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Dine & Wine in Napa for Thanksgiving

by nptadmin on 2015-11-12 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

With the turning of the calendar pages from October to November, Thanksgiving is fast approaching! While some celebrating the holiday may prefer hunkering down at home with plenty of food on the table and football on the TV, others may enjoy taking the opportunity for a special adventure with family or friends. We think the long weekend away from work and responsibilities is the perfect excuse for a trip to check out some of the nation’s most beautiful wineries. Luckily, many wineries and vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma regions are open Thanksgiving weekend, some even Thanksgiving Day, or have adjusted hours. Oh, and don’t worry! There’s still plenty of chances for a full belly. So, leave the football for another day and let someone else cook your feast for a change…let’s go wine touring for Thanksgiving!

Where to Eat

Just because you’re celebrating Thanksgiving away from home doesn’t mean you can’t procure some truly scrumptious feasts.

Meadowood – The Restaurant at Meadowood resort in St. Helena boasts 3 Michelin stars and is fine dining at it’s best. They produce a casual yet elegant approach to the dining experience and Chef Christopher Kostow puts a modern spin on classic Napa Valley cuisine. The kitchen works closely with local artisans, growers, and foragers to produce dishes which really speak to the true meaning of Napa community.

Lucy – Lucy Restaurant & Bar uses the freshest ingredients and most innovative techniques to create a delicious, garden-inspired cuisine. You can dine family style, and share several portions of smaller plates, or treat yourself to a plate of rich, local duck and garden vegetables. Either way, you’ll definitely want to round out the meal with a dessert course of Pumpkin Pasta, a sweet treat “pasta” topped with pumpkin cream and molasses ice cream.

French Laundry – The French Laundry is THE premiere destination for fine French cuisine in Napa Valley. The menu changes daily but no matter what you order you can be assured the dish was created with the finest quality ingredients in a manner that preserves the doctrine classic French cooking. The restaurant staff is committed to excellent guest service and will make you feel right at home in their beautiful location built from river rock and timber. The structure originally served as a saloon and then as a French steam laundry in the 1920’s and you can almost feel this unique California history emanating from the surrounding walls and landscape.

A Shopping Event

The passing of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of holiday shopping season here in America. Your weekend getaway is the ideal time to get a jump start on finding the perfect presents for your loved ones. Winery visits can serve as double duty. Enjoy tours and tastings, but also secure the most beautiful bottles of wine to give during the upcoming holiday season.

Gift Ideas

Cabernet Sauvignon – A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for the refined gentleman in your life. It boasts the elegant structure of a black-tie affair, plus the solidity to accompany robust, intellectual conversations. Earthy notes and dark fruit flavors are the quintessential compliment to his dapper good looks.

Chardonnay – A bottle of Chardonnay is perfect for the lovely lady in your life. With the right selection you’ll find a flawless balance of fruit flavors and buttery roundness with notes of ripe apples, vanilla, and toast. Plus, a glass in her hand won’t detract from her beauty as it glistens a glorious gold.

Champagne – A bottle of Champagne is perfect to bring along to any hosts or hostesses you may be celebrating with throughout the season. Make toasts and make memories over a glass of bubbly; surrounded by dear friends, delicious food, and falling snow.

Contact Napa Private Tours today to reserve the perfect, private, chauffeured tour for your Thanksgiving weekend.

Let it Rain! Fantastic Napa Wineries to Visit on a Rainy Day

by nptadmin on 2015-10-26 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

Rains are on their way to Napa but that doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel on touring and tasting at some of the region’s finest wineries. In fact, many are the perfect hiding place when looking for a little escape; not just from the hustle and bustle of your busy work week, but from the gusty winds and weekend rains, too! We’ve rounded up a few charming, cozy spots that will have you leaping out of your comfortable bed and pj’s and heading for the highway; these Napa wineries are perfect for a rainy day. Trust us, you’ll want to trade that mug of hot tea for something with a bit more flavor! These wineries are just what the doctor ordered when the sky turns a little somber. Think: fireplaces galore, soothing candlelight, and the rich smells of oak and smoke encircling you. Perhaps you’re less motivated by ambiance and are after some hearty, seasonal fare or just a chance for some stimulating conversation about one of life’s greatest pleasures–the complexities of a fine bottle of wine. Whatever the case may be, pull on your galoshes and run between the raindrops because we’ve got five amazing wineries right here in Napa that we think will meet your rainy day needs!

