There’s an inside joke in Napa Valley: when a Reynolds Family Winery invitation hits your inbox, you don’t decline. Even if you’re a winemaker at a different winery. Especially if you’re a winemaker. Over the years, Reynolds events have earned a reputation as the kind of gatherings where industry titles fade—and everyone (vintners included) shows up ready to have a good time.

That kind of word-of-mouth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of decades spent cultivating not just vineyards, but relationships. At Reynolds Family Winery, hospitality is part of the DNA. From their signature member celebrations to relaxed seasonal gatherings that draw locals and visitors alike, this Silverado Trail estate has become a place where Napa gathers to celebrate itself.

Founded more than 25 years ago by Steve and Suzie Reynolds, the winery began as a leap of faith. Steve, then a practicing dentist, purchased a former chicken farm with nine acres of Cabernet vines and decided to learn winemaking from the ground up. What followed was a steady, hands-on evolution: classes at UC Davis, long harvest days, and a belief that small, family-run wineries could still thrive by focusing on authenticity and quality.

Today, Reynolds Family Winery remains one of the valley’s last truly family-owned and operated estates, with second-generation winemaker Cameron Reynolds now helping steer the vision forward. That continuity is felt not just in the wines, but in the experiences they create.

Parties With Personality

Reynolds’ event calendar reads like a well-planned social season. For longtime members, one of the most anticipated dates is the springtime Tacos, Tequila & Cabernet celebration, a winery tradition now more than 30 years in the making. Held in May, the event blends serious wine with a playful spirit. Estate and library Cabernets are poured while tacos and live music set the tone. It’s casual, energetic, and unmistakably Reynolds.

The guest list often includes fellow winery owners and winemakers—a testament to the fact that these gatherings have become known as places where Napa’s wine community actually unwinds.

Summer ushers in another favorite: Paella in the Vineyard, where guests gather for an evening that is equal parts dinner party and countryside feast. The aroma of saffron and seafood drifts through the rows as bottles are shared.

Then comes harvest season, and with it, the winery’s Annual Harvest Party, held on the last Saturday of September. Now in its third year, the event captures the celebratory energy of crush with grape stomping, large-format and library wines, and a pizza truck. It’s lively and spirited—an experience that mirrors the estate itself.

 

An Open Door Philosophy

While many Napa wineries reserve their most engaging moments for members only, Reynolds takes a broader view. Their events are intentionally welcoming, and locals in particular have embraced the winery as a social hub. It’s a place where you’re just as likely to run into neighbors as you are visiting wine lovers from out of town.

Beyond their own calendar, Reynolds Family Winery is also permitted to host a range of private events. Full dinners, corporate gatherings, and lunches can all be arranged on the property, offering guests the chance to experience the estate in a more personal way. Details and availability are outlined online, making planning refreshingly straightforward.

Why It Feels Different Here

Ask anyone who’s attended a Reynolds event—or even just a tasting—and a common phrase comes up: it feels like family. Guests are guided not just through the wines, but through stories—about the estate, about Napa Valley’s evolution, and about why family wineries continue to matter.

Behind the scenes, a longtime cellar and vineyard team plays a vital role in shaping both the wines and the atmosphere. Their continuity and care are part of why Reynolds’ experiences feel grounded and sincere.

The wines themselves span the valley, with estate Cabernet Sauvignon at the core, alongside bottlings from Diamond Mountain and Atlas Peak. The portfolio also includes Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and even a sparkling wine made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise style.

Every tasting at the winery is seated and includes a cheese and charcuterie board. Tastings are priced at $50 per person—but the value goes far beyond what’s in the glass.

More Than an Invitation

Napa Valley can sometimes feel a bit too polished. Reynolds Family Winery offers something refreshingly down to earth. Their events are shared moments, providing a sense that everyone belongs—even if it’s your first visit.

It’s why winemakers come when they don’t have to. Why locals return year after year. And why guests often leave feeling like they’ve been welcomed into a family setting.

At Reynolds, the wine brings people together—but it’s the spirit of the place that keeps them coming back.

For more information www.reynoldsfamilywinery.com