Rombauer Vineyards Review in 2021

Born in 1980, Rombauer Vineyards is still family owned and thriving 39 years later in St. Helena, California. The company focuses on tradition and consistency. Combining Old World winemaking practices with New World additions like optical sorters, Rombauer is able to produce consistent and classic wines.

Six Estate Vineyards and six additional vineyards designated solely to Zinfandel, the team is able to be hands-on in the growing process year-round. They use a micro-farming technique that means each clone that was chosen, rootstock, pruning, canopy management, and harvest practices are all customized for that particular vine.

As with many California wineries, Rombauer is sustainably focused with 70% of their power usage coming from solar panels. Water monitoring, solar panels, recycling, composting, and more are part of their program that has led them to the title of Napa Green/Fish Friendly Farming certified by the California Land Stewardship Institute.

 Pictured: Bennett Lane Vineyard

While they are known for their incredible Zinfandel, Rombauer Vineyards also grows Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and two dessert wines made from Chardonnay and Zinfandel.

Rombauer’s Chardonnays are all grown in Carneros where the climate is cool with clay soils. Characterized by intense fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and rich creaminess from stirring the lees every two weeks during fermentation.

A new addition to the Rombauer portfolio, Sauvignon Blanc has been a part of this company since 2014. Sunshine and moderate temperatures allow Sauvignon Blanc to grow in small areas of select estate vineyards. For this reason, production is low. Delicious flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, and lemon are bold and familiar.

You will always find a good selection of Zinfandels available in the tasting room.  Rombauer Vineyards signature varietal is deep in color, nearly black, with juicy and chewy flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, dried cherry, and vanilla.

You will also find their Merlot growing close to their Chardonnay in the cool clay soils. Plums, blueberries, and figs are the primary flavors of this carefully crafted wine.

The big brother of the group and the first varietal to be planted at Rombauer in 1980 is Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the grapes used are from Rombauer’s estate lots, blended with select grapes from Napa Valley’s top vineyards. Tobacco, boysenberry, and dark cherry meet for a bold and rich flavor.

Typically having a couple different options for dessert wines, their Zinfandel Port is a popular choice. Made from 100% Zin, the Port is made using a traditional Solera aging system.

Rombauer Vineyards wines range from $18 to nearly $150 so there is something offered for everyone and every taste.

If their wine isn’t enough to bring you in, their estate sure is. A view overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains, a massive garden, and large art collection will keep you busy all afternoon. All tastings require an appointment and you can select which experience you want. This allows for a quiet and pleasant experience with one-on-one attention from tasting room staff.

Classic Tasting

A tasting room associate will guide you through a flight of wines that include limited production and single-vineyard wines.

The Joy of Wine Experience

Experience the underground cave and private tasting room while learning more about the vineyards history and winemaking practices. Enjoy your tasting with a cheeseboard.

The Joy of Cabernet

A one-hour tasting that allows you to experience everything Cabernet. The current release, library wines, and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons will be on the list. Learn more about the diversity of Napa’s Cabs.

Wine by the Glass

Been to Rombauer before and know what you like? Order a glass or bottle to share and head out to the dog-friendly picnic tables to enjoy an afternoon.

Rombauer Vineyards also features many events that include Spring Release, live music, and even sail boating.

 

Interested in becoming a wine club member? There are lots of perks, including free tastings and discounts on wine and events.

Dessert Club

Two shipments per year of two bottles of Rombauer Vineyards premium dessert wines for those who have a sweet tooth.

Zinfandel Club

The club for the die-hard Zinfandel lovers. You will get all of the wineries Zinfandel each year between two shipments at one case per shipment.

Koerner’s Cabernet Club

For the Cabernet cult members, you will receive two shipments. One shipment of six bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and one shipment of one bottle of their Bordeaux Blend.

Chardonnay Club- 4 Bottles or 12 bottles

This is a great club for those who enjoy Chardonnays throughout the year. An easy commitment of four bottles a year up to one case a year of Rombauer’s premium Chardonnays.

Classic Club

Can’t decide on a club? Start off with the Classic Club that will ship you six bottles a year in three different shipments. The selection may include any of the wines.

Rombauer Vineyards offers a state of the art experience that goes way past wine. Combining all the best things in life into one beautiful experience. Wine, food, art, and nature. Experience one of Napa’s finest wineries.

California is not all French varietals. Some of our favorite California wineries specialize in Italian wines. With a long history, there have been some great Italian influences along many of the regions there.

You can buy their wines in the tasting room, online, or from wine.com. Here are some of our favorites:

Rombauer Merlot 2016 $44.99

Rombauer Stice Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $114.99

Seaside Insulated Carrier & Rombauer Chardonnay $59.99

Is California too far from home? Tour some of the best California wineries from your home!