William Harrison Winery

A Napa Valley Winery on the Silverado Trail

Bill Harrison traces his winemaking roots to Italy in the early 16th century, but for the last 100 years or so his family has made wine in California. In fact, Bill’s grandfather, Antonio Perelli-Minetti, was the first California winemaker ever to hold a wine-making degree.

Growing up at his grandfather’s San Joaquin Valley winery while nurtured by so much winemaking history, it’s not surprising that Bill Harrison ended up making wine, too. But before he founded his own vineyard, he held marketing positions with the California Wine Association and then started the first mobile bottling service for wineries.

In the mid-1980s, Harrison moved to California's Napa Valley where he founded the small, family-owned William Harrison Winery.

The Mission-style combination winery building and tasting room, constructed in 1985 from wood and white limestone quarried nearby, is log-cabin rustic. Your tasting experience will be relaxed and informative.

In true Italian style, a Bocce Ball court is on the grounds (you are welcome to play) and picnic tables are available for your enjoyment.

Fascinating Fact:

Mobile bottling services have become a huge business in wine regions. Everything needed to bottle wines is contained within a truck, which visits smaller wineries at harvest season to bottle and label wines.

Amenities: Picnic Tables; Bocce Ball courts
Founded: 1985
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Simpatico (red Bordeaux blend), Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Red (red wine blend)
Wine Tasting: Basic, no appointment needed
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11-5

William Harrison Winery
1443 Silverado Trail South
St Helena, CA 94574
707-963-8310

website: www.whwines.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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