Sinegal Estate Winery — Attraction in St. Helena

In November 2024, I hosted a wine tasting for me and my friends for my birthday. My host, whose name I will leave out for now, treated us with a series of micro to blatant aggressions, which I will detail below When we arrived, my friend asked if there was a trash she could throw her water bottle out in. The host said, “Throw it out in the bathroom.” While giving us a tour of the vineyard, the host mentioned that groups are allowed to host pizza parties and picnics. He then pointed out that because my boyfriend was only a silver key member, we’d only be allowed to host pizza parties In the tasting room, the host asked my boyfriend how long he had been a member of the vineyard. My boyfriend responded 5 months. The host then went to his office. When the host came back, he told my boyfriend that he had checked, and my boyfriend had only been a member for 4 years The host mentioned that I had spent $X amount on the tasting for my friends (group of 6) and that if they each purchased two bottles, I would get the money back When one of my friends asked if he could have an additional pour from the bottle that was already opened (and 75%) empty, the host told my friend that “he could buy a bottle.” Toward the end of the tasting (4 pm), after my boyfriend had purchased a bottle of rose and when it became apparent that no one else in the group was going to buy any bottles, the host opened the main door of the tasting room which let in the cold winter air. We kept closing the door to keep out the cold, but the host kept reopening it (our tasting had not ended yet) At 4:30 pm, the host swung open the door again and told us, “It’s...

My boyfriend and I booked (and paid good money for) a tasting AND tour here, but only got a tasting. And the length was far shorter than what we booked (like 30-45 minutes versus 90 minutes, if I remember correctly). Not only were we ripped off, but the man hosting the tasting was extremely condescending (almost contemptuous) and it felt like we were being rushed. They don't even let you look at the lake/pond if you're not a member (and even if you are, there are restrictions on it, if I remember correctly).

It was made VERY clear throughout the "experience" that they look down on you if you're not a member, and even more so if you don't buy any bottles. The snobbery and obvious money-hungry/elitist attitude surrounding membership was gross. If nothing else, it was unprofessional.

I'm not sure if it's because my boyfriend and I are somewhat younger and more casually dressed than most folks in Napa Valley, or if it had something to do with my boyfriend being brown, but we haven't had this issue at any other winery we've been to.

The wine was fine. Not my favorite, but that's subjective.

If you like being ripped off and condescended to, this is the...

I've been to Napa a lot over the years and always say there is no such thing as a bad trip to Napa. This trip was no exception. Sinegal has great wine and a beautiful property. There were some staffing issues on the day of our visit and our party of 8 had a couple of bumps, but when ownership became aware they fixed the situation with haste and class. It is obvious they care about their estate and your experience while visiting and made an effort to make it right. Sometimes you can learn more about a company when things don't go perfectly and you get a glimpse into their true character. I was impressed with ownership and I would return and enjoy their beautiful wine...