Saddleback Cellars

The first thought that comes to mind as you pull into the driveway of Saddleback Cellars may be “Hmm. Perhaps they’re not open.” The nondescript, rustic tasting room, tucked into one corner of their winery, is marked only by a small sign and an open door. Once inside though, a cozy wooden table and tasting counter, as well as a set of longhorns, come into view, and all doubts evaporate. The winemaker, Nils Venge, is something of a Napa Legend, having won the honor of producing Napa’s first 100 point Parker wine (the 1985 Groth Reserve) and today, he’s often seen hanging around the winery, happy to meet and greet visitors or help out on a bottling line.