Donum, meaning “gift of the land” in Latin, was founded in 2001 and is comprised of 220 acres with approximately 100 of those planted to vines. Committed to organic farming practices to produce world class wines their Estate vineyards have been certified by the Regenerative Organic Alliance and by the California Certified Organic Farmers organization. Their commitment to the land can also be appreciated as you explore the centenary olive trees and fragrant lavender field adorning The Estate.
The art collection featured throughout the property is comprised of more than 50 pieces by artists from all over the world. Married harmoniously with their landscape, the sculptures will undoubtedly awaken your senses and curiosities as you walk their grounds. Some of our favorites were the famous mirror heart by artist Richard Hudson titled “Love Me”, the giant bonsai tree, “Held by Desire”, by Marc Quinn and the “Zodiac Heads”, which happen to be the inspiration for their labels, by artist Ai Weiwei.
Highlighting fruit from Anderson Valley, Carneros and the Russian River Valley, Donum is crafting elegant small production wines. Their 2020 Carneros and Russian River Valley Chardonnays are two of the best we have enjoyed this year. With just 409 cases produced of the Carneros and 457 of the Russian River Valley these two might be elusive but are certainly worth searching for. Their 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, which was made with grapes rescued from the flames of the fires at 3:00 in the morning, is one that made it home with us. Bursting with fruit and accompanied by elegant tannins this one is drinking beautifully now and most likely will drink even better in the next few years. Only 852 cases were made of this jewel grown in The Winside Vineyard, which was planted in 1997 and is comprised of 14 acres in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
With easy access from San Francisco and Napa Valley, if you are looking for a colorful time when visiting Sonoma Valley, a tasting experience at The Donum Estate is undoubtedly a work of art.
]]>BREAKFAST
Calistoga Roastery - We are not big breakfast people but discovered this spot a couple of trips back while staying at The Bungalows at Calistoga. Located on Calistoga’s Main Street, this eclectic space is perfect for a good cup of coffee accompanied by a breakfast sandwich or a pastry. To get in the right frame of mind for your wine filled day, we suggest that you sit on one of their outdoor tables.
Bouchon Bakery - Looking for fresh baked artisanal breads, delicious desserts or simply for a good cup of coffee? Bouchon Bakery has you covered. Pastries, muffins and sandwiches are also on the menu. You can find the bakery in Yountville next to Chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro.
LUNCH
Gott’s Roadside - In need of a hearty lunch after a busy morning of wine tasting? A juicy burger with fries from Gott’s will have you back in action in no time. Veggie and turkey patties are also available for those who do not eat meat but still need a filling option. Tacos plus many other road side classics are also on the menu.
Oakville Grocery - Founded in 1881 it is the oldest continually operating grocery store in California. Conveniently located in the middle of The Valley, this is a charming spot to refuel for your second half of the day. From salads to pizza here you can find about anything you need for a delicious lunch. Make sure to give yourself a few extra minutes to pop over to their wine shop next door, Oakville Wine Merchant, to checkout the beautiful setup and their vast selection of wines by the glass.
Sunshine Foods Market - Located in Saint Helena, this neighborhood staple has been around since 1975. If you are looking to put together the perfect picnic, a stop at this specialty grocery store will serve you right.
DINNER
Bouchon Bistro - This French inspired bistro by Chef Thomas Keller is one that we really enjoy. Located in Yountville, Bouchon has a casual elegant atmosphere which creates a relaxing environment for a memorable dinning experience. On the menu you can find your classic French bistro dishes like Steak Frites as well as seasonal offerings and a Fruits de Mer raw bar. On our last visit we enjoyed the Poulet Rôti (roasted chicken with sweet corn, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, bacon lardons & Dijon chicken jus) which was absolutely delicious. The truffle Pommes Frites are a guilty pleasure of ours and somehow always find a way to our table.
