Michelle’s Favorites: The Wines & Wineries That Stuck with Us

One of the most meaningful parts of documenting our wine journey is watching which memories last. A decade later, these are the blog posts Michelle returns to again and again. We still drink these wines, still recommend these spots to friends, and still feel grateful that wine has brought us back to these places time and time again.

Here are the wineries and stories that have never left us—Michelle’s absolute favorites:

1. Napa Engagement Photos: A Perfect Day in Wine Country

Hall Rutherford, not to be confused with Hall St. Helena. This wines are amazing and it was so beautiful we had to take our engagement photos here. It’s a celebration of love, storytelling, and the places that shaped us.

2. Collectors Series: Fantesca Estate

Fantesca was one of our first deep dives into Napa’s more exclusive wine experiences, and it left an impression. Ten years later, their wines (and the magic of Spring Mountain) still find their way into our cellar and conversations. Especially the Chardonnay!

3.  Collectors Series: The Vineyard House

When people ask, what is your favorite wine, this is our answer. This was the beginning of our appreciation for small production, high-character Cabernets. The Vineyard House has remained one of our favorite hidden gems, with wine that speaks to its rich Napa heritage.

4. Palmaz Vineyards: My Welcome to Coombsville

Our first encounter with Palmaz was a masterclass in innovation meets tradition. Their gravity-flow winery left us in awe—and their wines have stayed a constant in our lives ever since. Not to mention the Argentinian steak knives that makes it a fun place to join.

5. Napa’s Dream Team Creation: Kenzo Estate

Kenzo Estate is where nature, elegance, and winemaking unite. With serene grounds and a commitment to excellence, it's no surprise this post (and the wine itself) continues to resonate.

Honorable Mentions: Places That Should Have Been Posts

Some places left such an impression they’ve lived rent-free in our memories—even though they never made it into full blog posts:

  • Schramsberg – Our go-to for sparkling wine, Schramsberg is not just known for their méthode champenoise wines but also for their 100+ year-old moss-covered caves—the most enchanting in Napa.

  • Jarvis Estate – Hidden inside a natural cave system with a waterfall, this winery is a showstopper. Their commitment to underground winemaking still amazes us.

    And for our Pinot Noir obsession, here are the bottles we keep chasing:

  • Sea Smoke – Smooth, powerful, and ethereal.

  • Rivers-Marie – Great Pinot's but the real hidden gem is the Chardonnay.

  • CIRQ – Precision and grace in a glass.

  • ROAR – Bold, expressive, and always a favorite at the table.


These posts are more than snapshots in time—they’re markers of the wineries that have become part of our lives. If you’re looking for places that stand the test of time, Michelle’s favorites are a great place to start.


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