Buehler

Buehler Vineyards sits high in the hills east of St. Helena and is refreshingly upfront about what visiting involves. The winery is also the Buehler family home, so visits are by appointment only, Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm. Retail sales exist, in their words, by popular demand for the few hardy souls who make the drive up.

That is a narrow window and a real drive, which is exactly why it works for the right group: no crowds and no theatre. Michael scores it a straight 8 across ambiance, wine and staff, which is high praise for a property with no visitor infrastructure to speak of. Tasting is $25 per person, waived with a wine purchase or wine club sign-up, and they ask for 24 hours notice on cancellations. Book on 707-963-2155 or by email. Best treated as a deliberate detour on a central Napa itinerary rather than a drop-in.