Napa Valley has many wineries to chose from, large to small, boutique to commercial, and everything in between. It is a good idea to pick a few target wineries to visit.for your Napa Wine Tasting excursion Confirm which of them may require appointments. Schedule your appointments well in advance, as the more popular wineries can be booked up in advance. You may be able add a few as you taste.
Ths usual starting point is Highway 29, home to a number of well known wineries. Running parallel to Highway 29 is Silverado Trail, also with a number of wineries. Between Highway 29 and Silverado trail in the side roads are a number of winters, as well, such as Silver Oak and Duckhorn. Then, there are wineries on the hillsides and in the towns. Within Napa are “appellations” or wine areas, known for distinct soils and micro-climates, which in turn can affect wine styles.
Napa Wine Tasting Ideas
Wine FAQs
Tasting Styles
There are a numbers of tasting styles to be enjoyed:
Wine Bar Tasting
The most common form of wine tasting is at a Wine Bar. These venues are usually drop-in, with no appointment required. A selection of wines are available for a fee, and often a primum version of the selection is available.
Table Tasting
There are number of versions of table tasting. The most common form is to have a number of glasses and a menu placed in front of each person at your table. There will be a host that brings a selection of wines. Table Tastings are usually by appointment.
Barrel Tasting
Barrel Tasting is, just as it sounds, tasting from barrels. The host uses as a “wine thief,” a siphon, to take samples from a barrel. Often, the wines sold at a barrel tasting are “futures” so any wines you purchase will be shipped later. Barrel Tastings are often mixed with another form of wine tasting. Barrel Tastings are usually by appointment.
Getting Around
Transportation for the Napa wine tour can include limousines, private cars, or the wine train. If you are using a limousine, go over the schedule with the driver in advance. Of course, if driving in a private car, at least one person is going to have to the designated driver.
It is a good idea to bring some light food to eat in-between the tastings, such as bread, cheese, salami, and the like. Brings lots of water! Limousines always have water.
It is not a good idea to store wine in the trunk of a car on hot days. Limousines usually leave the air conditioning on while you are tasting, so the wine will be ok during the day as you buy and taste.
Napa Winery Directory A to Z
The Way to Wine is a Road through Walt’s
Walt’s Wine Guide – Napa Valley – Napa Winery Guide is your best resource for Wine Tasting Ideas and information.