What I like about VJB is as soon as I walk in I feel like a celebrity. Everyone recognizes me, some even by name. They make sure that I, and the guests I bring, are well taken care of. Usually I am greeted by Henry Belmonte, who greets everyone and makes you feel welcome.
This winery combines great Cal-Ital wines with fresh Italian-inspired California cuisine.
The winery is setup with a tasting room, deli, outdoor pizza oven, dessert/gelato bar and coffee bar, all surrounding an open, inviting courtyard. Nice music plays throughout the property, which is located in Kenwood.
The wines they produce are Cal-Ital varietals, along with some of the local varietals. They make a Primotivo, Aglianico, Barbera, Montepulciano, Albarino, Tocai Fruilano, and Sangiovese, along with some blends. There is Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, as well. You can either do a tasting flight, or do wine by the glass. You can order a pizza, prepared fresh, along with some nice antipasto salads (gluten free) from the deli, and enjoy on the patio. In the courtyard are nice patio tables with comfortable seating and umbrellas. You can have either a romantic lunch for two, or end a nice day of wine tasting with a group and some tasty small bites. To me this is a one stop shop because you can get snacks, entrees, desserts, coffee, and, oh, yes, wine.
The architecture is interesting, as well. The main building is a stone building, newly built. It was fun watching the building go up. The main building houses the tasting room, deli and an art gallery/great room upstairs. There is a nice view of the Mayacamas mountains from the north window and the courtyard from the south.
This is a great place to escape into. It is almost as if as you walk through the gate you are transported to another place. I really do like that experience of being able to come taste wine, get tasty food, sit, people watch in the courtyard, get gelato or coffee, and relax. The wines are only available at the winery, but it is certainly worth the trip for both the wines and the experience.
Cheers!
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