Failla Wines – This winery boasts amazing cool weather wines and tasters can experience them while curled up in a beautiful 1930’s farmhouse. The tasting lodge is chock-full of cozy furniture for guests to lounge upon while Failla staff dole out glasses and explain their winemaking philosophies, tell stories about the property and regale you with historical facts. Tastings maintain a casual vibe–you’ll feel like you’re in a friend’s living room, complete with expertly curated lodge-like decor and a fire-engine red wood-burning stove jutting out from the stone hearth.
B Cellars Vineyards and Winery – B Cellars is famous for their expertly crafted, food-centric wines. Because they create blended wines, the spoils of their wine-making pair much more readily with meals than varietal wines. As a result, you’ll want to engage in a tasting that puts food at the forefront. One of B Cellars founders uses his viticulture studies and years of culinary experience to create amazing creations and pairings in the kitchen, even earning the nick-name “The Mad Chef.” You’ll definitely want to indulge in one of their tasting experiences. Afterall, it’s raining! You don’t want to make a second stop to pick up food on the way home.
Ovid Vineyards – Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Merlot on a rainy day? We know we would! Ovid Vineyards grows organically farmed and CCOF-certified grapes destined to become a delicious taste of heaven. The winery will allow you to imbibe as you stand in awe of the natural world, sheltered from the storm in full view outside the modern windows and skylights. The structure is all clean lines and natural materials–an amalgamation of new and old which will leave you feeling equal parts protected and exposed. A thrilling place to be in a downpour!
Macauley Vineyard – A Macauley tasting experience is a wonderful alternative to crowded tasting rooms or sterile-feeling winery environments. This appointment-only tasting is in a beautiful small home on the Hunnicutt Winery property, where Macauley’s wines are made, and allows you to enjoy quality wines in a casual, friend-next-door setting. Dry off next to the big fireplace and listen to your guide spin tales of your Cabernet’s journey from grape to glass.
Far Niente – Pull up a chair at the long farm table and watch the changing weather in the valley below out the windows and glass doors. The estate and accompanying gardens at Far Niente are lovely in cooperative weather but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the cozier sides of this winery as well. There’s plenty of information to soak up while avoiding getting soaked outdoors. Far Niente was founded in 1885 by a forty-niner of the California gold rush. Considering it’s been around for so long, the entire history of the establishment is a tale you won’t want to miss. You can also escape below ground to a small 60 foot wine cave. The chandelier overhead casts a warm glow throughout and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a magical escape!

Four Napa Wineries for Art Lovers

by nptadmin on 2015-10-16 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

A common theme amongst California winery owners is a mutual love and respect of art. In fact, many Napa wineries do a fantastic job displaying art in a multitude of unique forms from both local and national artists. These wine-makers, artisans of a different kind, often see their own creation as art, and the art they display as an expression of the beauty of wine. They understand the power art can have over us when enjoyed with friends and family, glass of wine in hand. And we understand this power, too. Which is why we want you to experience the most luxurious art wineries the area has to offer! We’ve scoured a multitude of nearby wineries to find four favorites that devote time and attention to displaying art. None are lacking in “wow” factor and their art is often celebrated nearly as much as the critically acclaimed wines they produce.

Seven Stones Winery

Seven Stones is a 45 acre winery located just above the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena, CA. The winery produces 400 cases of ultra premium Cabernet each year, expertly made by the world-class winemaker Aaron Pott. Pott, one of the best winemakers in Napa Valley, coupled with the well-drained, rocky, volcanic soils of the prized vineyard; results in a product that is top of the class. The amazing art collection on the property adds an ethereal element to the unbeatable wine and views.

