THE CRITERIA

1. Wineries must be producing quality wine for at least twenty years.

2. Owning quality vineyard land or having long-term contracts with good vineyards shows a consistent source of quality grapes.

3. Wineries must have a qualified wine making team.

4. Wineries must produce at least four different types of wine and produce wines at different price points making them affordable to most consumers.

5. Many of Napa Valley's best and most sought after wines are made in minuscule quantities. To be included on this list wineries must produce wine in good quantity and be available nation wide.

BEAULIEU VINEYARDS

Beaulieu Vineyards, affectionately known as B.V., remains one of Napa Valley's most historic wineries. Few wineries, if any, have produced top quality wine at long as B.V.. Andre Tchelistcheff, America's most influential wine maker was B.V.'s guiding light from the 1930s-1970.

For the last decade the reins have been comfortably controlled by the talented Joel Aiken. Having access to some of Napa Valley's best vineyards has made it possible for consistent quality and value, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. Traditionally known for its red wines, B.V. now produces a full line of both red and white wines, many offered as reserve wines as well. For good value, it's hard to beat B.V.'s coastal line of wines.

SILVERADO VINEYARDS

Established in 1981 by the Miller family, the beautiful Silverado Vineyards is guided by its well respected general manager/wine maker, Jack Stuart. 

With a goal of producing top quality wine at fair prices, the decision to own and control quality vineyards remains a top priority. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, are Silverado Vineyards most popular wines yet some excellent strides have been achieved with Sangiovese. Most varietals are produced in both regular and reserve bottling; however, the winery's reputation has been built on its affordable and tasty regular bottlings.

BERINGER VINEYARDS

Founded in 1876, Beringer is the oldest continuously running winery in the Napa Valley. With a long tradition for procuring top rated wine makers, Ed Sbragia has been the estate's wine master sine 1984.

Beringer offers a large repertoire of wines produced in a wide range of prices and styles. I am happy to report that while Beringer produces a lot of wine, the quality seldom if ever seems to suffer.  Recently Beringer released its Founders Reserve and Stone Cellars line of wines which offer excellent value.

MARKHAM VINEYARDS

While not as well known as some other wineries on this list, MarkhamVineyards continues to be one of California's most consistent producers of quality wine in the intermediate price range. Although the wineries roots go back to the gold rush, Markham Vineyards first vintage was 1978.