Wine tasting is a delightful experience that combines a bit of history with stunning views, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Whitehall Lane Winery in St. Helena. Conveniently located right off Main Street, this family-owned winery, now in its third generation, offers a selection of exceptional wines that stand out from the crowd.

Tom Leonardini Sr, Katie Leonardini, Tom Leonardini II of Whitehall Lane Winery. Courtesy Photo

Whitehall Lane Winery is committed to producing premium, world-class wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, all while practicing sustainable and Napa Green-certified methods. From barrel to bottle, the entire winemaking process is completed on-site, thanks to the dedication of their exceptionally knowledgeable staff, who strive to deliver high-quality products. This winery is one of the few in Napa Valley that handles every step of the process on its estate.

The excellence of Whitehall Lane wines stems not only from their dedication to quality but also from their prime location. Nestled in the historic Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley, all wines produced here are made from 100% estate-grown fruit used to craft Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varieties. While much of their wine comes from this location, the winery also sources grapes from additional vineyards in other Napa Valley appellations, including Oak Knoll and Sonoma.

Whitehall Lane is also known for its affordable wine tastings, which allow guests to enjoy a variety of wines in a relaxed, shared tasting format. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into a modern tasting room with a cozy atmosphere where they can leisurely savor their chosen wines or select from one of three tasting options.

Tasting Options:

Leo Trio Tasting:

A well curated selection of red and white wines from their sustainably farmed Napa Valley and Sonoma County vineyards. Pull up a chair at the bar and enjoy three elixirs while learning about these selections. During this experience, you’ll learn a bit about the family behind the winery and the vineyards in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Winery Exclusive Flight:

With this option, the wine educators will guide you through an elevated tasting experience while seated in the winery or on the gorgeous outdoor patio. Guests will enjoy five limited production wines from the family’s eight estate vineyards, including vineyard designated Cabernets. This winery exclusive tasting includes a small cheese accompaniment to pair with your tasting.

Elevated Cabernet Sauvignon Flight:

Experience their Elevated Cabernet Flight featuring five exceptional Napa Valley Cabernets from the portfolio including vineyard designated wines and a library offering. In this seated tasting you will discover the nuances of their distinctive vineyards and how they shape the unique characteristics of each wine. This Cabernet experience includes a small cheese accompaniment to pair with your tasting.

Tasting Review:

2023 Blanc de Noirs Brut:

The 2023 Blanc de Noirs Brut (a delightful start that was 100% Pinot Noir). This wine offers a bright, crisp profile with aromatic notes of Meyer lemon and stone fruits, complemented by a hint of spice, making it a winner among guests.

2023 Chardonnay Petaluma Gap:

Next, we enjoyed the 2023 Chardonnay Petaluma Gap, which presented a bright taste with light acidity and flavors of pears, apples, nectarines, and grapefruit, along with a touch of nutmeg. This fuller-bodied Chardonnay is versatile enough for both brunch and dinner settings.

2023 Pinot Noir Swan Clone:

The 2023 Pinot Noir Swan Clone is from Sonoma Stage Vineyard. Similar to a bourbon cherry, this wine has a light breeze of ocean air and thinner skin due to the cooler climate in which it was produced.

2015 Millennium MM Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford:

The 2015 Millennium MM Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is a true Cabernet through and through. Deep in color this bold wine is a medley of luscious berries, cedar, with an earthy undertone. It’s a lingering bite that will have you adding this into your rotation in no time.

2022 Leonardini Estate Cabernet Sauvignon:

While all of the wines were beyond memorable, a standout star was the 2022 Leonardini Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a total body sensation. The deep complexity excuses from this bold wine in all the best of ways. On the palate its smooth plush tannins with notes of red cherries and spices. It’s a bold wine that literally “ages like fine wine,” as its said to age gracefully for 15-20 years.

The Whitehall Lane Winery tasting room in St. Helena — Courtesy Photo

Regardless of your choice of wine, a stop into Whitehall Lane Winery is a must. It’s a three generation establishment where you can sip and savor the variety of wines that Napa Valley has to offer under one roof. Lastly, the estate is simply stunning. From the modern decor inside the tasting room to venturing out back to see the vines - Whitehall Lane Winery is in a league of its own.

*Cover photo courtesy of Whitehall Lane Winery

Jun 2 Whitehall Lane Winery Review - An Intimate Family-Owned Winery in St. Helena