VGS Chateau Potelle Winery

Wonderful food and wine pairing at this historic St. Helena winery. Thoroughly enjoyed Kathi's hospitality and her expertise as we navigated through their fabulous food and wine pairing experience. The venue is bright, welcoming, colorful, filled with natural light and positive vibes. The French background music added another level to the remarkable experience. Enjoyed the Mt. Veeder sourced fruit and purchased several bottles of their Cabs (similarly enjoyed the Syrah and Chardonnay). We've driven by VGS a 100+ times on Hwy 29 and this was our first visit. After we departed, we excitedly called several family members and shared we have a new winery to explore next time they're in town. Really enjoyed the eye-opening side by side glass stemware experiment. It was a magical experience, trying the same wine in two different style glasses. Highly recommend visiting.

We love VGS so much it hurts. We've been members of their club for years, ever since meeting the winemaker at a private event in Dallas. Wines are now only sold to club members and they are delicious. DELICIOUS! We stopped in for the tasting menu pairing and it was fantastic. There's no better way to spend an afternoon than enjoying great conversation, good food and even better wine. They are located in a small house converted into a tasting space.

Wow Wow Wow! A beautiful and wonderful experience. Loved this tasting. Everything was just perfect. We came when there were no other appts and it was pretty nice to have the whole place to ourselves. The pairings were just fantastic and loved how the little bites were meant for each wine. Definitely enjoyed every sec of it! I can't wait to come back again!

We had a wonderful experience tasting here. The tasting and garden manager, Luis P was a wealth of information and he gave us a great history lesson on VGS. I can't wait to come back to do the tasting and food pairing!

This was my first leisure outing since this whole COVID pandemic and it was a really nice experience. Tastings are by reservation only, and they all take place outside in their lovely garden. They book only one party per time slot, which limits the amount of people who are there at any given time. On my visit, there was only one other party, a party of 1 who arrived about 50 minutes into our appointment time. He was seated well more than 6 feet away from us and there were bushes in between so we couldn't even really see each other. The tasting we did was the Signature VGS Wine and Food Tasting Experience, which paired VGS wines with small bites from La Toque. Everything paired well together and it was an overall lovely experience made even lovelier by our friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable host Owen (who wore a mask the whole time). The one thing that would have made it even better is if we got to finish with a piece of chocolate. Can't beat wine and chocolate! The grounds are lovely, there's plenty of space to socially distance, and we even got to take a peek (with masks on) of their indoor tasting house. We went home with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, which wasn't part of the pairings but recommended by Owen after he asked what our favorite wines were. All in all this was a nice way to spend my first leisure outing since the pandemic, which was also an early birthday celebration for me.

I cannot say enough good things about this place. It truly is "very good shit" indeed. Our hostess was so much fun, she was personable, she really made a connection with us and it made us feel so welcomed. We did the food and wine pairing, every small bite paired perfectly with the wines. We fell in love with the wines and place so much we became members. It's hard not to join when it's such a fun place. Every wine was better than the last. Usually there are a few wines I don't care for, but not here, here, they were all amazing.

Luis was an amazing host very entertaining and great humor with our large party. Very pleasant and understanding that we were a little late from our first wine tasting. All the wines were delicious and the pairing was amazing. Loved the atmosphere of the private dining room for our party of 8. Definitely call for reservations ahead of time. It's a splurge but for the quality of what you get and the amazing vip service worth it for the experience. Wished we had more time to explore the grounds. Recommend that you space out your tastings so that there is wiggle room. The portions are small but the ladies and I were full from meal so perfect for a lunch.

Be sure to read my previous review for details. It is so good to have VGS back open. The experience of enjoying their perfect wines accompanied by amazing small bites from La Toque, served by attentive staff that make you feel like family - well, it's just amazing. Almost makes a person forget about the cares of the world for a couple of hours. Oh yes, and they are taking all appropriate precautions - be sure to make an appointment in advance.

In case you were wondering, VGS = Very Good Shit. No joke. Love the name. Love the cute little house and lawn. Love the service. Love the hospitality. Not a huge fan of the wine though. Hence the 4 stars. Came here with a friend who is a wine club member. Apparently, they do have a waiting list right now if you want to join. We experienced their wine and food tasting. The small bites of food came from La Toque, a pretty well known, Michelin starred spot in the area. The pairings were fantastic. The food and wine went well together. I just didn't feel as though the wines stood well alone. I do love that the wine was French inspired. We had Anthony as our guide and his personality glowed throughout our visit. It's a must to make reservations if you want to check VGS out as there is limited seating. No wine is made here but don't be deterred. The ambiance is fantastic.

