Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Dolce Winery

Napa Valley's Dolce Winery is the only winery in North America that is solely devoted to producing a single, late harvest wine. It is one of the few wineries in the world willing to make such a commitment, sharing a common philosophy with the great Sauternes producers of Bordeaux. Dolce cellar is located within the caves of its sister winery, Far Niente, in California's Napa Valley. Visitors to the winery are welcomed with a hosted tour, followed by a tasting of current and library vintages. By its nature, Dolce is a rare wine that cannot be produced every year. Dolce is made when a natural, beneficial mold called botrytis cinerea attacks the grapes on the vine, while evaporating the water content and concentrating the sugars, acids and flavors. The inaugural 1985 vintage yielded only six barrels, and production grew to nine barrels in 1986. The 1987 vintage was not fine enough to be bottled and 1988 was so warm that no botrytis formed and the grapes were never harvested. The 1989 vintage was the first commercial release of Dolce and it was introduced to the market in 1992. Visits are by appointment, only.

Falcor Wines

Certainly located in the least likely place you would imagine a wine tasting place to reside. Its oddly situated in an almost vacant business center, just a block away from the DMV, along with an exterior portraying anything but a winery.

We fortunately were pleasantly surprised to walk into an exceptional, cozy, secluded, classy atmosphere. Similar to the living and dining room of a fairly decent sized nice home. All equipped with two absolutely cute lab dogs named Thora and of course Falcor. Some might be taken back with the presence of dog's in a wine tasting room, however, being the dog lovers my friend and I both are, it was an added bonus. We were also given a quick tour of the small establishment and which Stacy explained to us how they actually hand press there grapes in the barrels which explains why they of course only develop smaller batches.

I'm glad we found Falcor, which was the height of our Napa trip. What a great selection of tasting wines! And what STRONG wines those were! We had:

2012 Trousseau Gris, Russian River Valley
A great opener. A crisp wine flavored with honeysuckle, pear and melon.

2008 Chardonnay, Los Carneros ($36)
A gentle butterscotch flavor with a toasty oakiness.

2007 Bilancia, Napa Valley ($37)
A blend of 48% Zinfandel, 26% Syrah, 21% Petit Sirah and 5% Charbono.

2006 Syrah, Napa Valley ($34)
A strong wine with blackberry, wild plum and dried currants.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($65)
A well-balanced wine that aged nicely! I enjoyed this one the most.

Rancho Roble

Mark and Therese Adams have deep roots in vine growing and wine making and they have planted these roots in Western Placer County. The vineyards “Syrah Noir” planted in 1999 and “Barbera” planted in 2000 are producing luscious fruit. The Adams selected the Barbera grape because of its rich history in the area. The Italian Barbera was originally introduced to Placer County by the 49’ers during the 19th century Gold Rush. Rancho Roble is; OPEN Saturdays Noon to 4:00 pm; CLOSED Sunday & Monday Open by appointment Tuesday through Friday

Au Bon Climat Winery

Jim Clendenen graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with High Honors in Pre-Law in 1976. It was during his "junior year abroad" in 1974, while turning 21 in France, that he discovered life beyond tacos.In 1982, Clendenen decided, along with now ex-partner Adam Tolmach, to start his own winery in leased quarters. Au Bon Climat (which means "a well exposed vineyard") has grown over its history to over 30,000 cases through careful re-investment from its own production.

Chappellet Winery

This is a very interesting place to taste. They take their wine seriously, it is off the beaten path, and reservations are required. View - absolutely breathtaking! Plan to spend some time taking pictures throughout the vineyard and of the lake. This is one of the best spots to get pictures in Napa.

Gregory Graham

Wines are made in the vineyard, and harvest should take place at the perfect moment – not when dictated by a schedule” is Greg’s approach to his winemaking. In the vineyard, he harvests the grapes at the peak of fruit flavor development. In the winery, he uses boutique winemaking techniques and early bottling to preserve the flavors. His techniques allow him to control the quality, bringing out the grapes’ superior characteristics. The results are excellent Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet, Viognier, Sauvignon blanc, and Riesling.

Riboli Family Wine Estates

The Riboli Family WInes Estates/San Antonio Winery in LA offers complimentary tasting and winery tours. The Winery features Riboli Family of Wines and a unique and varied selection from around the wine world. Actually have 3 locations in LA, Ontario east of LA and in Paso Robles.

Tor Kenward Family Wines

Tor Kenward Family Wines is a small family owned winery that specializes in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Tor Kenward, a Napa Valley vintner for over three decades, is champion of single vineyard wines. "After making wines here for over thirty years I believe the vineyard is the real winemaker. My job is to nurture and stay out of the way of greatness," observes Tor.

Silverado Vineyards

This is a scenic winery with nice views and good wine. You can almost miss the road up the hill to the winery - as the winery is set on the hill.
Nice wine sampling - Go for a wine tasting; be sure to soak in the view.

Beu Vigne Vineyards

We were told about this place from another tasting room; it was said we just have to try it so we did! Oscar was a very gracious host and told us all kinds of facts about the wines, which were great. We ended up with the barrel chaser, nice! A bit pricey for tastings, about $20 for 4, but worth it especially if you buy a bottle. A must try for beginners and winos alike.

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