Napa

Napa

Plumpjack Winery

PlumpJack Winery is a boutique winery in Oakville, California specializing in premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines. PlumpJack was the first winery in Napa Valley to use screwcaps as a wine closure on super premium wines. Approachable, care-free tasting style where you walk up to the counter, decide how you want to taste, and let it happen. It's a relatively small tasting room but it really works because it never feels crowded. Five-star service, everyone there clearly loves what they do and do so without any sort of attitude. Bonus-points for being so nice about our driver sharing a bit of the tasting with me.

They're really known for their Cabs. Beautiful structure, dark cherry berry goodness with hints of mocha. Don't forget about the Chard though! It's surprisingly crisp with magnificent acidity and lovely baked apple aromas.

Envy Wines

Like many of the smaller Napa vineyards, this one had a distinct personality. From the beautifully appointed tasting and event rooms to the hip staff and owner to the funny little chihuahua statue (I'll let you find him) the message was clear: we're serious and knowlegable about good wine but we also know how to laugh. Very different from some of the huge vineyards which can be awfully serious. Definitely make this stop when checking out Calistoga. The 2010 Calistoga Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at $48. This is 100% Cab. An appealing bright purplish in color, it had a very nice aroma of black cherry, smoke and vanilla. Smooth and fresh on the palate, it was mostly black cherry with some vanilla. The finish was quite long with cherry, lingering tannins and spice.

Paradigm Winery

Paradigm Winery is owned and managed by Ren and Marilyn Harris, two winegrowers with extraordinarily deep roots in Napa Valley. Marilyn's grandparents immigrated from Italy to Napa Valley in 1890, while Ren's family came to California in 1769. Marilyn and Ren purchased Paradigm Vineyards in 1976, and began producing wine with the 1991 vintage.
Paradigm Winery is owned and managed by Ren and Marilyn Harris, two winegrowers with extraordinarily deep roots in Napa Valley. Marilyn's grandparents immigrated from Italy to Napa Valley in 1890, while Ren's family came to California in 1769. Marilyn and Ren purchased Paradigm Vineyards in 1976, and began producing wine with the 1991 vintage.
Paradigm (par' - a - dime) noun. An example that serves as a pattern or model. A pattern for perfection...

13 Appellations

logo of 13 appellations

13 Appelations - Against this trend of vineyard-designated wines comes THIRTEEN — a wine made not from not just one vineyard, but from a baker’s dozen, each one more esteemed than the next. What distinguishes these vineyards is that they have been chosen as the best representatives of their respective sub-appellations: Howell Mountain, Rutherford, etc. Napa Valley has 13 of these sub-appellations or did when we picked the fruit.

V. Sattui Winery

This place can get very busy on weekend but sometimes they do special things like a BBQ or music. They also have a nice selection of cheeses and meats to enjoy on the picnic tables outside. The employees are really nice and are very willing to talk to you more about the wines. There is also a deli inside the main building which serves some very good cold and hot sandwiches! They also have some side dishes that you can try such as Ravioli or mozzarella balls as cherry tomatoes. Next to the deli inside there is a cheese bar where you can buy froma. Huge selection of cheeses!

Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards is a large winery in St. Helena, California. Founded in 1875, Beringer Vineyards is "the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley", and is a California Historical Landmark. There reserve Cab is one of my favorites. The tour is informative and interesting so if its your first time I recommend it. But for regular visitors to Napa then the tastings and select wines are what you'd come here for.

Palmaz Vineyards

Palmaz is one winery that you absolutely MUST visit! This family owned and operated winery will blow you away. The high tech gravity flow processes, extreme commitment to quality, and overall tasting experience are all top notch.

My experience with Florencia was amazing, compared to other tours and tastings at the same price point, $60/person with small bite pairings, I would recommend Palmaz over many others. The wines were delicious and the perfect pick for a special occasion. This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts at all levels, the family is approachable and open to discussing any questions you have about the winery and wine making processes.

Robert Biale Winery

un location, with outdoor seating areas for nicer temperatures than the inclement weather we happened upon. The tasting area was warm and cozy. We were entertained by the VERY fun, energetic, and friendly staff. Loved the enthusiastic and unrushed guide; the short-but-fun-and-interesting tour; the generously-poured tastings and bonus tastes); and all of the wonderful wines! 'Want some more of that Black Chicken! Very enjoyable experience.

Marilyn Wines

While collectors have made Marilyn Merlot one of the fastest-appreciating wines on the market, it is wine enthusiasts with a sense of humor who have long enjoyed the playful spirit behind Marilyn Merlot wines that are now also seeking the Marilyn Merlot because of the emphasis on making a notable wine from prized Napa Valley grapes. While the concept and engaging label of these wines has given these bottles a degree of fame, it is the wine in the bottle that merits the enthusiasm of those who seek it out every year.

Pages

Subscribe to Napa