Owner Ron Wornick, along with his wife Anita, began collecting artisan pieces for the property in the 80’s. You’ll find large-scale installations dotting the grounds made from wood, ceramics, glass, fiber, and metal.

Ma(i)sonry

This wine tasting collective and art gallery in Yountville showcases a rotating collection of both wines and art by partner winemakers, artists, and collectors. Guests can enjoy a private wine tasting experience in one of three rooms in a historic house or meander casually in the outdoor gardens, expertly landscaped around architectural remnants, contemporary sculptures, and a stone fire pit.

Their galleries display a range of artists’ work, from emerging to established, showcasing a wide selection of styles and media. Artists are carefully selected based on commitment to craftsmanship and their medium. Guests can peruse the art and design collections in the gallery as well as the sculpture gardens outdoors.

Hall Wines

Wine tasting is woven through an artistic experience at this winery. Enjoy modern art by some of the most influential artists of our time, including; John Baldessari, Jaume Plensa, Jim Campbell, and many more. The grounds were definitely designed to nurture your soul and ignite your imagination.

Ever since she started working on her family’s vineyard, Kathryn Hall hoped to carve out a space in the wine-world to celebrate fine wines alongside art. Now, she and Craig Hall have created the perfect destination for art lovers. A place where excellent winemaking meets contemporary design. A place to truly inspire the senses.

Turnbull Wine Cellars

Turnbull features a gorgeous art gallery moonlighting as a tasting room where you can taste, enjoy and purchase current releases and small production wines exclusive to the winery, all produced from their estate vineyards.

The gallery is open to the public and rotates collections twice a year. Displays include historic black and white photography by such artists as Berenice Abbott, Ansel Adams, Margaret Bourke White, Dorothea Lange, and Herb Ritts. After enjoying the gallery, guests can stroll through a pairing garden, relax by the fire-pit, or simply take in the unparalleled views of the Napa Valley.

Whether you have an appreciation for fine wine or fine art, one thing is for certain… These wineries will offer you a delightful experience that you won’t soon forget. At Napa Private Tours we are ready to customize an itinerary that includes art galleries alongside wine glasses. Our concierge is at your service to offer art lovers a peek at Napa Valley’s finest treasures.

Our passion is in the details. Each member of the NPT team is hard at work enriching their regional and viticultural knowledge. When you are with us, it is not about having a driver. It is about connecting with the wine-making community with the help of insiders.

We can’t wait to help you plan your next wine shopping experience in Napa.

Wine and Organic Labeling: Everything You Need to Know

by nptadmin on 2015-10-12 in Filed Under: Vineyards

Once you become a wine drinker, you’re immediately bombarded with a ton of terminology. Add to the list a growing interest in organic labeling and there’s even MORE to sort through! There are wines that have been certified organic, wines made with organic grapes, conventional wines, biodynamic wines…it can start to get confusing. Luckily, we’re here to help clarify the differences among the many wine making methods out there so that you can make informed purchases.

There’s more to your bottle of vino than meets the eye!

Did you know that creating your favorite glass of Merlot involved a whole heck of a lot more than just grapes? Oftentimes yeast is used to aid in the fermentation process. Typically this yeast is native (or local) when found in an organically labeled wine. Sugars can also be added, including those naturally occurring and extracted from the grapes themselves. Conventional wines occasionally contain residual pesticides, added preservatives, coloring, or mouth-feel agents. A variety of ingredients can be used in production to speed up, slow down, and otherwise direct the laborious process of turning grapes into your favorite wine.
However, if that wine has received the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic certification, it’s production was strictly regulated and never contains synthetic additives. Synthetic herbicides and pesticides are strictly prohibited if a wine is to pass the USDA’s organic certification qualifications. Any kind of pesticide determined harmful, not just to people but the environment as a whole, is not allowed in any stage of the production process. Whereas wine that is made with organically-grown grapes can include some additives, like sulfites, which are typically used as stabilizers and help the wine last longer. Because sulfites are naturally found on the skin of grapes, all wine contains at least SOME sulfites but adding more can be beneficial for preservation purposes.
Let’s delve deeper into the descriptions and differences of two “organic” methods and philosophies of wine making.

