From Bay to Forest Itinerary

Check out these stunning wineries from the bay to the forest to explore the wide range of ecosystems that Napa Valley has to explore. 

Nestled in the Carneros hills of Napa Valley, this winery is a hidden gem. Originally planted in the 1880’s, Bouchaine is the oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros.  Owning 100 acres of estate grapes that surround the winery and brand-new tasting room, Bouchaine specializes in clonal bottlings of Pinot Noir, barrel fermented Chardonnay, and aromatic Alsatian white varieties – a nice break from Cabernet Sauvignon. The terrace holds 270-degree unobstructed vineyard views and reminds you of what Napa Valley used to look like. 

Bouchaine implements various sustainable practices such as the use of year-round cover crops, composting, integrated pest management, maintaining natural waterways, and the use of deficit irrigation. Each of these methods adds to the reduction in water use, increase in carbon sequestration, and cultivating a healthy ecosystem. In addition, their culture of sustainability extends to the people who work there. From the all-female vineyard crew to the tasting room and winery personnel, employee retention and happiness is top of mind for Chris Kajani, Winemaker and President. Supporting this winery means supporting the great people who work there.

If you are driving north on the Silverado Trail through Oakville, you may wonder what the beautiful vineyard and winery is at the intersection of Oakville Crossroads, without a sign.  Rudd Estate is synonymous with Oakville and has been family run and operated since its inception. Female owned and operated, the estate has been farmed organically from the beginning – every decision is meticulous, thoughtful, and respectful. They follow this ethos throughout their winemaking and tasting experience. Each wine is made with intention and a commitment to steward the land from which it came, accepting the responsibility to do better each year.  

The tasting experience is without question one of the most breathtaking in Napa.  Typically seated in expertly planted and maintained secret gardens, you are taken to another world while sipping world class Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  These gardens create homes for countless butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beautiful and beneficial creatures. In addition, Rudd implements the use of sheep and even cows in their vineyard during the growing season. These animals are used instead of tractors to help mow and reduce compaction of the soil.

Located on the windy back roads of St. Helena, slightly climbing in elevation, is Seavey winery. I had the pleasure of working there during harvest 2010 and whenever I see a bottle, I must order it. To say that this winery is special would be an understatement.  Wine is made only from the estate property, meticulously looked after by the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager, who take deep pleasure in making sure the land is healthy now and for decades to come. Utilizing onsite animals like sheep, cows, and a personal worm farm, Seavey has cultivated a complete ecosystem where everything is used and then put back into the soil. The quality of the preservation shows in the distinct and highly sought after wines. These wines are impressive and older vintages, though rare to find, are incredible gems that take you back in time.

About the author

Evyn Cameron |  Consulting Winemaker and Napa Green Board Member

Born and raised in New Jersey, Evyn’s love for creativity started while creating her own “perfumes” from her mother’s collection of essential oils as a child. Her mom, a professional perfumer, and her dad, an avid wine collector, always shared their love of wine at the dinner table. From these experiences, Evyn’s passion became food & wine and she graduated from Boston University’s School of Hospitality. 

She was then recruited by the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group and began working at Per Se, in Manhattan, where she was able to meet winemakers from all over the world. It was there she realized her passion and desire was to become a winemaker. Soon thereafter, Evyn moved to Napa and quickly started her career at White Rock Vineyards.  From there, she honed her skills at Saintsbury Winery, Seavey Winery and internationally in New Zealand’s Central Otago region to work at Carrick Winery.  

Upon returning to Napa, she was welcomed at Cliff Lede Vineyards and became the Enologist for the next 4 years, working with some of the best fruit grown in Napa Valley.  In 2015, Evyn became the assistant winemaker at Anaba Wines, where she focused primarily on Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone varieties. After three years, Evyn longed to return to the heart of Napa and joined Crocker & Starr Wines as Head Winemaker. There, Evyn oversaw all winemaking, as well as managing the 100-acre organic estate vineyard and implementing climate action and green initiatives.  

In May 2022, Evyn decided to focus on her winemaking consulting business, creation of her personal wine brand, and joining the Napa Green board. In 2024, Evyn was featured as one of the next winemakers to watch by Virginie Boone. When Evyn’s not at the winery, you can find her chasing her two kids around the backyard, playing with her furry companion, Pepper, or hopefully traveling with her wife, Cari.

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