The Salon at Heitz Cellar — Restaurant in Napa Valley AVA

Having visited Heitz last year (2017) and greatly enjoyed the tasting we highly anticipated returning this year for another visit. Last year there was no charge for the tasting, a rarity in Napa. This year they started charging for tastings which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unfortunately the experience from arrival through tasting was a disappointment. When we arrived we were met by hostesses and asked to fill out a card with contact info. Tastings are $35 per person but when asked if we could share a tasting (which is very common) we were told quite snottily: “We don’t allow sharing of tastings. Two tastings or nothing”. That should have been our cue to leave.

The tasting simply fell flat. The Sauvignon Blanc tasted heavy and had an unpleasant after taste. Next the Grignolino, which was described to us in less than flattering terms, was lacking in any real depth or flavor. And the Cab was just so, so with a less than pleasant after taste.

I don’t begrudge any winery that charges for tastings. However, with new ownership, the tasting room has lost its former charm and simple elegance. The tasting staff certainly don’t seem nearly as eager and excited about their wines as last year. And the offerings just didn’t match up to Heitz’ reputation. Spend your...

We have been going to Heitz for years, we love their wines, I really enjoy their Port, the fact you were family owned and always loved being greeted by the little dog, which gave it a warm & fuzzy feeling. We stopped by today, 1/18, and immediately looked for our favorite furry greeter and was told he was no longer allowed to come. I'm sorry but there are books called the "Winery Dogs" I wonder if they have you seen it?!?!? I know there are new owners, and if they are reading this, FYI...THIS is NOT an improvement, that dog has been there, greeting us for years, so if someone had an issue tell them to go to another winery; it's not like there is a shortage of options. I would have given you a higher score, but have a hard time giving more than a 3 star rating due to the fact they are no longer a dog friendly winery. 3.26.19: I want to add even though you have lost that warm, fuzzy feeling your wines have...

Like many other reviewers, I used to love Heitz before the ownership change. Sure, the free tastings were a perk, but it was the atmosphere and the openness that made Heitz stand out from the dozens of other wineries down the road. On my most recent visit, we were greeted outside the winery by someone who was very keen on taking our contact information and payment before we could even step foot inside the tasting room. This was a rather bitter start to the tasting, which is priced quite high compared to other wineries. Our server was very nice and generous, and the outdoor view was still amazing serene. The wines were still delicious, with the tasting fee waived with varying combination of purchases. I'm not sure if I would visit again given the hoops we had to jump through to even get seated but their wines are...