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Hotel Andana a Valle de Guadalupe Secret Worth Sharing

by Javy on 2023-07-06 in Filed Under: Uncategorized, Wine Tours

Nestled just a couple of hours from San Diego, CA, just across the border, lies a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered – Valle de Guadalupe. This charming region is home to over 150 wineries and proudly produces 90% of the wine originating in Mexico. While grape cultivation has been a part of Valle’s heritage for over a century, it was only about 15 years ago that a renaissance took place, leading to the production of world-class wines and establishing it as a top-level enophile destination. During our recent visit to this captivating region, we had the pleasure of experiencing the epitome of elegance and class at Andana, a remarkable hotel that we can’t wait to share with you.

Experiencing the Holistic Pleasures:

In the world of wine tasting adventures, true enjoyment lies in experiencing everything holistically – from the delectable cuisine and comfortable accommodations to the breathtaking sights. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce you to Andana, a haven that encompasses all of these elements flawlessly.

A Haven of Unparalleled Comfort and Elegance:

Andana is an absolute gem within Valle de Guadalupe. With 33 meticulously designed suites, this hotel offers an unparalleled level of comfort and elegance without compromising the serene ambiance provided by its natural surroundings. From the moment we stepped into our room, we were captivated by the flawless design, reminiscent of the top destination properties in Napa. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, creating a space that exuded tranquility and sophistication.

Perfectly Situated for Gastronomic Delights:

One of the highlights of Andana’s location is its proximity to superior dining and wine tasting destinations. Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-starred restaurant or a hidden gem serving traditional Mexican delicacies, you’ll find an array of culinary delights just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Andana’s concierge and hospitality team are well-connected, providing you with insider recommendations and ensuring that your dining experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.

A Home Away from Home in Valle:

If you’re planning a trip to Valle de Guadalupe, we wholeheartedly recommend considering Andana as your home base. The hotel’s impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and prime location make it the perfect sanctuary for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a refined escape. Whether you spend your days exploring the vineyards, indulging in exquisite cuisine, or simply unwinding in the peaceful ambiance of the hotel, Andana will exceed your expectations.

Valle de Guadalupe is a destination that promises a sensory journey like no other, and Andana embodies the essence of class and elegance within this captivating region. With its impeccable attention to detail, luxurious amenities, and prime location, Andana ensures that your stay in Valle de Guadalupe will be an unforgettable experience. We wholeheartedly give Andana two thumbs up and urge you to consider this exquisite hotel for your next wine adventure.

With love,

The Javys

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

What is Better Than The Best Wine? The Friends With Whom We Share it. Martha Soledad Hernandez. You Are Our Galentine!

by nptadmin on 2022-02-13 in Filed Under: Uncategorized

This love letter has been forming in our hearts for a very long time. Truth be told, more than a letter it should be a chapter book. More than a decade ago destiny placed a woman in our lives.Some of you might remember Bistro Sabor by Ariel Ceja where he would host super popular Salsa dancing nights. On a certain occasion his friend Sol drove from Oakland to check out the place and dance the night away. At that time I had recently completed my training as a wine educator at Ceja Vineyards. That same evening I decided to go for tacos at Ariel’s place. On my arrival my sweet friend Amelia spotted me right away and made it a point to introduce us. That was the start of a lovely evening of dancing and a friendship destined to last a lifetime. We have grown and evolved; a relationship that initially was all about having fun, has blossomed and I cannot count the ways in which Sol has impacted our personal and professional lives. At the time the idea of dominating the market of hyper-luxury Napa wine tours was simply a dream. This dream which is now a reality is only possible because we had friends like Sol willing to dream with us.

Martha Hernández aka Sol has walked by our side for over a decade. Sol has been unwavering in her affections, loyal, encouraging and tender. Sol shows up, she is there, sleeves rolled up ready to do what it takes. Now, you may think that Sol is on our payroll but what makes her so special is that she is not. Her wisdom and expertise as a consultant has been given freely and unconditionally. Her encouragement and perspective is ever-present in everything we do.

Now you might wonder why my husband and I are setting our thoughts on paper and why there is so much flattery in our words. Here is the thing. No flattery in the world will ever fully express what she means to us and how she influences our personal lives and business.

Some of you know Sol and have learned to love her because she has a way about her that makes it impossible not to welcome her into your heart. If you happen to be among those that have not yet had the privilege of spending time with her, take a moment to visit her personal page.

Sol is a singer, author, speaker, entrepreneur, mother but most importantly she is a friend. A friend that shows up.

Sol,

For all that you have been to us, and the many ways you have impacted our lives we want to thank you and remind you that again and again you will always be our Galentine.

