Crafting tours since 1999
VGS Chateau Potelle sells itself on a phrase, excellence without the pretense, and the Tasting House and Garden in St. Helena is built to match: elegant and restrained but relaxed and, in their own word, delightfully irreverent.
The speciality is single-vineyard wines, so each bottling reflects a particular site rather than a blended house style. The range is wide for a boutique producer, taking in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. The Chicago Tribune compared the wines to a Chanel suit, which is the kind of line a winery keeps. Michael scores it a flat 7 throughout. Visits are by appointment at 1200 Dowdell Lane, and there is a travel programme alongside the membership. Good for a central Napa itinerary that wants variety.
