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Make reservations before you go. Walking into Brown and riding the elevator up to the second floor, we had no idea what to expect, but the space surprised us. Cozy seating, warm lighting, and little areas that make the whole wine tasting feel personal (Being in a large living room with different seating areas). We were greeted right away and shown to our spots without any wait. Cynthia took care of us, and she was amazing. She knew the wines, walked us through each flight with confidence, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun rather than "you don't know much about wine". I would absolutely come back. My one comment is that they don't offer the full House of Brown collection for tasting. I tried the Chardonnay and wanted to explore more from that line, but it just wasn't available there. That's really my only issue and that's why I would give them a 4.5/5. Check them out if you haven't already done so. It's so amazing to go to a place and then go back to work (part-time job) and have someone ask you about that specific line of wines. I was extremely excited to inform the shopper of everything I learned. He purchased everything I showed him from the line and we talked about 30 minutes. Great place to visit.
Brown Downtown is usually booked well in advance so we were lucky to finally secure a reservation on the date we wanted! Christian welcomed us upon entry and we got to sit at the bar. They were pretty busy but our service was still great. They have a modern decor with several different seating areas. We didn't get anything to eat because of a later reservation but all of the wines we sampled were good. If you go to the bathroom, please be sure to check out the wallpaper, it's cool and has some history. Unfortunately I don't remember our hosts name but she was nice and super accommodating to our party. Can't wait to come back in the future!
This place felt exclusive and high end upon entering the establishment by elevator. The upstairs lounge setting was perfect for our small group. The staff were friendly, informative, and took time to describe the wines, we even were offered a surprise tasting of a wine not on our session. They also sell t-shirts.
On a Thursday afternoon, my husband and I enjoyed a beautiful drive to Downtown Napa. Here we had a wonderful experience of wine, small bites, hospitality and literature. No reservation was needed, as we were the first to arrive prior to others entering. Coming off the elevator, to the right is check in. We were greeted immediately and provided a menu to make our selections. The menu offered several different flight options along with a cheese board option. Once decided, we were seated in a beautiful window section with comfortable seating and natural lighting from the oversized window behind us. While we waited for service to begin, we browsed the book display of African American/Black literature available to explore and enjoy in house. Our beautiful Nubian hostess, with a chill vibe and infectious personality, was knowledgeable and well versed with our selections. Her vibe was not only welcoming, it was familiar and easy to connect with. Each item on the cheese plate was explained with origin and flavor profile. Each selection of our flight was provided the same background and accompanying story with flavor profile. Our experience was relaxed, at no time did we feel rushed. With the purchases of two bottles, one flight fee was waived and we went home with two bottles of the Brown Estate. On the wall is a display of House of Brown wines available for purchased from their Headquarters, a few doors to the left of Brown Downtown (as you are leaving). We ventured over and purchased a couple more bottles. The beautiful people at the headquarter location were just as friendly and welcoming. Oh and the restrooms, you have to check them out (even if you do not need to go) especially if you are from the Bay Area. The wall paper of the individual stall featured Angela Davis, Mac Dre, E 40, Too Short, Humpty, Grand Lake, Fairyland, BART, Waters, Joe Montana and more. It was pretty dope! Stop in. Enjoy! Drink up! Relax! I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone and everyone looking for good vibes, a great experience, exceptional service and an upper echelon wine experience. We will most certainly be returning, my husband is already planning a guys outing here. Yup, it's that good!
We returned to Napa during our annual trip yesterday and I wanted to support another Black-owned and -operated winery by purchasing a sampling of some of their appellations and taking them home. Brown was next on the list and we stopped in this afternoon after lunch. The spot is vibey, laid back, and easy. These is where our people are in downtown Napa, and we immediately felt welcome. We purchased a couple of bottles of their Betelgeuse Sauvignon Blanc. It was a quick in and out just like we wanted and needed today. I commend all to review the amazing website, visit and patronize them when in Napa, and learn the beautiful history of the Brown Estate. They have such a beautiful tasting room in downtown Napa that rivals others.
