Corison Winery

What it's like

Corison is a small, working winery on Highway 29 in St. Helena where the tasting area sits right inside the production space, so you taste with the smells and sounds of the cellar around you. The focus is Cabernet Sauvignon made by winegrower Cathy Corison, and guests can often step out into the estate Kronos Vineyard to see the vines. It is intimate and unhurried, and nothing here is built for crowds.

Who it's best for

Cabernet drinkers who care about older vintages and balanced wines, and people who prefer to meet the producer's world rather than a hospitality team. It is a strong pick for repeat visitors who have done the larger names and want something quieter.

What to book

The winery is open daily by appointment, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are two tastings. The Discovery Tasting is $75 per guest and runs 60 minutes, with two vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and a rosé plus a vineyard walk. The fee is waived with a three-bottle Cabernet purchase or wine club enrollment. The Library Tasting is $125 per guest and runs 90 minutes, with current releases and library selections, again with a vineyard walk. Its fee is waived with a four-bottle Cabernet purchase or club enrollment. Book through the reservation system on their site.

Because the appointments are seated and unhurried, plan a designated driver or a rideshare.

How it fits into a day

Corison is on Highway 29 in St. Helena, so it is an easy fit as a single anchor appointment. Many people pair it with an afternoon visit to Freemark Abbey or Markham up the road, or with a lunch in town before heading to Spottswoode. Count on one to one and a half hours.