Miner Family Winery

Inviting Warmth at MINER FAMILY WINERY

BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINER FAMILY WINERY

It is fitting that Miner Family Winery’s logo is derived from the symbol for the Assyrian Sun God Ashur. The Oakvillebased winery and tasting room faces west, receiving a full day and, depending on the season, an evening share of sunlight that illuminates its two Silverado Trail-adjacent tasting terraces. That sunlight is also captured in the energy produced from a series of solar panels, which provide 100% of the winery’s power. Be it the sun and/or the convivial atmosphere, a visit to Miner is filled with inviting warmth.

“I have been visiting Napa regularly for 16 years and have visited literally hundreds of wineries, and there are so many reasons I visit Miner every single visit,” said fan and longtime Miner Family Winery club member Matt Siegel. “From my first visit more than 15 years ago to my last visit a couple of months ago, the staff always makes it a wonderfully personalized experience, and having awesome wines to showcase doesn’t hurt either!”

Miner offers five different tasting experiences, from a Current Release Tasting of core wines to private, elevated (literally) experiences within the newly refurbished second and third floor terraces that offer sweeping views of the Oakville AVA below and the Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. A 20,000 square foot cave, carved into the eastern hillside, provides an additional venue for bespoke experiences, as does the third-floor interior Benedetto Lounge, named for Miner Family Winery proprietor Dave Miner’s love of and partnership with Benedetto Guitars. Within this space, guests are surrounded by Miner’s guitar collection, including handcrafted custom models commissioned from master luthier Robert Benedetto himself.

Miner further honors his love of guitars with the annual Benedetto Jazz Concert & Benedetto Series Cabernet Wine Release Party in late August, a spirited wine country event that features some of the world’s finest jazz musicians. But aside from this popular event, even an everyday visit to Miner affords a celebratory vibe. The winery is exclusive but without pretense; the atmosphere is casual yet sumptuous, with tastings perfectly tailored to guest preference.

And the wines. The Miner portfolio runs the gamut. More than a dozen varietals provide choice – everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, all sourced throughout central and northern California from some of the state’s most acclaimed vineyards.

“What’s not to love about Miner Family?” asked Siegel rhetorically. “From the amazing wines to the wonderful staff, Miner always hits the mark.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.minerwines.com