|
What can we possibly say, that has not already been said? Simply
stated, this is The Premier Wine Producing Area in the United
States. Below are some of our personal favorites.
Domaine Chandon – Living proof that the French are not total
snobs, Domaine Chandon was the very first sparkling wine venture by a
major French Champaign maker, the legendary Moet & Chandon. Although it is one of the most visited locations in all of Napa Valley,
the restaurant and property are surpassed only by the quality of the
sparkling wines that they pour.
Peju Province Winery – This boutique winery
produces an excellent Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although
not included in normal tastings, see if you can get them to pour
a little of the 2001 Cab – however, if you do, don’t be surprised
if you wind up with more than one bottle. As an added bonus, the
gardens surrounding the winery are beautiful and provide an excellent
background for photos of your visit. Tasting fees are $10 per
person, but are complimentary with a wine purchase.
Charles Krug –
The first Winery in Napa, it is still one of the best. While
currently undergoing extensive remodeling, they still have a
tasting room that is open and it is attended by some of the
friendliest staff that we have encountered in all of our tasting
excursions. On a recent visit, we enjoyed their latest Sauvignon
Blanc, the 2004 “Generations” as well as their wonderful
Zinfandel Port. A very nice touch was their furnishing of
complimentary German Chocolate to taste with the Port. Tasting
fees typically are $10-$20 per person, depending on which flight
of wines you choose to try. These fees may also be waived with a
purchase. As an added bonus, consider stopping for lunch right
up the street from Krug at Silverado Brewing Company. While
they do brew their own beer, they also feature a very nice
selection of reasonably priced wine, an outdoor seating area and
on certain days, St Louis style BBQ pork ribs fresh off their
own outdoor grill.
Orin Swift
- Almost a true “virtual” winery, they do have a small tasting room
on the second floor of an historic building right on Highway 29 in
Rutherford. Open by appointment only, their “Prisoner” red table
wine has established a true cult following. They have also recently
released “Papillon” a
Bordeaux style blend. After
trying the Papillon, you will quickly understand why you will be
hearing more and more about Orin Swift in the future.
Del Dotto Vineyards – Del Dotto’s cave tours
and barrel tastings are not to be missed. While the tour must
be booked in advance and will take an hour at the minimum (we
suggest planning on two!), this is a must stop for those that
are interested in learning how different types of wood effect
the taste of wine. Our personal favorites from this winery include
their Cabernet Sauvignon aged in Missouri Oak, their Cave Blend,
and most definitely any of their fine selection of Ports. Del
Dotto also features an outstanding wine shop, with hard to find
wines from around the world.
Frank Family – Long associated with the Rombauer
Vineyards, Rich Frank (the Former President of Disney Studios),
and his wife Connie now own 100% of this outstanding winery. Both
their Chardonnay and Cabernet must be tasted to be believed. As
an added bonus, this is one of the few top rated wineries that
has resisted the temptation to charge a tasting room fee.
Caymus – Available by appointment only, this
tasting room only holds ten at a time but once inside you will
taste some of the truly great Cabernets ever made.
Click
here to make your reservation
Other suggestions may be found by clicking here
|
