Oak Knoll District · Napa Valley
Visit James Cole with a Private Chauffeur
A small family estate at the corner of the Silverado Trail and Oak Knoll Avenue, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
James Cole Winery was the lifelong dream of James and Colleen Harder, and its name joins James's first name with part of Colleen's. The small estate sits on the Silverado Trail where it meets Oak Knoll Avenue, at the northeast corner of the Oak Knoll District, and the winery building stands on the footprint of an old equestrian center.
Most of the estate's vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, and the wines are sold at the winery rather than in shops. Beyond Cabernet, the list includes the Privado red blend, the Marleigh True white and a Deep Cuts lineup of reds other than Cabernet, poured in its own tasting.
Visits are by reservation, and the winery stays open later than many, until 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Seated tastings take about an hour, and a self-guided tasting lets guests carry their glasses through the cellar, garden and courtyard. Larger groups of 8 to 14 have their own prepaid tasting.
Tasting Fees
$50 for the Signature Tasting, the Deep Cuts Tasting or the Self-Guided Tasting, 45 to 75 minutes. $75 for the Reserve Tasting, 60 to 75 minutes. $85 for the Large Group Tasting (8 to 14 guests, 90 minutes, at 10 a.m. or noon).
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
5014 Silverado Trail, Napa
AVA
Oak Knoll District
Visiting
Open Sunday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; last tasting one hour before closing. By reservation.
Known For
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the Privado red blend and a Deep Cuts flight of other reds
Founded
Founded by James and Colleen Harder
Good to Know
Tastings are by reservation. Children may come along (ask about policies when booking). Groups of 8 to 14 book the Large Group Tasting; groups of 15 or more contact the winery about a private event.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Silverado Resort or Milliken Creek Inn.
10:00 · Pickup at Silverado Resort or Milliken Creek Inn
Stay close and the tasting starts right away. Silverado Resort, a golf and spa resort at the foot of Atlas Peak, is about 7 minutes from James Cole, and Milliken Creek Inn, a small inn on the Napa River along the Silverado Trail, is about 9 minutes away. The day below fits a six-hour tour, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · James Cole Winery
The Signature Tasting of four classic wines ($50), 60 minutes. The Reserve Tasting ($75) runs 60 to 75 minutes.
11:30 · Laird Family Estate
About 8 minutes away. The Laird family's pyramid-shaped winery on Highway 29 at the north edge of Napa. The Veraison Flight of five wines is $50 (complimentary with a $100 purchase); plan on about an hour. By reservation; open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., last tasting at 4.
12:45 · Lunch at Mustards Grill
About 10 minutes away. Lunch at Mustards Grill on Highway 29 just north of Yountville, a Napa Valley institution since 1983, open daily from 11:30 a.m. (11 a.m. Friday to Sunday). Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:10 · Ashes & Diamonds
About 11 minutes away. A mid-century modern winery on Highway 29, designed by architect Barbara Bestor. The A&D Teaser, a guided tasting of three wines, is $55 and runs 45 to 60 minutes. By reservation; open daily from 11 a.m.
3:10 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 3:25 p.m., within six hours of pickup.
Optional: Black Stallion Estate Winery
Adds about an hour. A Silverado Trail estate a minute from James Cole, where the 30-minute Bar Tasting ($30) needs no reservation. Open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About $155 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting. The fourth stop is there if the day allows.
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
Do I need a reservation at James Cole?
Yes. Tastings are by reservation. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at James Cole?
$50 per person for the Signature, Deep Cuts or Self-Guided Tasting, $75 for the Reserve Tasting and $85 for the Large Group Tasting, as of September 2026.
Where does the name James Cole come from?
It joins the first name of founder James Harder with part of his wife Colleen's name.
What is the Deep Cuts Tasting at James Cole?
A one-hour tasting of four red wines that are not Cabernet Sauvignon, at the same price as the Signature Tasting.
When is James Cole open?
Sunday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday until 6 p.m., with the last tasting one hour before closing.
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 888-291-2328.
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