Whetstone Wine Cellars: Southern Hospitality Mixed with Napa Luxury

South Carolina seems to be the gift that keeps on giving – Carolina BBQ, Thomas Rivers Brown (you know him from my recent Mending Wall post), and Jamey Whetstone of Whetstone Wine Cellars. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century chateau that looks like something out of a storybook, Whetstone creates an exceptional experience centered on wine, and built on Southern hospitality. If you’re looking to slow down and let simple luxury wash over you, make sure a visit to Whetstone is on your Napa list.

Finding a house focussed on Pinot Noir is pretty unique for the Napa Valley, and that’s one of the many reasons Whetstone stands out. The Classic Tasting is a flight full of personality. It starts with the 2016 Catie’s Corner Viognier – a wine that I think pays homage to all things Southern with flavors of Georgia peaches, white jasmine, honeysuckle, and a rich, velvety mouthfeel – it’s a wine that reminds you to relax. A pair of Sonoma Pinot Noirs follow – the 2016 Walala Vineyard which is graceful on the palette and full of blue and red fruits, accented by cocoa nibs and subtle spices, and the 2016 Pleasant Hill Vineyard which brings a lovely vein of acidity that integrates perfectly with its black cherry, bergamot, and cola qualities – these are luxurious Pinot Noirs. The 2015 Phoenix Ranch Syrah is also a standout wine – cedar, fresh leather, and a spice box of nuances – you can spend all day quaffing this beauty.

The wines are the perfect complement to Whetstone’s beautifully appointed chateau setting. Michelle, Jamey’s wife, has designed a space that is friendly, welcoming, and rooted in the site’s heritage. Whether you sit outdoors alongside the expansive lawn or inside on big leather chairs next to a roaring fire, you’ll be both in awe and comfortable. You’ll also love the Women of Whetstone – Addie, Jess, Alli, and Lauren – who go above-and-beyond to curate a true feeling of Southern hospitality. And with Jamey, Michelle, and their winery mascot, Ace, all often on-site you’ll understand why this boutique gem is more than a place to taste great wine – it’s the home in Napa you didn’t know you had.

Location: 1075 Atlas Peak Road – located just down the road from Silverado Resort & Spa.

Highlights: Exceptional “Southern” hospitality; beautiful 19th century Napa chateau; delicious “unique for Napa” wines.

Must try Wines: 2016 Catie’s Corner Viognier; 2016 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir; 2015 Phoenix Ranch Syrah.

Visit: Open by appointment only. Tastings start at $45 per person.