Wow...this a what it's all about. Proper tasting with story-telling and narratives accompanying the wines. Our host was a solid representation of the brand. Loved the cave experience and the gothic, sophisticated, moody vibe with thoughtfully placed black and white photos of family love and bliss. Wines were incredible-thank you for the memorable experience and can't wait for our "f***ing" wines to arrive! ;p read more

Caldwell Vineyard - Entrance - Wineries Near Me - Napa, California

Unfortunately for the other wineries we started off our visit to Napa at this one. What a great visit, was able to hear the story of John Caldwell, from Mario a previous resident of our city who moved out to Napa 11 years ago. The wine is great, but he bourbon and tequila shows again the ability for John to buck tradition and do other spirits. This ended up being our most extensive order of all of the wineries. read more

Caldwell Vineyard - The cave and entrance. - Wineries Near Me - Napa, California

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This is an outstanding hidden treasure. We came for tasting and that did not disappoint. This family owned and long term employee held winery speaks volumes about dedication and love put into it. The staff is outstanding and wine is even better. Definitely a must visit! read more

You don't know Napa Valley until you visit Caldwell. John "F-ing"Caldwell has created wines that represent the uniqueness of old Napa in the Coombsville AVA. The wines are as diverse and fun as the tasting experience that we had today with Mario in the cave. Ten minutes from downtown Napa and 50 years in the past. JFC bent a few and broke more than a few rules over the past decades to bring us all these delicious reds; some whites and even a bottle of their champagne. Thank you Chantelle for making the arrangements and Mario for the story telling and your deep knowledge. Cheers. Tom and Alan, WSET Diploma and MW Candidate read more

The tasting/paring was one of the best we have ever had. Mario was extremely entertaining, knowledgeable, and provided a great overview of the winery. The atmosphere in the cave was amazing and enhanced the experience. read more

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One of the most under the radar but amazing wineries in Napa. The caves are gorgeous, the wines are great and the small batch, family feel makes your tasting experience special. This is my second time visiting and both experience were unique, educational and so much fun! read more

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The #1 thing that stands out at a Caldwell tasting is they start with the most $$$$ bottle. They don't believe in saving the best for last. To that I say - bravo! I like the "gold" cab... but frankly, "like" isn't enough to warrant $200 a bottle, at least not for me. Splurge for "love", not "like". At the other end of their spectrum, at $75 a bottle, Rocket Science is a no brainer. It's delicious on its own, and the label design is quite attractive. read more

Fabulous tasting experience in the cave. We had so much fun with Mario and learned a whole bunch more about wine and tasting!

Very unique place. When our driver pulled up at first we were like where the heck are we. But once you enter through the side of a freaking mountain, you are awed. We were given a quick tour of how they make the wine and show you through the barrels etc. We had Romero who was cool- the only master Cooper in North America (certified to makes the barrels at the highest quality). Tasting wise- more pours than other places and larger ones. Better snacks- chips, crackers, cheeses, olives etc. We missed the winemaker but he's supposed to be a CHARACTER in the best way possible. I think most of us agreed this was one of our favorite wineries of the trip. If you go ask for the cave room. Tastings were $125 PP for up to 8 guests. Comp 1 tasting fee with every 6 bottles purchased. read more

Did I mention the tasting room on the winery is in caves. Extremely cool and delicious wines. Jerad was quite knowledgeable about the wines and different cheeses served. Highly recommended! read more

Hands down, the weirdest wine tasting I've ever been to. Giving it four stars just because of the sheer entertainment value it offers. The tasting experience is one of a kind, but not in the traditional way one would be. Arrived on time and for the first time ever (out of endless tastings I've done), this one was running late. Finally invited into the cave after a 15 minute delay and the tasting started immediately. Hosted by John Caldwell himself, I spent the next couple of hours laughing so hard my stomach hurt. He's quite the character. The tasting is offered inside a part of cave. Upon arrival, a great custom made table greeted the group, already set up with Voss water, charcuterie, pashminas, and Caldwell pamphlets. The problem? Well, when it came time to order at the very end, I looked at the sheet and realized I had NO idea what we tasted. I thought I knew what I was tasting as I went along, but we all know what happens by the fifth taste. There is one glass per person (instead of 5-6 like at most seated private tastings). You have the choice of drinking the pours or pouring out the ones you don't like. Because it's one glass, I couln't go back and revisit something I tried earlier to compare. The pours were directed on Caldwell's whim and didn't follow any particular order- making it hard to note on the sheet which wines you liked most. If you don't take notes, as I didn't, you are S.O.L. I know I did like some of the bolder reds, but wasn't so sure. The wines are highly priced. I wasn't about to just order, for the sake of ordering. I did purchase a couple of the -fuck*n'- cool wine glasses (you will get the reference once you hear the story). What makes Caldwell wine special? I have no idea. There's not much history told about the process of the grapes, harvest, bottling, etc. There's also no tour of the actual winery or vineyard either. This tasting was just about getting to know Mr. John "Fuck*n' Caldwell" and, I suppose, getting to know him we did. I wasn't clear which life tales he told were simple lore or truth, but it was still a lot of fun to be around him. Looking back, I love that we got to share this tasting with the owner. I'd love to come back for a private dinner event one day, where I can spend more time enjoying each wine at length. Maybe then I can decide which I like best and come home with a nice collection of bottles. read more

