Crosby Roamann

Crosby Roamann is a husband-and-wife label that produces one of the most eclectic portfolios in Napa Valley, including a varietal Pinot Meunier that is one of only a handful produced anywhere in California. Founded in 2007 by Sean McBride and Juliana McBride, the label takes its name from a combination of family surnames and reflects the couple's willingness to explore varieties and styles that most Napa producers would never consider. The Pinot Meunier, a grape typically used as a minor blending component in Champagne, becomes a star in its own right at Crosby Roamann.

The winery sources from carefully selected vineyards across Northern California, choosing sites that suit the specific variety being produced. The Cabernet comes from warm Napa Valley sites, the Pinot Noir from cool Sonoma Coast vineyards, and the Chardonnay from sites that preserve natural acidity. The Pinot Meunier, the estate's most distinctive offering, comes from one of the very few plantings of the variety used for still wine production in the state.

Sean McBride produces each wine with respect for the variety's natural character. The Pinot Meunier is light, aromatic, and delicately structured, a revelation for visitors who have never tasted the variety as a standalone wine. The Cabernet is polished and classic Napa. The Pinot Noir shows Sonoma Coast elegance. The Chardonnay is balanced and food-friendly. The portfolio's diversity reflects a winemaker who is curious rather than commercial, following his interests wherever they lead.

Tastings are available in St. Helena, with the Pinot Meunier providing the most memorable and unusual pour. The staff explain the variety's role in Champagne production and why it deserves attention as a still wine. The $60 fee includes one of the most surprising portfolios in the valley.

Crosby Roamann demonstrates that the most interesting wines sometimes come from the least expected varieties. The Pinot Meunier bottling alone justifies a visit, offering a tasting experience that is genuinely unique in Napa Valley and one of only a few available anywhere in California.