Storybook Mountain Winery

This was our best wine experiance in Napa and we've been to Dell Dotto, Opus One Winery, Domaine Carneros, Sterling and Beringer. We were lucky enough to be guided by the owner who runs the Storybook Mountain Winery for the last 49 years. It is family owned and organic. Hearing him talking about the soil, the vines, the vineyard and wine making was such and extraordinary experiance. Thank you! 🤗 You need to try exeptionally good Zinfandel 🍷

When you’re ready for a break from Cabernets and OTT tastings come visit SMV for the valley’s best Zinfandels grown, produced, and operated by a local family. Taste in the decades old caves and learn about the history of this vineyard going back to the mid 1800s

Definitely one of our favorite vineyards to visit. Best tour and if you want good zinfandel, this is the place. They are small and passionate about what they do!

I absolutely LOVED our tour! From the moment we got there we could tell not only was this a special place but also completely beautiful and peaceful. This is exactly what I wanted my wine experience to be like. Freddie, our tour guide, was phenomenal. We loved his energy, knowledge, passion and the way he took us into the history of the winery through his great story telling. He made it fun and was so engaging. Very personable. We also got to meet Jerry (the owner) and he was such a sweet man you could listen to talk for hours. I ended up leaving with so much respect for his craft, creativity, passion and attention to detail. He’s a rare talent that I hope others can learn from. You can tell he’s extremely passionate about delivering quality wine and experiences for people. We cannot wait to go back and visit again! What an amazing time. Left feeling refreshed and joyful. This isn’t just a winery, it’s so much more. It’s a beautiful property!

We had a great tasting with Rick! He was super friendly and taught us a lot about wine and the family-owned winery. The wine was delicious and the property was beautiful.

Story is incredible. The wine tour I can't recommend enough. Rick showed us the winery, the caves and even let us taste a grape! He taught us a ton about wine making, and about the type of family owned, no compromising winery Storybook is. We felt this strategy translates to their delicious wines. It's so much better than the more commercial wineries.

We've been all around Napa and Sonoma, and this little family-run winery tucked deep in the northern pocket of Calistoga blew us away with its charm, hospitality, winemaking transparency and **incredible** zinfandels. Rick was such a gracious and informative host. Spend a few hours here and you won't go home empty-handed. Storybook for the win.

This was definitely my favorite place out of seven tastings. Rick was an amazing host, generous pours and it felt like I was a VIP on their property! Gorgeous views and the drinking water was some of the best I've ever tasted! Highly recommend and we will be back!

I love supporting a family owned vineyard and winery in Napa - I couldn't recommend the wonderful experience here more! As we pulled in, the owner, an 87 year old farmer was working in the fields and greeted us with a wave - if that doesn't tell you about the quality of vineyard I don't know what does! Rick was well versed in the Napa region, being a local himself, and just a general appreciation for the craft that his family has for winemaking. He was happy to answer our questions about all things wine. We enjoyed the beautiful caves and sat in the grove of Red Woods and enjoyed our bottle of wine with some bread and cheese. We will be back!

Our visit to Storybook Winery in Calistoga, California, was a delightful recommendation from our host, and it offered a unique experience unlike any of the other wineries we visited. Each winery had its own charm, but Storybook truly stood out. One of the highlights was the opportunity to walk through the vineyard, which allowed us to connect with the beautiful surroundings. The main attraction here is the cave where they age and produce their wines, and it was definitely worth the visit. Just a heads-up--wearing sneakers and comfortable clothing is a must, as you'll be walking up some elevation and navigating the cave. Rick, our host, was amazing and incredibly knowledgeable about the winery and its operations. I loved learning that most of the income from Storybook comes from wine tastings and their wine club, which gives it a personal touch. Plus, it was inspiring to meet the winemaker, who is in his 80s and still actively working in the vineyards. His passion for the craft was palpable, and it added an exciting element to our experience. The wines themselves were gorgeous! I ended up purchasing a case, including a Zinfandel and a Cabernet, both of which I can't wait to enjoy. Overall, Storybook Winery offers a more active outdoor experience with beautiful wines and a knowledgeable team. I highly recommend this winery, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy all that it has to offer!

Lovely winery and the owners are so personable. A lot of Zinfandel and reds. All very good. The Rose was my favorite. I love that the tasting area today was out in the trees and you never felt rushed. The caves were I refreshing and much cooler and a welcome respite on a warm day. Definitely a warm and welcoming winery with wonderful people.

This is a small winery run by 2 generations - a real family business. We were lead on a small group walking tour by the founders' daughter Colleen. We walked up the hill too see the vines while Colleen talked about the history of the property and the vines. I loved hearing about Colleen's childhood growing up on the property. We also got to see the wine cave. Very interesting! At the end of the tour, we were treated to a wine tasting at the picnic tables under the trees. A very enjoyable afternoon! The tour & tasting is $50 per person but waived if you purchase 2 bottles. But the wine is soooo good that it will be easy to find 2 bottles to enjoy!