My friends and I did a little wine tasting in Downtown Napa where we could walk from tasting room to tasting room. We started our day at Brown Downtown Napa. Their wines are from the oldest black-owned winery in the Napa Valley, and the Brown family has spent the last 25+ years dedicated to some excellent wines. The tasting room was open at 10:30 and we got one of the last appointments online. Make sure to book early! The location was a little hard to find because the sign was small and high in the air--we entered with another party having the same issue. Nonetheless, once we got inside, we absolutely loved the vibe. Brick walls, great sofas, cool bar, well-set tables ready for our appointments. We got a few different tasting options so we could sample a variety of wines and they were all so wonderful. The wine glasses were even intentionally chosen--real crystal, delicate stems, incredible quality. They really added to the tasting experience. Our favorite wines were the Rosemary's Zin and the Betelgeuse Rosé. Our wine host was very knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. She gave us great background not only of the winery, but also of each wine. We needed a place to eat after and she also led us to a great cafe down the street. On the way out we stopped in the restrooms and my Bay Area heart was OBSESSED with the wallpaper. Will definitely go back the next time I'm planning wine tasting Downtown. Excellent way to start a day of wine tasting and support a black-owned business.
We went into downtown Napa to try Brown Downtown. While waiting for our table, we popped next door to their HQ pop-up. The wines there were tasty, and they even served us some delicious truffle chips. Once we checked in for our tasting reservation, our server Dani was amazing! We ordered two wine tastings -- one was all reds, mostly Zinfandels, and mine was a "choose your own experience" where I requested a Chardonnay and a Sirah. Dani surprised me with the other two wines based on our conversation, which made the experience feel very personalized. I loved that we got to try wines from a Black-owned winery -- it's rare and felt great to support a local Black-owned business. We also got their small cheese sampler platter (serves 1-3 people), and it was fantastic -- the cheddar cheese bites were especially delicious. There space, though small, was very open with a minimalist design. Their wine glasses were super light and made the tasting experience even better. Overall, it was a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience.
My family and I had an unforgettable wine tasting experience at Brown Downtown, Napa! Based off of several recommendations from friends and family - I definitely went with the expectation that this was going to be an elevated experience. This Black-owned gem truly impressed all of us! I particularly loved The of Brown Cabernet Sauvignon - it was bold, beautiful and full of character. The atmosphere was intimate and welcoming, and the staff passionate and knowledgeable. A unique spot that blends culture, quality, and community. Don't miss this one if you love a great red! And I highly recommend their Chaos Theory.
My partner and I had an amazing experience here at Brown. Our host Jamal was amazing and taught us so much about the craft behind Browns wine as well as the history. Truly enjoyed everything here! Thank you to Jamal!
We couldn't leave Napa without doing at least one wine tasting, and we chose Brown Downtown Napa because it's Black-owned and has amazing reviews. We walked into their downtown tasting room and were greeted right away. The staff explained that they actually have two different tasting locations: the one we entered carries the wines you can find in stores, and the other features what they called the "OG" wines the original wines from the Brown vineyard. Since the OG tasting also came with cheese boards, we decided to head there. The staff kindly walked us over and even took us up the elevator. Even though we didn't have a reservation, they welcomed us in and we only had to wait about five minutes. Our Wine Educator, Cynthia, was wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly, and patient which was perfect since we're not wine drinkers. She presented us with three tasting options, and we went with the Educator's Mix for a more customized experience. We also ordered the small cheese board to nibble on while we tasted. I loved the crackers and jam. Didn't eat too much cheese. We sat at the barstools and enjoyed the relaxed, stylish vibe. Out of the five wines I tasted, I really enjoyed two of them. I'm definitely a wine amateur, so that felt like a win! I also appreciated that they kept the water flowing so I could pace myself. Cynthia wished us a happy anniversary which was nice. We had such a great experience and took lots of pictures, bought a t-shirt as a keepsake, and of course, hubby had to check out the famous bathroom wallpaper everyone talks about. It was a fun, laid back, and memorable anniversary outing. I'd absolutely recommend Brown Downtown Napa for anyone looking for great wine, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Had a great experience wine tasting at Brown. My sommelier was knowledgeable about wines and the history of the Brown Winery. The charcuterie board had a lovely selection of cheeses, homemade cookies and jam. The establishment is beautiful and I definitely will be back.