Compline Restaurant - This super cool spot is located in Napa’s buzzing downtown. The name is a homage to the pioneering days when monks were at the forefront of winegrowing. According to the restaurant, in those days, the hour of Compline signaled the completion of the working day, when vineyards fell quiet and the lights went on. This description portrayed the perfect time for a glass of wine accompanied by a nice dinner and that’s exactly what we did during our visit. In between a glass of Rosé and a glass of late harvest Tokaj we enjoyed a squid escabeche and a pork loin with blackberry mole that put the stamp of perfection on our day. Compline also has a wine shop in case you fall in love with one of the wines from their amazing list.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch - If you are a meat or BBQ lover this is your place. They raise all of their beef at their ranch which means that you will undoubtedly be getting fresh prime cuts of your favorite steak. We suggest that you give their Grass-Fed Beef Tartare a try. It is served with a fresh egg from their farm and it might be the best we have had. A cool feature at Farmstead is that their corkage fee is only five dollars and all of the proceeds from the fee are donated to non-profit organizations in the area.
Sushi Mambo - A local’s favorite, this Japanese eatery was once located in downtown Napa but now calls Calistoga home. Make sure to call ahead for reservations as it is often booked. If possible, try to get a reservation on their outdoor terrace.
There is certainly no shortage of great places to eat in Napa Valley but if you find yourself puzzled by all the options we think a memorable dinning experience awaits you at one of these spots.
]]>1) Amy Lieberfarb
2) Caroline aka Lady Caroline Lin
3) Carolyn Covington aka American Wine Girl
4) Craig Camp
5) Eduardo Arosemena Muñoz aka Wine News TV
6) James Molesworth
7) John M. Jackson aka Attorney Somm
8) Julia Coney
9) Kerry Winslow
10) Kristin Wenz aka Kristys Wine Travels
11) Lorena Gutierrez (Woods) aka Lorena Wine Diary
12) Mariana Martínez aka Reina Entre Copas
13) Marisol de la Fuente aka Sol Sommelier
14) Martin Redmond
15) Meg Maker
16) Nicole Muscari aka Grape Chic
17) Nikki aka Palm and Vine
18) Odedi’s Wine Reviews
19) Patricia Davidson
20) Randy Caparoso
21) Rex On The road
22) Wine Destinations
23) Wine Enthusiast
24) Wine Folly
25) Wine Spectator
]]>
Located on the historic town square, both Bridges and The Wine Merchant, are the vision of Joyce and Judson Green who wanted to bring interesting wines to this Midwest community. To achieve this mission, they hired as consultant, esteemed Master Sommelier and restaurateur, George Miliotes. Interestingly, before beginning his renowned career, George graduated from DePauw University, which calls Greencastle home and coincidentally is also the alma mater of Joyce and Judson. Another fun fact about the relationship of the Greens and Miliote is the fact that both Judson and George worked for the Walt Disney Company at one point in their careers.
Bridges, which name is a homage to the significant amount of historic covered bridges in the region, was the first of the projects to take flight. The restaurant consists of the main dinning area, a cellar that also doubles as a dining room and a rooftop. The spaces are rustic and elegant and the menu revolves around fresh ingredients and a pizza oven that was brought in from Italy to craft their mouthwatering pies. Their Wise Guy Pizza consists of salami, prosciutto, ‘Nduja, bacon jam, mozzarella and red sauce and it is one of our all time favorites, especially when paired with a glass of the Bedrock Wine Company Old Vine Zinfandel. The wine list, as to be expected, has been carefully curated and in it you can find interesting jewels like a sparkling Rosé from Jura, France or a crisp Alvarinho from Portugal.
The Wine Merchant opened its doors in 2022 and is housed in the historic building that once housed Eli Lilly’s first pharmacy. The space is a wine shop and wine bar and the Green’s mission of showcasing interesting wines continues to be reflected with the wines available. Equipped with automated pouring stations, this wine bar is the perfect playground for curious wine drinkers. And, if you are a sushi lover, on Thursdays and Fridays, you can enjoy their pop up sushi concept called Umami.
