Salvestrin Winery

What it's like

Salvestrin is a family winery, and the standard tasting reflects that: you start with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, take a tour of the estate and winery, and then sit for a guided tasting of four current-release wines on the patio or in the tasting room. It is relaxed, personal and unhurried, and it is one of the few places in the valley where bringing the whole family is explicitly fine.

Who it's best for

Families, people traveling with a dog, and anyone who prefers a small-estate feel over a big production. The standard Estate Tasting is kid and pet friendly. The upscale Dr. Crane Experience is not, so it suits adults who want a quieter, more formal hour.

What to book

Book through Tock.

• Estate Tasting, $75 per person. One fee is waived for every three bottles purchased. Club members taste free for up to four guests.
• Dr. Crane Experience, $150 per person, about an hour and a half to two hours in a restored 1800s Victorian home. It includes a welcome Sauvignon Blanc, five red wines (including the Three D Cabernet Sauvignon), artisanal food pairings and stories about the property. Not kid or pet friendly.

Parties larger than six should contact the winery directly. Tastings are by appointment.

For transport, use a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour.

How it fits into a day

The Estate Tasting works as a mid-morning stop, then lunch nearby in St. Helena. Because the address is on Main Street, it is easy to combine with a walk through town before or after. If you take the longer Dr. Crane Experience, treat it as the main event of that part of your day. Check their site for current days and times before you book.