As a Bay Area person I was really surprised by this tour and tasting. The tour felt very impersonal, scripted, and long winded. For example, one question was asked of the group participants, but it felt like the the guide was quick to get back on his speaking track irrespective of folks' responses. Also, it was odd that the tasting didn't occur in tandem with the tour. So, this made the experience twice as long. Then, when we went into the caves, the guide spent a LONG time discussing the black mold. Assuming it is fine, the last thing I want to hear about is mold when I'm wine tasting. Finally, we think the the talking ends and we're seated at these picnic tables. However, the talking continues. I'm not sure if I dislike the wines because the overall experience was so sub par.

In these days where large corporations are snapping up vineyards across California, it's nice to find these excellent small family-owned wineries. I first visited Storybook nearly 20 years ago, and when our travels brought us here again I wanted to return. However, with the changes brought on by both Covid and the natural evolution of the wine industry, I was dismayed to learn that I couldn't just pop in for a tasting, but that advance reservations were needed. Also, as the sole wine drinker in the family, I wasn't sure whether my whole entourage could accompany me. Other wineries had more or less identical policies. I began to think that our trip to Napa Valley would pass without a single wine tasting. I decided to call Storybook anyway and spoke with Colleen, one of the family owners. I told her my plight - coming with a non-drinking adult and two children, could you accommodate us today? She kindly assured us that we could come by later in the day and we would be taken care of. When we arrived we were mystified by the closed gate. After checking for a different entrance, we returned to find a car exiting and so we slipped in after they departed. Colleen greeted us and took us to an area by the barrel room, where I enjoyed a private tasting of their very fine wines as my family looked on. Storybook is known for their Zinfandels, but in the years since I last visited they have expanded to provide some additional wines, such as a blend of multiple varietals and a Cabernet Sauvignon. All the wines I sampled today were excellent, with a diverse range of aromas and flavors such that anyone should be able to find a bottle to their liking. I came away with a couple bottles each of their estate reserve Zinfandel and the Cab. I debated buying a few more to stash away for several more years; I may yet place an online order. After the tasting, Colleen took us into the barrel room and talked to us more about their history and their winemaking process. Altogether this was a wonderfully enjoyable experience and I plan to return, hopefully without waiting another 20 years.

We (a group of 4 adults and 4 kids ranging in ages from 8-12) showed up without a reservation on a sunny summer afternoon. We had picked Storybook due to it being on our driving route that day, the online photos (which looked beautiful) and the generally positive reviews (including from other visitors who had not had a reservation), and asked if we could get a tasting. Rather than politely refuse us service by telling us either that we need a reservation, or that they have a 21+ policy (something we are very used to hearing at other wineries and would have had us merrily on our way and this review would never have been written), the host went back and forth on whether he could fit us in. He said that they might be able to accommodate the four adults at the outdoor tasting table, but then "where would the kids go?" (his exact words, without offering any kind of options). We offered to have one of the adults take turns hanging out with the kids in the parking lot, but that wasn't a workable solution for him (but no explanation given as to why not). At this point, we were about to leave, and as we were doing so, he handed us the price list and said "this is what we're working with here" (the implication clearly being that their prices are premium). Then, as two other visitors arrived, and the host busied himself with showing them into the cave, we made the decision to "move on to the next winery" (which we said out loud amongst our own group, within his earshot, but we were not speaking directly to him). It was clear that this irked him, and so he shot back from a distance in a passive-aggressive sarcastic tone "yes, why don't you move on to the next winery, they're a dime a dozen out here." We chose not to respond to this, and instead just handed him the price list back. Half of our group then started heading back to the first car, but one of our group asked him if we could use the bathroom. He initially ignored this, but as another member of our group asked more explicitly, "could our kids use your bathroom?" he relented and showed two of the kids and one of the adults who accompanied the kids the way. As he was doing so, he remarked in an annoyed manner, "this is why we require reservations." We still chose not to respond to this. As we were almost all back at our cars, another representative of the winery (maybe the owner?) arrived on the scene, and asked the other person what was going on. He responded, loudly enough that all the other visitors in the tasting area heard and turned around to observe what was going on, that "they're just moving on to the next winery - they didn't like our prices." At this rude and unprofessional comment clearly intended to embarrass or shame us in front of the rest of the public (a comment that was totally inaccurate - none of us had made any mention of prices) all of the adults in our group had had enough of the treatment we'd been receiving, and commented that we would respond online with a review. Then we left. And so here we are. Our mistake was showing up without a reservation (and 4 children), and for that mistake we were made to feel like cheap intruders. We (2 of the adults and 2 of the kids) live in the Bay Area and visit wine country at least once or twice a year, often with friends or family, but sadly despite its lovely location and otherwise solid reviews, Storybook will not be on future itineraries.