I have experienced Brown Estate's beautiful tasting room many times over the years. My 1st visit was when my Alma mater did a buyout for an alumni event! You must have a reservation since they don't really take walk ins often. The wine servers are always so friendly and are well versed on the wines. I love that they always have books by Black authors on display and the vibe and decor is giving NY vibes with a California twist. My fav wines right now are their Zinfandel and their Chaos Theory but everything is good! Great spot to take 1st time Napa visitors! Do note this is not a lounge all day time of spot they will nicely and gently know when you need to wrap it up .
First black owned winery I've been too and hopefully not the last. Happy to see one in Napa. Very pleasant experience, clean and well put together establishment. Myserver was great, very detailed and knowledgeable about the wines. I choose to go with the white and red flight. I give it a 10/10.
2 months ago
Brown Downtown Winery was an amazing experience! The wines were excellent, and the variety of wines they offer was truly top of the class. There was something for everyone, and we really enjoyed getting to experience the different selections. The customer service was great, and the atmosphere was absolutely excellent. It was a great place to relax, enjoy some good wine, and take in the Napa experience. I highly recommend Brown Downtown Winery if you're ever in Napa. Definitely a 10 out of 10, and we will absolutely be going back! read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
This was an informative and pleasurable experience. We were about 10 minutes late after getting lost. The business waited for us to arrive to begin the tasting. (Thank you!) We elected for the Paired Tasting Experience. The four wines tasted are: 2023 Chaos Theory White Blend 2021 Howell Mountain Zinfandel 2023 Rosemary's Block Zinfandel 2023 Merlot The employee was humorous, educational and attentive. The tasting room was very chic and upscale. The music perfected the atmosphere. read more
Make reservations before you go. Walking into Brown and riding the elevator up to the second floor, we had no idea what to expect, but the space surprised us. Cozy seating, warm lighting, and little areas that make the whole wine tasting feel personal (Being in a large living room with different seating areas). We were greeted right away and shown to our spots without any wait. Cynthia took care of us, and she was amazing. She knew the wines, walked us through each flight with confidence, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun rather than "you don't know much about wine". I would absolutely come back. My one comment is that they don't offer the full House of Brown collection for tasting. I tried the Chardonnay and wanted to explore more from that line, but it just wasn't available there. That's really my only issue and that's why I would give them a 4.5/5. Check them out if you haven't already done so. It's so amazing to go to a place and then go back to work (part-time job) and have someone ask you about that specific line of wines. I was extremely excited to inform the shopper of everything I learned. He purchased everything I showed him from the line and we talked about 30 minutes. Great place to visit. read more
Brown Downtown is usually booked well in advance so we were lucky to finally secure a reservation on the date we wanted! Christian welcomed us upon entry and we got to sit at the bar. They were pretty busy but our service was still great. They have a modern decor with several different seating areas. We didn't get anything to eat because of a later reservation but all of the wines we sampled were good. If you go to the bathroom, please be sure to check out the wallpaper, it's cool and has some history. Unfortunately I don't remember our hosts name but she was nice and super accommodating to our party. Can't wait to come back in the future! read more
This place felt exclusive and high end upon entering the establishment by elevator. The upstairs lounge setting was perfect for our small group. The staff were friendly, informative, and took time to describe the wines, we even were offered a surprise tasting of a wine not on our session. They also sell t-shirts. read more
