Silenus Winery: A Napa Valley Gem

Silenus Winery, located on Solano Avenue in Napa, was a notable destination in the Oak Knoll District, offering a glimpse into Napa Valley's diverse winemaking scene. The winery, whose name is derived from the Greek mythological figure Silenus, the companion of Dionysus, the god of wine, bottled wines under the labels Thyrsus and Tyrus. Originally a walnut orchard in 1968, the land was converted to Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards by Bruce Newlan. For many years, the grapes were sold to renowned wineries like Robert Mondavi, Silver Oak, and Inglenook, often ending up in their reserve wines. In 1978, Newlan established a winery permit and began producing his own wines. In 2010, the winery was purchased by Meijing Group, a Chinese American company. Silenus offered visitors a chance to taste their estate wines and those crafted by boutique Napa Valley vintners in their custom crush facility. The tasting room featured views of the Oak Knoll vineyards and barrel room. Guests could also enjoy a picnic on the grounds while playing bocce ball. **Please note:** Silenus Winery is now closed and the property is up for sale. The tasting room is no longer open, and the winery has sold out of wine.