A winding uphill drive on a stunning mountain road brings wine tourists to the 180-acre Keenan Winery in St. Helena, CA. The dramatic greens and dusty browns of the Mayacamas Mountain Range color the scenic backdrop, while wisps of fog create the perfect microclimate for growing the distinctive, flavorful grapes. It’s easy to see how this mountainous region lured a late 19th century vintner and how again—80 years later—it enticed yet another enterprising winemaker by the name of Robert Keenan.
Visitors to the Keenan tasting room are greeted by a friendly tasting room staff. They learn that Keenan Winery was started by the late Robert Keenan and is now operated by his son Michael. They also enjoy anecdotes of Keenan family winemaking while tasting Keenan’s acclaimed varietals.
As tempting as it may be to linger in the tasting room, the best way to experience Keenan Winery is to carry a glass of 2009 Napa Valley Merlot, 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 Spring Mountain District Chardonnay, or another varietal favorite outside to the winery’s lawn. Here, at a picnic table outside the Keenan tasting room, guests may drink in the exquisiteness of the Keenan Winery experience—from the rich, deep ruby fruits of the wine to the awe-inspiring scenic views.
Wine critic Robert Parker proclaimed: “If you haven’t discovered the wines of ?Robert Keenan, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon as quality appears to go from strength to strength.” In the last 10 vintages, he has rated 55 of Keenan’s wines between 90 and 97 points.
Keenan subscribes to sustainable farming techniques and has substantially reduced pesticide use. In 2007, a 41-kilowatt solar power system was installed to offset the Keenan winery and vineyard’s electrical usage. Keenan’s wine labels now read “Solar Powered and Sustainably Farmed.”
Thanks to the foresight of a 19th-century viticultural pioneer, the mastery of Robert Keenan, and now the hard work of his son Michael, this verdant place in the mountains of St. Helena has become renowned for its excellent wines.
What to Buy
’12 Spring Mountain District Chardonnay – $32
Crisp lemon zest, ripe pear, white peach
’11 Merlot Napa Valley – $38
Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice
’10 Mernet Napa Valley – $96
Black fruit, licorice, spice
’10 Syrah Napa Valley – $38
Blackberry, black cherry
Special Notes
Sustainably farmed, wine club discounts, picnic grounds, pet friendly, scenic view
Contact
3660 Spring Mountain Rd.
St. Helena, CA 94574
Phone: 707-963-9177
E-mail: info@keenanwinery.com
Website: keenanwinery.com
Touring & Tasting
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