On a Thursday afternoon, my husband and I enjoyed a beautiful drive to Downtown Napa. Here we had a wonderful experience of wine, small bites, hospitality and literature. No reservation was needed, as we were the first to arrive prior to others entering. Coming off the elevator, to the right is check in. We were greeted immediately and provided a menu to make our selections. The menu offered several different flight options along with a cheese board option. Once decided, we were seated in a beautiful window section with comfortable seating and natural lighting from the oversized window behind us. While we waited for service to begin, we browsed the book display of African American/Black literature available to explore and enjoy in house. Our beautiful Nubian hostess, with a chill vibe and infectious personality, was knowledgeable and well versed with our selections. Her vibe was not only welcoming, it was familiar and easy to connect with. Each item on the cheese plate was explained with origin and flavor profile. Each selection of our flight was provided the same background and accompanying story with flavor profile. Our experience was relaxed, at no time did we feel rushed. With the purchases of two bottles, one flight fee was waived and we went home with two bottles of the Brown Estate. On the wall is a display of House of Brown wines available for purchased from their Headquarters, a few doors to the left of Brown Downtown (as you are leaving). We ventured over and purchased a couple more bottles. The beautiful people at the headquarter location were just as friendly and welcoming. Oh and the restrooms, you have to check them out (even if you do not need to go) especially if you are from the Bay Area. The wall paper of the individual stall featured Angela Davis, Mac Dre, E 40, Too Short, Humpty, Grand Lake, Fairyland, BART, Waters, Joe Montana and more. It was pretty dope! Stop in. Enjoy! Drink up! Relax! I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone and everyone looking for good vibes, a great experience, exceptional service and an upper echelon wine experience. We will most certainly be returning, my husband is already planning a guys outing here. Yup, it's that good! read more
2 months ago
We returned to Napa during our annual trip yesterday and I wanted to support another Black-owned and -operated winery by purchasing a sampling of some of their appellations and taking them home. Brown was next on the list and we stopped in this afternoon after lunch. The spot is vibey, laid back, and easy. These is where our people are in downtown Napa, and we immediately felt welcome. We purchased a couple of bottles of their Betelgeuse Sauvignon Blanc. It was a quick in and out just like we wanted and needed today. I commend all to review the amazing website, visit and patronize them when in Napa, and learn the beautiful history of the Brown Estate. They have such a beautiful tasting room in downtown Napa that rivals others. read more
1 year ago
My friends and I did a little wine tasting in Downtown Napa where we could walk from tasting room to tasting room. We started our day at Brown Downtown Napa. Their wines are from the oldest black-owned winery in the Napa Valley, and the Brown family has spent the last 25+ years dedicated to some excellent wines. The tasting room was open at 10:30 and we got one of the last appointments online. Make sure to book early! The location was a little hard to find because the sign was small and high in the air--we entered with another party having the same issue. Nonetheless, once we got inside, we absolutely loved the vibe. Brick walls, great sofas, cool bar, well-set tables ready for our appointments. We got a few different tasting options so we could sample a variety of wines and they were all so wonderful. The wine glasses were even intentionally chosen--real crystal, delicate stems, incredible quality. They really added to the tasting experience. Our favorite wines were the Rosemary's Zin and the Betelgeuse Rosé. Our wine host was very knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. She gave us great background not only of the winery, but also of each wine. We needed a place to eat after and she also led us to a great cafe down the street. On the way out we stopped in the restrooms and my Bay Area heart was OBSESSED with the wallpaper. Will definitely go back the next time I'm planning wine tasting Downtown. Excellent way to start a day of wine tasting and support a black-owned business. read more
1 year ago
We went into downtown Napa to try Brown Downtown. While waiting for our table, we popped next door to their HQ pop-up. The wines there were tasty, and they even served us some delicious truffle chips. Once we checked in for our tasting reservation, our server Dani was amazing! We ordered two wine tastings -- one was all reds, mostly Zinfandels, and mine was a "choose your own experience" where I requested a Chardonnay and a Sirah. Dani surprised me with the other two wines based on our conversation, which made the experience feel very personalized. I loved that we got to try wines from a Black-owned winery -- it's rare and felt great to support a local Black-owned business. We also got their small cheese sampler platter (serves 1-3 people), and it was fantastic -- the cheddar cheese bites were especially delicious. There space, though small, was very open with a minimalist design. Their wine glasses were super light and made the tasting experience even better. Overall, it was a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience. read more
