Just a short drive from Walnut Creek, is the world-renowned wine growing region of Napa Valley that is a wine appellation with 16 diverse AVA’s (American Viticultural Area). Many of the exquisite producers of cabernet sauvignon originate from these famous AVA’s: Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Rutherford, Spring Mountain, and Stags Leap. Nestled in the valley are more than 400 distinctive, award winning and picturesque wineries yet to be discovered.
The best things in life are the experiences we share, savor, and uncover to create lifelong memories. Napa Valley is where anyone and everyone can experience the taste of the good life. To take advantage of Napa being in our relative “backyard”, where people from around the world make this a destination, my husband and I have set a goal to visit a new winery each month. Over the last few years, wineries have popularized tasting experiences that envelop a tour, ability to learn about the history of the winery along with a curated wine and food experience.
It brings me immense joy to head to Napa Valley each month with my hubby. I would like to share three fantastic wineries that offer wine experiences with all of you. Handwritten Wines is in the quaint town of Yountville just down the road from Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc restaurant. The décor is a mix of luxurious upholstered furniture, leather couches, marble, and stone tables and lots of great accessories including unique light fixtures and distinctive open-air brass etageres. We selected the “bread and butter” tasting experience that included a variety of butters from around the country, elk and blueberry salami, aged gouda, truffle potato chips and baguette slices from Bouchon bakery. We started with a Relie Cuvee followed by a Pinot Noir then 5 different small lot cabernet sauvignons in a comparative format. This winery will become a fast favorite for all cabernet lovers. (www.handwrittenwines.com)
B Cellars is in Oakville nestled among a picture-perfect garden, unique figurative bronze statues by Seward Johnson, lush greenery, a stunning wine cave and a aspirational Michelin star kitchen. We were welcomed by Christopher who gave us a highly personalized wine and food pairing experience. We began with a taste of their signature Blend 23 wine that was paired with a sophisticated bite comprised of heirloom peach, whipped goat cheese, cider syrup on a cucumber slice. We took our glass of Blend 23 on a tour of this stunning property. Upon our return, we enjoyed a curated wine tasting experience paired with amuse bouche bites including a sushi roll, duck confit bundle paired with apple relish and a lamb slider. Our wines included Rose, Pinot Noir, Petite Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We were delighted to have the opportunity to taste three wines produced from Andy Beckstoffer’s six heritage vineyards. B Cellars is a destination if you are a foodie and aspiring home sommelier. (www.bcellars.com)
Sequoia Grove Winery in Rutherford has a rich history and earned the distinction of being a certified Napa green winery. The winery is highly regarded for producing world class reserve and single vineyard cabernet sauvignon wines. Upon entering the winery, you are greeted by enormous and beautiful sequoia redwood trees. Named after their prized Cabernet Cambium, we entered this stunning room that was named “The Best Napa Valley Tasting Room” to enjoy our food and wine pairing experience. We began with a Montana Dorada Chardonnay that was simply divine and paired with a crostini topped with grainy mustard, handmade rabbit sausage and adorned with a cornichon. A plethora of stunning cabernets were paired with pork tenderloin, grilled stone fruit salad, potato crusted halibut and tea rubbed duck. The wines were so impressive that we joined their wine club. (www.sequoiagrove.com)
After visiting wine country for years, I wanted to pass along a few tips. Best to book several weeks in advance to ensure a reservation. Pack a portable cooler in your trunk with ice or ice packs to store any wine you purchase, especially during the warm summer months. Be curious; ask questions with your wine experience host or wine maker. Discover the winery history, wine making techniques or the hidden and/or favorite must visit places in the valley. Cheers!
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 20 01. Professionally she is the Head of Talent Acquisition for Mechanics Bank with headquarters in Walnut Creek. She is the President of California Recruiters and on the board for Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is Food, Wine and Entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw elegant dinner parties , explore wine country, collect wine and cook great food.