If you are looking for real Napa Valley Sonoma royalty, look no further than Bacigalupi Winery. Charles and Helen Bacigalupi moved to Westside Road and purchased 121 acres in 1956. In 1964 Charles planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Later the Bacigalupi received Pinot Noir Bud wood from Karl Wente another founder of what is now the iconic wine region. Working on their farm and growing grapes the Bacigalupis garnered notarity and fame when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay with their Bacigalupi fruit was named winner of the 1976 Paris tasting. This entire story has been made famous by the movie, Bottle Shock starring Alan Rickman, Chris Pine and Bill Pullman. Today the family doesn’t just grow grapes, but has a winery run by Charles and Helen’s twin granddaughters Katey and Nicole.
The tasting room opened in June of 2011 and from the first time I visited in June of 2015 to the last time I was there in August of 2019, I can’t think of a time I have walked into the tasting room and not been greeted by Katey or Nicole. The are warm, welcoming, down to Earth, very knowledge wine ladies! Everyone in the tasting room is very friendly and they are happy to share their story and history about you as well as pour you wine, of course!
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Westside Road Sign -
Indy always enjoys his visits -
The iconic Chardonnay -
Sweet and Simple Tasting Room
The Ratings
Ambiance – 🍷🍷🍷
Friendliness of Staff – 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Knowledge of Staff – 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Quality of Wines – 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Cost of Tasting – 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Overall Experience – 🍷🍷🍷🍷
The Details
Types of Wines: Chardonnay, Rose, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir
Average Cost of Wine: $65 – $110
Cost of Tasting: $25
Reservations Required: No, but you can get a private seating for 6 or more
Food Pairing or Food Available: Yes. You can make a reservation and reserve a charcuterie board for $25
Lord Indy Friendly: Yes, very!
View: No
Kid/Family Friendly: Yes
