We had a fun and informative virtual wine tasting with Kenji at Knights Bridge.
Our selection
The Knights Bridge Story-
In 2006, several close-knit family members discovered 50 acres of hillside vineyards in Knights Valley, the perfect spot to produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Knights Bridge vineyard is nestled on the pristine west side of Knights Valley, the warmest appellation in Sonoma County. It was here that the family decided to create Knights Bridge Winery with the singular goal of producing world-class wines. Joining on their quest is a group of talented professionals, all striving together in the pursuit of excellence from sustainable farming methods and small lot wine production to unique tasting experiences. Knights Bridge Winery is guided by a deep respect for nature, a passion for fine wines, and a dedication to family and friends.
Owners
Jim Bailey
Essel and Menakka Bailey
Tom Costin
Winemaker - Douglas Danielak
n 1988, Douglas Danielak began crafting wines for some of the most admired wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties, and in 2006 was named an original member of our winemaking team. Having made exceptional wines from our estate vineyards for over 10 years, he is now our Director of Winemaking.
Douglas graduated from Michigan State University, and later U.C. Davis earning a BS in Viticulture and Enology. He also attended the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune in Burgundy. During his time in France, Douglas worked with Rebecca Wasserman at Le Serbet gaining in-depth knowledge of barrels from cooperages Francois Frères and Taransaud. During his award-winning career, Douglas has received both critical praise and high scores. In 2014, Wine Spectator named Douglas a Winemaker to Watch.
Knights Valley
Situated at the foot of Mount St. Helena, just north of Calistoga, beautiful Knights Valley holds a special fascination. Located in a narrow valley bordering the Mayacamas mountain range that divides Sonoma and Napa Counties, this easternmost Sonoma County appellation, known for its warm days and cool nights, is the warmest viticultural region in the county. The valley's beauty and mineral-rich volcanic rhyolitic (volcanic) soils help produce world class Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc; wines that consistently earn acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike. This special place continues to enshrine the rough beauty and ambition of the West, but contains within it a classic finesse and style that makes this one of the most unique wine-growing regions in the world.
Vineyards
Knights Bridge Estate Vineyard
The Knights Bridge vineyard is located on the southern boundary of the stunning Knights Valley AVA of Sonoma County. Rising from 300 to 900 feet in elevation on the rocky slopes of the Mayacamas mountain range north of Calistoga, Knights Bridge Vineyard overlooks a spectacular display of rolling hills, steep mountains and gentle valleys. Cool wind from the Pacific blows through the gap in these mountains, providing the grapes with longer hang time to develop richer flavors. Blessed with a combination of iron-rich and white-ash tufa (calcium carbonate) soils, the terroir of Knights Bridge, combining the perfect blend of climate and location, provides an ideal environment for the chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc vines to thrive. Taking a sustainable approach, these carefully farmed hillsides share open space with wildlife habitats and riparian corridors, helping preserve nature's delicate balance.
Serendip
Serendip Vineyard is 6 acres of beautiful valley floor vineyard land directly adjacent to the Knights Bridge Vineyards. The well drained soils have given us the perfect spot to grow Chardonnay and Merlot for the Knights Bridge Winery wine program.
To Kalon Vineyard
Arguably the Grand Cru of California vineyards, the Beckstoffer portion of the historic original To Kalon Vineyard in the Oakville AVA was purchased from Beaulieu Vineyard in 1993. Beaulieu had purchased the property from the Crabb estate in 1940 and called it their Beaulieu Vineyard No. 4. Napa Pioneer Hamilton Crabb first planted the vineyard in 1868 and it has produced some of the Napa Valley's best red grapes ever since. Replanted by Beckstoffer beginning in 1994 to multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with modern trellising and closer vine spacing, this vineyard produces elegant wines that are world-renowned.
Dr. Crane Vineyard
Napa pioneer Dr. George Beldon Crane originally planted one of the top vineyards in California, Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane Vineyard in 1858. This historic vineyard property is located west of Route 29 in the city of St. Helena, within the St. Helena Appellation. The gravelly loam soils have been replanted (1998) to multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The wines from this vineyard are rich, intense, and have a depth of black fruit flavors that are unmatched.
Winemaking Philosophy
Knights Bridge Winery is committed to producing exceptional wines from our estate vineyard and other fabled vineyards from well-known appellations. Focusing on the noble varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, our wines are handcrafted in small lots.
Curated Collection
The Knights Bridge Curated Collection guarantees an allocation of our small production vineyard specific wines for our most valued members.
