Dana Estates — Attraction in St. Helena

I came to hear about Dana somewhat serendipitously through a colleague and am so glad that I did!

First, Dana (pronounced DAH-nah) has three wine labels, all made by the same winemaker (Chris Cooney) and produced using similar hand-crafted techniques: Dana: a cult winery with many 100 pt wines, only available to members, several year waiting list to be a member. Let's skip over this as not attainable to you and I ;-) Onda: makes one wine (a cab) and does it really well. Chris collaborates with famed winemaker Philippe Melka to make this stellar wine! These wines are only available for purchase at the Napa tasting room (where you can try a vertical). The tasting room experience is Zen-like with private rooms and a very relaxing experience. I wish I had photos to share... I will post them later after another meditative visit. I highly recommend visiting Onda and enjoying the cabs! It's worth it! Definitely on par or better than well-known names like Silver Oak, Stag's Leap ... in fact... I'd say the Onda cab is far better. More drinkable young than SLV, but highly age-worthy. Collectors' wines. Vaso: I cringe to call this "entry level" because the Vaso cab was just as religious a drinking experience as the Onda but at half or 1/3 the price. Vaso label also makes an age-worthy Sauv Blanc that is oak aged. I know, no one does that. Vaso does. This is a really stellar and unique expression of the SV grape. Vaso wines are available for purchase on the website and the tasting room. The tasting room is in a separate building from Onda but on the same property. It's a lovely open air barn with an upscale and modern feel that is also somehow rustic, lounge-y and comfortable as well. While it's nice that the wines are available on the web site, you'd be doing yourself a dis-service not to visit the tasting room.

I can't say enough good things about Vaso and Onda! I'll be back, I'll be buying more wine, I'll be happy. =)

And darn, why didn't I take a...

From the moment I set foot on the beautifully manicured grounds of Dana Winery, it was clear that this was going to be a wine tasting experience unlike any other. Nestled in the heart of Napa, Dana Winery is not just a testament to world-class wines but also to an unparalleled devotion to viticulture and wine-making traditions.

The star of our visit, undoubtedly, was Charlie, our wine tour guide. With an infectious enthusiasm, Charlie took us on a journey that was as much about the heart and soul of Dana Winery as it was about its exquisite wines. His knowledge was vast, effortlessly bridging the gap between novice wine enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. Through the stories he shared, the history of the winery, and the intricacies of each wine, he crafted an unforgettable narrative that held us captivated from beginning to end.

The wines, of course, were a symphony of flavors, with each glass bringing forth the dedication, passion, and expertise that Dana Winery pours into every bottle. Each sip revealed a depth of character, from robust reds to refreshing whites, painting a vivid palette of Napa's finest terroir.

But what truly set Dana Winery apart was the ambiance. There's an undeniable magic in the air, a harmonious blend of history, nature, and passion that resonates with every visitor. The picturesque vineyards stretching to the horizon, the gentle hum of the winery at work, and the embrace of the Californian sun come together to create a haven for wine lovers.

Dana Winery is a gem in Napa Valley's crown. For those looking to immerse themselves in the essence of Napa and discover wines that speak volumes of dedication and love, Dana Winery is...

Ok this was an absolute HIDDEN GEM I came across before going to Napa for our first time. I booked reservations at Domaine Chandon, Quintessa, and Far Niente but our group favorite was Dana estates. We loved it so much I recommended it to a friend that was additionally out there at the same time and with the last minute referral, they got their party in. This feels like a private tasting as they only allow one group to the estate at a time. The scenery is breathtaking, the estate is stunning and the wine... OUTSTANDING! Our favorite was their Sauvignon Blanc because it was so unique and peach tasting as well as their 2017 Cabernet. Bob led our group and built such a personal connection to us that it made us not want to leave for the next tasting, 1000% recommend this estate as you will have an experience unlike what you receive at the...