XOXO

The Javys

Gabriel-Glas The Wine Glass You Didn’t Know You Needed

by nptadmin on 2021-02-04 in Filed Under: Uncategorized, Wine Glassware

A Universal Glass Wine For Wine Experts

Glassware, particularly ad-hoc glassware is elemental to a superior wine drinking experience. Weight, balance, clarity and design make it possible to appreciate the full character of a wine. As wine professionals, we have seen and tried it all.

European Quality Glassware With Focus on Design

When we came across Gabriel-Glas we knew we had something really special before us. Gabriel-Glas is the brainchild of the well-known Swiss-German wine critic René Gabriel. While authoring the German language Wein Bibel (Wine Bible) he was seeking a glass with the ideal shape for tasting every style of wine. Not finding a glass that performed to Gabriel’s requirements, he created Gabriel-Glas, a “universal” lead-free crystal glass elegantly shaped to fully express the wine it delivers.

A Smart Solution For Limited Storage Space

Because of the universality of the design, Gabriel-Glas has proven to be perfect for us. It allows us notable flexibility without the demands of large storage spaces which come at a premium here in California. It is quite special to find a glass that is both light, and incredibly resilient. Gabriel-Glas is both dishwasher and Bar-Maid-friendly. That is an absolute game-changer when it comes to proper sanitation and efficiency.

Heirloom Craftsmanship Featured at Top Wineries & Highly Rated Restaurants

The glass that you may have experienced at our pop up events is The Gold Edition, a mouth-blown vessel lovingly crafted by master artisans. The “lighter than air” Gold Edition glass will, without a doubt, become your favorite. It is a visually astounding, well-balanced work of art. This glass feels light on the hand, sublime when touching your lips and magical when handled through the tasting experience. The clarity and consistency of the glass is something to behold. We don’t know a single sommelier or wine maker that does not give these glasses high marks.

We know that Gabriel-Glas may not be readily available in your area, we want to offer you the option to order our favorites from their collection, delivered to your front door.

Gold Edition Six Pack Stemmed Universal Glass

At barely 90 grams this is a true artisan jewel. Because of their unique design you will not need endless glasses. This is a “one for all” solution that will change your wine experience and reduce the stress and embarrassment associated to using or running out of the right glass.

Height: 9 in (230 mm)
Bowl Width: 3.75 in (95 mm)
Rim Width: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
Weight approximately: 3 oz (90 grams)

Aqua Carafe 1000ml

A simple and versatile carafe perfect for decanting wine or offering water. This carafe is ergonomically designed, resilient and easy to wash. A classic piece made with clear and beautiful lead-free glass that displays the contents with ultimate elegance without distorting the color or density of your featured beverage.

Weight: approximately 8oz (230 grams)

Small Aqua Glass Stemless Six Pack 400ml

This gorgeous glass is perfect for water or juice. This glass looks beautiful on the table. The depth, width and design result is a pleasurable drinking experience. Dishwasher & Bar-Maid friendly.

Height: 3.25 in
Side: 1.75
to Back: 2:25 in
Weight: 1 Lb

Head to our online retail store to make your purchase or give us a call if you need a larger order.

The Most Romantic Wineries in Napa

by Javy on 2017-02-07 in Filed Under: Proposals, Uncategorized

Valentine’s is just a few days away and we have been extra busy putting together romantic wine tours for many of our favorite repeat guests. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun we are having curating wine options and locations conducive to intimate conversation.

As we look into the best wineries to visit with your partner our goal is to make certain everyone has fun and there are plenty of opportunities to create memories. We look at wineries through the lens of a camera and seek out characteristics like charm, privacy and superior wines.

During our scouting trips we have discovered more than 25 wineries to add to our list of most romantic wineries in Napa. Today, I want to take a few moments to highlight a few:

Donum Estate

Donum knows how to make you feel comfortable. Their tastings are almost always geared toward private parties and their ambiance is nothing short of glorious. Their sculpture garden is reminiscent of some wineries in Bordeaux.

Hourglass Winery

Architected by Olle Lumberg this winery is fluid and radically gorgeous. The structures appear to rise from the mountain in ways so natural one cannot distinguish where the winery ends and nature begins. Their tasting room feels organic and so representative of the heart of California wine country.

Amizetta Estate Winery

This fog-covered piece of heaven is the place where lovers should always steal a kiss. The views from the patio are expansive and utterly seductive. Once you arrive it is almost impossible to want to leave.

Davis Estates

If there was ever a tasting room where one might be tempted to bend a knee and ask for a girl’s hand in marriage, Davis Estates is it. Super romantic and as beautiful as their Merlot.

Our team of wine educators believes in year-round romance. If you are bringing your better half to Napa let us work the details. We are in the business of delivering the most luxurious and flawless wine tasting experiences in Napa and we take pride in what we do.

With Love,

Javy