Swanson Vineyards Salon

Swanson Vineyards Salon in Rutherford Napa Valley, California has existed for 25 years. Swanson was first known for their TV dinners, which the family began in 1953. The vineyard began in the 1980s when Swanson purchased and produced a Napa Valley Merlot. Today the wine list has extended to several top creations. Swanson has also worked with several individuals to make their wines known including Andy Spade, Jean Philippe Delhomme, Thomas Britt, and Katrina Markoff.

W. Clarke Swanson Jr. purchased 100 acres on Oakville Cross Road for the vineyard. He also gained Andre Tchelistcheff as his winemaker and consultant in order to build the business. They planted Merlot, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, and Semillon grapes to round out their available wine labels.

Swanson Salon charges $60 per person for formal tastings. Tastings are held at 11am, 1:30pm, and 4pm. Reservations are required as is an hour of the visitors' time. The sip shop provides informal tastings for $15 to $25 per person. The sip shop is open Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. A reservation is imperative in this shop as well, for those who wish to get a seat. Seating is limited in both locations.