Activities in Napa

Beautiful Books You Need to Read Before Your Wine Tasting Trip to Napa Valley

by Javy on 2024-04-04 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

We’ve been contemplating how reading shapes our worldview by adding nuance, depth, and breadth to it. Though we may not consider ourselves avid readers, our insatiable hunger for knowledge often leads us to browse the shelves of local bookstores, selecting one or two tomes to savor while indulging in a tasting.

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a curator from a well-known East Coast library. Our time together inspired us to share a list of books you might find enticing to read before visiting Napa Valley.

“The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty” by Julia Flynn Siler – This book offers a captivating insider’s look into the Mondavi family, one of the most influential families in the Napa Valley wine industry. It delves into scandals, betrayals, victories, rivalries, and ambitions, blurring the lines between fact and fiction across four generations.
“The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil – Consider this book essential reading for anyone entertaining clients. It provides a comprehensive yet digestible introduction to wine, enabling you to engage in fluid and enjoyable conversations without coming across as pretentious.
“Napa: The Story of an American Eden” by James Conaway – Immerse yourself in the history and evolution of Napa Valley through this captivating narrative. Conaway’s exploration traces Napa’s journey from a rural farming community to a globally renowned wine region, offering valuable insights into the region’s key figures and its modern aristocracy. An updated edition is overdue to acknowledge the new wave of wine pioneers shaping the region.
“Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste” by Bianca Bosker – Join Bosker on her journey from wine novice to certified sommelier as she delves into the world of wine. While wine tasting may seem elitist from the outside, Bosker unveils an underground world of tastings and exclusivity that few experience firsthand.
“Sideways” by Rex Pickett – This humorous novel, famously adapted into a hit film, follows two friends on a wine-tasting road trip through California’s wine country, including the Santa Ynez Valley, akin to Napa. It’s a delightful read that sets the perfect mood for wine exploration, ideally enjoyed by the poolside with a glass of bubbly or Sauvignon Blanc.
“Wine People” by Michelle Wildgen – Released in 2023, this novel offers a glorious insider perspective on being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the challenges of achieving success against all odds.

We eagerly anticipate your visit. Each of our guests is cherished, and we strive to make every wine-tasting trip to Napa an unforgettable experience.

With warm regards,

The Javys

Grassi Wines – A Hidden Gem to Upgrade Your Wine Library

by Javy on 2023-11-08 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

Let’s talk wine.

As the colder season envelops us, we find ourselves with a bit more time for reflection, appreciating the countless gifts that surround us. It’s a season that allows us to pause and acknowledge the collective effort that makes our jobs possible, a collective that teaches us, opens their doors, and delivers beautiful experiences to our cherished guests.

My husband and I are in the business of curating unforgettable experiences, continually refining our lists of wineries to include in the itineraries of both new enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. Our goal is simple: to make every visit to Napa an extraordinary one, planting a seed of curiosity and a profound love for superb wines that beckons you back time and time again.

When we come across greatness, we can’t help but share it, which brings me to our dear friends at Grassi Wines, and in particular, their extraordinary viticulturist, Miguel. Before I delve into Miguel’s impressive achievements, it’s essential to emphasize that above all, Miguel is a friend and a family man. We feel incredibly fortunate to know him.

Much like myself, Miguel arrived in Napa as an immigrant at the tender age of thirteen, embarking on a journey that led him to toil in the fields, much like many of us did. Against all odds, Napa, with its unique magic and spirit of collaboration, has welcomed countless sons and daughters who, through their adoption of this land, have come to realize the American Dream. Miguel’s journey is a remarkable one, and Wine Enthusiast captured it beautifully when they named him Viticulturist of the Year in 2020. You can read more about his inspiring story here: Miguel Luna

Now, let’s shift our focus to Grassi and why I’m eager to introduce you to their wines . Nestled between the Stags Leap District to the south and Coombsville to the north, Grassi resides within the heart of the Napa Valley AVA. The land where their grapes thrive presents a unique challenge to the vines, limiting their vigor and yielding fruit with extraordinary flavor. Exceptional grapes, guided by an exceptional man, translate into extraordinary wines. This has led Grassi to be recognized by Robert Parker as a favorite under-the-radar producer in Napa. Maayan Koschitzky, their winemaker, is a maestro of his craft. Having honed his skills with renowned names like Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle, Maayan works his magic on Grassi’s harvest, transforming it into pure palate-enchanting elixirs.

