Area Daily: Area Daily: Viader Vineyard in Napa Valley, CA

Wine tasting in Napa/Sonoma can be a bit overwhelming with seemingly hundreds of vineyards scattered throughout two valleys and multiple towns. So here's a tip on one of our favorite vineyards that thankfully hasn’t been discovered yet by the tourist throngs.

Viader, a small, family-run winery estate started by Argentine-born Delia Viader, is just the place to while away an afternoon. Located just northeast of St. Helena on the steep, rocky slopes of Howell Mountain, the vineyard is unique in that its vines are oriented up and down the steep hillsides in a European design quite rare in California. Cante, the friendly hospitality director, will walk you through the vineyard and underground caves, then pour you a sampling of their renowned reds, which truly are terrific.

Sipping a glass of their signature Cabernet blend on the terrace overlooking the lush green Napa Valley below, you simply won’t want to leave. We didn’t.

By appointment only.