Napa · Napa Valley
Visit Black Cordon Vineyards with a Private Chauffeur
Tiny lots of Napa Valley Cabernet, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from a husband-and-wife winery. Black Cordon has no tasting room, and visits are arranged with the owners by call or email; here is how, and a day at sought-after estates nearby.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Black Cordon Vineyards is a very small Napa Valley winery run by winegrowers Karen and David, who left careers in the Midwest and moved to the valley in 2004. Their first decision, they say, was never to bottle a wine they were not proud of. For many years Paul Hobbs and Julian Gonzalez made the wines, and Julian continues as winemaker in their own winery.
They make a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and barrel-selection, vineyard-designate Cabernets, plus a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, each in very small amounts, with small-lot fermentation for the reds and barrel fermentation for the Chardonnay. A second label, Sixteen by Twenty Wines, comes from the same vineyards, winery and winemaker.
There is no tasting room or published tasting program. Only a few wines are sold online; most go to wine club members, whose business the owners handle personally. The owners invite people to call or email to be introduced to the wines, and any visit is arranged with them directly. The day below adds three estates nearby that host every day.
Tasting Fees
Black Cordon does not publish a tasting program or fee. On the day below, the tasting fees are $45 at Trefethen, $80 at Darioush and $75 at Chimney Rock, about $200 per person in all, paid directly to each winery.
Tasting fees as of October 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Dry Creek Road, Napa
AVA
Oak Knoll District
Visiting
Black Cordon has no tasting room or set visiting hours. Visits are by arrangement: the owners invite people to call or email, and we can ask on your behalf.
Known For
Very small lots of Napa Valley and vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon
Founded
Founding year not published
Good to Know
Contact David at david@blackcordon.com or (707) 815-4662; the club is explained by email. A few wines, including Sixteen by Twenty bottlings, are sold at blackcordon.com.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a Yountville hotel such as Bardessono or Hotel Yountville.
10:00 · Pickup at Bardessono or Hotel Yountville
Alongside a visit to Black Cordon, which we arrange with the owners directly, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby. Bardessono and Hotel Yountville are both in Yountville, about 10 minutes from the first stop. The day runs about six hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Trefethen Family Vineyards
About 10 minutes away. A family estate in the Oak Knoll District around Napa Valley's last 19th-century wooden gravity-flow winery. Winery Flights are $45, about an hour; open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with reservations required and prepaid.
11:30 · Darioush
About 10 minutes away. A winery inspired by ancient Persepolis on the Silverado Trail. The Signature Tasting is $80, about an hour, by prepaid reservation; open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
12:45 · Lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni
About 10 minutes away. A Napa favorite for more than 30 years on Highway 29 just north of town, serving Italian dishes made with local produce. We confirm hours when we book. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:10 · Chimney Rock Winery
About 15 minutes away. A Cape Dutch-style estate in the Stags Leap District. Taste of Terroir is $75, about 90 minutes, daily; open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., book ahead.
3:40 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 3:55 p.m., about six hours after pickup.
About $200 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
All three wineries are open daily, so this day works any day of the week. If the owners agree to a visit at Black Cordon, we can fit it in and trim a stop.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Can you visit Black Cordon Vineyards?
Yes, by arrangement. Black Cordon has no tasting room or set hours, as of October 2026; the owners invite people to call or email, and any visit is arranged with them directly. We can ask for you.
How can I buy Black Cordon wine?
A few wines are sold at blackcordon.com; most go to wine club members. Contact david@blackcordon.com or (707) 815-4662 about the club.
Who makes Black Cordon wine?
Winemaker Julian Gonzalez, who made the wines with Paul Hobbs for many years and continues in the owners' own winery.
What wines does Black Cordon make?
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and vineyard-designate Cabernets, a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, plus wines under its Sixteen by Twenty label.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 833-915-2436.
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