Javy

How Much Should I Budget For a Wine Tasting Trip to Napa?

by Javy on 2022-03-16 in Filed Under: Uncategorized

This is a pretty common question and one that has multiple answers. Because our area of expertise is luxury Napa experiences we want to help you get a better picture of how much to budget to fully maximize your experience.

If you are here, visiting our page it is very likely that you are not new to wine tasting. In fact, the majority of our customers have visited the California Wine Country three or more times and are now looking for an upgraded experience that will help them deepen their wine knowledge and will allow them to garner some of the most exclusive boutique and cult wines available in the valley. With this in mind I will try to answer the most common questions we receive via our concierge informational email:

Should I hire a private driver when visiting Napa?

There are many options when visiting the valley. Some people Uber, others resort to using the wine train and there are some daring parties that visit wineries while riding their bicycles and motorcycles. Hiring a professional wine touring company in Napa affords you and yours several advantages, among them the freedom to drink as you please knowing that you will not get a DUI or jeopardize the safety and health of others. A professional driver ensures timely arrival to wine tastings. It is not uncommon for those using Uber to have tasting reservations canceled due to late arrival. For us, our work is not simply to drive our guests from point A to point B. We strive to make every single minute experiential and delightful. Our luxury vehicles are comfortable, well cared for and always stocked with delightful surprises. Our commitment to superior hospitality has kept us among the top ten luxury touring companies in Napa.

How much will I end up paying for a private vehicle and driver in Napa?

Luxury experiences range between $80 to $200 or more per hour depending on the size of your party. Experienced wine collectors generally spend three to four days in Napa and utilize their hired vehicle and driver for 6-10 hours per day. Gasoline surcharges are one-time fees added on top of the hourly rate and tips are never included. Tolls, parking fees and other charges are inclusive to the hourly rates featured by Napa wine touring services.

What about the cost of hotels and lodging in Napa?

In reviewing the historical data and preferences of our client portfolio we identified the following preferences when it comes to picking a place to stay in Napa: Couples often select luxury hotels such as Bardesonno, Solage, Chandler Hotel, McClelland House, Poetry Inn, Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood, Four Seasons and Vintage House. Guests can expect to pay between $500 to $1500 per night depending on the season. Larger parties with four or more often select exclusive catered residential lodging often integral to luxury vineyards and available only to their best buyers. These properties feature comforts such as private chefs, butlers, in-house sommeliers and dedicated staff. These properties offer significant privacy and confidentiality rates ranging from $2500 to $10,000 per night. Certain wineries will offer complimentary stays to wine collectors and wine investors when their visit is fully focused on purchasing new vintages to add to their library.

So, How Much Should We Budget for Dining In Napa?

At the core, Napa is all about eating and drinking. Experiencing superior food is essential to the experience. If you are here you will not want to miss the opportunity to visit several Michelin-rated restaurants. Your visit is also a great opportunity to explore upcoming culinary stars freshly graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. Many of our top restaurants require reservations six to eight months in advance. In Napa, lunch tends to be a more casual affair, usually satisfied by grabbing a gourmet sandwich. The wine cellars featured at top restaurants in Napa are nothing short of delightful. If the plan is to dine out and explore top-rated Napa restaurants we estimate that you need to budget about $300 to $500 per day per person. This estimate is inclusive of wines and cocktails. If instead, your arrangement includes the use of a private residence, the cost per cover for a four course chef-prepared meal is usually in the neighborhood of $200 per person. Having a private chef host your in-residence dinner is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the wines you have purchased during your tastings.

How Much Will I Spend Purchasing Wine?

As a luxury transportation provider we have selected our fleet with the idea that we will carry multiple cases of wine for your party. Highly rated Napa wines start at about $75, wines with ratings between 97 to 100 are in the neighborhood of $360 per bottle. Cult wines, when available, will go for over $1000 per bottle. Our wine coach can help you select wine that is likely to add value to your wine library while staying within a target budget. We spend significant time doing research and tasting wines from small and newly discovered wineries; hidden treasures that will impress and surprise all your guests and associates. One thing to note is that many high-end wineries will waive your tasting fees when you make a significant purchase. We suggest a minimum of six bottles. About four times per year my husband and I spend full weekends visiting wineries to restock our personal wine library; on average we purchase three to six cases. This ensures we have enough wine to share with a little extra to collect allowing it to age to perfection.

How Much Will I Pay For a Tasting?

The pandemic resulted in increased demand for California wines; with increased demand the price for wine and tastings is not what it used to be. Tastings for small boutique wineries are in the neighborhood of $70 per person. High-end wineries can cost as much as $250. While we are happy to share the price of tastings it is important to note that most of our clients have their tasting fees waived given the size and nature of their purchases.

Should I join a wine club or several?

The main reason to join a wine club is having access to wine allocations. Our recommendation is that you only join clubs from wineries that fully align with your tasting preferences. That is, you find all of their wines to be magnificent. Joining a club comes with a variety of perks aside from allocation access. Our favorite and most important perk is having access to their harvest parties and special events. Before you join, ask me, my husband or Cynthia. We will do our best to point you in the right direction.

What is The Cost of a Pick Up When Arriving via Charter Flight?

Napa Private Tours provides confidential transportation for VIP customers arriving via private plane at our hourly rate. If your party requires an additional vehicle for luggage and gear we are happy to coordinate additional transport. Similarly, we will ensure your wine purchases are ready to be transported or we will make arrangements to securely ship your purchases.