A crisp, moody, and foggy Saturday morning in the hills of Calistoga was as advertised; Storybook. Our guy Rick took a party of 2 around the grounds of Storybook and into the caves below to explore the history of Storybook. Rolling hills with a beautiful view of the Eastern ridge of the Valley and Mt. St. Helena framed the experience of a beautiful morning. A unique line of tasting that only can be found on the grounds of Storybook; nowhere else. We brought home the 2019 Eastern Exposures Zinfandel. It's right off the main highway through the Valley so logistically it's easy to get to but far enough off the main drag to not experience the Hustle and bustle of Hwy 128. This is an time intensive experience so allot time before your next tasting

My husband I decided to check out this winery on a whim, and my oh my was I glad we did. This is such a charming winery and the name truly suits it. Pam greeted us a started us off with their Rose of Zinfandel and it was really delicious, refreshing and light. While we waited we took some time and looked around, and couldn't believe how beautiful it was there, it was absolutely peaceful. Pam then showed us the caves, and gave us some back story of the original owners and why their wine is fermented outside (it's due to the natural yeast they are surrounded by). Then she took us for a walk up the hill and to the vineyard. Absolutely stunning property, everything is estate grown, family owned and operated and they only have 8 employees which is completely fascinating. Once up the steep hill you get the most beautiful view. I highly encourage you to check this place out, especially if you're looking for a winery out of the hustle and bustle of Napa valley. Now not only was the views amazing and our host Pam, but the wines! As I stated their rose was amazing, we then got to try the 2016 and 2017 Mayacamas range zin and that was delicious!!! My palate liked the 2016, it was softer and a bit more fruit forward. My husband liked the 2017. We also got to try the Eastern Exposure, Four reds, and Cab. We got to taste all of these beautiful wines out in nature with all the beautiful Redwoods. Whatever you do, stop and check this place out, you won't regret it!

My 3rd time wine tasting and went out to Calistoga and Napa. Storybook did not disappoint. You need to make a reservation. $35 for the tasting, waived if you purchased a bottle. First off thanks to Pam...one of the 9 people that works at Storybook (owned and operated by the family and kept in-house). This is your "moms and pops" vineyard. I loved the mini-tour of the vineyards, Pam was very very knowledgeable about the family that owns Storybook, she was very knowledgeable about the different grapes, the ins and outs of their wine and finally, was the one that gave us the wine tasting session. The wines were great. I'm not a big wine person but the cabs were awesome. The tour was also insightful and the wines weren't overly expensive. The vineyard was also nice! Thanks for the wine Gods for saving Storybook from the Tubb's Fire!! Great vineyard. Credit cards okay, very simple and plenty of parking.

Much more than we expected! Located in Calistoga, so I thought this winery might be more of the Napa experience, pay huge prices and shuffle around in a big crowd kind of thing. I was mistaken... We were greeted by Pam, who also does the accounting for the winery. We were the only ones there on a Sunday afternoon, and we had such a nice time with the personal tour. She explained that the winery staff all wear many hats, and it was so cool to talk to her about the history of the winery and her perspectives. The caves were very special, and to walk up the hill in the vineyard had some of the prettiest views of the Mayacamas mountains I have yet seen. The tasting in the redwood grove was incredibly relaxing, we felt like we were a world away. Delicious, high-quality wine as well. And they comp your wine tasting if you buy two bottles- a very good value, especially for the the Napa area. Thank you for a wonderful visit!

In an age where some wineries have standing room tastings to herd the masses in and out in short time, it is refreshing to visit a place like Storybook. Rick took his time explaining the property, the history and what sets them apart as we took a small stroll through the vineyard. Everything is made here and that's a tradition that his father-in-law (and owner) decided would be their identity. Even the same small family has been working the vines for over 20 years. My wife and I got to spend our time with another couple and it was just a great experience. Again, no rush. Rick would come over with the next bottle, but if we were in a good conversation, he'd wait (and even join in) until an appropriate time to sneak in the next sample. Look, I'm no longtime wine enthusiast, but I have been to many tastings in Temecula, Solvang, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz, Sonoma and Napa... this one is by far the most friendly and welcoming one I've ever been to. If you wanna get in and out, this isn't the place for you. If you wanna take a deep breath and enjoy it all, this is the spot! -Beautiful rolling hillside vineyard -Amazing cave tour with a great story -Family owned -Tradition-led winemaking -And Zinfandel is king here -Cab is just... ok. But I came for the Zinfandel so was not disappointed! Oh, and just push the green button on the gate when you arrive to get in. Take your time and enjoy

Storybook is a fantastic vineyard in Calistoga. It's a small - medium family-run operation with amazing wines (especially Zinfandel). You will get an intimate experience with a tour and tasting. Be sure to visit, it's well worth it!

