Class in a Glass
The journey to Boich Family Cellar is part of the adventure. You have two routes to choose from:
- The Road Less Traveled – A winding, scenic drive up Dry Creek Road, where the twists and turns reveal breathtaking, untouched landscapes.
- The Smoother Path – A more direct ascent via Highway 29 and Oakville Grade, offering a gentler ride before merging with Dry Creek Road.
Oakville Grade is the recommended route for those who prefer a more relaxed approach. But if you’re up for an exhilarating, slow-paced drive through uncompromising natural beauty, the scenic path is a feast for the senses.
Whichever way you go (and official directions will guide you via Oakville Grade), you’ll arrive with a sigh of relief and anticipation. Perched atop Mt. Veeder, the intimate lodge-style tasting room welcomes you with panoramic vineyard views stretching out below. Here, in this tranquil retreat, you’ll savor some of Napa Valley’s most extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons—a true reward for the journey.
Elegance Defined and Redefined
Simply put, a hosted tasting at Boich Family Cellar’s Wall Road Estate is nothing short of elegant. As you approach the “house on the hill,” overlooking the valley below, a sense of anticipation builds.
From the moment Boich released its first vintage in 2012, its reputation was set in stone—sourcing from some of Napa’s most revered vineyards, winemaker Jeff Ames crafts wines that are highly rated, highly sought-after, and cherished by those lucky enough to acquire them. Whether enjoyed at the tasting room, through the exclusive wine club, or at select fine-dining establishments, Boich wines are truly something special.
When you see names like Beckstoffer, Georges III, and Ritchie, you know you’re in for an extraordinary tasting experience.
On the day of our visit—a chilly, windy, and rainy afternoon in mid-December—we stepped into the warm, inviting tasting room, greeted by a mesmerizing view of the valley below. The scene unfolded like a living painting—clouds drifting, fog rolling in and out, rain showers passing, and occasional bursts of sunlight piercing through. It was nothing short of magical.
Our host, Mark Harris, welcomed us with a glass of Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, a wine sourced from one of Napa’s most iconic vineyards—renowned for producing Grand Cru-quality Chardonnay. As we savored its elegance, Mark painted a picture of Ritchie Vineyard’s legacy and Boich’s meticulous winemaking process.
From that first sip, we knew this would be a memorable afternoon. And as the weather began to shift—the fog lifting, the clouds parting, and golden rays of sunshine illuminating the valley below—the experience only became more enchanting.
The Gold Standard of Cabernet Sauvignon
I’ll admit it—about a month before I visited Boich Family Cellar, I attended a Napa wine roadshow in Los Angeles, where 30 different wineries showcased their best. It was there that I had my first taste of Boich, and I was blown away. The wines stood out in a room full of excellence, leaving a lasting impression that made me eager for more.
This time, however, I wasn’t just there to sample—I was there to savor. To take my time. To experience the depth and artistry behind each pour.
So, let’s talk about Cabernet Sauvignon—but not just any Cabernet. If Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the “King of Grapes,” then (in my personal opinion) Boich Family Cellar crafts the king of Cabernet Sauvignon. Taste and decide for yourself.
A Taste of Beckstoffer: A Rare and Elegant Experience
On a perfect afternoon, we were indulged—and I do mean indulged—in a tasting of four distinct Cabernet Sauvignons, three of which originated from the legendary Beckstoffer Vineyards, the cornerstone of Boich Family Cellar’s world-class wines.
“Beckstoffer’s six Napa Valley Heritage Vineyards have a history and provenance that is unparalleled in California. Each vineyard offers a unique terroir that has historically produced the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for some of Napa Valley’s most iconic wines.”
We were fortunate to experience wine from grapes grown on three Beckstoffer Vineyards; each single-vineyard wine presented its distinctive personality, aromas, and flavors. As we sipped, compared, and revisited our favorites—a fun experience that showcased just how beautifully taste and preference can differ.
The Beckstoffer Collection We Tasted:
- Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard (Oakville) – A vineyard planted with multiple clones of Cabernet, producing a wine rich in depth and complexity.
- Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard (Rutherford) – Here, the famed “Rutherford Dust” shone through, lending a signature earthy elegance to the wine’s bouquet and palate.
- Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (Oakville) – The crown jewel of Napa Valley, originally planted in 1868, this historic vineyard has been producing world-class grapes for over 150 years.
A Mount Veeder Masterpiece
The tasting concluded with Boich Wall Road, Mount Veeder AVA Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (2019)—a mountain-grown Cabernet, expertly blended with 10% Cabernet Franc. Over the last decade, Wall Road Vineyard has cemented its status as a premier site within the Mount Veeder AVA, producing wines of power and finesse.
Unlike the Beckstoffer Cabs from the valley floor, this wine embodied the rugged, structured beauty of mountain fruit, with an elegance that unfolded sip after sip.
An Unforgettable Afternoon
As we swirled, sipped, and savored, our host, Mark guided us through the story of each vineyard, each nuance of terroir, and the philosophy behind Boich’s meticulous craftsmanship. “Boich doesn’t make a lot of wine,” he shared, “we make great wine that can stand on the world stage.”
And that is exactly what we experienced—a rare opportunity to taste and compare truly elite wines in an intimate, welcoming setting, where the beauty of the landscape and the magic in the glass intertwined seamlessly.
For any true wine lover, this is more than a tasting. It’s an experience to be savored, remembered, and, whenever possible, repeated.
Beyond the Vineyard
As if savoring world-class wines in an elegant setting weren’t enough, Boich Family Cellar offers a selection of exclusive, wine-centric experiences designed to elevate your visit. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the best Napa has to offer, consider one of these unforgettable options:
Restaurant Tasting Experience
Enjoy an expertly curated food and wine pairing at one of Napa’s most esteemed restaurants:
Golf & Wine: A Perfect Pairing
Hit the greens at one of the region’s premier golf courses while savoring an elevated Boich wine tasting. (Complimentary for Boich Reserve Wine Club Members.)
Customized Tasting Experiences
Let Boich’s expert team craft a personalized, intimate wine experience—whether in their stunning Mt. Veeder lounge, at a private venue, or in the comfort of your own home. Savor the Boich collection, including rare library wines, with exquisitely prepared small bites or full wine-paired dinners. Compare Boich wines against “The Icons of Napa” or the finest selections from Napa and Bordeaux. A customized tasting is more than an event—it’s a memory in the making.
Though relatively new to Napa’s elite wine scene, Boich Family Cellar has, in just over a decade, earned a reputation for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and delivering world-class hospitality.
Whether you’re enjoying a tasting in their scenic lounge—watching the sun dance through the trees and across the vineyards—or immersing yourself in one of their exclusive experiences, Boich represents more than just fine wine. It embodies a lifestyle.
This is more than a tasting; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle, and culture. He and his wife are constantly sipping their way from Santa Barbara to Napa, focusing on Paso Robles and the Central Coast, where they have explored for about 25 years. Don has earned his WSET2 (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) certification, has completed the Bourgogne Masterclass through the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and is a member of the LA. Wine Writers.
Focusing on the people and unique experiences to be had, Don’s goal is to have people read about California’s amazing wine country adventures, seeing it through his eyes, and say: “I want to go there, try that, meet them,” and enrich the lives of others as his has been, by exploring California’s wine roads.