Noble Collector
Six bottles of current release wines delivered each spring and fall
Complimentary ground shipping included
First access to new releases, large formats and limited library wines
Invitations to our release parties, private events, and winemaker dinners
Complimentary food and wine pairing for four people in The Vault (one visit per year)
Concierge services for Napa and Sonoma
Grand Collector
Twelve bottles of current release wines delivered each spring and fall
Complimentary 2nd Day Air shipping included
First access to new releases, large formats and limited library wines
Two complimentary tickets to our release parties, private events, and winemaker dinners
Complimentary food and wine pairing for four people in The Vault (two visits per year)
Concierge services for Napa and Sonoma
Wine and Food Festivals Knights Bridge has participated in the past:
Old bank vault tasting room
Private Tastings
We are now open for tastings by appointment. Things will look a bit different in the tasting room, but our approach was guided by recommendations put forth by the CDPH and the CDC, and we’ve worked to create an environment that's welcoming, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. Our highest priority is ensuring that guests feel safe and enjoy a relaxing experience during these uncertain times. Below are some of the changes we’ve made to ensure the health and comfort of our guests and staff.
Our team has undergone training to implement updated health and safety measures, including cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas frequently.
The tasting room has been arranged with social distancing practices in mind and fewer tables with touchless transactions.
Appointment reservations will be spaced to maintain a maximum of 12 guests at one time, with time between tastings for additional sanitation.
All staff will wear face masks and we ask that our guests wear a face covering and respect social distancing; hand sanitizer stations and face masks will be available for guest use.
While we are thrilled to welcome you back, we continue to offer many opportunities to stay connected at a distance through virtual tastings, digital wine parties, curbside pick-up, complimentary local delivery, and tasting experiences for Knights Bridge bottles you already have in your cellar.
We are incredibly grateful for your support over the past few months, it has absolutely sustained us during this time. It is our privilege to share our wines with you and we look forward to seeing you soon.
A Sensory Journey | Knights Bridge Winery at Solbar
An Auberge Resorts Collection Experience
We invite you to partake in a Sensory Journey! Guests will enjoy Knights Bridge wines with an exquisite four-course wine and food pairing in the shaded courtyard of the renowned Solbar, located at Solage in Calistoga. Each wine selection will be expertly paired with dishes created from seasonal, farm-fresh Napa Valley ingredients. Savor this unique sensory experience of stunning wines and globally inspired cuisine at the Michelin-starred Solbar.
Wines include selections from our current release and library offerings, and each experience is customized to pair with the Solbar menu and guest preferences.
$125 per person | 2 - 8 Guests | Monday- Friday | Please allow 90 minutes
Solage Resort Chef’s Atrium at Solbar, 755 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga, CA
Virtual Tastings
We have curated an elegant tasting of Knights Bridge wines that represent the character and personality of our Knights Valley Estate. Our Virtual Tasting Sampler includes one bottle of our 2018 KB Estate Sauvignon Blanc, a half bottle of our 2015 Pont De Chevalier Chardonnay and a half bottle of our 2015 Knights Bridge Cabernet from Knights Valley. These sample packs are offered at $95, temperature controlled ground shipping included, or you may choose your own selection from our current releases and library wines. Simply make a purchase and then schedule a tasting appointment for a day and time that works best for you. To book, please call or email Kenji Yoshida, kyoshida@knightsbridgewinery.com or (707) 812-4487.
Open the Cellar
You can also book a virtual tasting experiences for Knights Bridge wines you already have in your cellar. Choose the bottles that you would like to open and schedule a Zoom or FaceTime session at your convenience. We will provide in-depth information on the vintage, our estate vineyard, and the viticulture and winemaking intention behind your wine. To book, please call or email Kenji Yoshida, kyoshida@knightsbridgewinery.com or (707) 812-4487.
Digital Wine Party
In this time of social distancing there is pleasure and comfort in wine. Our Digital Wine Party can bridge the distance and bring you together with friends and family. Calendar a date and time, and we will send a bottle (or more!) of Knights Bridge wines to your friends and loved ones around the country who are sheltering in place. This experience creates an opportunity to connect and celebrate with your friends and family. To book, please call or email Kenji Yoshida, kyoshida@knightsbridgewinery.com or (707) 812-4487.
Curbside Pick-up
We are offering curbside pick-up for all orders placed in advance. For questions regarding an order or if you are interested in placing an order for pick-up, call 707.341.3391 or email contact@knightsbridgewinery.com. We will have your wines ready when you arrive and will place them in your car.
Complimentary Local Delivery
We will deliver case purchases to your doorstep at no cost if you are within a 75-mile radius from our Calistoga tasting room. Please call 707.341.3391 or email contact@knightsbridgewinery.com to schedule your delivery.
P. O. Box 1129 1373 Lincoln Avenue Calistoga, CA 94515
t: 1-707-341-3391 f: 1-707-341-3397 e: contact@knightsbridgewinery.com
Web: https://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/
Twitter: @kb_wine
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COyNDR3T0xA
Photos and text courtesy of Knights Bridge Winery