Yes yes yes. I honestly never knew this place existed. We were treated by friends to come visit VGS which is an amazing name in itself. But the hospitality, the cute little intimate setting, the bites and tasting were all spectacular. They have a variety of wines and make everything very approachable. I believe they said the most they could cater to is about 20 so this definitely is not of those large Corp type wineries. I'd say great for couples and small groups. It's a cute little White House sitting right on the main drag conveniently located next to everything. Highly recommend.

Yes yes yes! Must go to winery. Their tastings are very intimate and very personal. They pair each of their wine with a little food sampling, so you can imagine how is when youre eating a meal. I feel like VGS is like going to a friends house to have some fanatastic wine and good company. I think this was my favorite winerys in napa, as its family owned and the quality and attention to detail is there as well. Also dont forget to revisit your favorite wine :)

Yikes - I had high expectations for this spot given the Yelp reviews / pictures. This place is just a little house. Their winery is actually up the mountain but apparently difficult to get to. I forgot our hostess' name... it sort of went downhill from the moment we stepped in. We were greeted with some glasses and told her one of my friends could not participate. She proceeded to pour her a glass anyway. I understand she might have forgotten while she was giving us facts about the place, she comped the wine tasting for her but still charged her for the food. There were multiple times where she poured incorrectly and spilled different wines into different glasses. I could tell she was embarrassed, so I tipped her anyway at the end of our visit. The whole experience was very rushed (30 minutes!!!). 45 bucks for 4 tastings and food pairing. You can do without the food if you ever decide to come here. 2 stars for the cute room and for her trying but there are so many other great wineries out there.... They are called VGS because it stands for "Very Good Shit".... but there are better shit out there.

Tony told us we were too loud and drank too much and I said "we're in Napa isn't it expected" and he goes no not really. So we left. Worst customer service ever. tony is the worst and very unprofessional. Do not go here. Worst experience of my life. Not worth it at all. He is the worst.

Our favorite winery in Napa with no comparison...yes have been to Napa around 20 times and tried a lot of places each time but just feel this is only must must must come back to...they recently downsized to make sure their wine is beyond exceptional!! The service by Anthony this time and by Tony times before are speechless and such a relaxed atmosphere. Their vineyard is actually on the hill so it's not on site which is why they have a nondescript tasting house but it's such a quaint tasting area...love it!!

We popped in because a friend of ours told us to. the place is closed unless you are a club member then you can do a tasting. But the gentleman who saw us come in, was super nice. He gave us a tasting and gave us some information on VGS...and it is Very good Shit. He was the best part of the stop and enjoyed speaking with him. Wish I could remember his name. The wines were amazing as well.

Fun little wine chateau, but can be easily missed. As you walked in, the place is bright and inviting, not the typical dark musky winery. The host was great and very entertaining. He welcomed us with a chilled rose wine. It had a bright airy note; not too sweet and just perfect on a hot summer day the table setting was pretty with the color on the place mat representing the wine. Great visual and concepts. The small bites paired well with each wine. He took time explaining the wine and how each bite compliments the wine. Great food and wine line up, starting with a chilled corn soup, followed by the beef and duck bites, finally ending with a piece of sweet sea-salt chocolate.

This is by far the premiere secret in Napa Valley. Amazing wines and hospitality! Tony is incredible and getting to meet Jean-Noel, wow how often do you meet the owner? Then there is Matthew who is funny and so knowledgeable! Best winery of the over 100 we have visited!!

What a fun place to visit! Going for tastings in the valley can get a little boring, but VGS Chateau Potelle is doing something different. The space is inviting and surprisingly very private. They have unique art pieces and they are right off the 29. Everything they make is limited production and it's all excellent. Not only do you get a nice lineup of wines, but you also get them paired with gourmet bites to eat that are provided by one of the premier restaurants in Napa... La Toque! One of my favorite Michelan star restaurants in the entire valley. This absolutely blew me away. Ready for the kicker? The wines are very reasonably priced. The highest priced wine from Mt. Veeder Is their Cabernet ringing in at $110 retail. Most of their wines range in the 40-70 range and are a great value for their quality. I will be coming back and bringing a group!

Two things here Yelpers: 1) prepare for top shelf wine snuggled in a perfect little, cozy experience. Hallelujah for VGS. It's a hilarious story on how they got here (best told by our host extraordinaire, "Shelby") but they back it up with bomb-ass wine, gang! The Chard was on point (and that's coming from one not particularly fond of white). Pinot was fire. and the cab was what you'd expect from a valley cab. Even the zin was fire! *easy to miss this spot. It looks like a very residential crib on the corner, parking lot only accommodates a few cars. 2) they paired with food. Delicious food. Hallelujah for a spot offering something other than water to not only clear the palates in between selections, but to bring out the best in them as well. Hopefully you can ask for, and book, with Shelby. Super fun and very knowledgeable.

