Ballentine Vineyards is a small, charming, family-run winery with a rich history of Napa Valley grape-growing and winemaking. Ballentine produces 100-percent
estate-grown wines, with specialties of Chenin Blanc and Zinfandel.

Ballentine owns 100 acres of vines spread among the Crystal Springs Vineyard at the base of Howell Mountain, Pocai Ranch between the Napa River and the Silverado Trail, and the Home Vineyard at the winery. After generations of
grape-growing in the area and selling their fruit to valley neighbors Caymus, Rombauer, Rosenblum, Ravenswood and Mondavi, Betty and Van Ballentine decided to start their own winery.

In 1995, they built their facility behind their 100-year-old farmhouse. They revived the original bonded winery number 3595 issued to Van’s father John Ballentine in 1933 after Prohibition ended.

The tasting room is a simple affair attached to the side of the metal-sided winery building with a small counter, friendly staff and a nice mix of wines to sample. These include Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and a port.