Wine tasting is truly an experience! So, why not plan a trip to Napa Valley, CA to discover and learn about the history of wine and take some sips, too? There are three great wineries and one great restaurant that I highly recommend visiting.
The first winery I’d like to share with you is called Del Dotto Vineyards. This family-owned winery has been around for 20 years, but I recently visited it for the first time. Normally, I don’t like the somewhat cheesy, flashy, bells and whistles type of place, but this winery has its’ own charm with its’ Venetian yet flamboyant interior. Ha! There’s a historic cave worth visiting with some barrel tasting, too. I suggest you pick up a bottle of their premium wine, 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’d like me to plan a private wine dinner in their estate tasting room, Just Ask!
Another magnificent and memorable Napa vineyard to visit is Sherwin Family Vineyards. It’s quite a windy drive up the Spring Mountain district of Napa Valley, but the property is exquisite! Wine tastings are by appointment only and can take place outside on the patio overlooking their very own lake and glorious over-flowing fountain. They offer a commemorative bottle of red wine, which has a hand-painted flag on it benefitting the families of lost loved ones on 9/11. This is a beautiful cause created on a beautiful piece of property.
Hourglass Winery is another Napa location with a very cool wine tasting venue. It takes place in a narrow wine cave dimly lit by candles giving off a romantic glow. The marble table situated in the middle of the cave can seat 26 guests comfortably for a private and exclusive dinner. Although all the wines we tasted were delicious, I preferred a wine produced by vintner Todd Newman called Dakota Shy. This is a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon also produced at this winery. Very special! If you’d like to plan a private event in this cool space, Just Ask!
Now for some food! The restaurant that I’d like to suggest for your jaunt into Napa is named TORC. It’s located right on Main Street, so while it’s not in the most picturesque part of Napa Valley, the food is fabulous. Our waiter was knowledgeable about their menu and wine pairings and I had the most amazing Gruyere mac-n-cheese with pancetta. O-M-G!
Napa is the best place to be! Again, if you need some tips for traveling to Napa all you have to do is Just Ask!
