Wine and More in Napa Valley, California

Firstly, I am really excited to be in Napa Valley, CA. So to all visitors "Welcome to Napa Valley", North America's premier wine, food, arts and wellness capital. Though only approximately 35 miles long and 4 miles at its widest, the Napa Valley has a well-earned reputation as the home of America's fine wine industry. It is prized for natural beauty, a phenomenal culinary scene, world class lodging, a thriving arts community, therapeutic geothermal spring waters and spas and most of all, legendary hospitality.

Some of their recent accolades include the Napa Valley continuing as one of the only ten "Great Wine Capitals" and their restaurant receiving eleven Michelin Stars last year in 2015- ten most per capita of any wine region in the world!

Appointment Only Wineries
Please take note that many wineries around here are open by appointment only for tasting. Don't hesitate to call when you're in the area. Often you can get an appointment on the same day, if the winemaker or winery owner is available.

If you're out for a day of tasting with a group of 6 or more you should always call ahead. Many wineries now require advance reservation for groups. Most wineries charge a fee for larger groups of tasters.. they may need to bring in additional staff or set up tasting in different areas e.g. cellar, event center, wine library and etc.

Tasting along the Wine Roads
For those who have never been wine tasting before it can be an intimidating experience. But by keeping a few basics in mind it doesn't have to be. Remember, host are there to help you enjoy and learn a few things.

• Taste responsibly. If possible, have a designated driver.
• I suggest limiting yourself to 4 taste or share because wineries cannot serve anyone that appears intoxicated.
• No one under the age of 21 may sample wine.
• Some tasting room will require you to pay a fee to taste the wine. Some wineries apply this fee to your purchase, while others have a two-tier fee, one for certain level of wines and one for reserve wines.
• Tasting rooms vary from the very elaborate to a simple table set up in the wine making area.
• If water is provided, use it to clear your palate or rinse your glass. Rinsing the glass is a good idea when tasting moves from whites to reds or to dessert wines.
• You do not have to drink all the wine in your glass. Toss the unwanted wine into the dump bucket provided for this purpose. 
• And not to forget, please take the opportunity to strike up a conversation with those around you. This is often a good way to ask about wineries that others have been to or recommend. Host will also have a good knowledge of the neighboring wineries.

My first Stop was Jordan Vineyard & Winery
1474 Alexander Valley Road - Healdsburg, CA 95448
info@jordanwinery.com - jordanwinery.com - (800) 654 1213 or (707) 431 5250

At Jordan, they are committed to producing a singular Cabernet Sauvignon and a singular Chardonay- each defined by elegance, balance and consistent quality.

A love affair with the food and wine of France was the inspiration behind jordan, and their winery achitecture, breathtaking views, garden and the inventive cuisine prepared by their chef offer a distinctive sense of place in Sonoma wine country. Sharing this passion for food-friendly wines and gracious hospitality among guest are one of the greatest rewards of their life's work.

One beautiful thing that I love most about this place is the the secret passage from this room that leads to a private beautifully decor-ed tasting room

Wine Tasting

• 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 750ml price per bottle USD 65 
• 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 750ml price per bottle USD 65
• 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 750ml price per bottle USD 55

Cheese Presentation

• Black Truffle Triple Crème Brie - Marine French Cheese Company, one of the Northern California's Finest producers, creates this triple crème from pure, Italian Urbani truffles. It combines the sweet creaminess of rich, Jersey cow's milk with the alluring earthiness of decadent "tartufi" as the Italians say. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, its earthiness and creamy testure complement the subtle herb notes and tannins in a young Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon.
• San Joaquin Gold - Fiscalini Cheese Company uses only cow's milk from the family's farm located next door to craft this fine cheese, named after the rich San Joaquin Valley where it is produced. Surrounded by a natural , thin rind with a buttery oak its flesh is firm with an aroma of toasted nuts and brownedbutter. Aged for 16 months, the cheese has a mildly sweet and mellow flavor. The crunchy pritein crystal, plesant acidity and balanced salt combine to complement the fruit nuances in older vintages of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon
• Ewenique -  Central Coast Creamery, located in Paso Robles, emphasizes local and artisanal in their small-batch production, using only rBST-free* California cow's milk and goat milk from a local farm. This cheese is hand crafted and features a smooth, delicate texture. The flavor is earthy and sweet, with a savory, rich finish, allowing it to pair with both older and younger Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon vintages.

*rBST is a product primarily given to dairy cattle by injection to increase milk production. Bovine somatotropin or bovine somatotrophin (abbreviated bST and BST), or bovine growth hormone (BGH), is a peptide hormone produced by cows' pituitary glands.

Wine Tasting Comments

• 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - This 2008 showcases both the delicacy of the vintages and its smooth, approachable style. Elegant aromas of cherries and plum open to a soft, silky mouthfeel boasting a spectrum of red and black fruit flavors with a hint of spicy oak. Can be enjoy now or cellar through 2020.
• 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and cassis mingle with hints of violet and dark chocolate to seduce and intrigue. The palate is inviting and silky, with vivid core of cassis that defines every sip, balanced by a backbone of acidity, smooth tannins and a layered, never ending finish. Can be enjoy now or cellar through 2026.
• 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - Concentrated aromas of blackberries and black cherries with an inviting hint of cedar. The wine's silky palate is long and expansive, boasting a beautiful balance of black fruit and fine tannin structures. Its finish is lively, lingering and laced with a sweetness of fruit. A deliciously seductive wine to be enjoyed now or cellar through 2028. Decant for 60 - 90 minutes to elevate aromas and flavors.

Then .. I move along to the NEXT place

Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-4558

Opus One Winery
7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
(707) 944-9442

Honig Vineyard & Winery
850 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-5618  

ps : This place has by far the best host. Cassey our host was so friendly. I felt so honored to be among the 1st to try their 1st batch of newly release wine to the market. It was such a warm and friendly conversation I had that I totally lost tract of time. I highly recommend this place to my readers to make a stop.