Cave tours are not created equal. This one is fantastic, despite being a tad pricey. Rich in history and rooted with tradition, it's almost hard to believe that Schramsberg sparkling wines are relatively easy to come by at gourmet grocers outside of California (Central Market in TX carries 4 bottles of sparkling varietals).

The property is beautiful, and not your 'typical' pretty manor situated among a valley of vines. A short drive up the slightly windy road rewards you with a lush estate nestled in trees, flanked by the caves, and with several ponds to complete the tranquil atmosphere.

The care and passion Melissa Moravec and Kurt Reaume have for each of their wines is represented within their dedication to a small-scale, hands-on approach to winemaking. A philosophy of guidance and control throughout the entire winemaking process, and a strategy of fine-tuned responsiveness towards the delicate characteristics of the high quality grapes grown and selected each vintage, create the finished wines' style reflecting the unique Casa Carneros Vineyard.

Silver Stag Winery sits on a prime piece of Tulocay acreage in the heart of Napa Valley, just east of the town of Napa and about three miles from the Bay. Planted in plums back at the end of the nineteenth century, the soil is rich enough—and distinct enough—to have earned it consideration as an official viticultural appellation. The vineyard is defined by a gentle swale that sits at the foot of Mount George. Its microclimate, comparable to "cool Bordeaux", is a bit warmer than Carneros, but it still feels the marine intrusions flowing up the path of the Napa River. The effect is to extend the time on the vine, yielding smaller berries with less tannin and far more concentration than the Napa average. Silver Stag has planted the majority of its land in Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Visits by appointment.

he elegant and supple characteristics of Pillar Rock result from the fully ripe hand picked grapes. We then select the best vineyard grapes to fully reveal the combination of site, soil, and weather. Cary Gott, the winemaker, then adds his magical touch. The grapes are custom crushed and aged in the New French oak barrels from the Never and Allier forests. Our highly acclaimed 1999 vintage barrel lot achieved #2 at the 2001 Napa Valley Wine Auction. The 2000 vintage won the ultimate prize of being #1 at the barrel auction. The 2001 and 2002 were rated outstanding by James Laube, the Wine Spectator. Note, not open to the public for tasting.