If you find yourself exploring the Crossroads of America, a great wine & dine experience in Greencastle, Indiana might be in your cards. When you visit, we suggest that you first enjoy a few glasses of wine at The Wine Merchant to work up your appetite and then walk across the street to Bridges to enjoy a delicious experience inspired by Chef Sal Fernandez.
It was our curiosity for the wines of one of these Verdejo producers, Botón de Gallo, that prompted our excursion to the region. The brand is the vision of Bruno De la Hoz, who is focused on making honest wines from his family vineyard. Among his wines you can find his elegant and fresh, Botón de Gallo Verdejo Especial. Made from vineyards 25 years old, from the notorious area of “La Seca”, this is a great wine for the hot summer days ahead. Bruno is also producing a very hard to find (only 58 cases produced) Verdejo with Oxidative Aging under his Clon de Gallo label that we absolutely loved. This interesting take on Verdejo showcases a wine with nutty notes, similar to those found in sherry, with a clean and fresh finish. Between the Botón de Gallo and Clon de Gallo labels Bruno is producing 5 wines, all of them distinctively different and worth trying.
To our delight, during our visit to Rueda, we were able to enjoy Bruno’s wines at Casa Lola. Founded in 1990 by Bruno’s family, with the mission of selling wines and gourmet foods, Casa Lola has become a fixture in Rueda. With its wine shop, restaurant, ham cellar and wine cellar this is one the most interesting wine establishments that we have had the opportunity to enjoy.
If Rueda is not in your wine destinations travel list, perhaps a ham and wine pairing experience at Casa Lola might entice you to make the journey.
]]>
An important winery in this rebirth is Hacienda Terra d’Uro. The project is spearheaded by restaurateur Oscar Garrote, seasoned winemaker Pipa Ortega and one of the Douro Valley’s most recognized winemakers, Cristiano van Zeller. The group decided to name the winery Terra d’Uro to pay homage to the history of the region as the Uro, the animal that preceded the Toro (Bull), roamed free in this region many years ago. Hence the name “Land of the Uro” or in today’s terms “Land of the Toro”.
Determined to make wines that reflect the terroir of the region, the team purchased centenary pre-phylloxera vineyards with vines grown in the traditional bush style. This bet has paid off big as the wines have been well received by customers and critics alike, a feat hard to achieve. Aside from their top scoring Tinta de Toro wines, the winery also makes a fresh and fruit forward Garnacha, a Rosado and a Verdejo.
Made with fruit from old Tinta de Toro vines from Finca La Coscojosa, their flagship wine Uro, happens to be our favorite. To produce this wine, hand picked grapes are fermented in 500 liter new oak barrels. After fermentation the barrels are emptied and cleaned. Once they are clean, the juice is put back into the same barrel to age for 20 months. The quality of the grapes, along with the craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout this process, produces a wine that is both elegant and bold. We are also big fans of La Enfermera. A wine aged approximately only three months in oak barrels that is round and juicy. We have found it to be a great companion for pizza and burgers.
If you are looking to explore the wines of Toro, we believe the wines from Hacienda Terra d’Uro will give you a good reference of how special this region is.
]]>What initially was a challenge for the winery when it was established in 1996, has become one of Abadía’s biggest strengths. How is this, you may ask? Well, Abadía Retuerta took pride in the flexibility of not being restricted by an appellation to plant vines and craft wines that are ideally suited for the terroir in which the property is located. Fast forward 27 years, and now Abadía Retuerta can proudly say that they are one of only twenty wineries in Spain with the Vino de Pago designation.
Vino de Pago is a classification in Spain that applies to individual vineyards and wine estates. It was created in 2003 to recognize vineyards that fall outside of the DO classification regulations for geographic or stylistic reasons. One of the most important requirements to receive such designation is that the winery, to make their wines, may only use grapes grown on their estate. Abadía Retuerta is the last winery to have received such designation.
Abadía Retuerta’s project includes their 5 star hotel, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, which is located on their estate in the impeccably restored Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta which dates back to the 12th century. The hotel houses a spa and two restaurants, one of them being the Refectorio, which proudly holds a Michelin Star.