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We fucking love the place. If you can get in, you should definitely go. Great wines and a great time.

Caldwell Vineyard has to be the best stop in all of Napa. John "Fu#%ing" Caldwell not only prepares one of the best tastings paired with food, you enjoy this in a cave with the best story teller in all of Napa. We love our visits with John. He is not only funny, but also very kind. His wines are not cheap but Rocket Science is priced to take several bottles home. Hope to get back soon. Ask him to tell the smuggler story. Just be prepared to visit awhile. It is worth every minute. read more

This winery is a "must visit winery' in Napa Valley. The view is incredible and all of the winery operations are in caves. The wines are first class and impressive! Christina Machamer knows her wines and can answer the most challenging questions. We had the good fortune of meeting owner John Caldwell and hope to visit with both Christina and John in future visits! Great wines, great experience and great people! read more

Caldwell Vineyard - Wineries Near Me - Napa, California

Amazing time!! Erin was just outstanding! Wine was divine! Had to become a member and couldn't be happier! A MUST GO when in Napa! read more

Caldwell Vineyard - Awesomeness - Wineries Near Me - Napa, California

Caldwell is the most special place in Napa. The wine is fantastic and the stories and conversation never disappoint. My ideal day is an late morning tasting with a picnic lunch outside before heading into Caldwell to round out the afternoon. They do small group tastings in their cave. It can get chilly and they do have blankets, but I'd recommend a sweater or jacket. This is a top notch experience that I recommend to anyone looking for a unique and memorable vineyard to visit. read more

Best ever! We had a blast. Get Mario as your guide and enjoy the fabulous wines and experience!

Tasting is second to none. The views are second to none. Their story is second to none. We felt so privileged to taste here and with Ramiro - the only Master Cooper in the US. You have to visit Caldwell Vineyard if you want to experience the best Napa has to offer. We purchased the Sauvignon Blanc and Tannat. Wish we could have taken everything home! read more

This place is awesome. So is the owner John Caldwell. Talk about a great place. We got to the winery, which is perched on a hillside with amazing views of the Napa Valley. We were greeted by Mr. Caldwell himself. He guided us into the cave, and he began to educate us on the history of his business. This guy has been in the valley for over 30 years! He brought strains of his grapes himself from France. He grows eight + varieties of grapes on his property, producing amazing Cab, Bordeux Blends, and a really good Syrah and Chadonnay. Paired our tastings with cheese, bread sticks, and some sort of amazing italian salami or something and some fig to boot! We hung out for a couple hours and had the time of our day! This was the final stop of the day, it it was amazing! We ended up leaving with a couple cases of this amazing wine called Rocket Sience! A unique wine that he personally had a rocket shapped bottle made for his wine. This is a small production family winery. I have been to Napa for 10 years and have never known of this place. I am sure glad our personal chauffuer/wine guide took us here! Our guide was Nick at Perata Luxury Car Services. I highly recommend hiring this guy! I will definitely be back! Call and book a tour/tasting. I can guarantee you can't be disappointed. read more

There is no better vineyard in Napa than Caldwell. Bar none, there is no greater experience in Napa than Caldwell. Sure, you can get caught up in the Disney-like experiences of more popularized wineries, but you will NOT encounter, cannot encounter, a wine master like John (effing) Caldwell. John (effing) Caldwell comes from a lineage of Scottish smugglers. His vines are old world and got here, indeed through questionable means. When you sit with the badass that is John (effing) Caldwell, inside one of the most gorgeous caves you've ever encountered in your life--you will be transformed and transfixed, while sipping on wines and listening to the most outrageous stories ever told. I won't ruin it for you, but do yourself a favor and make sure you ask him to tell you the story. "John is the man responsible for introducing the most prized Bordeaux root stock and grapevine clones to California." Yes he did, the mischievous little minx. John (effing) Caldwell, who could literally charm the pants off any living being, is like rough velvet in a cowboy hat. Married to one of the most delightful humans on earth, Joy (effing) Caldwell is the embodiment of walking sunshine wrapped in rainbows and has a straight-up bangin' rosé wine in her name. Be sure to ask about it! And you think that wine is divine? Wait until you try Joy's otherworldly cheese plates to compliment your epic imbibing experience. Mind = Blown. Let's touch on the wine for a moment. It's not just the experience that is going to rock your pants off. Sauvignon blanc, syrah rosé, chardonnay (the best I've ever had, I normally hate chardonnay), merlot, malbec, cabernet franc, petit verdot and more--seriously. You will want to sip them all damn day. ALL. DAMN. DAY. If you are going to Napa, GO TO CALDWELL. If you are going to other vineyards, make this one the last on your list, or you'll be disappointed in every other vineyard. Trust me on that. Loving! Sylvia PS. If you get the opportunity to have a tasting with Marissa the sommelier, you will a) immediately fall in love with her, and b) be delighted by her expertise. PSS. The caves are haunted. Ask about the Tommy Knocker! read more