One word: Zinfandel We discovered Storybook Mountain thanks to a guy at the Castle. We had 3 hours to burn until it was time for the tour so he recommended this place if we wanted to try great wine. We drove to Storybook and we did not have an appointment but they took us for their tour without any problem. Rick gave us a tour of the property, showed us the grapes and explained us about their wines. The property is beautiful, we hiked a little mountain and the view from there is amazing! Then we come down to the caves, and Rick show us the barrels used to ferment wine. I don't want to be a spoiler, so I won't tell what else is on the caves! But it's crazy! We end the tour sampling delicious wine! Zyn Gris- Dry rosé made of Zinfandel Mayacamas- 100% Zinfandel Antaeus- Red Blend State Reserve- 100% Zinfandel Eastern Exposures- Zin & Viognier Cabernet Sauvignon- Cabernet Four Reds- Blend, new wine Their wines are amazing, some of them had received awards and have been chosen for The White House State dinner. We decided to join the club member like 2 years ago and we love all our wine. They are a family owned vineyard and keep things simple. Every time we visit Napa, we make sure to stop and do the tour and the wine tasting. Part of their property burned in 2017 with the fire but they were resilient. We visited them in Oct. 2018 and the soil is recovering, they have new picnic tables and even a new truck. Disclaimer: I am not a wine connoisseur, therefore my Vineyard and winery reviews are based on experience and what my palate thinks.

My favorite winery. Storybook is family owned and operated and it really is a very cozy place. However, don't let the small family winery thing fool you. While most of Napa and Sonoma continue to get swallowed up and consolidated into large corporate entities, Storybook is proudly independent and making the some of the best (maybe the best) Zinfandel (and others) in Northern California. There are some really cool stories told here about the history of the vines and winery. I won't spoil them for you but this winery has a history. Their caves are among the oldest in the valley. It is a very cool experience getting in there and getting a barrel tasting. Even that young, their wines are already showing their chops! If you are planning a trip to Wine Country, I STRONGLY recommend making a reservation at Storybook. If you are a Zin fan (their Rose is my very favorite as well), but cannot make it out there, hop online and join the wine club. They will ship their delicious grape juice to you directly though not during the hottest summer months. Storybook has a great story and great wine. Get there and show this winery some LOVE!!!

Had an amazing time here! Rick showed us around the vineyard and we were lucky enough to come during harvest to see them pick the grapes and go through the de-stemmer. Their wines were delicious and they make some amazing zins. Their Cabernet was also very good. I highly recommend visiting here. You will hear all about the history of the place and it's a much better price than other wineries in napa that charge way too much for their tour/tasting. If you're looking for a place to visit I highly recommend you give them a visit. Their Covid procedures made us feel very safe as well

Yelpsop's Fables: The Finicky Fox One afternoon in the early autumn of Napa Valley's famous season of grape harvest, a somewhat finicky fox arrived with his vixen friend for a visit to fabled Storybook Mountain, home of mountain Zinfandel of worldwide reputation and praise. It was his only stop in Napa that day, and for good reason! Not all of Napa is created equal, and some locations defy easy categories and most definitely do not fit in boxes. Storybook Mountain did not fit into any of the fox's many wine country boxes. While he expected excellent Zinfandel, he did not expect to taste a wonderful rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with herbal and berry flavors. But he did! He did not expect to find a barrel fermented Viognier with a beguiling perfume and silky mouthfeel. But he did. And when it came to his favorite wine of all, it was not a Zinfandel, but a 2005 estate Cabernet ($85) that was barrel-aged poetry in a glass - the rhyming kind, no less! "The stories I can tell my yelping friends," the fox mused. "The thrill of discovery: it never ends!" "And to think that after years of wait" "I finally toured the Storybook estate." "To my surprise, I need to tell," "I left without a Zinfandel!" Moral: You don't know what you will find until you get there. Trust your finicky friends! They have learned this life lesson the hard way.

What a beautiful setting for a wine tasting! We enjoyed a tour of the winery then sat down in the meadow for a tasting. Our pourer was so friendly, full of information about the winery and the wines, and we enjoyed our time there! Came home with 4 bottles and can't wait to open them. Would love to return to Storybook!

Our tour with Storybook Mountain Vineyards was the highlight of our day! Our group of seven got an intimate look into this family vineyard's history and all the hard work that goes into producing their amazing wine. The tour was $35 a person and we received an email the day before detailing out our visit to the winery. When we arrived, we did a slow walking tour of the vineyards then through the caves (nice and cool!). At the end of our walk through the caves, we were brought into a tasting room where we tried about 6 wines (4 reds, 1 white, 1 rose). The pours were generous and we enjoyed learning and hearing stories from Richard, our host and tour guide that day. I really enjoyed their 2018 Viognier, and my husband liked the 2014 Antaeus Red Blend. If you buy a bottle of wine that is equivalent or more to the tour price, they comp your tour cost. There's almost no reason not to buy a bottle or two or four! We ended up spending almost 2 hours at this winery! I love how this winery is still very much family run. Richard shared how even the vineyard workers are from one family in Mexico. On vineyard tours, I always grow in appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing a bottle of wine. A great way to spend an afternoon in Calistoga.

