Miner Family Winery
If you go to Napa and you have to choose just ONE winery to visit, you should know that the Miner Family Winery has a special place in the hearts of Napa County wine lovers. Here you will experience everything that Napa represents - warm hospitality, stunning views, and fantastic wines.
The Miner Family has pulled off something very special with their wines. Producing over 20 varietals they truly capture the essence of each one. From their flagship wine The Oracle, to their 4 Pinot Noirs (sourced from Santa Lucia Highlands), to Sangiovese, Viognier, Merlot, Rosato, and so many others in between… they get it-they understand how to bring out the best qualities in each particular varietal without trying to make it something more than what it is, and without trying to change it.
Viognier, for example, is my favorite white wine. When I sip a Miner Family Viognier I can taste the floral aspects of a California Viognier, as well as the acidity that comes from a French Viognier. It’s all there - everything that it claims to be. And they achieve this perfect balance over and over, year after year.
The Miner Family Flagship wine is The Oracle. It’s a blend of all 5 wines in the Bordeaux family; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. If you’ve ever wanted to be a winemaker (even for a day!), Miner offers you the opportunity to do just that. During this seminar you get to try your hand at blending your own version of The Oracle ($100 per person). You’ll taste and discuss the results, and go home with a half bottle of the current vintage of The Oracle. This is a unique and educational experience and it’s a way to really engage in the winemaking process.
Dave Miner lost his wife and co-founder Emily to lung cancer in 2011. Emily’s Cabernet was thereby introduced in 2016, and each year proceeds from her namesake wine are donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Emily and her love for wine and hospitality thrive on in the hearts of Dave, their beautiful children, and all of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Dave’s involvement in philanthropy doesn’t end with cancer research. He is a big supporter in the Jazz music scene. If you love Jazz Music you’ve probably heard of Benedetto Guitars. When Dave commissioned his first Benedetto Guitar he had it finished with his own Cabernet Sauvignon. Bob Benedetto was so enchanted by this that he began creating a ‘Vinodetto’ model for Dave each year. In turn, Dave releases a ‘Benedetto Signature Cabernet’.
He’s also passionate about hockey, and since 2004 Miner has been the official wine of the NHL. Every year proceeds from designated wines are donated to various charities supported by the NHL.
The Miner Family is in the midst of a spectacular remodel, which will include the aptly named, soon to be revealed, wine club member lounge upstairs, so be sure to include this Winery on your “must do” list next time you visit Napa Valley! – Lea Gourley