We can connect you with Grassi and help you secure limited allocations of their very special wines. We believe your private cellar will be better for it.

Tour Napa With a Sommelier

by Javy on 2023-08-29 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

“Wine like art; is a way to share our universe from a different point of view” -Javy Calderon

Javier Calderon, owner of Napa Private Tours. Javier has recently achieved a significant milestone in his journey to enhance wine tourism experiences in Napa Valley. He is now a certified sommelier by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). This prestigious certification not only sets him apart from other tour operators but also promises to bring a new level of sophistication and nuance to the wine experiences he offers.

Javier Calderon’s passion for wine is palpable, and his journey to becoming a certified sommelier is a testament to his dedication. The WSET certification is not an easy feat; it requires rigorous training, extensive knowledge, and a profound understanding of the world of wine. By obtaining this credential, Javier has demonstrated his commitment to delivering exceptional wine experiences to his clients. Having achieved Level II WSET, Javier is now investing many hours towards securing additional certifications to help him deliver wine experiences worthy of repeating again and again.

With his newly acquired sommelier certification, Javier Calderon’s expertise in the world of wine has reached new heights. He has delved deep into the art of winemaking, grape varieties, terroir, and wine service, among other essential aspects of wine appreciation. This knowledge allows him to provide in-depth insights to his clients, adding a layer of sophistication and education to their wine tours.

Tailored Wine Tours:

One of the most significant advantages of having a certified sommelier as your tour guide in Napa Valley is the ability to customize the experience to match your preferences. Javier can now curate wine tours that cater to a client’s specific taste, whether it’s exploring boutique wineries, focusing on a particular grape variety, or even arranging blind tastings to challenge and expand the palate. This; paired with a broad network of industry connections always results in flawless wine tasting and wine buying experiences.

Food and Wine Pairing Mastery:

Javier’s sommelier certification also equips him with the expertise to pair wines with food flawlessly. The art of food and wine pairing is a nuanced skill that elevates the overall dining experience. Javier can now recommend the perfect wine to complement each dish, making every meal a memorable and harmonious experience. This means that we can help you purchase wines for upcoming family and corporate events ensuring perfection. Additionally, we can help you select local dining experiences offering wines that will perfectly align with your preferences.

Deeper Appreciation for Napa’s Terroir:

Napa Valley is celebrated for its diverse terroirs, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines produced there. Javier’s sommelier training has given him a profound understanding of how these terroirs influence wine flavors and profiles. He can now guide his clients through the intricacies of Napa’s diverse wine regions, allowing them to appreciate the subtleties of each vineyard and vintage.

Ultimately, what sets Javier Calderon apart is his ability to create unforgettable memories for his clients. His sommelier certification adds a layer of sophistication and depth to wine tours in Napa Valley. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice just beginning your wine journey, Javier’s tours promise an enriching and enjoyable experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Javier Calderon’s journey to becoming a certified sommelier has transformed Napa Private Tours into a unique and unparalleled wine tour experience. His in-depth knowledge of wine, paired with his passion for sharing it with others, ensures that every guest leaves Napa Valley with a newfound appreciation for the art and science of winemaking. If you’re looking to explore Napa’s wine country in a way that goes beyond the ordinary, Javier Calderon and Napa Private Tours are the perfect choice for an extraordinary wine adventure.

Izzy Carriero: The Napa Star Bartender Who is Making a Name for Himself

by Javy on 2023-04-18 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

Every once in a blue moon I like to feature fellow professionals whose professional excellence makes them worthy of accolades.