Asked our friend Roland for a recommendation of a winery to visit in Napa this weekend and the first thing out of his mouth was...you've got to visit Caldwell winery. I realized we had tasted the Rocket Science about a year ago at Bacchus & Venus in Sausalito and got excited about all the other wines we would be able to taste this time. As a side note, the June 2012 issue of Sunset Magazine has an entire article about this new area outside of Napa called "Coombsville" and Caldwell Winery is one of the top ones listed to visit. It was a "no brainer" that we would visit. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were greeted by John Caldwell, himself. As we were waiting for the other four people to show up via tour limo, my boyfriend and I got to sit outside with John and his assistant, Elizabeth, and enjoy the beautiful view while we talked about things -- wine, dreams, how he got there and what we liked to do... It was as if John was an old friend we hadn't seen in a while and we came for a visit to catch up. After about 15 minutes, we went to the cave and decided the others could catch up when they arrived. The cave was gorgeous while being homey -- and we sat around for a little more than 2 hours tasting more than 8 different wines (Savignon Blanc, Syrah Rose, Cabernet Savignon, Tannat, and Port, just to name a few) paired with a fabulous cheese and charcuterie plate. What a fantastic visit. We'll be back again and we'll be bringing friends... read more

I don't care if I can't make another mortgage payment ever again, John (F) Caldwell's wines are worth EVERY penny. If you ever have the opportunity to have a tasting with the smuggling legend himself, do yourself a favor and make sure that you do it. Sell your house, husband, wife, dogs, cats, and make a worthwhile investment in some JFC wine...What a legendary experience... He has a 22,000 square foot cave of awesomeness. The stories that John has are unparalleled and I could not have had a better time. This is a NAPA valley must....this is a bucket list must... read more

A fantastic visit for a mid-day tasting. The wines were delicious across the board. Add to that a beautiful site and cave tasting and Mario, who greeted us and led the tasting. He was engaging, funny, knowledgeable about the wines, did a great wine tasting, gave us a fun lesson in how to drink, and told the fun story of the vineyard. It's a beautiful place where they make tiny quantities of terrific wines, and we happily joined the Society of Smugglers. Be sure to make an appointment for your tasting and expect a great time. We certainly had one and look forward to returning! read more

John Caldwell ROCKS! So does his wine :) What an amazing experience it was to sit with John for a couple of hours sippin' his wines and enjoying wonderful conversation.The tasting cave carved out of volcanic stone made the experience all the more special. We would have NEVER known of John Caldwell Winery had it not been for our kick ass Napa driver who owns and operates his own business....that will be a separate review. read more

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This was hands down the best stop on our wine tasting week in Napa Valley. John sat with us for two hours and chatted over wine and cheese. The caves and the tasting room within the cave was amazing! Loved the Rocket Science. Wish I could have bought more. Definitely worth the trip, off the beaten path. Must see. read more

This place was a recommendation from a friend. Caldwell.is.AWESOME. I would equivocate John Caldwell to the Willy Wonka of the wine business. You have to make a reservation and when you pull up to the parking lot (where you are supposed to park), there is a sign that says No Parking. The entrance to the wine cave is not marked. So you basically stand around outside until he comes out to greet you. It all adds to the experience of course. After some small talk, you follow him into the wine cave where you are surrounded on all sides by wine barrels and all you can hear is the tapping of his cane as he leads you into a candlelit cove where the table has been set for the tasting. And then it begins...you will not be disappointed. A fun experience and don't leave without purchasing his signature wine glass ;) read more

Ejnoyed a delicious dinner last night with good company and a bottle of Caldwell Chardonnay. It was a reminder of our visit to John and Joy's winery this past January. Paired with Dover Sole, steamed brown rice and a salad with all the makings, the chardonnay tied in the whole meal and reminded us of the pleasant company John gave in his cave. Cheers, Chris O. read more