My family and I had an unforgettable wine tasting experience at Brown Downtown, Napa! Based off of several recommendations from friends and family - I definitely went with the expectation that this was going to be an elevated experience. This Black-owned gem truly impressed all of us! I particularly loved The of Brown Cabernet Sauvignon - it was bold, beautiful and full of character. The atmosphere was intimate and welcoming, and the staff passionate and knowledgeable. A unique spot that blends culture, quality, and community. Don't miss this one if you love a great red! And I highly recommend their Chaos Theory. read more
1 month ago
3 months ago
My partner and I had an amazing experience here at Brown. Our host Jamal was amazing and taught us so much about the craft behind Browns wine as well as the history. Truly enjoyed everything here! Thank you to Jamal! read more
7 days ago
1 year ago
We couldn't leave Napa without doing at least one wine tasting, and we chose Brown Downtown Napa because it's Black-owned and has amazing reviews. We walked into their downtown tasting room and were greeted right away. The staff explained that they actually have two different tasting locations: the one we entered carries the wines you can find in stores, and the other features what they called the "OG" wines the original wines from the Brown vineyard. Since the OG tasting also came with cheese boards, we decided to head there. The staff kindly walked us over and even took us up the elevator. Even though we didn't have a reservation, they welcomed us in and we only had to wait about five minutes. Our Wine Educator, Cynthia, was wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly, and patient which was perfect since we're not wine drinkers. She presented us with three tasting options, and we went with the Educator's Mix for a more customized experience. We also ordered the small cheese board to nibble on while we tasted. I loved the crackers and jam. Didn't eat too much cheese. We sat at the barstools and enjoyed the relaxed, stylish vibe. Out of the five wines I tasted, I really enjoyed two of them. I'm definitely a wine amateur, so that felt like a win! I also appreciated that they kept the water flowing so I could pace myself. Cynthia wished us a happy anniversary which was nice. We had such a great experience and took lots of pictures, bought a t-shirt as a keepsake, and of course, hubby had to check out the famous bathroom wallpaper everyone talks about. It was a fun, laid back, and memorable anniversary outing. I'd absolutely recommend Brown Downtown Napa for anyone looking for great wine, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. read more
9 months ago
Had a great experience wine tasting at Brown. My sommelier was knowledgeable about wines and the history of the Brown Winery. The charcuterie board had a lovely selection of cheeses, homemade cookies and jam. The establishment is beautiful and I definitely will be back. read more
1 year ago
I have experienced Brown Estate's beautiful tasting room many times over the years. My 1st visit was when my Alma mater did a buyout for an alumni event! You must have a reservation since they don't really take walk ins often. The wine servers are always so friendly and are well versed on the wines. I love that they always have books by Black authors on display and the vibe and decor is giving NY vibes with a California twist. My fav wines right now are their Zinfandel and their Chaos Theory but everything is good! Great spot to take 1st time Napa visitors! Do note this is not a lounge all day time of spot they will nicely and gently know when you need to wrap it up . read more
First black owned winery I've been too and hopefully not the last. Happy to see one in Napa. Very pleasant experience, clean and well put together establishment. Myserver was great, very detailed and knowledgeable about the wines. I choose to go with the white and red flight. I give it a 10/10. read more
5 months ago
I've been a member of Brown Estate for 10+ years and every visit to Brown Downtown always feels special. read more
