![Girard Winery exterior in Calistoga, CA](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1694-1440x960.jpg)
It’s no secret that Calistoga is home to some of the best off-the-beaten-path wineries in Napa. And yet… people still don’t venture up here nearly often enough. The scenic views, sprawling vineyards, and – of course – fantastic wine more than make up for the long drive.
An afternoon of tasting at Girard Winery is like a welcomed oasis from our otherwise chaotic and cluttered lives. On my first visit, I immediately fell in love with their chic garden patio – a beautiful outdoor tasting setup surrounded by flowers, an overflowing fountain, and vines all around.
Read on for my full wine tasting review of the Girard Winery tasting experience!
![Girard Wine lineup](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1419-1440x960.jpg)
About Girard Winery
Girard crafts a wide range of wines. They have everything from the expected Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc to Merlot. And then some more: Malbec, GSM Blends, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc. The list goes on.
Forged from decades-long relationships with growers throughout the valley, Girard is able to source high-quality fruit from all over Napa Valley. Some of their wines are blends designed to showcase the best of the varietal, others are single-vineyard, high-end collectible treats. Red wine makes up the bulk of their assortment, but there’s truly something for every palate here.
Girard Winery began in 1975 as a dream of a father-son duo. The two shared a passion for high-quality wines, a respect for the Valley’s rich history, and a pioneering spirit. Today, that tradition and passion for winemaking continue with a new leader, Pat Rooney, who purchased the winery in 2000.
![Girard winery tasting setup on the patio](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1469-1440x960.jpg)
![Paige drinking wine at Girard winery](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1521.jpg)
![Inside tasting setup at Girard winery](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1447.jpg)
What to Expect When Tasting at Girard
Nestled between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountain Ranges in picturesque Calistoga, Girard Wines offers laid-back and relaxing seated tasting experiences.
Wine tastings are typically offered outside, either in the beautiful garden area or on their chic-covered patio. Both offer unforgettable vineyard views. In case of inclement weather, tastings are held indoors – I especially loved their cozy fireplace lounge area!
Tastings include a range of their distributed current releases and their small-production, limited-release wines, depending on what you want to dive into.
I especially loved their Artistry blend red wine, which is comprised of the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. They actually offer a tasting that deep-dives into this wine and the varietes that create it; check out their Discovering Artistry tasting.
You can’t go wrong with any of their tastings though – everything I sampled was delicious!
Check it out for yourself, and let me know in the comments what you loved best.
Cheers!
>> This post was sponsored by the brand, however, all tasting notes and opinions are my own. I am so grateful for brands I love who support what I do; thanks for supporting them back! <<
![Patio and garden at Girard Winery](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1689.jpg)
![Inside the tasting room at Girard wine](https://www.winewithpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6J1A1402.jpg)