Cult Wine is any one of many wines bought not for drinking, but as collector items. Out of the 12 cult wineries in the USA, 8 of these are in the Napa Valley. Cult wines are rare, hard to find, and expensive ($500/bottle or more in some cases). Prices can reach thousands in auction. The majority of cult wines are cabernets, but other varieties can be considered cult wines as well. To attempt to purchase these wines, apply for the winery's mailing list, but expect a long wait. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marlene-rossman/cult-wines-for-tough-time_b_252265.html http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/17/dining/wine-talk-reality-check-please-for-cult-wines.html?pagewanted=1

Cult wine is rarely consumed; it is more often a collector item, left sealed. In the rare case it is consumed, it is done through careful tastings, and pairing should be determined individually by the bottle. It is unusual for a cult wine to be drank at any occasion other than a celebration. Though hard to find, it is occasionally offered in prestige restaurants at greatly inflated prices. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marlene-rossman/cult-wines-for-tough-time_b_252265.html http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/17/dining/wine-talk-reality-check-please-for-cult-wines.html?pagewanted=1

• Most commonly cabernet but can be any type of wine.

Abreu Vineyards - Rutherford, California, USA

The exclusive website of Abreu Vineyards in the Napa Valley offers only two options; to join their mailing list or to purchase wines. The purchase option is only available to those that have gone through the waiting list process and have a user ID and password.http://www.abreuvineyards.com/content/index.htm?CFID=1125225&CFTOKEN=61476043 Abreu, established in 1980, is known for it's Mardrona Ranch Cabernet, and also produces olive oil.

Bond Estates - Oakville, California, USA

Bond Estate's website offers a description of the winery's vision, an overview of it's famed wines, a team list, and an area to view publications in which Bond has appeared. There is also an area to sign up for the winery's mailing list, and an area to buy, however, this is only available to those members who already have a username and password. http://www.bondestates.com Bond is a subdivision of Harlan Estate, founded in 1977, with an annual production of about 700 cases. http://www.decanter.com/archive/110049.html

Lokoya Winery - Oakville, California, USA

Lokoya Winery's website offers a blog and a search for documents relating to their wines, as well as a place to sign up for their mailing list which is required in order to purchase their wines. http://www.lokoya.com/ Winemaker Christopher Carpenter is responsible for the upkeep of the winery's blog, where they "...attempt to tell you what it is that makes (Lokoya) so special."http://www.lokoya.com/blog/index.aspx