Bell Wine Cellars Review
Address: 6200 Washington Street Yountville,California 94599.
Phone Number: 707-944-1673
Tasting Hours: By appt. 10:00-4:00
Region: Napa Valley AVA, Yountville AVA, California
Reviewer: Laura Cropper
Review Date: 9/14/2015
Reviewer: Laura Cropper
Rating: 5
The Review
In California’s Napa Valley, just south of gorgeous downtown Yountville, youll find a hidden gem, Bell Wine Cellars. Upon arriving at the appointment-only winery, visitors are greeted with an inviting view of the outer stone walls of the winery. The aesthetically-pleasing structure displays the press-pad to the right and a stone patio with comfortable dining tables leading into the tasting room and cellar.
As you walk into the cellar/tasting room you will pass an entire wall covered with awards for Bell’s wines. The tasting room and cellar are combined, making this a true working winery experience. I was fortunate enough to visit during harvest when there were hoses running through the cellar, grapes being pressed, and tanks being filled.
Bell has two tasting bars complete with linen-covered dining tables. For small groups, Bell also has a private room with a long dining table and windows for viewing the cellar. There are beautifully photographed pictures and short descriptions of the different cabernet clones that Bell works with on display for you to peruse during the tasting.
We had the pleasure of meeting Elyse who poured chardonnay, merlot, cabernet and two blends from barrels. Barrel tastings are always a special treat in any cellar as you are tasting something prior to bottling and really get the raw aromas and taste of the wine before it makes its journey into the bottle. Elyse was extremely knowledgeable about the winerys history, varietals, aging processes, blends and much more and often answered questions before we even asked them. Her entertaining and friendly personality made the tour that much more enjoyable.
As someone who enjoys wine tasting, I not only drink cabernets and merlots, but I also love sparkling wine and Champagne. When I saw the Blanc de noir on the menu, naturally I asked to try it. Elyse was more than happy to open a bottle and pour a splash for me. The brutstyled Blanc de noir was exactly what a sparkling lover looks for from a blend of mostly pinot noir but also some chardonnay and pinot meunier; light, dry, crisp and just a touch of minerality delicious! The bubble person in me was very happy!
Just through the press-pad there is a beautiful patio with tables for lounging and enjoying the wine. There are also bocce ball courts surrounded by brightly colored flowers and bright, green landscaping. Everything was lush and blooming.
Elyse continued to dazzle us with her wine facts and knowledge when she took us out into the vineyard. There were still merlot grapes hanging on the vine which she allowed us to try. She mentioned that they would probably be ready to pick within the next day or so. Elyse also offered to take our picture which eliminated us needing to ask.
Bell Wine Cellars is a true winery experience. When you visit Bell, you will feel as though you are a part of the winemaking process, and you’ll experience the friendly, family environment they have created. You will see the owner and founder working in the cellar with the tasting room associates and winery interns. In a region where winery owners frequently hire others to run the winery and produce the wines, it’s refreshing to see an owner involved in the entire winemaking process.