With vineyards dating back to the late 1800s, Larkmead focuses primarily on
100-percent estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Their stylish by-appointment-only tasting room opened in spring 2006, allowing visitors to have a very personal wine-tasting experience.

The new tasting room is surrounded by gardens; it has a wrap-around veranda outfitted with Adirondack chairs and an enclosed lanai. Inside it is bright and airy, with neither a T-shirt nor tote bag in sight. A fireplace and comfortable chairs surround the centerpiece tasting bar.

After ten years of making wine at other facilities, a new winery was constructed in 2005 with state-of-the-art systems, including the use of solar power.

Larkmead utilizes sustainable farming methods, with minimum pesticide use and a strong emphasis on detailed canopy management. The soils of their vineyard are rocky with good drainage, resulting in lower yields and concentrated flavorful fruit.

Two-thirds of their fruit is sold to other Napa Valley wineries. New blocks of Syrah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc have been recently planted. On Sunday mornings, a Scottish piper can be heard soothing the homesick hearts of Larkmead’s winemaker and staff.