When you picture Napa Valley, it’s easy to think of the rolling vineyards, golden sunsets, and five-star hospitality that make it one of the most amazing wine regions in the world. But there’s more to Napa than just beauty, it’s about the people, the passion, and the experiences that bring it all to life and that’s exactly what I found with Lloyd Cellars, the family-owned winery led by Rob and Bonnie Lloyd.
We checked into the stunning Auberge Stanly Ranch, one of Napa’s most luxurious resorts and a NOBLEMAN favorite. Surrounded by vineyards, the property offers a perfect blend of wellness, wine country, and farm-driven experiences, everything you’d want in a Napa escape.
That evening, we headed to Broadway & Vine at Carneros Resort, where we sipped Lloyd Cellars wines while The Voice Season 10 winner Alisan Porter performed live as the sun set over the Napa Valley. It was an especially memorable night, as Bonnie also serves on the board for Broadway & Vine, bringing the experience full circle with an intimate dinner, more incredible wine, beautiful music, and the best company getting to know the Lloyd family and their team.
The following day, we joined the Lloyd family and team on a special vineyard visit to Sonoma County. Walking the rows with Rob, he shared stories about his experiences during different harvests, moments of doubt that turned into some of his best, and plenty of memories that shaped him into the winemaker he is today. Rob knew from an early age he wanted to take a ‘nontraditional’ path, and it was during night shifts at Cakebread and hands-on learning at Stags’ Leap that he fell in love with winemaking. An interview for a sales job confirmed wine was his true calling, leading him to pursue his degree at UC Davis before joining La Crema and later serving as Head Winemaker at Rombauer, where he helped create some of Napa’s most iconic Chardonnays. In 2008, Rob and his wife Bonnie founded Lloyd Cellars with a simple vision: to make wines they love and share them in a way that feels authentic and personal, because for them, family-owned isn’t just a label, it’s a way of life.
That evening, the Lloyds hosted their “Summer in a Glass” dinner at The Grange at Stanly Ranch, where chefs harvested ingredients straight from the garden to create unique dishes made just for the occasion. Each course was paired with a different Lloyd wine, from their iconic Chardonnay to the elegant Pinot Noir, the crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and of course my favorite, the Rosé! Fresh, unique, and honestly one of the best Rosés I’ve ever had, Rob shared his vision with me one-on-one, explaining how he wanted it to be different, full of energy, and fun to drink. As we laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed remarkable food and wine, the sun set over the valley again and we raised our glasses to the Lloyds, whose wines have a way of bringing people together, just like this night.
Brunch at The Bear at Stanly Ranch was the perfect way to close out the trip, with every dish once again beautifully paired with a Lloyd wine. What stood out most during this incredible trip was how deeply the Lloyds’ wines are tied to friends, family, and the Napa community. Rob’s hands-on approach is apparent in every pour, and sharing those moments with the Lloyds made the experience one-of-a-kind. For anyone seeking wines that combine Napa resplendence with genuine passion and love, Lloyd Cellars is a name to remember. Their wines aren’t just made to impress, they’re created to bring people together and make every sunset, dinner, or brunch unforgettable. Cheers to the Lloyds!
Words by Layne Owen
