3/16/2019

We began our Napa journey around the corner from the tasting room at Stonehedge. However, we didn't realize there even was a tasting room.  Our journey took us to the actual estate and vineyard on a nearly empty tank of gas.

We took highway 29 up, over,  and through expecting a traditional winery experience and arrived just after 5 PM.  We buzzed at the gate and were met with the most amazing hospitality.  The vinyard estate is currently closed to non-members.  We were allowed in to freshen up, take some photos and get directions to the nearest gas station approximately 8 miles away.  Directions were critical because the alert to get gas was on AND none of us had phone reception.

No one at the Brown Estate Vineyards had to answer the gate. They did. No one present had greet us warmly. Everyone acknowledged our presence with at least a wave and a smile.  Furthermore they didn't have to spend any time providing the history of the grounds, the family or giving us tips on their tasting room!  

This makes me want to visit their tasting room as well as become a member.  I'm really looking forward to it.

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  Charming

  Charming
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  Natural beauty

  Natural beauty
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  I kind of wish I'd known about this before my wedding.

  I kind of wish I'd known about this before my wedding.
• See all photos from Joanna B. for Brown Estate Vineyards

2/25/2019

I've come to the tasting room twice. I love their tasting room because it's not as busy as some of the other tasting rooms/wineries in the area because they go by appointment only. You have one person assigned to help you which was really nice. The ambiance is really nice.

The wines and cheese plates are very tasty and the folks their are very knowledgeable about their wines.

3/18/2019

Beautiful Red Trees at the Brown Estate.  Unfortunately we didn't get to do a tasting  because Yelp had the address for the actual estate and they do not do tastings for non members but they were gracious enough to allow us on the property for a brief moment. They could've easily turned us away but instead allowed us on the property to use the restroom due to the long ride there and gave us a bit of history on the origins of the winery! They had a family gathering and flooding weeks before so we could not get a tour due to this things but as we were leaving their family was going to their vehicles and everyone was so friendly and welcoming which is all the more reason I will be back! It felt welcoming and like family!

10/21/2018

We drove all the way from SF to Napa to visit this black-owned winery and ended up at a wine bar on the second floor of a strip mall.

The bartenders and wine were decent. A cool place to visit if you're in the area. But overall, not worth the trip by itself.

1/31/2019

I've never been but my mom travels to their vineyards often and absolutely loves it! She brings their wine to every gathering we go to and it's always a hit!!

2/24/2017

When it was confirmed that I would be making my triumphant return to Napa I only had one definite: Make it to Brown Estate Vineyards.  You are probably wondering about this whole self-proclaimed triumphant return.... I aint one to gossip, but listen here... I had been to Downtown Napa once before and wasnt impressed. AT ALL.  A friend of mine made it his mission to SHOW me the real Napa. And voila!!!! Im back in Napa.

Now back to my original story.... Brown.  Yes, I had made it a point at the beginning of the year to support more minority-owned winemakers and wine businesses.  On any list you google, Brown Estate is the leader of the pack.  So, BOOM. I made it.  

So, as most of you may know quite a few wineries in the "Napa" area require a reservation. My ability to plan ahead in slim to none, closer to none. So we called DAY OF.  And guess what, they had an open spot at 2.

:::::LOCATION::::::

We were having lunch in St, Helena and somehow we had 13 minutes to get  22 minutes away.  Lawd, Imma be late.  And at $50 a pop, I dont wanna be late. But I was anyways.  Look, let me tell yall now...Brown Estate far.... REAL far. Worth it, but far.  It was raining, so we werent able to "floor" it.  One great thing, the drive there is amazing.

Brown is located between Lake Hennessy and Lake Berryessa.  Once you arrive to the property you have to be buzzed in.

:::::PROPERTY::::::

Again, so the estate is amazing. Original buildings with the big build up being the barn.  I wont tell the total history, thats a part of the tour.  But it is truly stunning.  The estate is family-owned, designed and decorated. The Browns have wonderful style.

:::::TOUR/TASTING:::::

So, the tour started off with a tour....but like I said I was late. I missed that part. But I arrived in time for the wine. YEAH BOY

With each wine there was a pairing.  OMG the pairings were so delicious.

- We started off withe the 2014 Betelgeuse (White wine) to wet our whistle. I kinda had to down it, so I could be ready for the technical 1st wine.

- 2013 Rosemary's Block Zinfandel (4 Stars), really good Zin. I tasted a great deal of tart/citrus in this wine.  But was delicious.

- 2013 Mikey's Block Zinfandel (5 Stars), amazing.  My favorite.  Its amazing how the same grapes grown on different parts of the property taste different. This Zin was more well-rounded and full.

- 2013 Chiles Valley Zinfandel (4 Stars), this Zin tasted earthy, sorta spicy. Yum.

- 2014 Petite Syrah (4 Stars), I really liked this PS.  And most Petite Syrahs arent my style.

We also tasted the Duppy Conqueror and Chaos Theory. I ended up buying 2 bottles of Chaos.  I really love blends, and Chaos is the perfect blend.  A wonderful wine to have as a house wine or a wine for multiple palates.

I. Love. Brown.

I will order online, and visit every time I'm in Napa.

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• See all photos from Amaya S. for Brown Estate Vineyards

4/21/2018

Not just the wine being fabulous but I left the tour with knowing Anything is possible as long as you have a vision and work hard for it.  I am  very proud to be a member at the Brown Estate Vineyards. Just amazing  grounds, wine, and great on the wine paring . Our tour host was amazing. She explained to us the difference from  just owing  a taste room to the Browns  actually being the only black owned vineyard  in Napa Ca that makes their  wine on their vineyard . I love my  black history and love being able to soak all this greatness in . I only see more amazing things to come   for the Browns so get ready

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  Love me time at the Brown Vineyards

  Love me time at the Brown Vineyards
• See all photos from Valerie S. for Brown Estate Vineyards

1/16/2017

• 1 check-in

I came to this winery after winning the tasting tour at a silent auction and trying some of their wine included in the prize (amazing).

