Oakville · Napa Valley
Visit Marilyn Wines with a Private Chauffeur
Napa wines with Marilyn Monroe on every label since the 1985 Marilyn Merlot, made at a historic Oakville winery. Marilyn Wines 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
Marilyn Wines began as a joke among home winemakers. In 1980 the Holders and friends made a barrel of Cabernet at their Rutherford home, and their homemade 1983 Merlot was named Marilyn Merlot over dinner. A friend urged them to sell it, they licensed Marilyn Monroe's image from her estate, and the first commercial vintage, the 1985, sold out. A photo in Life magazine helped make it famous.
Since 1997 the company, Nova Wines, has bought grapes rather than bulk wine, and the wines are made at Napa Wine Company in Oakville, in historic buildings from 1877 and 1892 known as Bonded Winery #9. Much of the Merlot comes from the organically farmed Yount Mill Vineyards. Bob Pepi, with more than 40 harvests, is the winemaker. Each label carries a classic portrait of Marilyn.
The wines are sold on marilynwines.com, by phone and through retailers and distributors. There is no tasting room or retail location, and the winery says plainly that visits are not possible. As the brand approaches its 40th vintage, collectors still hunt for the portrait labels. The day below takes you to three estates near Oakville that do welcome guests.
Tasting Fees
Marilyn Wines 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
Oakville
AVA
Oakville
Visiting
Marilyn Wines has no tasting room or retail location, and the winery says "Visits are not possible."
Known For
Marilyn Merlot, Norma Jeane and other wines with Marilyn Monroe portrait labels
Founded
1985 (first commercial vintage of Marilyn Merlot)
Good to Know
Order on marilynwines.com or by phone (707-266-8008); the wines also reach stores through distributors. A mailing list announces new releases.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Bardessono or Hotel Yountville.
10:00 · Pickup at Bardessono or Hotel Yountville
Since Marilyn Wines does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Both hotels are in Yountville, about 20 minutes from the first stop above Oakville. The day runs about six and a quarter hours.
10:30 · Oakville Ranch Vineyards
About 20 minutes away. A 370-acre mountain ranch 1,000 feet above Oakville, where the visit is an ATV ride through the vineyards to a valley overlook and a tasting by the pool. The visit is $100, about 1.5 hours. By prior appointment, Monday to Friday.
12:20 · Lunch at Mustards Grill
About 20 minutes away. Lunch at Mustards Grill on Highway 29 just north of Yountville, a Napa Valley favorite for more than 40 years, open daily for lunch. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
1:40 · Bella Union
About 10 minutes away. Far Niente's Rutherford winery for blends, with chef's snacks and an artist in residence. Taste of Bella, four wines with chef's snacks, is $65 for 60 minutes. Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; booked through Tock.
2:55 · Institution Winery
About 15 minutes away. A small label made with winemaker Russell Bevan, poured by appointment at HQ Winery on Hoffman Lane just south of Yountville. Tasting reservations are $75 to $200 depending on the experience; we plan about 75 minutes.
4:10 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:15 p.m., a little over six hours after pickup.
About $240 to $365 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Oakville Ranch hosts Monday to Friday only (closed weekends and holidays), and Institution keeps weekday office hours, so this is a weekday day.
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 Marilyn Wines?
No. Marilyn Wines has no tasting room or retail location, and the winery says visits are not possible, as of September 2026. We can plan a day at nearby estates that do host.
How can I buy Marilyn Wines?
Order on marilynwines.com or by phone at 707-266-8008, or ask a local wine retailer; the winery ships directly to many states.
Who makes Marilyn Wines?
Nova Wines, the company the Holder family built around Marilyn Merlot. Bob Pepi is the winemaker, and the wines are made at Napa Wine Company in Oakville.
Where are Marilyn Wines made?
At Napa Wine Company in Oakville, in historic winery buildings from 1877 and 1892 known as Bonded Winery #9.
What is Marilyn Wines known for?
Marilyn Merlot, first sold with the 1985 vintage, and Norma Jeane, both with classic portraits of Marilyn Monroe on the 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 888-291-2328.
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