Due to the fact that the winery is not required to adhere to the Ribera del Duero DO regulations, at Abadía Retuerta you can find different varietals being grown apart from Tempranillo, which is the flagship grape of the region. We were particularly drawn to their Single Vineyard, Pago Valdebellón Cabernet Sauvignon, made from grapes grown between 700-850 meters above sea level. The wine was smooth and lush and perhaps the best Cabernet that we have enjoyed in 2023.
If you plan to visit Ribera del Duero, we encourage you to visit Abadía Retuerta and see for yourself how they are striving for excellence while playing by their own rules.
]]>Pico Cuadro was born in a garage in front of Felipe’s family home. Since then, the footprint has expanded but the garage continues to be a part of the winery as a reminder of the winery’s humble beginnings. With this growth, Felipe welcomed a group of friends as partners, which include Oscar Garrote, Diego Álvarez and a group of Swedish friends.
The focus of Pico Cuadro is to make old vine Tempranillo wines from small parcels of some of the most entrenched zones in Ribera del Duero. The wines of Pico Cuadro are elegant and balanced which makes them great choices to accompany a meal.
It would be unfair to say that we have a favorite Pico Cuadro wine, as each of their wines fits different occasions. If you are looking for an everyday wine, Wild, the youngest of their wines is one to consider. It pairs well with most foods but it’s also a great one to enjoy by itself at the end of a long day. Their Vendimia Seleccionada, made from vines averaging 70 years, might be the wine that most accurately reflects the winery. It is made by selecting the best fruit from old vines in some of the most important regions of Ribera del Duero. Viña el Chorro, a small vineyard planted in 1943, is also the namesake of their single vineyard wine. Planted at 880 meters above sea level, this 80 year old vineyard is producing wines with bright acidity and elegant fruit notes that can be drank now or cellared for years to come.
We are fortunate to be able to call the team at Pico Cuadro friends, and hope that when you experience their wines, you can appreciate their commitment to making elegant wines that reflect the heritage rich terroir of Ribera del Duero.
]]>Ridge Vineyards, with tasting rooms in Healdsburg and Cupertino, California, has focused on producing single-vineyard wines since 1962. In 1991 they launched their Pagani Ranch bottling and ever since have produced a wine from this site. The Pagani Ranch vineyard, which is one of the first Zinfandel vineyards that we fell in love with, is located in Sonoma Valley and today it is ran by the fourth generation of the Pagani family. The vineyard, planted in the late 1890’s by the Ranch founder, Felice Pagani, is known for its picturesque gnarly vines, most of them over 100 years old.
The 2017 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel by Ridge Vineyards showcases bright fruit and great acidity. It is fresh and balanced. It’s one that Pinot Noir lovers who are looking for something different will want to check out. We paired it with bean soup, king crab Mac & Cheese, mash potatoes and a filet. Showcasing it’s versatility it paired beautifully with all of the dishes.
If Zinfandel is your jam, you need to track this one down. But if it is not, we encourage you to give this one a try, it might convert you into a Zin lover.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
]]>Napa Valley, although approximately only 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, it’s the United States’ most famous AVA. It was granted AVA status in 1981 to become the second American Viticultural Area in the United States and the first in California. Only about 4% of California’s grape harvest comes from Napa Valley and the two most recognized grapes coming from the region are Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
More than 500 wineries call Napa Valley home, most of them being family wineries. This array of wineries is spread out throughout 16 total AVA’s within the Napa Valley AVA, each of them with it’s unique characteristics and microclimates.
In 1861, Charles Krug established Napa’s first commercial winery, which to this day, continues to operate. Some other pioneering wineries are Schramsberg which was founded in 1862, Beringer founded in 1876 and Robert Mondavi founded in 1966.
Napa Valley was catapulted into the world spotlight at the 1976 Paris Tasting when Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon received top honors at the event, giving Napa the boost that it needed to become the world famous wine growing region that it is today.
For more Napa Valley details you might want to check out our features, A Few Suggestions for Your Napa Valley Adventure and A Guide to Enjoying Napa Valley’s Calistoga in Twenty Four Hours.
