Wine Country This Month – Langtry Farms Vineyard and Winery

Although these vineyards in the quiet, scenic Guenoc Valley – just over the hill from Howell Mountain in Napa’s St. Helena – had a star-powered beginning, the family behind Langtry Farms wants visitors to know they are just that; a family that grows sustainably and produces the highest quality wines while nurturing the lands where they are grown.

With a label still bearing her profile, early 20th century socialite, actress and adventurer Lillie Langtry – who bought her “paradise” in Lake County sight unseen in 1888 – laid the foundation for a wine legacy by producing what she called “the finest claret in the world.” This was a novel concept long before wine drinkers even considered that new world Cabernets were competitive with their European counterparts.

Langtry, born in the Jersey Isles in England, was a petite woman who became famous internationally and was considered by many as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” had taken a chance on winegrowing in California and her estate continues to produce heavily-awarded wines over a hundred years later. The family may be new but the elegance and refinement that Lillie brought to the land is preserved today and will be enhanced for future generations by regenerative farming techniques and dedication to winemaking.

The first celebrity wine does not rest on a famous name. Langtry Farms strives for excellence in producing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from their own estate as well as Napa Valley. Visit here to experience the stunning panoramic views, try the current releases and picnic on the grounds easily reached by the road to Middletown.

Langtry Farms specializes in high-elevation vineyards, especially those that seem impossible to farm because of the steepness of the terrain. Rest assured, planting like this is not an error; it is a deliberate attempt to stress vines and force them to seek water, making the grapes denser in flavor and juice concentration.

Langtry is in full harvest swing now with white wines coming in first and red grapes continuing to be picked into October. It is a good time to be in wine country and see the action, smell the fermentations and enjoy wines crafted in earlier vintages. In addition, Langtry hosts many events this fall, including a harvest cooking class and wreath making for the holidays.

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The Calistoga Depot Wine Train

Langtry Farms wines are also available in the charming Calistoga Depot in historic downtown Calistoga. While enjoying a flight of Langtry Farms wines, you can listen to the fascinating history behind Langtry’s estate, along with its sustainable farming practices and exceptional terroir.