Larkmead Vineyards
1100 Larkmead Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-0167
Tours:
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Informal Tours
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Amenities:
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Scottish Piper on Sunday Mornings
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Price Range:
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$26 to $65 per bottle
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Established:
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1995
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Vineyards:
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120 acres
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Production:
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10,000 cases
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Winery Dog:
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Sophie & Dellwood
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Larkmead Vineyards Description
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.
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