Great winery! Definitely gives you that family vibe and the tour is extremely informative. Plus I love that they base their wine off the terroir instead of just growing only Cab.

Great storytelling, history, and amazing passion in making their wines! Dr. Seps is a truly remarkable winemaker whose determination in making world class wines is evident in his Zinfandels! The estate zinfandels are truly divine, supple, and plain noble! Pam, as our wine guide, is a truly engaging and great story teller. She not only gave us an amazing tour, but kept us engaged and entertained. This is a must visit winery!

We had an amazing time here! The other parties who were scheduled to join us canceled so we had a private tour. Rick was awesome! So knowledgeable and passionate about the vineyard and wines. It could not have been a better experience and the Zinfandel was out of this world!

We visited Storybook Mountain early in the day, calling to see if they had an appointment open while we were driving from our VRBO in downtown Napa. Pam was very helpful over the phone and also sent a confirmation email with directions just in case our GPS decided to tank. It's actually quite easy to find after you pass through Calistoga. Rick led our tour and tasting, and he's a gracious, knowledgeable host. The location is stunning, and we love Zins, so there's that... The winery has a nice family backstory and is still very small. Definitely our speed. The Zin Gris, which is super unique, didn't do it for us, but some of the Zins - fantastic! There are quite a few picnic tables (possible picnic spot if you there at the right time) under the tall pines that had been kissed by the fires in 2017. The bark is black from smoke and singe, but many of them are still standing tall and have baby shoots growing around them. Overall, great way to start our day. Thank you, Rick and Pam!

Absolutely beautiful setting and welcoming hosts with delicious wine! Pam really took care of us by giving us a special tour!! It was great and we are so appreciative!! This is a must see stop!

Once upon a time a couple decided to venture to wine country in pursuit of some of the best wines in all the land. After days of grueling searching, arms sore from dragging their luggage filled with heavy bottles, lips stained purple from sampling the robust Cabs of neighboring vineyards, they happened to visit a magical place called Storybook Mountain Vineyards. Apart from offering a picturesque setting, complete with rolling hills, towering redwoods, and whimsical touches around every corner, Storybook develops some of the most smooth and complex wines we tried anywhere. After making reservations in advance, we were welcomed to the property and given a fascinating tour of the estate originally founded by the Grimm brothers (no not the same ones as the writers of the Fairy Tales, but they did inspire the name of the vineyard). In a time when more and more wineries are becoming increasingly commercial, It is always nice to find a small family-owned operation. The fact that their grandfather still brings in all the grapes himself ensures that his eagle eye selects only the best. After an informative tour, we were able to taste several varietals from their classic Zinfandel (the wine for which they are best known) to their Cabernet, Viognier, a rose, and then their Antaeus blend. What I discovered, to my everlasting jubilation was a consistent quality unparalleled elsewhere. I found not one or two favorites, but that I enjoyed EVERY single wine we tasted. Tantamount to pulling the sword from the stone, I felt that finally we had found our personal wine success, and a winery worthy of widening the purse strings, and indulging in the wine club. If you're not ready to make that kind of financial or bottle space commitment though, a tasting is $25, and that fee is waived with purchase. I'd strongly suggest making Storybook Mountain a must-try when in Calistoga, as the wine truly is bottled poetry. In an area where dreams come true and every vintage is destined to make those imbibing feel like they've found their "happily ever after," Storybook delivers some of my favorite wines in all of Napa.

From the moment we drove up to the big iron gate and wondered how to open it (there's a speaker box with a black button mounted on a post by the gate- go ahead, push the button- you know you want to), I loved Storybook Mountain. It's a small, family-run, award-winning, organic winery, located a little off the beaten path. The tour was incredibly interesting and informative- a combination of history, biology, and, of course, drinking. We began in this beautiful grove of huge but charred redwood trees and learned about the winery's history (started in 1883, destroyed by fire in 1964, rebuilt in 1976). Next, we took a walk and saw the vineyards, learned about the different growing zones on the property and the grapes they are suited for, spelunked (ok, walked quietly) in the wine caves, and then tasted some delicious wines. What struck me most about Storybook Mountain was how thoughtful everything was: Jerry, the owner, is a farmer, vintner, and former professor of European history all in one. One of the wines that I tasted and loved was a blend of Zinfandel and Cabernet, which Jerry named Antaeus after a creature from Greek mythology (Antaeus was the son of Poseidon and Gaia- the blending of earth and water). My favorite wine was the Mayacamus Zinfandel- lush, smooth, but not at all syrupy. We bought a few bottles to bring home with us :) Anyways, go to Storybook (call first- they are by appointment only), tour the beautiful grounds, listen to the stories about the history of the winery and its commitment to organic old-school methods of wine-making, and drink some of the award-winning wines.

