Pritchard Hill · Napa Valley
Visit Plinth with a Private Chauffeur
Flora and Jason Chang's Pritchard Hill Cabernet from Houyi Vineyard, which they founded with Nine Suns, with winemaking directed by Philippe Melka. Plinth 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
Flora and Jason Chang arrived in California in 2010 and founded Nine Suns Winery and Houyi Vineyard on Pritchard Hill. In 2022 they passed the winery and vineyard to their longtime partners and friends at Realm Cellars and began Plinth as, in their words, a love letter to Houyi. Flora, a former pharmacist with an MBA, ran every side of Nine Suns, from winemaking to hospitality, and is Plinth's vintner.
Plinth's Cabernet comes from Houyi Vineyard, whose south-facing vines sit above the fog line at 1,400 feet in rocky, volcanic Hambright soils in the Vaca Mountains, and ages in Taransaud T5 barrels. Philippe Melka, once Nine Suns' consulting winemaker, sets the winemaking direction with winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, who began his American career at Screaming Eagle. Bordeaux blends such as Vinturist and white wines round out the range.
Some wines are sold on Plinth's website, and the most limited go out by allocation, offered by invitation or referral; Plinth ships to 40 states, and WineRelease.com lists the 2024 Houyi Cabernet as released in August 2026. There is no tasting room, so Plinth does not receive visitors. The day below stays in the eastern hills, with a remote ranch, a Pritchard Hill neighbor, lunch above Rutherford and a Silverado Trail Cabernet house.
Tasting Fees
Plinth 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
St. Helena
AVA
Napa Valley
Visiting
Plinth does not receive visitors; its wines are sold online and by allocation, offered by invitation or referral.
Known For
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon from Houyi Vineyard
Founded
2022
Good to Know
Sign up at plinthwine.com for releases; the most limited wines are allocated by invitation or referral, and Plinth ships to 40 states. Contact info@plinthwine.com.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 9:30 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Meadowood or Alila Napa Valley.
9:30 · Pickup at Meadowood or Alila Napa Valley
Since Plinth does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. We start at 9:30 so you reach the remote first stop when it opens. Meadowood, a resort at the foot of Howell Mountain, is about 25 minutes from the first stop, and Alila Napa Valley, a hotel in downtown St. Helena, about 30 minutes. The day runs about six and three-quarter hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:00 · Somerston Estate
About 25 minutes away. A remote ranch of more than 1,600 acres in the hills past Lake Hennessey, with vines climbing past 2,000 feet; the quiet drive out on Sage Canyon Road is part of the visit. The Somerston Estate Experience is $150, 90 minutes, for 2 to 4 guests. Prepaid reservations, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
11:50 · BRAND Napa Valley
About 20 minutes away. A 110-acre Pritchard Hill estate where the wine is grown and made on the same ground. The visit is $225 per person, with a winery tour, a flight of estate wines and small charcuterie; we allow about 90 minutes. By reservation only, with priority for mailing list members.
1:40 · Lunch at Auberge du Soleil
About 20 minutes away. Lunch high on Rutherford Hill with the whole valley below. The Bar serves all day from 11:30 a.m., and The Restaurant on the terrace offers a two- or three-course prix fixe lunch. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:55 · Lewis Cellars
About 15 minutes away. Race car driver Randy Lewis's Cabernet house, now pouring at a lavish new estate on the Silverado Trail with pairings from a Michelin-starred chef. The Legacy Tasting is $80; we plan about an hour. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; reservations highly recommended.
4:00 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:15 p.m., about six and three-quarter hours after pickup.
About $455 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
BRAND gives priority to its mailing list, and Somerston hosts 2 to 4 guests per experience. The day runs past six hours; extra time is billed by the hour. 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 Plinth?
No. Plinth has no 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 Plinth wine?
Some wines are sold on plinthwine.com; the most limited are offered by allocation, by invitation or referral. Plinth ships to 40 states.
Who owns Plinth?
Vintners Flora and Jason Chang, who founded Nine Suns Winery and Houyi Vineyard and passed them to Realm Cellars in 2022.
Where is Houyi Vineyard?
On Pritchard Hill in the Vaca Mountains on Napa Valley's eastern side, at about 1,400 feet, above the fog line.
Who makes Plinth?
Winemaking is directed by Philippe Melka, with winemaker Maayan Koschitzky.
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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