Today I want to introduce you to Izzy Carriero, Izzy is brilliant and his skills as a mixologist are incomparable. Have you ever wished you had someone to mix you a drink that fully reflects who you are and what you love? If you have not yet, Izzy is your man. His is the king of bespoke cocktails; libations that are equally beautiful to the eye and to the palate.

Izzy has perfected his craft in some of the top Napa bars inclusive of Coqueta and Agaves in downtown but he is best known for his keen ability to delight VIPs while hosting private dinners.

His cocktails often reflect a latin flair without abandoning the the principles of mixology that deliver perfect drinks

To us, Izzy is a partner always ready to help us host private events catering to our most exclusive clientele and working in tandem with our private chefs to create perfect pairings

Want Izzy to help you make your next trip to Napa beyond amazing? Give us a call, we will happily introduce you

Napa Wineries With Magnificent Views

by Javy on 2023-01-30 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

Napa Valley has almost 500 wineries, but not every winery affords the visitor an experience that brings delight to all the senses. Our beautiful valley is sandwiched between the Mayacamas and the Vaca mountain ranges and it is these topographical features what allows for a huge range of micro-climates and terroirs that consistently render superior wines.

A few weeks ago I hosted a guest whose is passionate about landscape photography. Personally, I often find myself taking shots of nature, attempting to capture the beauty of flowers and the details that make each visit magic. Our guest challenged us with a question that I now feel must be documented so we can all benefit from our insider’s knowledge.

Which Wineries in Napa Afford The Most Imposing Views?

Take note my friends; my husband and I have spent the last decade scouting old and new Napa wineries to identify the best wines, most warm hospitality & most delightful landscapes. We are sharing our findings with you; and we can’t wait to include one or several in a future itinerary. One thing to keep in mind is that many of these wineries are literally top of the mountain and as such it is best to have an adequate vehicle and good knowledge of the treacherous and small roads that lead to the top.

Lobo Wines

We picked Lobo for having a glorious view from Atlas peak where they grow their most selective varietals which must be handled and harvested by hand due to the complexities of the terrain. Their artisanal wines are consistently great. Victoria Coleman, their winemaker is the first black woman to graduate from the UC Davis viticulture and enology program. Victoria’s wines are absolutely delightful.

Let’s head to Lobo, visit with their proprietors and enjoy a down-to-earth tasting that will remind you of all that is beautiful.

OVID Napa Valley

Do you enjoy organic wines? If you do, you won’t want to miss out on this gem. OVID is iconic, very approachable and majestic beyond words. Atop Pritchard Hill OVID is literally a slice of heaven. When we visit OVID together we want you to taste their Cab Franc. Hexameter is like no other. Grab your glass, walk the vineyards and take a photo. The views from Pritchard are without question a poem for the eyes and the soul.

Aonair Wines

Remember I mentioned the importance of a good vehicle and a very experienced driver? Aonair is one of those Napa destinations that will test your driving skills. Quoting directly from their website: ” Down a long country road lined with tattered fences and mossy boulders, amidst old oaks surrounded by vineyards, through tall grasses that give way to dusty dirt roads and ranches, and over a stream that blossoms into a lake, Aonair’s story begins…”.

In my opinion Aoinair is one of the most romantic and picturesque wineries in Napa. It is both elegant and approachable and their wines are complex, memorable and beautiful. My personal wine library features many of their wines.

Diamond Mountain Vineyard

At the peak of Diamond Mountain there is a hidden gem. This treasure above the clouds is among my favorite places in the world. Getting to Diamond Mountain is no easy feat but you will enjoy every second of your visit. This is the kind of place that takes your Instagram to the next level. Yes, their wines are first class and their hospitality is delightful but I assure you you will remember each breath you take and your eyes will see beauty unimaginable.

I still have a few more majestic wineries I want to share with you, but for now this sampling should help guide your next visit to Napa. Call us to reserve your dates. Talk to our head concierge about potential add-ons such as picnics catered by private chefs or opportunities to stay at selected wineries.

We can’t wait to host your next luxury tour in Napa.

Much Love

The NPT Team