Went to Caldwell off a recommendation from www.reddit.com/r/wine. I have to agree that it was definitely a 5 star recommendation. Met at the entrance to the cave after a long steep windy road, I was very happy to have someone else driving. We tasted 7 or more wines. So many good ones. We left with a bottle of the Rose, some Rocket Science, and Experiment. The Rocket science was blended to drink, and it was so easy to sit back and drink. I am looking forward to grilling up some nice big burgers with this one. But Experiment 09, has the best story. All of John's stories were great, the gold chains and the silk shirts; his *smuggling* days, This is a great winery. The Cave is worth the experience! read more

Fantastic experience at Caldwell . This is my first private tasting at Napa. They are the booze sponsor of the new space conference from the rocket science red blend. Enough reason for me to love them. The cheese they offered were all from oxbow an local selection from Napa. I would go back again to the cave read more

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We had the most amazing tasting experience last weekend with Caldwell Director of Winemaking, Marbue Marke. After giving us a tour of the facilities which included direct tasting from the barrel, we went into the beautiful tasting cave. The ambiance in the cave was wonderful and the wine was even better. We started with a Chardonnay and then slowly progressed to the Cabernet Gold. With each pour, Marbue explained the complexity of the wine and we each experienced great artistry. I think if he did not have another appointment that afternoon we could have easily spent the evening chatting and sipping. This was by a long shot, my best Napa experience to date. I highly recommend it. read more

We visited four wineries in Napa and this was our favorite. We were fortunate enough to have our wine tasting with the winemaker himself, Marbue Marke. Every taste was better then the last. What more can you ask for? read more

Caldwell Vineyard - Wineries Near Me - Napa, California

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If you don't absolutely LOVE Caldwell...it's a you issue, haha!! Just an amazing place with amazing wine and people!!

Good lord Jesus! I want to work here just so I can get a discount on their wine. I really enjoyed their cave tasting. They provided bottled Voss water, a nice charcuterie plate, and blankets for the cave (since it can get a bit chilly). We enjoyed all the pours and decided on purchasing their rose and cab. They're so yummy that I didn't even care how much it costs. The owner, John, is cool and entertaining as hell. Make sure you request him for your tasting. I plan to visit here every time I'm in Napa. Unbelievable wine! read more

Hands down the best cave in Napa! Fabulous wine and even better people!! Mario was simply delightful!! A Must on your next visit. Proud to be a Smuggler!! read more

Hands down favorite visit in Napa and the wine is insane! Like others said, went here first and everything after was compared heavily to Caldwell. Great time. read more

The winery and the scenery was nice. If you are black and/ or a foreigner, better yet not white ,do not attempt to go there!The owner was extremely racist and condescending that our Napa Valley experience was cut very short. I believe the owner, old white man with a cowboy hut and a Kane, and another white worker may be in his forties at the winery, simply couldn't stand two black customers stepping on their vineyard. Warning for non whites, avoid this place the best you can! read more

I cannot tell you how amazing Caldwell Vineyards is. From the breath taking views to the delicious wines and our incredible host Erin, everything was perfect. When I got home I couldn't wait to open the bottles. The two that spoke most to me are JEHM and Rocket Science. When you first open JEHM, it's a regular strong napa wine. Big tastes and big bites. But let it sit for an hour and breath and you'll get a ton of amazing fruits, smells and everything else. Rocket Science...forget the match and the physics...you just want to keep drinking this stuff until it makes your mouth take off like a rocket into space. Wow!!! Ohhh,,,and the cheeses and breads paired with the tasting...soooo good! You cannot beat this one. It is pure Napa! read more

What a find !!!! A jewel in the rough!!! We had a driver showing us all around napa and sonoma ... Hit some very high end well respected vineyards, and did not enjoy the hospitality as much as we did at Caldwell !!! Everyone should call for a tasting, you will really enjoy the wine and the owners John and joy were a shear pleasure !!! read more

John Caldwell and his wife Joy are the best hosts of this private tasting. They have the most tastefully decorated (and selected) spread of meats and cheeses to compliment their fantastic wines, in the middle of their wine cave. An intimate experience that is educational as well as fun. We ended up buying a lot of their wines (their '06 Rocket Science is fantastic) and look forward to going back again when we've finished this lot :-) read more

A friend mentioned them to my husband, so I Yelped them and they had great reviews. We had a great experience with John! Amazing Cave, local cheeses & breads. Everything we tasted we loved. My favorite was the Rose and Rocket Science. Great place to visit on a hot day, the cave is very cool inside. Beautiful view of the Napa Valley. read more