Passport Stop #3 Very Good Shit, I kid you not, this is what VGS stands for; rest assured its aptly named First plus, this was the only place that we went to that served each wine in a different glass and showed us what a HUGE difference that it can make. Second, there was a lovely homey vibe inside and out, just imagine being at your friends house hangout while drinking wine. Third, our wine lady was friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. She made the experience all worth wild and really appreciated the unique experience that they offered. Outdoor area has limited seating but it gives you more privacy and really feel like you have your own space. My only note is that the individual cost was the highest out of the five we went so definitely glad we had the passports Overall Thoughts A hidden gem worth coming back again, the end!

This small winery has a big personality. I was completely charmed by the tasting room and the wine. The recently released rose was the best I've ever had. Of course they are well known for the reds, which are amazing. Appointment only so plan ahead if you go.

Owen went absolutely above and beyond. We had such a wonderful tasting while celebrating a friend's birthday, I decided to become a member and bought a few bottles right away. On that night, we had already popped open a bottle of VGS Cab Franc over dinner and gifted one to a family member the next day, which was our final day in the region. Seeing that we have depleted one of our favorites even before we left town, I quickly called Owen asking to order more but we weren't able to get back up to St Helena before they close. He was so nice that he made a special arrangement to let us pick up after his work hours. Thank you Owen! The extra 7 bottles came back home safely with us in the RV and are now sleeping soundly in the wine fridge. :)

Far and away the best wine tasting experience in Napa Valley. Every wine is amazing and the food pairings are top-notch. I can't recommend this place enough. Very laid back and inviting ambiance and all the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The 50/50 blend is great (ask about the story behind the wine) and the Potelle II is my go-to for the weekdays. Best Cabernets in the valley. The 2015 Cabernet was out of this world great.

Great wine - loved the wine pairing! We bought a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc! Beautiful and intimate setting, which would be great for a group. Get the food and wine pairing! It it spot on! Thank you to Anthony for making our wine tasting experience amazing!

So we came here and did a food and wine pairing for 60 dollars per person. We made reservations beforehand. Location is look--walking distance from downtown St. Helena--lots of shops and restaurants. They had one other group doing a tasting at the same time we were and each group "got" a wine expert/server, which made it super personal and gave us a very "VIP" feel. We walked in and were greased at the door with a tasting of rose and some sort of cucumber-salmon-creme bite (yummy). We are taken to our table and we have a sign with our names (printed and framed which should the planning and attention to detail this place has). The tables have a placement color coded with the four wines we would be trying with four glasses (all different shapes--I am sure to give the wine the right amount of air), water glasses, and pens and A+ marketing collateral about each wine. We tried a Chardonnay, a pinot, a red blend, and a cab sav. All were paired with "bites" from the chef based out of the Westin Hotel (french based restaurant). She explained that bites change each season, but we had a sunflower/artichoke type dip, a duck/carrot bite, a beef/mushroom bite on a rye cracker, and something pork based but y'all I am NOT doing these justice. All were great and perfectly paired with the wines they corresponded with. I loved every single wine and this was our first stop of the day, so I know my ability to accurately taste was there (aka I did not have too much wine that they all tasted the same at this point during the day)"fresh". She ended up bringing out two more wines for us to try--a Gewurztraminer and another red wine (can't remember what it was) with some chocolates from a local chocolate shop that were AMAZING. As I near the end of my trip to Napa, this place most definitely had the best wine (to me) and I had the best experience.

What a delightful addition to Hwy 29. This beautifully refurbished and meticulously decorated tasting room offers a terrifically innovative concept: a flight of awesome wines accompanied by small bites by La Toque. We found the service super attentive and the wines worthy of a purchase. Look for the yellow door on the east side of 29. Well worth the visit.