I really enjoyed the tour and tasting here at Storybook. It's really clear how much the family cares about the authenticity and quality of their wine. The tour really went into the history of the valley and then the winery as we took a short walk. The property and view of the valley were really beautiful. We did the tasting in the caves which was an interesting experience. They comp a tasting if you buy a bottle which is an incredible deal for how great the wine is!

4.5 stars for the wine 5 stars for the tour and tasting experience 1 star for the wine club experience - we felt unwelcome, did not get anything out of the wine club except a very small discount on the wines. The people who were so friendly when we first toured and joined became strange and made us feel really annoying every time we wanted to return to pick up the wines. Then my card expired when I had a pickup and we updated it but I was told I had no wines to pick up, like it was too late. OK, bummer.

Storybook was such a beautiful and fascinating winery. I have been to Calistoga several times but had never been to this gem. The history of the winery was so interesting and our guide Pam was so great. She was so knowledgeable and fun that it made the tour even better. Oh, and the wine was delicious!

Located far up near the northern edge of Napa Valley, I was blown away by the experience and wines at Storybook! Our tour guide, Rick, is such a down-to-earth, affable, and genuine person and it was an absolute pleasure chatting with him as we walked around the vineyards and caves all while sipping on vino. The lineup for the day consisted of the Napa Estate ZinGris, Napa Estate Mayacamas Range Zinfandel, Napa Estate Antaeus, and Seps Estate Viognier. Simply put, their Zin is the best I've had yet and I loved the balance between the bright, juicy berries and dryness - it started off firmly fruit-forward and so smoothly transitioned to a dry lingering finish. The Antaeus also completely won me over upon first sip with its body and complexity. By the end of our tour, I had to take the plunge and pick up a bottle of both despite my limited budget =) I can only give Storybook the highest praise and it is without a doubt a must-visit!

Incredible wines and a remarkably personal tour and tasting experience. Make the reservation and the drive for a genuine and uniquely intimate explanation of a historical, authentic family vineyard and winery, led by the extremely talented and charming Pam!

Family owned, 100% grown on site and bottled. How many places can say they hand inspected every berry that is used? This place can. If you're looking for a personable, quality tour with a rich history, this is the place to be. Pam was our guide for the 90 minute tour that ended up going 2 hours. During that time, we learned so much about the passion, care, vision that Jerry and his team put into making their product, it's a must visit on your trip to the Valley. If you're looking for a place to drink excessively, avoid it because you won't appreciate the magic of this wonderful place. If this is your first visit, make this your first stop before going to the bigger places, you won't regret it.

Wonderful people, exceptional customer service!! A taste of old Napa Valley. The best wine I've every had!! Down to earth people with a flare of excellence!! The wine, complex and sophisticated!! I would recommend this tour and wine with all I am!!

The absolute highlight of my short little tour of Napa and Sonoma. I'm no Ca wine expert, but I have enjoyed Storybook Zins at home for a while now, and couldn't pass up the chance to book a tour and visit the winery. The view is impressive and grounds are absolutely beautiful! Our private tour gave us a real feeling for the history of the winery and the care that Jerry Seps and his crew put into growing the grapes that end up as their delicious wine. The wine caves were particularly impressive- the whole operation is family run and feels very "private," but not private in a snotty way, private in a good/cozy family business way. After my visit there's no doubt that I'll enjoy Storybook wines that much more knowing where they come from. So much better a way to spend a few hours than at some tourist mecca big-name winery if you ask me! Get the "Eastern Exposures" Zin and any of the Seps wines they have- you won't be sorry!

Would highly recommend this vineyard. Being off the beaten path, this vineyard is a true Jem! Rick was an amazing tour guide and shared with us the interesting story about how the winery came to be. The cave tour was very thrilling since it was hand dug in the 1800s. We got to see actual pick ax marks from that time. Definitely a really neat piece of history to see. Storybook is family oriented, which I love. It makes the wine that much better! The Zinfandels were amazing. Much different than some of those you find on the valley floor. We purchased the Antaeus, which is a zin blend. Highly recommend! Reservation is required and $25 tasting but it is waved with a bottle purchase. Highly recommend this winery if you like great Zins and a down to earth real vibe!

A beautiful vineyard and great tour. A must stop for tasting great wines. Great story about the founding of the winery and their focus on Zins. The tasting in the cave covers delicious wines.