USDA Certified Organic Wine

In order to be certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program, grapes must be grown, handled and processed in accordance with consistent national standards. Wine receives this label from the USDA when the entire production cycle, from grape to glass, occurs in a manner which conserves biodiversity, supports ecological balance and utilizes the purest ingredients.
Those growers and producers responsible for creating USDA certified organic wine must acquire passing marks on a certification inspection every single year. USDA inspectors check to make sure the following rules are upheld– No chemical herbicides or synthetic pesticides can be used. Adding sulfites is prohibited. Genetically modified organisms (or GMO’s) are never present.

Wine Made With Organic Grapes

This category of wine will be clearly marked on the label as “Made With Organic Grapes.” Meaning, the grapes found within were grown organically and the production of the wine itself was in accordance with National Organic Program standards. Much like USDA Organic wine, no chemical pesticides or herbicides are allowed in the production. However, unlike organic wine, sulfites MAY be added (up to 100 parts per million). There are also a variety of processing additives which are approved for use by the National Organic Program. Commonly used additives include tannins, pectolytic enzymes, oak chips, and acadia gum. Native yeasts are often used but are not a set standard.
It’s important to note, some producers seek out certification for their grapes from state agencies, such as the California Certified Organic Farmers. These winemakers will not have “Made with Organic Grapes” on their wine labels, however the standards they uphold are exceedingly similar. Keep an eye out for the CCOF mark when purchasing California wines if organic grape growth is an important asset to you!
Now, keep in mind that organic labeling does not equate better or lower quality. A great wine is all about flavor nuances and body. Organic is just one part of the equation when it comes to achieving a superior wine.
If you value organic practices we have curated a number of local Napa and Sonoma wineries that you must add to your next wine tour itinerary. Please mention this preference to your wine concierge and he or she will make sure your experience includes industry leaders in organic practices. Want to do a little exploring on your own? Try this nifty app from Organically Napa.

Touring Napa, Sonoma and Calistoga in the Fall

by nptadmin on 2015-10-01 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

The summer months are an ever-popular time to visit Napa Valley. The weather is warm, professionals cash-in on vacation days, and Northern California is abuzz with activity. However, Summer is also synonymous with crowds. In order to avoid long lines, swarms of tourists at the tasting bars, and higher hotel rates, the best time to tour the area is, in fact, Fall. Fall is “crush” time in Napa Valley. Meaning, you’ll truly get to see a winery in action as the grapes are harvested. Not to mention the landscape is awash with the warm glow of Autumn sunlight and the vistas are a spectacular sight to behold. True wine aficionados and those looking to purchase the finest wines often visit the California Wine Country during shoulder season

In addition to the truly beautiful scenery and activity, this small pocket of Northern California boasts some of the world’s best wine and food to ever tickle your tongue. Not only known for its grapes, the excellent soil and weather conditions make fertile ground for nuts, olives, and other fruit. And there’s no better time to experience all this rich soil’s bounty than at harvest time.

However, wine will no doubt be forefront on your mind when planning an autumnal adventure to Napa, Sonoma, and Calistoga. We don’t blame you. There are a multitude of wineries to explore! Because there are so many to choose from, and no one likes to worry about driving while wine tasting, booking a wine tour can take the stress out of planning. In fact, one of the most common complaints we come across from our guests is dealing with the frustration of identifying the wineries that best meet their wine profile and budget

For the first time visitor, you may want to visit some larger, famous wineries. Think: those heralded by Travel Channel or Food Network that more seasoned Napa Valley tourists may shoo you away from. With thinned out crowds, Fall is a great time to incorporate these stops. Honestly, leaving one or two of these famed spots off your list would be like visiting San Francisco without taking time for the Golden Gate Bridge!