Brown downtown!! A cute little winery and BLACK OWNED and fabulous! made reservations for a wine tasting, and were greeted with the nicest staff. The winery was beautifully decorated and had smooth R&B music playing in the background l. We selected a wine tasting where we had a chance to chat with the sommelier and learn about the delicious wines. Some of the wines were not that great and in my eyes, the port stole the show! It was robust, sweet and with 19% alcohol, I couldn't leave without wanting to purchase a bottle. You're provided with a card and list of wines offered, so you're able to join their membership and either get wine shipped home, or purchased on the spot. For a girlie who overpacked! Shipping to home was a great offer I couldn't refuse. I'll definitely return to this winery and be able to try the food pairing selection. Only downside is sitting at the bar, you weren't able to stay after you finished your tasting. As your tasting is a 1hr time slot... nonetheless, I'm coming back! read more
Have you ever had a cool friend with an even cooler loft apartment...yeah me neither, but coming to Brown downtown Napa definitely felt like it. Such a beautiful experience I got to have while celebrating my bday! I had a company offsite over in Yountville and when they gave us a few hours to explore Napa on our own, I knew I had to take advantage and FINALLY get over to Brown Downtown Napa. I've known about this winery for a few years and was too excited to have some time to myself and give it a try. Made an appointment for Tuesday at 4:30pm and when I arrived, I felt like I was headed to an exclusive club. Located on a sleepy street, I found the teeny tiny sliver of a doorway and headed right up the elevator to the gorgeous space. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by Marco and Alexis who were absolutely amazing! Since it was my bday, i went for the all - red Estate tasting menu (I am a red wine queen). Everything was great, but I especially fell in love with their 2022 Primitivo and another one of their Zinfandels (which they specialize in). I had to continue with the motto of "treat yourself" and ordered a bottle of each to be shipped to me back at home. I also got probably one of the best cheeseboards i've had. Tons of yummy goodness or meat, cheese, jam, and all crackers - which if i'm remembering correctly, all came from Italy. Such a lovely accompaniment to the tasting. Shout out again to Marco and Alexis who were phenomenal! Alexis taught me a bit of history of Brown, Marco read me my horoscope (since it was my bday) and even gave me some recommendations on where to visit in Yountville since thats where I was staying. Super great birthday at Brown Downtown Napa! It was great relaxing, sipping wine, chatting up other patrons, and getting excited about the year to come. read more
My friend made our reservation for Brown Winery located in Downtown Napa. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was along for the ride. We entered off the street and once you walk in there is an elevator you will take upstairs. As soon as we stepped off the elevator, we were greeted with a warm smile from the woman at the desk. We had no issues checking in and she led us to our cozy seating area. Brown Winery is artsy, yet classy. The dim lighting makes this place perfect for a GNO or date night. The vibe here is upscale and easily a 10/10! We did the wine flight and our wine educator, Cynthia, was amazing! Cynthia was friendly, personable, and attentive throughout our experience. She gave us a little history about the Brown Estate and also gave us background on each wine we selected. They also have merch available, so of course I had to snag one of their soft t-shirts! This wine tasting experience is one for the books! If you needed a sign, this is it! Go ahead and make your reservation NOW! read more
5 months ago
Absolutely amazing! Brown make some of the best Zinfandels on the face of the planet. David does such an amazing job putting out nothing but the very best product. Marco my pourer is such a great person. I had a blend, a cab and a few zins. I will actually be back next week and will join the wine club. If you are in Napa and want an amazing Zinfandel make a reservation and stop by and taste perfection. read more
1 year ago
Our last couple of trips to Napa, we had not been able to get a reservation to taste at Brown Downtown, they were always booked. But, this trip... we got in!! Upon my friends and I entering and being greeted by a very friendly gentleman, we were immediately captivated by the warm urban vibes throughout this tasting room. Our host Cedric was fabulous! He was very attentive, and really took the time to tell the story of Brown Estates and how it began. Also his description of each wine poured and the characteristics of each one, made for a wonderful tasting experience. Special shout out to Anahi behind the bar, it was a pleasure meeting you! We really enjoyed the Betelgeuse Rose' and the Chaos Theory. Took home a couple of bottles, and also became a new member to the Brown Estate wine club! Cheers! read more