Love, love, love this winery. Took a tour here on our first trip to Napa, and the entire Napa trip was worth it just due the amazing tour at Storybook. They are located on the most picturesque setting, on the side of the mountain. Small family run winery with a great history and story. Fee for tour and tasting is minimal and can be deducted from wine purchases. And did I mention that the wines were awesome?! Would definitely return here for another visit and am considering joining their wine club. Highly recommended!

Since I didn't read a review which mentioned Pam, I thought I would now! :) This place is run by 9 people and it is rated #1 in Napa Valley. Pam is an amazing tour guide, and took so much time to tell us the story and answer all the questions - thanks so much, #9! Rick is wonderful for the tasting experience. Yes, they have the most amazing Zinfandels, and being the biggest fan of Zin, I just loved Storybook. Also being a fan of the Grimm books as well as the TV Show, I could relate to this history too. I've been there twice already this year, and will probably come back again! The tasting fee is waived with purchase, and I would highly recommend the 2012 Estate and the 2013 Eastern Excursion, which are the two best wines, although each one I tried was poetry in a bottle, as someone precisely described it.

We visited the Napa Valley for my partners birthday. It was her first time visiting. We decided to let the universe guide us while in Napa and our first stop was Storybook Mountain. It was one of the greatest wine tasting experiences we have had. And we go wine tasting often. We booked an 11am tour and tasting. From the moment we pressed the little black button and the gates opened up, it was nostalgic. We were greeted by Pam...."like the cooking spray". We loved her energy, her love of the farm, wine and the family that own the vineyard was beautiful. She made us laugh, taught us so much about the region and wine making. The vineyard itself was beautiful, the redwoods where we had our tasting was gorgeous but the history, the story, the love and family values behind this vineyard won us over. The wine was delicious, some of the very best we have had. We became wine members. Pam, thank you for just being you. You were amazing. Enjoy Hawaii.

Lovely!! Unpretentious, great family story, quail, hawks, beautiful views and a great tour! We aren't big Zinfandel fans but we enjoyed the wines. The tasting fee is waived with a two bottle purchase. The pricing is a good value.

My husband and I have visited Napa/Sonoma three times now and have enjoyed a number of excellent winery tours. Storybook really stood out for us and ranked as one of our more memorable experiences. We knew we liked their wines before our visit, but after touring the property with Rick and hearing his stories and the history of the property, we gained a whole new appreciation for the passion that goes into every single bottle with their label on it. Rick spent a lot of time with us and at the end of the tour, we spent some leisurely time sipping an incredible line-up, including a surprisingly tasty Viognier and a dry rose we didn't know they produced. You really can't go wrong with any of their reds, but the Eastern Exposure was definitely a stand-out. The pride and passion of this family owned and operated vineyard truly reflects, not only in the quality of their wines, but in the outstanding hospitality they show to ensure every visitor walks away with a very special memory.

Amazing winery tucked away in the northern hillsides of Calistoga. This place feels very magical. We started the tasting with a lovely tour hosted by the founder's daughter Colleen. After that we were seated at a picnic table in a charred and blackened redwood grove. The fires have torn through their area a few times and it is amazing to see their recovery and the foliage regrowth. The wines were delicious, they are known for Zin but make an amazing Rose as well as a Viognier which is to die for. I highly recommend this winery for anyone who wants a personalized and intimate experience as well as some outstanding wine!

wine tasting....can u say vinegar! This was by far the worst wine outside boone's berry farm "wine!" Just because they r in NAPA doesn't mean it's good....they seem to think that they need not make an effort! Don't waste your time!

WELL worth the 'hassle' of a private appointment and 4 mile drive beyond 'downtown' Calistoga. If you have an appt. do not let the closed gate deter you! If this was my family run winery, I'd be careful about whom is admitted to the estate. The north end of Napa Valley typically is warmer, which means the redwood glen provides cool shade for a summer picnic... but we visited on an atypically overcast day. BRRR for us, fabulous for the zinfandel grapes -- namely the Mayacamas zin. Winemaker Jerry Seps was in the vineyard, where he supposed lives. He only retreats to the house to sleep! He knows the terrain so well, he groups a handful of rows with (dare I say?) nano-climates. His SIL Rick was our host. This area native has a passion for both winemaking and his hometown. His sincerity shines through his hospitality. Tour & tasting are filled with more knowledge of regional history and knowledge of the wines than other wine tours. I enjoyed meeting tour companions from Nashville and Cincinati! The caves are one of three originally dug during the early 1900s, and provide an intimate tasting venue: Napa Estate Mayacamas Range zinfandel, Napa Estate Antaeus, Napa Estate Eastern Exposures, Seps Estate cabernet Sauvignon and Seps Estate Viognier. Accustomed to Clarksburg & Amador old vine zins, I found these (post-fire, new vine aka 1970s) zins to be complex yet refreshingly lighter in body. Ready for those summer BBQs: burgers, steaks, tri tip! Antaeus was more complex, but my palatte is getting dangerous. It prefers 'high stakes' wines -- i.e. single vineyard varietals -- which explains my infatuation for Eastern Exposures, another zin (90%) but slightly sweet with a final 10% of a completely unexpected varietal. You'll have to taste it and guess!!! Unlike other wineries, Seps pours its only white wine last... let's just say it's not for novelty's sake. As another yelper mentioned, this is a "must-visit" and return!

