They've heard of K-J. They've heard of Robert Mondavi. They've heard of Gallo. But Tulocay?

Heck, you look up "Tulocay" on the Internet and the first thing you get is the cemetery down the road. Like where dead people hang out. But Tulocay the winery?

Let me, Skippy, Chief Cellar Rat, tell you we're all quite alive here. There's me, of course, then there's Bill, and there's Mark Bunter, our wine consultant. 

Bill is the boss. He owns the place, and has ever since he founded the winery. His first wine was a 1974 Cabernet Sauvignon "BBC", made from Yountville grapes.

He quickly became known for making not only outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons but exquisite Pinot Noirs, which have sometimes been confused with French Burgundy in blind tastings.

As Napa Valley wineries go, Tulocay is really one of the oldest. It's also one of the smallest. And just in case you're wondering, it doesn't have any trams, fancy tours, or gift shops.

But the boss does offer tastings and his own "down home" style of tour. And you're even welcome to have a lunch here on his picnic table under the giant oak in the front driveway. The only requirement is to give him a call a day or two in advance so he can make sure he's around. Fair enough?

If you need to get a hold of him all the contact info you need is below.