]]>1) Amy Lieberfarb
2) Cara Mia
3) Cathrine Todd
4) Corkscrew Concierge
5) Dallas Wine Chick
6) Debbie Gioquindo
7) James Suckling
8) Jill Barth
9) Julien Miquel
10) Katarina Andersson
11) Kathleen Willcox
12) Kelly Mitchell
13) Li Valentine
14) Liz Palmer
15) Michelle Williams
16) Sharon L
17) Tim Atkin
18) Wine Destinations
19) Wine Enthusiast
20) Wine Folly
21) Winegal
22) Wineinfo
23) Wine Spectator
24) Wine Wankers
25) Zoltan Nagy
]]>
With more than 150 wines available by the ounce, glass or bottle, at this rustic yet modern restaurant there is a wine style for everyone. We visited during their lunch service and decided to accompany our meal with a glass of Jansz Brut Rosé from Tasmania and a glass of Gran Reserva from Rioja’s Ramirez de la Piscina. The Jansz Rosé was crisp and bursting with fruit and the Ramirez de la Piscina drank beautifully while awaking memories of our amazing visit to their winery.
As far as the menu goes, expect to see a Greek influence in homage to Miliotes heritage alongside an array of small plates, cheese and charcuterie boards and family style plates. We loved their Burrata which was accompanied by seasonal tomatoes but it was the Family Style Skirt Steak plate from the table next to us that left our mouths watering.
Make sure to swing by and check out their award winning wine list if you are in the Orlando area, it will not disappoint.
]]>Powdery Mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator, also known as Uncinula necator, and it is one of the most common grapevine diseases. To identify the disease look for white powdery spots on the leaves and grapes. As the disease advances the leaves might also show spots of different colors as if they are stained or even begin to curl.
The best way to prevent this disease is by making sure that your vines have good air circulation and are exposed to plenty of sunshine. These measures will expedite the drying of the leaves and berries after moisture exposure and will increase the flow of air during high humidity periods. To aide with these two important issues make sure that vines are planted in an area with direct sunlight and prune the canopy of the vines in a way that promotes good air flow. Also you might want to strategically remove some of the leaves around the grape clusters.
All vine varietals have different levels of susceptibility to this fungus but it is believed that Vitis vinifera varietals are more susceptible to it than their American counterparts. It is preferable that grapes affected by this disease are not used to make wine as research has shown that infection levels as low as 3%-5% of the grapes can taint the wine and give it a foul taste.
As far as our vine is concerned we will have to wait until next year to see how it rebounds from this years infection. To all you grape growing mavericks out there, with harvest upon us, we wish you happy pickings.
]]>
3) Dame Wine
4) Enoblogger
8) Kike Sola
10) Mr Noël Burgess
11) Perth Wine Girl
13) Sara Piovano
14) Sparkling Winos
19) The Wine Scribes
20) Tim Atkin
21) Vinfatuation
23) Wine Gini
24) Wine Memoir
25) Winery Lovers
When we originally started this article, we were going to list 10 accounts but quickly realized that 10 wasn’t enough. We settled on 25 but even then many of the wine communicators that we follow closely did not make this list. So stay tuned for the next 25 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Wine Lovers in 2023.
]]>Vignoles is a white hybrid grape mostly found in the Midwest and in New York’s Fínger Lakes. Believed to have been developed by J.F. Ravat in 1930 it was thought to be a cross between Seibel 6905 and a clone of Pinot Noir but in 2008 genetic testing revealed that it does not match the genetic characteristics of either Seibel 6905 or Pinot Noir. Thought to have been named Ravat 51 when it was developed and imported into the United States, this mysterious grape with an unknown parentage became known as Vignoles in 1970 when the Finger Lakes Wine Growers Association gave its present name.
The flavor profiles of Vignoles are just as juicy as it’s history. Often showcasing notes of pineapple, peaches, citrus and honey this grape produces exciting wines all the way from dry to sweet including some delicious ice wines.
This summer give this thick skin grape a try to help you find your happy place and get you through the summer heat.