Arriving, it's a beautiful drive through the back of The Valley to a private gate and then deep into the property. The landscape is gorgeous and there is a little green garden and goats in a small range just off the tasting room. They are really friendly!

You are welcomed into the tasting room by wonderful staff, so friendly and make you feel at home. The story of the Brown family establishing the winery is awesome, but I can't spoil the story here! You will have to go! :)

You enter the caves which are beautiful and small, giving it the boutique feeling. The best part of the tour is the wine! They are best for Zinfandel wines and they were all incredible. Each wine is paired with a fruit/cheese combination to give you an explosion of flavor! Of course, sweet talk your host and you'll try even more wine and make it a party!

I absolutely recommend Brown, I want to go back just for the fun and wine, maybe even join the club.

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  Welcome to Brown

  Welcome to Brown
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  Just artistic

  Just artistic
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  The venue gazebo

  The venue gazebo
• See all photos from Armando S. for Brown Estate Vineyards

1/15/2018

This was a once in a lifetime experience. My friends and I decided to try the downtown location (corner of Coombs & First in Napa), the only location available to taste Brown wines since their change in marketing in 2018. We made a reservation and arrive about 10 mins early to find that the description of the location left a lot to be desired. There was no signage and the corner, we called for directions and did not get helpful information and  entrance faces an alley-like street with construction equipment in it...not appealing to prospective customers hoping for a enjoyable afternoon. Once inside, we took the elevator to the second floor to be greeted by a lovely blond woman, who asked us to wait for our table to be prepared for our reserved time. We obliged and once seated, couldn't help but wonder why the wait? There were 6 other customers in the place with plenty of open seating. We were seated  at a family style table with contemporary benches and another group, even though there were private couches with tables available...not an exclusive feel for what is expected from an appointment only establishment.
Tasting flights run between $40-$50...Yes, tasting flights are between $40-50 with that fee being complementary if 4 bottles or more are purchased...expensive.
Lastly, the wine. Honestly, it was on par with grocery store brands, but at about quadruple to price, ranging from $28-$125 per bottle. I purchased two of the most expensive bottles, but felt as if I did not have an experience to validate the cost.
Overall, the staff was friendly, the cheese plate was good, the decor was nice but the experience was lackluster. This brand is  attempting to make themselves exclusive, without delivering anything decadent or luxurious in return; a very risky game which will not support return business. So, go, experience, but know what you're getting into.

11/16/2018

Fun experience.  Sean took great care of us.

Cost of the tasting is a bit on the higher end for the pour related to other tasting rooms, but overall a beautiful space with tasty wine and beautiful people.  Loved the Zinfandels and their cheese plate!

10/2/2018

Excellent experience! Highly suggest you become a member to experience the variety of tasty wines. As well as tour the vineyard.

9/29/2018

I love Brown Estates wine. The tasting room is beautiful and Haley was serving us. She was lovely and so knowledgeable. A very enjoyable experience. I highly recommend Brown Eatate Wines

10/13/2018 Updated review

OMG! Once again we were overwhelmed by the graciousness of Brown! I can't begin to describe our experiences today plus the wine is top notch. Thank you!!!

12/14/2018

This was a treat!!!  One of the few Afro-American wineries.  Very classy, great ambience and stellar staff.  Shout out to Halle!!

11/2/2017

The service and wine was so awesome. Joined the wine club and received my first allotment and an extra  two bottles of my favs! A hidden gem in Napa

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  My first wine club allotment plus a few of my favs

  My first wine club allotment plus a few of my favs
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• See all photos from Michelle S. for Brown Estate Vineyards

1/13/2018

Location was surprising! I didn't expect it to be in downtown Napa. Awesome experience, great pairing, very knowledgeable sommelier and I appreciated the history of Brown!

12/9/2017

• 1 check-in

Wonderful wines with excellent service. Erica was awesome. We will definitely return on our next visit to the Napa area.

6/30/2017

Very nice winery.  I bought several bottles.  The pairings were perfect and the host was very knowledgeable and flexible with our late arrival and the even later arrival of other guests.

At the end of the day, I was proud to support the winery, a favorite of the Obama family.  However, I must have misunderstood what we were getting because I would have never paid  $100.00 for a tasting room experience at Brown.  I thought we would get a tour.  

Beautiful grounds and I will likely buy more bottles in the future.  I wish them much continued success, and next time I will visit their downtown tasting room.

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  Wine tasting set up

  Wine tasting set up
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  Beautiful decor in the tasting room

  Beautiful decor in the tasting room
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  Food pairings

  Food pairings

10/16/2016

If you have never been to Brown Estate you are missing out on a real treat. One of the few wineries to focus on Zins, the wines are top shelf (They have a Cab and a Chardonnay and some knock your socks off blends too).

This winery has a rich history and a unique story you must hear. They are innovative with their pairings and Coral is a delightful guide. Their unique grounds and cellars will charm you and give you a pleasant surprise at what is truly one of the best kept secrets in the valley.

5/13/2017

These guys now have a Tasting Room downtown above were Sushi Mambo used to be right next to the new hotel. I've had the pleasure of trying their 2015 Mickey's Block Zin and it's amazing. The staff I've had the pleasure of meeting was gracious and professional. I look forward to experiencing their entire line of wines especially now that they're local.