A different side of Napa Valley awaits those who venture off the beaten path. Indeed, many of the region’s most intimate experiences unfold from the front seat of an all- terrain vehicle (ATV) riding the rugged terrain that molds some of Napa’s finest wines.

In an unpretentious setting, these small-scale, family-owned wineries offer a chance to get in touch with Napa’s rural roots and long-standing history, often while being guided by the owners themselves. Like a breath of fresh air, these wineries allow one to indulge in a more casual-paced and tailored-made Napa experience, so buckle up!

THE TERRACES

The Terraces Winery is unassumingly tucked off the Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley. But beyond the front gates lie terraced vineyards and fruit orchards consisting of olives, pears, and apples, some of which are harvested to craft the winery’s popular Sparkling Apple Cider. This Rutherford property was purchased in 2001 by Timm and Sharon Crull, the winemaking couple dedicated to continuing the site’s 130-year farming legacy and sharing its incredible story with visitors.

The best way to experience their 120 acres of land is by way of ATV, bringing one up close to estate orchards, cork trees, bee colonies,  a  solar-powered  mobile chicken coop, and the historic ghost winery dating back to 1885. Best of all, guests have the opportunity to step inside one of Napa’s only “acetaia” or vinegar house where the Crulls have been patiently aging balsamic vinegar in the traditional Modena style for the past twenty-four years, expected to release in 2021.

Following the exhilarating off-roading tour, guests are invited to relax on the property’s back deck, where  samplings  of current releases are poured at leisure. The Terraces produces Napa Valley standards like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and rare wines such as Riesling, Tempranillo, and Falanghina, a crisp white wine with Italian origins. “I enjoy meeting guests, sharing our wines with them, and connecting with our com- munity,” said Sharon. “Either Timm or I try to meet nearly every guest, and we are a true, hands-on, unpretentious family operation, with both of us doing cellar work, vineyard work, and hospitality.” The Terraces 4WDrive Tour  and  Tasting is a private experience available by prior appointment, $50 per person.

JERICHO CANYON VINEYARD

Off the beaten path by definition, Jericho Canyon is located off the narrow Old Lawley Toll Road in Calistoga and is home to a one-of-a-kind estate. Once a cattle ranch, Jericho Canyon was acquired in 1989 by Dale and Marla Bleecher, who had the fore- sight and grit to transform the rolling 135 acres into hand-terraced vine rows dedicated to Bordeaux’s main varieties.

Until 2005, the Bleechers sold their fruit to A-list wine producers before devoting full energy to their promising Jericho Canyon label, first released in 2001. Their impressive wine collection is a collaboration between the founder’s son, Nicholas Bleecher, and consultant Michel Rolland, each bringing their expertise, passion, and genuine love of the vine to the mix. “We only use free-run juice of our best fruit;    if it’s not perfect, we don’t bottle it,” said winemaker and general manager Nicholas Bleecher, echoing the winery’s commitment to crafting distinctive wines that are true to the land. Jericho Canyon offers a limited number of private wine tastings each day. Guests are invited to walk the expansive natural-rock caves   that   lie   beneath the hillside Merlot vines before embarking on an ATV tour throughout the property (weather permit- ting). Savor a view of the steep-sloping vineyards from both   an   eastern  and western perspective before sitting down to a tasting of the Eastern Elevation and Western Elevation Cabernet Sauvignons, among  others. Here, there are no itineraries to keep or    a script to follow. Each tasting experi- ence is customized to the specific party, making for a genuinely authentic Napa experience. Upon booking, guests may select the Current Release Tasting, $75 per person, or the Library Tasting, $100 per person.

HEIBEL RANCH VINEYARDS

Heibel Ranch is a family project led by Trent Ghiringhelli, fourth-generation Californian, and grandson of George B. Heibel, the original owner of the family ranch in Pope Valley. In 1945, George Heibel purchased the historic Aetna Springs Resort, a once-popular summer- time destination for vacationers from San Francisco and Hollywood  in  the  late  19th  century. Today,  the  property is sprawling with sequoia groves, two ponds,  and an   organic   vineyard   that is the very definition of “roads less traveled.”

Trent established their winery in 2001, releasing its first vintage ten years later with the support of his mother, Helen Ruth Heibel, stepfather and managing partner, Bruce Nelson, and wife and wine industry veteran Marion   Blanchet   Ghiringhelli. The vineyard specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and  Petite  Sirah  that go into small-production proprietary blends and a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, called “GBH” in honor of his grandfather. Reflecting Trent’s love for his family, each wine is named after a paternal  figure  in his life; the resulting bottles are equally thoughtful as they are eye-catching.

While Trent only hosts a handful of guests each month, the lucky few are in for a treat. The 185-acre ranch is mountainous,  with  rolling  stretches  that  demand   a 4WD vehicle and a sense of adventure. Trent, along with 13-year old vineyard dog Chachi, deliver both as he personally drives guests around in his 1963 aqua-toned Willys Jeep, fondly referred to as “sugar magnolia.” The tour wraps with a picnic of cured meats, fresh local cheeses, baguette, estate-grown olives, and of course, Heibel Ranch wines. “A visit to Heibel Ranch incorporates my vision to offer a laid-back setting which allows our guests to connect with the land, the wine, and the people behind it,”  said   Trent.   “It   allows   them to break bread with the winemaker and discover the dreams, passion, and terroir behind each bottle.” The Back-Country Tour is available at select times throughout the week with an advanced reservation, $125 per person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Terraces: terraceswine.com // Jericho Canyon Vineyard: jerichocanyonvineyard.com // Heibel Ranch Vineyards: heibelranch.com