Looking for a food and wine paring proved itself difficult in the Napa Valley. There was wine & bites, which translated in olives, crackers, nuts. Not exactly what we were looking for. We found, via internet , VGS Chateau. For a mere $45 we got to pair 4 wines with delicious bites. VGS partnered with La Toque, a brilliant Michelin starred restaurant to provided these amazing Amuse-bouche. We were also treated to 3 extra wines, and a truffle chocolate pairing, at no charge. Our hostess, Emily, was full of southern charm. She was knowledgeable, friendly and a perfect hostess. The Chateau is an intimate setting. The interior is beautifully and cleverly decorated. The ambience music allowed you to step into the Rat Pack era. The wine, food, music, decor and hostess provided a memorable experience. This is definitely one of the best food/wine pairing in Napa. Look forward to visiting again! *Make sure you ask what VGS stand for. :)

I love coming to Chateau Potelle - thank you Tony and Caitlyn! It is amazing coming to a place where you are remembered and treated like family. The tasting room is exquisite and the atmosphere delightful. If you are looking for a great tasting, this is a hidden gem and definitely worth a stop. (And the wine just speaks for itself. Amazing)

Out of all our Napa experiences this week this one was the most unique. It was fun and different and the wine and the food was very tasty. Major props to Shelby for being an attentive host who knew her stuff and worked with us to get the best value out of our experience. Will highly recommend this place to friends and family as a must stop while in Napa.

Although we did not have any reservation, they were able to accommodate our party of 5. It was a fabulous experience! So much so that I joined and became a member. The place itself although in close proximity to the main road was serene and inviting. Kaitlyn was a graceful host. The wines definitely did not disappoint, and the little bites that went along with them. If you're in the area, you should definitely check them out.

I have been to this place twice now and the 2nd time I brought a large group of friends for my birthday! The wine is always amazing. My favorites are the Chardonnay and the Rose. I have bought a bottle for home. Anthony and Stephanie were amazing hosts helping with the coordination of getting a large group with all different crazy schedules up there from the SF/East Bay Areas. I highly recommend VGS for top notch service all around and tasty bites.

We had such an amazing time at Chateau Potelle! Our host Shelby was very hospitable, engaging and very funny. We can't wait to go back soon! I would suggest Chateau Potelle to anyone who's looking for a great afternoon excursion!

My wife and I visited VGS this afternoon and were amazed! The small stature of the building is refreshing as Napa Valley seems overrun with large and commercial feeling wineries. We were greeted and immediately got to it. Our host was knowledgable and friendly. He gave us enough attention to be engaging, but didn't linger to the point where he appeared to want to be part of our conversations. I had no idea what "VGS" was all about, but the name seems to fit the wine. Good times. Thanks for the wine and we will see y'all soon again.

By far the worst Napa experience I've ever had. The worst customer service I've experienced anywhere, EVER. No wonder the place was deserted. I seldom complain about food service experiences, because I have been a waitress/bartender/barista and I know that even the best places can have a bad day. But we had such an awful experience, I can't even give them the benefit of the doubt. DON'T GO HERE. I called 2 days ahead of time to see if they could provide a vegetarian pairing for the $45 wine and food tasting -- obviously I was super willing to forgo the food pairing and just taste the wine. But I was assured by a very nice gentleman on the phone that it would be no problem to have a vegetarian pairing, especially given the advanced notice. Unfortunately, my food not only featured a big old lump of lobster in the soup, but also little potatoes fried in duck fat. I seriously would have been totally OK with this; I'm not a picky vegetarian. I know sometimes accommodating people with meat/fish allergies can be tough. But when I very calmly and reasonably approached the manager about this afterward, he was immediately hostile and defensive. I tried to tell him that for some long-term vegetarians, ingesting fish/meat can make them physically ill, and he went off on me. I've never experienced such hostility from a stranger. It was scary. I had already paid, so maybe he thought it was OK to treat me like crap? The wine is OK -- absolutely NOT worth $30.The food pairing was delicious, according to my non-veg friend. But obviously Heitz, Mumm, Honig, Frog's Leap are better options -- are all within a 5 minute drive. Go there instead. I had such high hopes for this place, given the great reviews. I've never been so disappointed.

TODD!!! We cannot thank you enough for the amazing time we had! You were just the perfect host...so kind, funny and handsome! . We will totally recommend this place to our friends, and hopefully anyone reading this will make the reservation for this awesome experience! Ken Frank is one amazing chef and the wines paired with it were so delicious! We feel so bad we didn't leave a bigger tip, but I don't carry that much cash with me. Sorry! . You were such an incredible host, and we can't wait to bring friends to see you again. Thank you again, Todd!!!

A must stop on your way into Saint Helena. Napa is full of commercialized wineries nowadays and Chateau Potelle is not one of them. If you are looking for good wine- amazing atmosphere- and an experience this is your stop. The cutest little hot air balloons set up inside and tasting outside under the tent is something special. The "bites" that go along with your tasting are delicious. A must try!