]]>With its mid-century design and retro vibes, the winery will be celebrating its five year anniversary during this harvest season. It’s not only the architecture of the winery that is inspired by the retro days of the 60’s and 70’s but it’s wines are as well. To achieve the feat of crafting classic and elegant wines reminiscent of those early Napa days, Khaledi turned to renowned winemaker Steve Matthiasson who continues to be with the winery to this day. Winemaker Dan Petroski also joined the original winemaking team but since has moved on. To replace Petroski, Khaledi continued his commitment to hiring blue-chip winemakers when he added Napa native, Diana Snowden Seysses to the Ashes & Diamond Family.
When we visited in the Fall, we thoroughly enjoyed the A&D Wines + Food experience. This family-style luncheon focuses on seasonal inspired dishes prepared by their in-house chefs. Although it is hard to pick a favorite dish, perhaps it might have been the Garden Cucumbers grilled salad. Accompanied with Hazelnut Dukkah, Tomato Water and Ricotta, it introduced us to a combination of flavor profiles we had not experienced before.
Highlighting the diverse flavors of the meal were wines that showed elegance and balance. Some of our favorites were their Blanc, which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, their 2018 Cabernet Franc which was one of our favorite Cab Francs of the trip and their powerful but silky 2018 Red Hen Cabernet Sauvignon.
]]>What a lot of people do not realize is that when you visit Silver Oak you also have the opportunity to enjoy the wines of their sister winery Twomey Cellars. While Silver Oak is focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Twomey, mostly produces Pinot Noirs from cool climate vineyards.
Both Silver Oak and Twomey are owned by the Duncan Family, who are committed to sustainable farming and lifestyle practices. A testament to this is their LEED Platinum Certification for both of their Silver Oak wineries in the Napa and Alexander Valleys.
When you visit, we suggest that you do the Twomey Tasting and take advantage of enjoying two tastings in one sitting. It’s not often you visit a renowned Cabernet producer and have the opportunity to taste some amazing Pinot Noirs alongside their award winning Cabernets.
]]>This time around, due to COVID restrictions, we did our tasting on their patio instead of their iconic yellow tasting room. At first, we were disappointed that we could not relive our previous experience but once our tasting began we were guided through a brand new and unforgettable tasting adventure.
Founded in 1992 by Rich Frank, Frank Family Vineyards has been voted “Best Napa Winery” on numerous occasions. Rich, along with his wife Leslie, built Frank Family into one of Napa’s most recognized Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Perhaps that’s why last year, Australia’s wine corporation, Treasury Wine Estates, paid them $315 million to purchase the winery, their Rutherford Benjamin Ranch vineyard and one of their vineyards in Capell Valley on the eastern side of Napa. The Franks have agreed to stay on as consultants for at least two years.
One fun fact of the transaction is that Rich and Leslie Frank have maintained ownership of their Winston Hill Vineyard in Rutherford and of their Lewis Vineyard in Carneros. We will stay tuned to see if this means that the Franks will be launching another exciting project in the upcoming years.
From deliciously refreshing sparkling wines to highly coveted Cabernet Sauvignons Frank Family has you covered. One of our favorites from our tasting was their 2017 Patriarch. In 2012, to honor his fathers 99th birthday, Rich Frank decided to craft a special wine and the Patriarch was born.
Be it in the iconic yellow tasting room, on their outdoor patio or in their newly approved 7,700 square foot tasting room, know that great wines await you at Frank Family Vineyards.
]]>2017 Patriarch by Frank Family Vineyards: In 2012, to honor his fathers 99th birthday, Rich Frank, set out to celebrate his father by crafting a special wine. The result was the now highly sought after Patriarch. We found the 2017 to be elegantly voluptuous. With layers of diverse flavor profiles this full bodied beauty gracefully honors the accomplished life of Hy Frank.
2017 Solari by Larkmead Vineyards: Produced by one of Napa’s most storied family-owned estates, the 2017 Solari is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 100% delicious. Showcasing beautiful fruit and structure, this is one that you can cellar for a while. We also fell in love with their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon which we found to be extremely balanced and full of red and dark fruit. Learn more about Larkmead Vineyards by reading our feature “Meet Larkmead One of Napa’s Most Storied Family-Owned Estates”.