Great visit to this winery. Pam was VERY informative regarding vineyard history, backstory and current winery. Tour was awesome and tasted great wines in the cave at the end. I'm a Zin guy and they didn't disappoint. The Rose' of Zin was very nice also. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Calistoga and like Zinfandel.

If you love premium Zinfandels that maintain great varietal characteristics and are not excessive or over the top, or if you want to try a different but delicious Viognier, and you would like to visit some wine caves in a beautiful area while being hosted by friendly, informative staff, then you will want to visit Storybook Mountain Vineyards. It is a very quiet and off the tourist trail. An appointment is required but may easily be made. We really enjoyed our visit and think you will too. You may view photos here: http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2013/03/storybook-mountain-vineyards.html Our first sample was the Storybook Mountain Vineyards 2009 Napa Estate, Mayacamas Range Zinfandel at $36. This had a soft cherry nose with hints of minerality and cedar. On the palate it was very fresh, balanced, soft, smooth, relatively dry and fairly straight forward, with very good varietal characteristics. After mostly cherry with some minerality or crushed rock, I got a rather short but pleasant finish. It is the antithesis of the big, jammy, high alcohol, overly ripe, raison oriented Zinfandels and was much more like the Chase Zins we tasted last week, Zins that are more subtle and have more varietal qualities. There was some oak, but again it was subtle. (It was given 30% new oak.) Our first sample was the Storybook Mountain Vineyards 2009 Napa Estate, Mayacamas Range Zinfandel at $36. This had a soft cherry nose with hints of minerality and cedar. On the palate it was very fresh, balanced, soft, smooth, relatively dry and fairly straight forward, with very good varietal characteristics. After mostly cherry with some minerality or crushed rock, I got a rather short but pleasant finish. It is the antithesis of the big, jammy, high alcohol, overly ripe, raison oriented Zinfandels and was much more like the Chase Zins we tasted last week, Zins that are more subtle and have more varietal qualities. There was some oak, but again it was subtle. (It was given 30% new oak.) Third up was the Seps Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon at $65. After a light nose, I got cherry with soft tannins, a medium body and a medium length finish. It was a good Cab that avoided some of the excesses that often accompany other Napa Valley Cabs. Our final tasting was the Storybook Mountain Vineyards 2011 Napa Valley Viognier at $35. This had a great nose, although it was more of fresh fruit (pears) and minerals than the usual Viognier floral aroma. On the palate it was dry and crisp for a Viognier, with more minerality than floral notes, mostly Japanese pear and white peach with a touch of vanilla and cream. It was also more intense than most Viogniers. Nothing insipid or pale here, but very well balanced. It had a good, fairly long finish. I really liked it. It was great alone but has the structure to stand up to pairing with poultry or other food. Along with the Antaeus, it was my favorite wine of the day. (Storybook is especially noted for its reserve Zinfandels, but we did not taste any.)

I loved my visit to Storybook Mtn! My fiance and I arrived on time almost missing the entrance from the hwy. We waited around a bit for a quorum to arrive. We then embarked on a friendly tour of their property. We were told about the history of the vineyard and the current viticulture practices. It's clear that they are very serious about creating high quality wine. We then ventured into the cave, got a quick peek at the system then tasted around 6 wines. We had the Mayacamas Range Zin, Napa Reserve Zin, Antaeus, a Cab Sauv, & a Viognier. Some of the wines were extremely low production (less than 100 cases). I loved everything I tasted. We walked out with 3 bottles - I couldn't resist owning these very special wines!

Magical experience -- truly stunning location overlooking Mt. Saint Helena. Wine was excellent (we bought three bottles!), and the hosts were exceptionally friendly. Highly recommend

Storybook Mountain north of Calistoga is the Zin-haven of Jerry Seps- the pioneer of ultra-premium Zinfandel in Northern Napa Valley over the last 30 years. Our tour started in the redwoods around the winery and lead up into the vineyards, where we saw Mr. Seps working the organic vineyards. The expanse of east-facing hillside vineyards like an offering for Mt. St. Helena in the distance . We tasted the wines deep in the aging caves. Along with another group we ran across, the tasting turned out to be more like a cocktail party. The visit to Storybook was a lot of fun- great surroundings, cool caves, and fantastic wine.