Wine Tasting in Napa

We've just returned from a 24-hour excursion with Jeff and Trish wine tasting in Napa Valley. What fun...another memorable experience! We met around 11 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Napa. Jeff had planned our day and made reservations for a wine tour at the Chappallett Winery in St. Helena. It was a bit off the beaten path with tastings and tours by appointment only (we all had our doubts as we drove the 30 minutes off the main drag, up into the mountains (2,000+ elevation) to our turn-off, and then another mile, single-lane driveway to the winery), unlike the larger more commercial wineries with more formal grounds and gifts shops that cater to visitors. Our tour was about two hours including a walk through the factory, where people were busy bottling last year's wine (a moderately priced bottle called Cervantes) and then outdoors (where it was about 70 degrees and beautiful...a nice contrast to the 55 degrees of the factory) and into the vineyards to have a lesson in organic and sustainable farming; the differences between Chenin Blanc and Cabernet vines; and a bit of history on the Chappallett family. It was all fascinating and made even more so by the tastings we enjoyed beginning upon our arrival and throughout the lecture. Well, we were so taken with the experience that we joined their wine club, which is about the only way to get their product as it isn't sold in stores. Our membership includes tastings and tours at no charge for up to six people and use of their private picnic area...so plan to join us for a trip to Napa (just a nice drive from Volcano).

There was more wine tasting (a delicious port at V. Satui Winery) along with tastings of cheese, olive oils, and mustards, which served as appetizers to our delicious dinner at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Surrounded by vineyards, the building is one of the prettiest in Napa Valley. It was built in the 1800's for the Christian Brothers religious order. To earn money to fund their school, they produced and sold brandy until the late 1980's, when they sold the brand name and relocated. The CIA now has their school and restaurant in the building. Our meal, made and served by both professionals and students, was outstanding. The highlight, according to Verne and Trish, was the first course of mussels in a chorizo sauce. Verne left with the four-page recipe, which will need to be scaled down some, but is the kind of challenge he enjoys...not sure where we'll find the mussels, as their's were from Prince Edward Island.

I've come to believe there's no better way to spend a day than with people you love, eating and drinking great food and wine. It's made all the better by a beautiful setting, such as the foothill vineyards found in Napa Valley and Amador County. So, on your next visit, let's plan to wine taste...you don't have to love wine to have an inspiring experience. Besides, I find that after a few tastings it's all good and I. DO. LOVE. WINE!