the raconteur. His wife (can't remember her name?) was a doll and a half. I really felt like I was at home. I will repeat myself: Milat is one of the best on the St. Helena Strip.
Great place, super nice, unpretentious, and a really friendly owner....this was a great find. Thanks, Yelp! I was not a huge fan of any of their wines, but I loved coming in here anyway. We wound up buying the chocolate port sauce which was delicious! If you need a break from overpriced, stuffy places to taste, check this place out!
Bob and Mike Milat have got to be two of the most awesome people ever to make wine. Seriously, these two are so laid back and personable it is impossible not to love them.
My friends and I tend to employ a highly scientific method for wine tasting when in Napa (i.e. Hey, that place looks cool, let's stop there), we stumbled upon Milat in just such a way. If you're looking for a place that is delightfully unpretentious, a place where you can ask questions about wine and not be made to feel like an idiot, a place you are made welcome and has some damn good wine, this is your place.
Tasting is five bucks, which is credited toward any bottle of wine you purchase or you can keep the glass if you collect such things.
Once again, a brief taste of how Napa used to be. I talked to Bob Milat for a long while at the winery, about how people need to drink more Merlot, about the upcoming crush, and about life and the universe in general. Great guy. The winery wasn't that busy, so the tasting was relaxed and very enjoyable.
If you drive past this place, you're making a mistake. There are few real family wineries anymore, and damn few wineries where you can have a conversation with the actual wine maker. Stop in, relax, and have some good wine at very reasonable prices.
This small winery may not be the most flashy but it packs in the fun. The older guy who served us the wine was very funny and outgoing. I don't know his name but if you go there, you'll figure out who I'm talking about.
The tasting room is fairly small but there's a lot of wine to go around. The wines are good and taste pretty much like a decent bottle of wine should taste. With your wine, you get good doses of sarcasm and uncensored jokes from the guy behind the counter.
The tastings don't cost anything (big plus) and the wines are affordable. I recommend a stop here if you're heading through Napa and want to avoid the stuffier, larger, higher profile and more expensive wineries.
Milat Vineyards is truly a gem in St. Helena. This is a must visit and RE-VISIT stop. Bob and Mike Milat absolutely add to the wine-tasting experience - it's like you taste and have stand-up comedy in their simple tasting room. Go to Milat to enjoy all varietals of wine - from whites to reds to their port, they are on point and so affordable. You won't be disappointed. And their guest cottages in the back are a real treat if you want to stay like a local. Cheers!
This place is unpretentious, friendly, and sells great wines. The tastings are reasonably priced or free w/ a purchase, which is a way better deal than most places on the main strip in Napa. I particularly love the buttery Chardonnay (a hit at our last Thanksgiving), the Pine Station red, and the chocolate port sauce (mmmm makes a great gift if you can stop yourself from keeping it all to yourself... (sheepish grin)). My husband and I moved back east so, alas, we won't be visiting very often, but we intend to order a case to help satisfy our cravings in the interim. My only complaint is that one time I bought a bottle there and when I came home I discovered it was leaking. Had to drink it asap since it was essentially open (woe is me) and it was fine, but I would have preferred to save it. I emailed them to complain and never heard back. That is star-loss worthy in my book (all I wanted was an apology).
This is cute, and one that probably often gets missed. I like that they give you LOTS of information on the tasting sheet... Case production, Brix, etc... Good wines. Small family-owned feel. Check it out.
I read so many great reviews about this winery and was really excited to check the place out--I'm always looking for small, family-run wineries whose wines can't be found at places like BevMo or Safeway. I was pretty disappointed. The wines weren't all that exciting and our pourer was more interested in getting caught up on the latest small town gossip than she was in talking to us about the wines. What a disappointment!
Been going to Napa for the past five years and this is always our first stop. I love that the family is so involved, our first visit we learned the story behind the vineyard and the people are always so happy to talk w/ people from Hawaii. Their chenin blanc is to die for, like others have said. Their chocolate saue too... I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but their sauce is so good and light, I ended up buying ten bottles for xmas and other gifts.
Mr. Milat gave us a private lecture on Wine Industry 101 for good one hour. I didn't like his wines but that didn't matter. I'd go back again and again to listen to his amusing stories.
Very nice, old, vintage family owned winery in Napa. Located just on the Hwy 29 strip, Milat gives wine tasters a great opportunity to stop and enjoy the less crazy, smaller and more exquisite valuable's that Napa has to offer. You get the home touch here, greeted by the owner couple and learn the history of their winery. I wanted to stay here for while but they had to close at 6. They even offer a guest house if you're interested in skipping downtown Napa and enjoy the serenity of the st. helena side of the valley.
This is a nice, family-owned ,small winery with good wines. I would return.
Loved the wines, it was an even bigger bonus to be poured by Mr. Milat himself. The Merlot was great (and I hate most Merlots) and the Chenin Blanc was pretty impressive. You'd make a mistake to pass this up.
Amazing wines! We had our first bottle at a Fleming's and the waiter had recommended it highly. Even with all the expensive wines we've tasted (some over $100) their cab is still one of our top 5 favorites! We met Mike who was pouring tastings while we were there and he is as down to earth as everyone says. Actually chatting with one of the owners is always a treat. We walked away with a case of cab and a case of their Pine Station Red Table Wine, which is an amazing table wine! It is our new favorite every day wine. Goes with steaks, burgers, pizza, even tacos! Do not miss Milat if you are in Napa.
Went with my boyfriend and a friend of mine that was visiting from SoCal. All of us were Napa virgins, and we were all so glad this was our first stop! My boyfriend was recommended their Zinfandel by a friend about a year ago. We looked and looked for it in stores only to find out that they do not distribute to stores. Not only was Mr. Milat very entertaining and personable (and generous with the tastings), but the wine was fantastic. I ended up buying the Merlot while my boyfriend bought the Chardonnay. I also enjoyed the Port and the Chenin Blanc, both of which will be purchased on our next visit. Like others have said, finding a family owned and operated estate winery is getting harder to find in Napa, so make sure you visit this place!