Domaine Chandon – This is a great location to start your day as it features the sparkling wine – champagne – and is a great introduction to Napa. Do you really want to sip a bold red first thing in the morning? If you happen to arrive early enough you will have a chance to see the hot air balloons launch from their very own launching pad. If we have included Domaine Chandon as your very first stop consider asking for a little bakery break at Bouchon. Bouchon is the brainchild of Thomas Keller and home to the most delectable pastries.
Castello di Amorosa – You may be wondering, what’s a full scale Medieval castle doing in Napa? This is no fake, it’s authentic down to the very last detail. A two hour tour takes you through the castle and it’s secret passageways down to the dungeon. This is one of the few wineries we freely recommend for parties visiting with children. The gift shop is amazing and just outside the castle your kiddos will enjoy the chickens living and roosting on-location.

But of course, even first time visitors should feel encouraged to make some stops off the beaten path and truly take in some boutique wineries as well.

Regusci – With views straight out of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”, you’ll find farm hands harvesting olives out of the trees, animals roaming, and a beautiful stone building from the 1800’s. This is a great stop for olive oil lovers.
Hall – You’ll recognize how unique this stop is as soon as you spot the handblown glass ornaments hanging from the ceiling, reminiscent of giant drops of red wine. This winery also features a super friendly staff, picnic area and a photo booth. Particularly attractive in the fall as the crowds diminish.
Arista– Off-the-beaten path this winery offers absolutely beautiful Pinots. The grounds are open to have your very own picnic and we are ready to make it happen. Just let us know and we will reserve their Japanese garden which by the way is the perfect place for a marriage proposal.

For a break from the grape; don’t miss the amazing attractions, restaurants, and spas found nestled along the valley at all three of these fantastic destinations.

Napa

Enjoy lunch at Ca’ Momi in the Oxbow Public Market. Specializing in authentic Italian food, this restaurant features a cozy atmosphere and a filling menu. Order up a Neapolitan pizza, paninis, or a delicious organic pastry like the bigne with chocolate and sea salt. Of course there are many other dining options but a stop at the market is a must for any travel bucket list

Then walk off a few of those well-deserved calories by sauntering along the Napa Art Walk. Walk the streets of downtown Napa and enjoy stops at sculptures along the way. This fun outdoor display of Northern California’s talented artists changes every 18 months.

Sonoma

Hike a trail at Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. The park has short, flat loops that meander through the famous towering trees so even those just looking for some relaxed natural rejuvenation can enjoy the trails. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, tackle the uphill ridges or hike a few extra miles to the adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

Once you’ve gotten your fair share of the great outdoors, head into Healdsburg, located in Sonoma County, for a night of patio hopping in the crisp Autumn air. Check out margaritas at upscale Mexican restaurant Mateo’s, brick oven pizza and bocce at Campo Fina, and tapas at Bravas Bar.

Calistoga

When you stop in Calistoga, you HAVE to try a mud bath or massage at one of the many famous local spas. Relax and rejuvenate with healing body treatments. Indulge your senses with feel-good therapies to alleviate those tired muscles. Many of these spas feature unique bath houses where you can experience a mud bath with a volcanic ash mud harvested locally.

Now that you’re totally blissed out, it’s time to turn back the clock at the Sharpsteen Museum of Calistoga. The museum offers a place to see glimpses of Calistoga’s past with dioramas of what the town looked like in the 1860’s. You can also check out an old-fashioned kitchen, blacksmith shop, and turn of the century parlor all located in an original Brannan Cottage. It’s like truly stepping back in time.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Want to discover by allocation-only wineries to take your personal cellar to the next level? At Napa Private Tours we are ready to customize an itinerary that includes iconic wineries and incorporates the newest and trendiest experiences. Our concierge, in tandem with our team of highly trained drivers with a culinary & wine-making background are ready to do what it takes to deliver a perfect California Wine Country Experience