I am typing these notes to paint a clearer picture of the costs associated with visiting Napa Valley. Please keep in mind that our data assumes your goal is to have experiences that are exclusive, and you are accustomed to receiving five-star service. There are many ways to visit California Wine Country. The approach that you take will impact costs as well as the quality of your experience. Napa Private Tours has been in the business of excellence and luxury for over ten years. The data shared within this FAQ is based on data compiled from our client portfolio.

As always, my husband and I are eager to host you. Let us put together a Napa experience you will always remember.

Always Yours

Javy

Mario Bazán Cellars – Where Elegant Beauty Meets Sublime Flavors

by Javy on 2019-04-16 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa, Wine Tours

We love rituals of beauty and we are passionate when it comes to perfection and nuance. Because marvelous wines is our thing we can’t help it but pause to celebrate Mario Bazán. You have probably heard about Mario. He has a story worth telling. A self-made man able to grow vines of marked quality. Mario is well versed in every facet of wine making. His experience in wine production is paramount. His wines are are laudable, complete and simply inspiring. His hands, mind and heart have shaped many of the Napa wines you have come to enjoy for almost 50 years.

When Less Is More

Bazán Cellars is a micro-producer. While Mario manages hundreds of acres for many highly coveted wineries his personal production is a gift available to a few lucky wine collectors. In contrast to mass-produced wines all of Mario’s wines are infused with dedication, intentionality and absolute craftsmanship. Together with his wife Gloria they are in the business of creating wines worthy of the most exclusive wine cellars.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to stop by their new tasting room. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to sharing this gem with you. Like a freshly blossomed anemone the ambiance is intimate, delicate and aimed at gifting each visitor with tender and caring hospitality. Their goal is to deliver guest-focused tasting opportunities filled with tidbits of history and wine-making education. It takes someone like Mario to execute at this level.

We can’t wait to introduce you. Ask us to include Bazán Cellars next time we get to host your wine tasting trip to Napa, Sonoma and the surrounding California Wine Country,

Much Love,

Javy

We Did It Again. Napa Private Tours Continues to Lead in TripAdvisor. Certificate of Excellence & Hall of Fame Recipients

by Javy on 2018-09-11 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

In the era of online presence a review can make or break your business. Customers are ten times more likely to complain than they are to give praise. We love praise just like the next person, but what we do is not fueled by praise. It is fueled by love. We love what we do, we love the people we serve and we love our partner wineries, restaurants and lodging venues. We wake up each day full of gratitude for the opportunity to do what we know and love best and even on the days when things are difficult or when we make terrible mistakes we know that sharing Napa with each of you is totally worth the effort.

Ten years into doing what we do and hundreds of reviews later we realize that this is worthy of our effort and our affections. Building memories that will last a lifetime and helping people mark special events in their life is simply the most amazing calling one could ever ask for.

Thank you for making us a five star business on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook & Google. We love and appreciate you more than words can ever express.

Much love,

The NPT Team

Pairings Made in Heaven – Four Napa Valley Wineries With Amazing Bites

by Javy on 2018-03-22 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

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.

Should I visit Napa & Sonoma For Wine & Food Tasting in December?

by Javy on 2017-11-15 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

You checked on Kayak and airfare to the Bay Area is a total steal. A good deal, combined with a desperate need to abandon the frigid cold of the North has you dreaming of Napa & Sonoma. If this is you, we absolutely want to be your wine host. But before you pack your bags let’s talk about the question that every wine aficionado is asking:

Is Napa Worth My Time After The 2017 Fires?

Absolutely! Allow me to dispel a few myths while you pack your suitcase:

There are contaminants in the air: Air pollutants are no longer present in the air. Our mornings are foggy with beautiful dew and the fragrance of wet soil.
Many of my favorite wineries were burned during the fires: Across all wine producing AVAs in California only three wineries were destroyed fully, Signorello, Paradise Ridge and Frey Vineyards in Mendocino.
Lodging is scarce: Not at all! We can help you in locating beautiful accommodations from private villas to highly coveted hotels throughout the region
The 2017 vintage is ruined: Not at all. Providence had appointed for more than 90% of the harvest to be completed prior to the fires. While you won’t get to taste it just yet you can rest assured it will be a memorable vintage year.
The landscape is ugly and charred: Many of the most iconic wineries did not suffer any damage. As the winter approaches you can expect to see dormant beauty of deep green cover crops guarding the soil and the poetic elegance of twisted vines waiting to regain life in the spring.
Culinary options will be limited: Our region is not only about wine. We are home to dining venues rated as best in the world. Not a single one of the restaurants in our preferred list was impacted by the fires.

What to do When Visiting Napa & Sonoma in The Winter?

In December you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of festivals and seasonal activities. In addition winter wine tasting can be peculiarly romantic. During this season of calm you can embrace the following:

Wine tastings with pairings. Slow food accompanied by the perfect wine is nothing short of magical during the winter. We can select wineries with a culinary experience to allow you to fully capture the beauty of winter.
Spend time outdoors. Napa is never so cold as to hinder a walk among the vineyards. Bring your winter boots and hold the hand of your beloved as your explore rolling hills covered with centenary wines.
Sit by the fire: Many tasting rooms light their fireplace setting the stage for placid and warm chatter with friends. Bring a shawl and delight in some of the most beautiful architecture and interior design in California.
Enjoy High End Spa Services: What better way to end a day of food and wine. Book a massage or a mud bath and give yourself the gift of rejuvenation.

We can’t wait to host you. At Napa Private Tours we take pride in creating customer-focused curated experiences that inspire. We are one of the top-rated concierge style wine touring company consistently ranking among the top 10 things to do in Napa and Sonoma.