- The picture above is from Crocker & Starr. If charcuterie is your cup of tea we will take you there. They also have a Cab Franc that will have you begging for more.
Spring has arrived in Napa Valley! Bud Break is occurring, the mustard plants have blossomed and food is on everyone’s mind. We’ve teamed up with four exclusive wineries and to bring you the food and wine pairing expertise of first-class sommeliers and chefs. The subtle art of pairing wine and food has become a subject discussed with high regard and appreciation. Whether you are a novice just beginning their journey into the world of taste and favour, (and yes these are different!) or a fine connoisseur looking to refine their skills, we have the estate for you.
The Napa Valley food scene is a veritable heaven for foodies and wine lovers alike. The world’s premier culinary college, The Culinary Institute of America, can be found in the heart of Napa Valley. This prestigious University has spawned such alumni as Anthony Bourdain, Cat Cora and Anne Burrel, whose impact in the food community has been far reaching. With its influx of new flavours, its many signature chefs and its variety of gourmet delights Napa is the place to be for a sensational taste bud treat.
Brasswood Napa Valley
This small, state of the art winery features 17,000 sq. feet of caves where they make their delightful wines and the property is home to many gorgeous tasting rooms including a sensory room curated by the Estate Sommelier and a fine bottle shop with rare wines and liquors.
Visit their world-class restaurant, Brasswood Bar + Kitchen, which serves farm to table comfort food. Oak paneled walls, leather banquettes and black-and-white checked marble floors provide a cozy and warm atmosphere for all to enjoy.
We think you will love their Intoxicatingly dark 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville, relax with a full bodied 2015 Napa Valley Chardonnay or tantilate your taste buds with a bottle of their 2014 Estate Cabernet Franc Coombsville. We just added half a case to our personal collection. Rumor has it, it will age beautifully.
In amongst their first class wine tasting experiences Brasswood has two pairing experiences with artisanal cheeses and one full lunch experience with seasonal favourites from their Restaurant such as hand pulled mozzarella or herb crusted lamb paired with premium wines. If you are wanting to include this winery in your itinerary let us know in advance, the spots are limited and are often booked way early in the season.
Davis Estates
The Davis Estate is a winery focused on wines of the highest pedigree. Setting themselves grueling standards of passion, honesty and meticulous attention to detail the Estate creates truly exceptional wines. This is the type of wine you are likely to see in food venues that have received the James Beard Award.
Their terrace provides sweeping panoramic views of the Napa Valley countryside and their Estate grounds. Inside of this historic property resides a welcoming atmosphere, dark rich oak furniture and inviting fireplaces. Their Library cellar can be found deep within the caves where they host an exclusive tasting.
They have several pairing experiences in which you can partake, from light affairs with exceptional gourmet bites, to flights of their flagship premium cabernet and Phase V wines with exquisite seasonal delicacies and artisanal cheeses.
B Cellars
For a more modern feel visit B Cellars. Their name and logo reflect the chemical symbol for degrees BRIX, which measures ripeness in grapes and indicates the structure and potential for excellence in wine. This epitomizes their approach to crafting both unique, food-versatile blends and single vineyard, single varietal wines with a sense of place.
During your visit and tour of B Cellars, their chef de cuisine will whip up small plates to pair with five wines along the journey. The “B Bites” then get progressively more umami as the menu moves into the reds. All pairings are artfully chosen and crafted to complement a selection of their current wines and are prepared à la minute.
Knights Bridge
Knights Bridge vineyards lie between the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Rising from 300 to 900 ft in elevation on the slopes of the Mayacamas mountain range, Knights Bridge Vineyards overlook a breathtaking display of rolling hills, steep mountains and gentle valleys. With the unique range of soils and outstanding terroir, the wines are beautiful, enduring, age-worthy and very complex.
Their estate grown wines are exclusively available for tasting in The Vault, located on the first floor in the historic Calistoga National Bank Building. Your private, seated experience will include a tasting of four wines from the limited releases of the Knights Bridge portfolio. The tasting can either be complemented by a pairing of local cheese and artisan charcuterie or you can enjoy a wine tasting paired with small bites prepared by noted local Chef Sergio Morales of Calistoga’s Sam’s Social Club.
As this is one of the only wineries to host their tastings in a venue downtown you are right next to beautiful shopping opportunities with artisanal goods, gourmet treats and gorgeous and exceptional clothing by local designers.
If you have not yet planned your early summer vacation let’s get started. Give Cynthia a call and she will put together the wine adventure of a lifetime.
Leave a Reply