Whoa! What a great find! We came here based on a friend's recommendation and man am I glad we did! Unlike other tasting rooms, the one here is very intimate and small, with tables to sit at rather than a large wine bar. Our server, Sammantha was fantastic. She came and sat at the table with us and explained the history of tasting room and talked to us about the owner and wines. The Illegitimate and Syrah were personal favorites, although the Sauv Blanc and Chardonnay were also crisp and delicious. One of the most fun things about this place is that they pair the wines with food. The kitchen was under construction when I went but I'm definitely coming back to sample the small plates and wine pairings. One of the secrets of the Valley, I'm recommending this place to everyone.

Ah we had high expectations for VGS and it was just okay. Lots of traffic noise at our outside tasting. We didn't care too much for the reds and the food bites did not present well or taste fresh.

Shelby was so great and made our tasting here just wonderful. She promptly put a glass of rose with a pairing in our hands as soon as we walked in! Amazing pairings and will be back for a second time this week actually.

We started off our wine tasting experience at VGS! We were greeted by our gracious hostess, Shelby, and a delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Brightly lit and filled with art, VGS was refreshing. We were then seated outside in front of 4 glasses. Shelby poured us some amazing wines and served us our small bites to pair. She sat with us and we learned about the interesting history of Chateau Potelle and sipped on wine while we soaked up the perfect crisp weather of Napa Valley in the morning. A must-see tasting room! Thank you Shelby!!

My favorite winery in Napa! The food and wine tasting experience is amazing and one of my favorite parts of driving up to wine county. The wine on its own is incredible and some of my all time favorites. The staff are incredibly nice and knowledgeable. Everyone here really takes pride in VGS and what they do and they should! It's a truly not to be missed, fabulous spot in St. Helena.

What a surprising little gem. VGS is more of a small tasting room/venue rather than winery. It is a different type of experience compare to the commercially vineyards/bigger tasting rooms. I highly suggest sitting outside the patio/gazebo area (you have to request this) for your tasting (if weather permit) since you have a view of a quaint garden. The food pairing was amazing as it goes well with all of their wine that they've selected. It seems to be a family friendly venue since there were parents with kids. I really enjoyed their "Illegitimate"/red blend wine (includes: cab, merlot, syrah, zinfadel)) which I've bought 6. As for decor, it is a cute, simple clean look, with contemporary furniture & art pieces (which wine country is known for). Reservation is required as this place can only accommodate small groups. I truly highly recommend VGS as it is worth every penny ($45/person for 4 tastings + light/appetizer food pairing). Everyone that work here is really nice too.

Good visit just very noisy as it's by the road and the wine train. The staff is excellent and wine is VGS.

We were late coming from another winery and the tasting was passive aggressive at best. (We called and said we were going to be late an were told to come whenever we could). We didn't get any info about the wine or food. One of our crew is a VGS member and we still go treated like crap. Worst wine tasting experience EVER!!!!! I will never go back. I expected better and this winery could have gotten 3 new members. I can buy wine anywhere....I don't need VGS!

Great wine, great space. Our favorite stop of the day. Love the relaxed setting, lack of pretension, and the food offerings. Nice attention to details, glassware, and original and creative blends of varietals you won't see anywhere else...winemaking to admire.

This may be in plain view from bustling Highway 29, but as soon as you walk from your car to the front door, you feel like you've travelled back to France. The wines, superb, the staff super friendly and knowledgeable- and the food experience is what you have to experience. Love the simple interior design as the layout provides space for groups of 8, or as little as for a couple like us enjoying a romantic retreat. You can even enjoy a tasting out on their patio if you'd like. Do plan ahead, put this on your itinerary and be sure to leave plenty of time to soak up this amazing food & wine tasting experience.

What a great find! Had wonderful time there last Saturday. The wine and food pairing was amazing. We ended up buying a few bottles! The owner was there and both he and the staff were very welcoming and happy to answer our questions. Will definitely go back on our next visit.

Came here w a friend who is a member and had a fantastic tasting ($25) in which they brought out 5 wines and then brought us anything else off the menu we asked to taste as well. The pours were very generous and all were tasty.

I took my mom to VGS this past week and we had a blast! Matt, Anthony, and Todd are all so knowledgeable and genuine people. If you're looking for a delicious and wonderful experience I recommend to go there. The owner Jean Noel is so funny and did a good job with renovating the building. It's beautiful, simple, and inviting. Outside they have a beautiful seating area and I love their bites from La Toque. As a local I truly mean it when I say it's so delicious and a must go to in the Valley.

I had the pleasure recently, of visiting the VGS with two Bay Area gal pals. I live in Napa and this is one of my go to places when friends are visiting. I highly recommend the food and wine pairing, it is outstanding. Sit on the patio, or on hot days, escape to the AC inside.