1 year ago
"Delicious Wine, Warm Vibes, and a Must-Visit in Napa" House of Brown is a Black-owned winery and tasting room so of course I had to go. Even better is that the wine is absolutely delicious. The entire experience was warm, welcoming, and filled with the kind of genuine hospitality that makes you want to stay for hours. The tasty truffle chips were a cute touch and paired perfectly with the wine. One of the best parts is that the wine is not only high quality (taste opinion not science ... I like what I like) but also affordable which makes it easy to indulge while supporting a business that matters. Representation and support are important to me and House of Brown delivers both along with a family feeling and chill vibes. I tried the tasting flight which is such a fun experience because they have cute themed options (see photo for details) and you can even create your own tasting for $15. You cannot beat that in Napa. This visit alone guarantees I will be back with anyone who comes to see me in Napa. I also plan to keep an eye out for any events or occasions they host because if they are anything like this experience they will be incredible. House of Brown has earned a permanent spot on my list of must-visit Napa gems. Cheers Brown Family! read more
5 months ago
8 months ago
I don't even know where to start -- Brown's in downtown Napa was the best way to kick off my Napa trip! They truly set the bar high. We chose the Educator Mixtape tasting, and it was amazing from start to finish. Joe was incredible and kept us engaged the entire time -- super knowledgeable and made it such a fun experience. Great wine, great vibes, and of course we had to leave with a bottle. Highly recommend! read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
Zinfandel isn't what most people come to Napa for. Which is exactly why Brown Estate stands out. It's a winery that didn't follow the map, it drew its own. Black-owned, family rooted, and proudly flying a different flag in a valley dominated by Cabernets and conformity. I'd known of them for a while, admired them from afar, drank their wines more than a few times, but stumbling into their downtown tasting room felt like discovering a hidden speakeasy you weren't supposed to know about. First impressions matter. The space? Sleek. Confident. A bold blue wall, Espionage Blue, I was told--frames the room like a velvet backdrop to a good conversation. You walk in and immediately know this isn't going to be some dusty, over-scripted pour-and-pitch routine. Enter Joe. Joe is the kind of guy you want guiding your tasting. He doesn't just recite tasting notes, he tells stories. Family stories. Vineyard stories. Stories that taste better in a glass than they do on a press release. He reads people. He picks up on what your palate's trying to say and then hands you something that answers it. And when Joe talks about Brown Estate, it's with the kind of reverence usually reserved for jazz records and old family recipes. What I admire most is that they don't beat you over the head with the "Black owned" label. It's there, and it matters. But the wines are the headline. As they should be. Because the wines are damn good. Not Napa-good. Actually good. The charcuterie that came with the tasting wasn't just cheese and crackers. It was curated, thoughtful. It brought out the pepper in the Zin, the softness in the Merlot, the grip of the Petite Sirah. It made the experience feel layered, intentional. Their East Side Zinfandel was the standout. None of the chest-thumping machismo you get with so many California Zins. This one whispered instead of shouted. Silky, restrained, seductive. It made me smile the second it hit my tongue and reminded me why I fell in love with wine in the first place. Six bottles later, a nominal shipping fee, and zero regrets. Brown Estate may have started with Zinfandel, but they've grown into so much more. Their Merlots, Cabernets, and Petite Sirahs are all cut from the same cloth, bold without being brash, elegant without being pretentious. So if you find yourself in downtown Napa, skip the clichés. Take the elevator upstairs and find Joe. Let him tell you the story. Let the wine do the rest. read more
2 months ago
10 months ago
This is an amazing experience, from the moment we walked into the elegant yet playful tasting room, to the superior wines, to the lovely wine educator, Anai. She makes the tastings accessible and fun. Highly recommend! read more
2 years ago
