Napa · Napa Valley
Visit LATERAL with a Private Chauffeur
Marty Mathis's St.-Émilion-inspired blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, made with organic Napa Valley grapes. LATERAL does not receive visitors; here is what to know, and a day at sought-after estates nearby that do host.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
LATERAL is the project of founder Marty Mathis, son of Kathryn Kennedy and a 40-year veteran of the wine business who also makes wine at Kathryn Kennedy Winery. More than twenty years ago, inspired by the wines of St.-Émilion, he set out to make a balanced, plush blend led by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Chris Condos of Vinum Cellars and Horse & Plow makes the wine with him.
After 22 years under a California appellation, LATERAL now uses only Napa Valley grapes, from sources that include the Robert Sinskey, Yount Mill and Pat Garvey vineyards. Since 2009 it has been certified "Made with Organic Grapes" by CCOF. The current 2022 is a Merlot-heavy, Pomerol-leaning blend that Mathis describes as a drinkable everyday dinner wine rather than a heavy one.
LATERAL has no visitor center or tasting room, so it does not receive visitors; full cases ship within California through the Kathryn Kennedy Winery online store, and the team will help find a local shop. The day below visits three Napa estates that host, with Merlot and Bordeaux-style reds on the table.
Tasting Fees
LATERAL does not offer tastings.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Napa
AVA
Napa Valley
Visiting
LATERAL has no visitor center or tasting room and does not receive visitors.
Known For
A Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from organically grown Napa Valley grapes
Founded
More than 20 years ago; founding year not published
Good to Know
Full cases ship within California through the Kathryn Kennedy Winery online store. Call or text 408-230-0392 for help finding a retail shop.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:15 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Andaz Napa or Westin Verasa Napa.
10:15 · Pickup at Andaz Napa or Westin Verasa Napa
Since LATERAL does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Brown Estate's first seating is at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Napa, a few minutes from either hotel, so pickup is a little later than usual. The day runs about six hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:30 · Brown Estate
About 8 minutes away. Brown Downtown Napa, the city tasting room of the family estate in Chiles Valley known for Zinfandel. The seated Paired Tasting, five wines with individually plated small bites, is $75; we allow about 75 minutes. Thursday through Monday, with seatings at 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.; 21 and over.
12:00 · Lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni
About 12 minutes away. Lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni, an Italian restaurant among the vineyards on Howard Lane, a valley favorite for more than 30 years, open daily from 11:30 a.m. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
1:20 · Rockmere Vineyards
About 12 minutes away. Memphis proprietor Chet Pinckernell's Silverado Trail label, tasted in the caves of the custom crush winery where it is made, with a cave and production walk and barrel samples before a formal tasting. $75, one fee waived for every two bottles; we allow about an hour. By appointment through a Rockmere mailing list account; we arrange it on your behalf.
2:40 · Mi Sueño Winery
About 15 minutes away. Rolando and Lorena Herrera's family winery; Rolando started in Napa in 1982 as a dishwasher at Auberge du Soleil and went on to work for Warren Winiarski and Paul Hobbs. The Winery Tour and Tasting with the Dream Flight, five wines with chocolate truffles, is $65; we plan about 75 minutes. By appointment, Monday to Saturday.
4:00 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:15 p.m., six hours after pickup.
About $215 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Brown Downtown Napa seats guests Thursday to Monday, and Mi Sueño hosts Monday to Saturday, so plan this day for Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Monday. Rockmere's appointment is requested through its mailing list; we arrange it. Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting.
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 LATERAL?
No. LATERAL has no visitor center or tasting room and does not host visitors, as of September 2026. We can plan a day at nearby wineries that do.
How can I buy LATERAL wine?
Full cases ship within California through the Kathryn Kennedy Winery online store; call or text 408-230-0392 for help finding a retailer.
Who owns LATERAL?
Founder Marty Mathis, who makes the wine with Chris Condos of Vinum Cellars and Horse & Plow.
What grapes are in LATERAL?
Mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the grapes of St.-Émilion, from organically grown Napa Valley vineyards such as Robert Sinskey, Yount Mill and Pat Garvey.
Is LATERAL organic?
It has been certified "Made with Organic Grapes" by CCOF since 2009.
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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