2015 Peter Newton Vineyard by Maldonado Family Vineyards: With grapes from one of Napa’s most acclaimed vineyards, Hugo Maldonado worked his magic and crafted a sublime wine. We found fruit to be present from beginning to end on this elegant and smooth as velvet charmer. Only 120 cases produced. Their 2018 Hawk’s Nest Cab is also phenomenal and one worth seeking. Checkout our feature “Making Dreams Come True at Maldonado Family Vineyards” to learn more about the Maldonado Family story.
2018 The Puzzle by Newton Vineyard: Bold and sophisticated, we found the The 2018 Puzzle to be a great representation of one of Napa’s greatest vintages. It is drinking beautifully now but can certainly age for a decade or more. If you happen to be a Chardonnay fan look for their 2017 Beckstoffer Single Vineyard Chardonnay. We made sure a bottle made it home with us. Learn about Newton’s story of resilience by visiting our feature “Inspired by It’s Tradition Newton Vineyard Rises from the Ashes”.
]]>The majestic entrance to the winery, inspired by Iran’s ancient capital, Persepolis, sets the tone for a visit filled with Persian hospitality. This hospitality invites its guests to explore all of the history and curiosities the winery has to offer. From its pristine grounds and vineyards to their beautiful tasting room and cellars, Darioush is a heritage rich, dream of a winery.
Although you could leave the winery fulfilled after exploring the grounds and taking in the architecture, it is their wines that make you want to stay. The wines, influenced by the cooler microclimates of southern Napa Valley, showcase fresh structured fruit and are beautifully balanced. One of our favorites was their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon which we found to be a great steward of the phenomenal growing season Napa experienced that year. A fun fact that we found interesting was how they use Shiraz instead of Syrah in naming their wines of this varietal to pay respect to the most well known wine region in Iran.
A tasting in their cellar or at any of their beautiful spaces is an experience we encourage wine lovers to seek while exploring Napa. During our stay we enjoyed the Fine Wines and Artisan Cheeses tasting experience, which paired 4 of their wines with 4 unique cheeses from small purveyors, and loved it. If you decide to make Darioush one of your stops when visiting The Valley make sure to give yourself extra time to explore the grounds and take pictures of this magical property.
]]>Wineries to Visit
We all know that if Napa is your destination you are most likely looking for suggestions on wineries to visit. Here are a few from our most recent trip that you might want to checkout, listed in alphabetical order:
Alpha Omega: Celebrating its 15 year anniversary in 2021, AO specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s conveniently located on Highway 29 for those of you who might be on a tight schedule and can’t venture out too much during your stay. Make sure to close out your tasting by trying their Late Harvest wine, there’s a good chance you will love it.
Ashes & Diamonds: If you are looking for a culinary wine country experience then Ashes & Diamonds is one you should explore. We tried The A & D Wines + Food experience during our visit and loved it. Regardless of what experience you choose, make sure to try their Cabernet Franc, it was one of our favorites of the trip.
Caymus Vineyards: Founded by the Wagner Family, Caymus is one of Napa’s most popular Cabernet Sauvignon producers. The Wagners produced their first vintage in 1972 and ever since they have been known for the quality of their Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are a Zinfandel lover give theirs a try, you usually can only find it at the winery.
Darioush Winery: Named after it’s founder, Darioush Khaledi, Darioush is a cultural experience for the senses. Founded in 1997 by Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi, this Iranian inspired abode is one to visit for all art, architecture and wine lovers. During the visit we enjoyed one of the most unique tasting experiences of our trip in this heritage rich, dream of a winery.
Frank Family Vineyards: From deliciously refreshing sparkling wines to highly coveted Cabernet Sauvignons Frank Family Vineyards has you covered. A morning tasting in their beautiful garden, weather permitting, is an experience we hope to enjoy again and one we encourage you to schedule.
