Napa

Napa

Newton Vineyard

drop in the glass of red wine - Pixabay

First things first...when you book your tour here make sure Ashley is your guide! Very personable and super knowledgable about all things Newton and the region in general. Gorgeous property and epic views of the valley atop Spring Mountain. We loved the wines here and the UF Chardonnay and Merlot were delicious with the food pairings. Newton Vineyard is about sixty-five miles from San Francisco. On Highway 29 follow signs north to St. Helena. Turn left on Madrona Avenue and continue until you arrive at the end of the road. Turn right at the stop sign and follow signs to Newton Vineyard at the top of the hill.

Merus Wines

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Sold only on allocation, Merus Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Napa Valley's most sought-after wines. Those fortunate enough to taste it understand why.

Fleury Estate Winery

wine glass filling with red wine - Pixabay

We were taking to a back table in the warehouse and went through the tasting. Ask for the Passionaie (off menu) as it's quite delightful. They also have a bottle called BDX that is on the wine list at The French Laundry, but I far preferred the Passionaie. Pricey wines and a pricey tasting but totally worth the experience.

Melka Wines

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

Napa Valley isn't quite like Hollywood (yet), where the stars get by on a first-name basis. Even so, what serious wine collector doesn't know who Helen and Heidi are? While the name Philippe may not register so quickly, winemaker Philippe Melka is definitely a Napa winemaker to watch, a man many believe is poised to become one of the valley's hottest consultants since Helen Turley and Heidi Barrett.

Paraduxx

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Indoor offers couches and casual seating throughout their modern wood paneled tasting room. Ourdoor tastings allow you to lay back on a chaise lounge and enjoy the sun and bask over the vineyards. A truly great tasting experience that is relaxed, cozy, tasty, fun, informative, and for a reasonable price. Paraduxx is the 2nd Tier (of 4) winery brand from Duckhorn with others being Decoy and Goldeneye. These are blend wines so while tasty are not yet appreciated by serious wine enthusiasts though this is changing. They do table service a little differently than most, which I enjoyed. They bring out your entire flight of tastings at the same time and give you information on each wine. I like a little more privacy to decide if I like the wine without feeling pressure. Our sommelier was really energetic and passionate about the wine - loved his interest in us and the wine.

Waugh Cellars

barrel room - PIxabay

Waugh Cellars, Ryan Waugh founded this winery in 2001 at the young age of 25. Many 25 year olds are still trying to figure out what to do with their careers. At the time of our visit Ryan is project manager for his own 22,000 square foot completely underground-contained cave winery (including the crush pad) 900 feet above the valley floor in the famed Stag's Leap District. Ryan is one of the new generation of Napa winemakers - young, lots of enthusiasm, with initiative, International wine experience and an unbridled passion for working with vineyards. He was bitten with the wine bug while studying to be a Doctor at Santa Clara University.

Buoncristiani Family Winery

wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay - saman teher

This is a Famly business run by four Brothers, all native residents of Napa, and all grew up making wine in their garage as kids.... Needless to say they produce some outstanding wine! The brothers take turns conducting private tours at a cave winery in the southeastern hills of the Napa Valley. It's a great tour and a REAL Napa Winemaking experience.

Summitt Lake Vineyard & Winery

wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

The views, 1800 era house, warm extended family conducting the tastings, the farm animals welcoming visitors, the fabulous zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.... sitting in a hammock, with a glass of excellent wine, peacefully taking in the view, serenity, and ambiance of Howell Mountain... what more could you ask for?

Showket Vineyard

glass of red wine - Pixabay

The Showket Vineyard is situated on the Oakville Hillside overlooking the Silverado Trail and Oakville Crossroad. I would like nothing more than to write about the vineyard’s soils, but it is actually the propertys lack of soil that makes it so unique. The ground is a mix of red volcanic rock and limited amounts of clay loam. The conditions at Showket are so extreme that each plant receives up to ten gallons of water weekly, and yet a day after watering, there is no trace of it.

The other key factor is the vineyard’s virtually ideal orientation. It faces almost due west, so it receives sunlight from the dawns first light until the sun sets over the Mayacamas Mountains. From the Showket Vineyard we source Cabernet Sauvignon, clones 7 and 8, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, both of which predate individual numbered clones for their varietals.

The owner, Kal Showket, personally manages the vineyard. During the growing season he never leaves the property. Each day he rides through the vineyard and makes watering decisions based on what he sees, smells and tastes. The vineyard guides his choices, not a preset schedule..

Discover potential and create excellence at Bevan Cellars. Since its founding in 2005, the winery's philosophy has been consistent: the journey is as significant as the result. Each vintage is an opportunity to seek out hidden gem vineyards and craft wines that embody their unique origins with intensity and balance.

The team at Bevan Cellars embraces a sustainable approach both in the vineyards and the cellar. This meticulous, hands-on process fuels their passion to produce wines that are not only exciting to enjoy upon release but also worthy of aging for years. They are driven by the excitement of discovery and invite others to share in the experience.

Ehlers Estate

wine cellar

I had my first taste of Ehlers Merlot At Twisted Vine in Fullerton and fell in love. I drove down hwy 29 visiting various wineries and we saw Ehlers and had to make a stop. We stepped into their tasting room and was greeted by their friendly staff behind the counter. She asked if we had an appointment and we told her we no. They were closing up in half an hour by the time we stepped in but was they very accommodating, instead of turning us away, she squeezed us in for a tasting.

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