Tasting in Town The Appeal of Off-Site Tasting Rooms Jessica Zimmer

Lisa and Robert Hoye of Novato have their wine tasting poured by a robotic arm at Maria Concetto in Calistoga on Thursday, Jan. 11.

Downtown is where the action is, from finding beautiful spots for wine tasting to making it easy to enjoy pairings for local restaurants. Throughout the Napa Valley, locals and visitors alike can find a wide variety of tasting rooms on or just off main corridors. 

Tasting in a location other than a winery gives guests a chance to visit spontaneously and have food from local restaurants delivered. Sometimes, the tasting room has other surprises as well. 

At Maria Concetto Winery in Calistoga, that includes “Robbie,” a robot sommelier that pours, serves, smiles, dances and bows. The winery also showcases live music on Saturdays twice a month. Additional performance dates are expected in the spring. 

“We’re open from noon until 8 p.m., so guests can come by before and after dinner. The ambiance is stylish, like an upscale nightclub,” said Maria Reznikova, the owner of Maria Concetto Winery.

The business’ winery is located in Mendocino County and has no on-site tasting room. Yet Maria Concetto Winery sources grapes grown in Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties, as well as fruit from the Central Coast. 

“Our Lincoln Avenue location is convenient for guests visiting the Napa Valley who want to explore events like our food and wine pairing with Bricco Osteria Restaurante,” Reznikova said. 

For cold, sunny days, Reznikova recommends the 2019 Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, a balanced wine with flavors of red cherry and the aromas of vanilla and red licorice. Guests are also excited about the 2020 Moscato from Mendocino County, a crisp Italian dessert wine with notes of fresh peaches and freesia. 

“We have 11 wines to taste and offer cheese and charcuterie boards with nuts and chocolate. There are also specials like two sparkling wines with caviar. We can take guests on a short complimentary driven tour through Calistoga,” Reznikova explained.