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The wine country in Northern California is second to none. Napa Valley is one of the most recognizable areas known for wine. About an hour north of San Francisco, you are away from the city life here. You are among vineyards and tasting rooms. With so many wineries in Napa Valley, it might be hard to decide where to go. I stumbled upon Saddleback Cellars on a whim. We may have gotten lost on our way there, but once we arrived we proceeded to discover why Saddleback Cellars is the best hidden winery in Napa Valley.
As an added bonus, I write this blog post while drinking Saddleback Cellars wine. I look forward to my shipment every quarter and love the selections. Cheers!
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
1. The Wine
There is a lot of good wine in Napa Valley. Most of the wine I tasted was “good”. Sure, there were a few bottles I fell in love with and purchased, but I was not obsessed. Well, I was not obsessed until I found Saddleback Cellars. The white wine, the red wine, the reserve wine, I fell in love with it all.
My favorite white wine is the Pinot Blanc. At $32 a bottle, this wine is perfect for a warm afternoon.
My favorite red wine is the Three T’s. I have introduced this wine to a lot of wine snobs I am friends with (no offense – I am becoming a snob, too!). Everyone who has tried it has shared the rave over it.
Check out Saddleback Cellars on YELP.
2. The Prices
Even though I spent a lot of money at Saddleback Cellars, I can tell you it was a DEAL. There is so much cost that goes into a trip to Napa Valley. Every winery charges tasting fees, plus any bottles you purchase, and so on. At Saddleback Cellars in Napa Valley, my eyes did not bulge out when looking at the prices. They are REASONABLE.
Because the winery is a small operation, they do not have a huge overhead. They are able to charge reasonable prices and reinvest into their amazing wine.
Cost: The cost for a tasting is $35 per person. If I remember correctly, if you buy a certain number of bottles, your tasting fee is waived.
Book your tasting now through Cellarpass.
3. The Patio
You will sip your wine on the picnic tables on the patio. Trees hang overhead and the vines are only feet away from you. It is relaxing to put your feet up and sip wine. At most other wineries, you are one table of many. You overhear conversations around you and are around a bustling business. At Saddleback Cellars, you are set back in this quiet patio where you can enjoy being with your friends and wine.
4. The Vines
Did I mention the vines are literally right next to you? As you sip your wine, the grapes are growing only feet away. It shows how locally owned and operated this winery is when you sit with the vines within touching distance.
5. The Experience
I was sold on Saddleback Cellars in Napa Valley. We showed up on a Thursday afternoon and were one of the few tables of people. As the afternoon went on, we had more and more fun with our wine educator. She shared stories about the winery and fun facts about Napa Valley. She also knew the best places to take pictures and let us snap some photos in the vineyard.
6. The Views
Saddleback Cellars puts the “valley” in Napa Valley. In this little oasis, I felt like we were tucked away as the mountains and wine country surrounded us. The views provided plenty to take in while sipping wine.
The second time I went to Saddleback Cellars, it rained for a few minutes as we were arriving. Even in the grey skies, the sun found a way out and we were able to take in the views.
7. The Experience
What I love about Saddleback Cellars is their commitment to making the experience for their guests. They are not trying to impress with fancy wine knowledge and big words. They want to make sure you are comfortable and drinking wine that you like best.
8. The Wine Club
The first time I visited the winery, I signed up for the Posse Wine Club. There are different tiers of membership.
The following information is from Saddleback Cellars’ official website:
- The Deputy Posse – 3 (2 reds and 1 white) bottles of wine, 4 times a year. Plus, 20% off all wine and complimentary tastings at the winery. There is also a Deputy Red Posse where you can choose all 3 bottles of red wine. The cost ranges around $110 – $120 per shipment.
- The Sheriff Posse – 6 (4 reds and 2 whites) bottles of wine, 4 times a year. Plus, 20% off all wine and complimentary tastings at the winery. There is also a Sheriff Red Posse where you can choose all 6 bottles of red wine. The cost ranges around $200 – $240 per shipment.
- The Marshall Posse (Case Club) – 12 (8 reds and 4 whites) bottles of wine, 4 times a year. Plus, 20% off all wine and complimentary tastings at the winery. There is also a Marshall Red Posse where you can choose all 12 bottles of red wine. The cost ranges around $420 – $485 per shipment.
In addition to the wine club shipments and complimentary tastings, there are also deals exclusive for members.
For example, I received emails for 28% off their ENTIRE store for the 4th of July. During the Christmas Season, wines were 25% off. For my one year anniversary of being a member, I got a 30% off deal.
You cannot beat these deals! Not to mention, I absolutely love the wine. It truly is the best of both worlds.
9. The Location
Saddleback Cellars is located in Oakville. It is in between Napa and St. Helena so you can stop in as you bounce around. The winery is small and is easy to drive right past. Be sure to plug in the address.
Saddleback Cellars is approximately 15 minutes away from the famous Trefethen Family Vineyards. The winery is also approximately 20 minutes from Trinchero Napa Valley Winery where we also enjoyed amazing wine.
Book Your Trip Now
I had so much fun sipping my red wine while writing about this amazing winery. My friends and I had so much fun here and we want the world to know about this little slice of paradise.
Have you been to Saddleback Cellars in Napa Valley before? Please share your experience below.
Can’t get enough of wine country? Check out the complete guide to 24 hours in Napa Valley.
I love recommendations! Do you have any favorite wineries in Napa Valley? Please share below.
Cheers!
