St. Helena Wineries to Visit
VIADER Vineyards & Winery | On a 92-acre Howell Mountain property with valley views west to the Mayacamas range, this boutique winery was established in 1986. Founder Delia Viader bucked conventional wisdom by planting her vines vertically down a 32% slope instead of terracing them horizontally. Her three principle red blends, these days assembled by her son Alan, are similarly atypical in that they’re not, per Delia, “trying to hijack your palate with high tannins or alcohol.” Smooth and supple, yet intense and aromatic, the wines are the product of tender yet exacting farming and winemaking processes. A curving knoll of oaks, madrones, and manzanitas separating the two vineyard sections holds the winery and nearby tasting room. The vistas from the latter and its terrace are as alluring as the much-sought-after wines. Visits to VIADER are strictly by appointment, preferably made at least a day or two ahead.