Geo Sensible Napa Tour:
Disclaimer: Napa has better wine than we do. They just do and we live with it. The following tour is a sensible tour that starts in the northern part of the valley and keeps one from driving all over the valley.
Start with Brunch: Auberge De Soleil.
This is the spot. It has a wonderful view and great food with the best location in Napa for our favorite wineries. The key to Auberge is the bar deck. The bar is better than the restaurant and its first come, first serve. They open at 11:30 so stroll in at 11:31 and you are set. We haven’t had a bad meal yet.
Second stop:
Quintessa:
It’s at the bottom of the hill from Auberge. We consider this the best Cabernet tasting event in the valley and possibly the best Cabernet. It’s a sit down deal with a wonderful cheese plate and a tour worth taking. There is a great back story to the property and the owners, it’s a very unique estate. Reservation only.
Third stop:
Duckhorn:
Head north, you are on the prettiest part of the Silverado trail. After Quintessa you are very close to Duckhorn. Duckhorn serves amazing wines, both white and red, the reserve Merlot’s they make are some of our favorite wines and they the purveyors of great Merlot and our outstanding Pinot. Ask them if they “happen to have a bottle of Goldeneye open” that’s the pinot from their sister winery In Anderson Valley. They are reservation only and tend to pour quite a bit so bring a driver.
Fourth Stop:
Paraduxx: For the hip farmer in you….
This happens to be a Duckhorn property as well. The reason I recommend is that it’s a single proprietary red blend. It is a Zin blend and you get to taste a 3-5 year vertical. It’s a modern tasting room, very comfortable and if you appreciate the whole idea that this wine thing is fundamentally about farmers you will enjoy the year to year difference in the wine. Reservation only.
Fifth stop: (Oakville cross wineries)
As you head south on the Silverado trail you hit the Oakville Cross road, on this road is Plumpjack Winery. Plumpjack is known for its Cab and it has a very relaxed tasting environment. The problem is they tend to be out of stuff, so call ahead. Be warned, a bit hipster’ish.
You are also next to Silver Oak and Opus, two signature Napa Cabs. Oakville is Cab central. If you feel like splurging go to Opus and do the expensive tasting and go upstairs and check out the valley. Whether Opus or Silver Oak, a problem here is that you are coming off of Quintessa, Duckhorn and potentially Paraduxx, three great sit down tasting rooms. Unless you really want more wine you may be better off checking out the St Helena shopping and perhaps dining.
Notable addition:
Whether in St Helena at this point of Oakville Cross, you aren’t too far from Dean and Deluca.
beggarsgourmet.com 