Larkmead Vineyards: A visit to one of Napa’s most storied family-owned estates should certainly be on your list when visiting The Valley. Founded in 1895 this history rich winery is now under the care of Cam and Kate Solari-Baker. Learn more about their story and their delicious wines in our feature “Meet Larkmead One of Napa’s Most Storied Family-Owned Estates”.
Maldonado Family Vineyards: If you are looking for the quintessential family winery experience then a visit to Maldonado Family Vineyards is a must. The project is the dream and vision of Hugo and Lidia Maldonado who together own and run the winery. Learn more about their beautifully crafted wines and about our amazing experience in our feature “Making Dreams Come True at Maldonado Family Vineyards”.
Newton Vineyard: Working out of a custom crush facility in Calistoga as they recover from the devastating Glass Fire, Newton Vineyard is a stop we suggest you make. Focused on small lots of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Newton is producing wines worth seeking. Checkout our feature “Inspired by It’s Tradition Newton Vineyard Rises from the Ashes” for more.
Round Pond Estate: If it is sweeping vistas that you are looking for then Round Pond Estate needs to be on your list. Try to visit later in the day so that you can experience the golden views of their vineyards as the sun sets.
Silver Oak Cellars: Producing Cabernet Sauvignon for over 40 years, Silver Oak is one of Napa’s most recognized wineries. Located in Oakville, this is the perfect stop before or after visiting Oakville Grocery. We suggest the Twomey tasting experience because you also get to try some great Pinot Noirs from their sister winery Twomey.
Where to Eat
The dining options in Napa are endless but here are three places that we highly recommend:
Oakville Grocery: For us it is not a visit to Napa unless we enjoy lunch, at least once, at Oakville Grocery. Founded in 1881 they are the oldest continually operating grocery store in California. Great food and charm await you here.
Bouchon Bistro: One of our favorite restaurants is Chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro. Located in delightful Yountville, Bouchon has a diverse menu with a casual elegant atmosphere which creates a relaxing and memorable dining experience. We suggest that you get an order of their truffle pommes frites, they are to die for. Make sure to make a reservation with plenty of time as it is often hard to get in.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch: If you are a meat or bbq lover this is your place. They raise all of their beef at their ranch so you will undoubtedly be getting some fresh prime cuts. We suggest that you add an egg to your order because everything tastes better with a fresh egg. Their corkage fee is only $5.00, so if you have a special bottle that you picked on your trip and were hoping to open it with a great meal you are in luck at Farmstead. On top of the low corkage fee, all the proceeds from the fee are donated to non-profit organizations in the area.
Where to Stay
One of the trickiest logistical details of any trip is lodging. In Napa you will have no shortage of options, you just need to decide what kind of experience you are looking for. During our visit we split our stay between an Airbnb concept and a traditional hotel and are grateful for the great hospitality that The Bungalowas at Calistoga and the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa extended us.
The Bungalows at Calistoga: This is one of the coolest lodging experiences that we have had. We stayed in Bungalow A, which is close to 900 square feet and absolutely beautiful. The Bungalow features a full kitchen, fireplace, washer and dryer and much more. In total, there are 3 Bungalows on the property which are conveniently located a block from Calistoga’s Main Street. If you are looking for a cozy spot to call home away from home this is your place.
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa: The Napa Marriott is conveniently located in the town of Napa off Highway 29 and it offers an abundance of amenities. Their rooms are spacious and stylish and their Redwoods garden is a perfect spot to read a book or enjoy a nap. A glass of wine by their outdoor fireplaces is a must do and a splash in their beautiful swimming pool a perfect treat on a warm summer day. Regardless if you are traveling for business or pleasure you are sure to enjoy a memorable getaway at the Napa Marriott.
A couple of other articles that might be of interest are: “A Guide to Enjoying Napa Valley’s Calistoga in Twenty Four Hours” and “Sonoma County is a Never Ending Treasure Hunt for Wine Lovers”.
We hope that these suggestions are of help as you plan your Napa Valley escapade and would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year.
]]>