Napa Valley Day 4

» Posted on: 26 July, 2013

Wednesday was a great day starting with a long walk around town - good for the body, the soul and an opportunity to see some of St Helena up close...very worthwhile! Our first tasting was at Bennett Lane in Calistoga. 

 

This is a boutique family owned winery who produce about 10,000 cases a year.  The tour included the vineyard and the winery. 

Our hostess was very well informed and entertaining.  Growing up in the Napa with a father who grew grapes she really knew her vines!  The wines at Bennett Lane were very good especially the older reds.

Then off to Schramsberg!  This producer of primarily sparkling wine has had a dotted history but the current owners have really bought it into its own.  After a surprise call from the Whitehouse to provide 13 cases of sparkling wine for the Nixon administration and an international meeting with China. It was the first time a non-French sparkling wine had been served at the Whitehouse in its long history.  This was the beginning of a meteoric rise to fame...the walls in the visitor centre are adorned with photos of presidents, royalty, and an astronaut with pictures of the cork and labels in space, and many other historical moments!  

Wonderfully, the wine loves up to is reputation. 

We would say the 2005 J Schram is the best non-French sparkling we have ever tried and better than several of the French!!  Don't miss this tour either - the tour and tasting are done in the caves and are very good, especially on a day when its 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside!

 

 

 

After lunch off to the tour at Clos Pegase - they only do two tours a day - 11am and 2pm. 

We are not sure this tour represents value for money but it has an interesting history and a strong combination of art and wine! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The caves and the theatre are beautiful.  The wine was mid range - neither great nor awful. 

A late dinner (sunset is around 8:30) at a place I am reliably told the locals frequent was very good! Cook is a small restaurant with excellent service and very good dishes made from local ingredients by a very good pasta chef!  The special of veal and mushroom spaghetti was by far one of the best dishes I have had in the US!  Some lovely wines by the glass and our waiter was spot on with his recommendations!

A great day....more tomorrow!