Great vibes! I love the central location of the venue. I will always support black businesses! Wine was incredible and service was infused with just as much culture. Will be back! read more
6 months ago
3 years ago
We had a reservation for the flight experience. This was a great first stop for our black-owned Napa trip! The entrance is a tiny little skinny door that is pretty easy to miss. Directly inside that door in an elevator that you must take up and a set or stairs that is blocked off. It felt like entering a secret club. We loved the decor, how comfy the seating is, and the staff's warmness. It was a very different experience for us in that it's so individualized/private even while sitting in the presence of others. There was no way to interact with other people, which is fine for less social people. Hubby thought that our server/sommelier wasn't as engaging as some places we go closer to home. He was happy to answer our question Ms when we prompted him but basically did his job (quick intro of the next pour and clearing glasses) and left us alone. I loved the vibe in this place. The menu for the flight experience gave a quick intro to the experience and space, namely that the glasses are suuuuuper thin to enhance the tasting experience and the books on display are available for customers to peruse. Also also, make sure you visit the restrooms and marvel at wall paper full of (mostly black) Bay Area celebs. Our three biggest critiques: (1) the music volume is so low that it may as well not even be on. We were the only people there when we arrived and couldn't hear it any better than when the tables and bars around us were mostly filled! (2) the pours were a little smaller than expected, especially since you only get 4 (3) the flight menus are preset unless you pay extra to select your own (even tho this is marketed as the sommelier curating an individualized experience for you) Overall, I'd suggest you visit here and maybe do one of the other tasting experiences. I wanted to do the one where your tastings are paired with small bites, but there weren't reservation times open that fit our schedule well. read more
1 year ago
This was our first winery we went to while in Napa. I've been the Napa so Brown wasn't my time. I loved coming back to this winery. I love that it is also apart of black history. We enjoyed many of the wines along with a charcuterie board and Marco was such a delight when it came to chatting with us about the wines and what are thoughts were when pairing the wines with certain foods. Also Brown is in the center of downtown Napa where you can walk and venture to different stores and restaurants. I love when you walk in off the elevator to your left they have a caption wall and it's funny because I looked at the last time I was here and it had a different caption lol so cool. The environment is really the most laid back out of all the wineries we went to as their are many pockets of sitting areas, bar top, picnic style area, 1/2 couch and 1/2 chair so it's very cozy which I enjoy! I was the only one out of the group who purchased something to bring back but I must say it was great again coming back this time with some friends so they can also get the experience. Marco's service was a delight, he was funny and made us feel like we were talking to someone we knew very welcoming and communicative. One thing I wished is that many of the wineries had actual small plates on top of charcuterie boards but maybe it's exactly why they keep the wineries just having boards for us to leave and get real food. I'm looking forward to coming back! If your into good wine, black owned and just an overall cool laid back vibe, check Brown out! read more
2 years ago
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More info about Brown Downtown Napa
1005 Coombs St
Napa, CA 94559
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(707) 963-2435
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http://www.brownestate.com
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Ask the Community - Brown Downtown Napa
I know their site says no one under 21 years old is permitted. But would a baby be permitted?
21+ No one under this age is allowed.
I have a group of only 4 people, do I still need to make a reservation? Also, do we have to do a full flight? Or can we just buy a bottle or glass?
I would make a reservation for a party of 4. You can purchase a bottle. The have a full tasting menu and you get to taste all whites, red, or a combination depends on the tasting you choose. Enjoy!
What kind if food?
Hey! They're pairings with wine and they're really amazing. Pairings at wine tastings usually…
Review Highlights - Brown Downtown Napa
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