Someone, somewhere, a long time ago, thought of a delicious idea - the pairing of wine and cheese. For thousands of years this pairing has been satisfying the taste buds and filling the appetites of humankind. There are plenty of suggestions for pairing wine and cheese. Some suggest pairing the wine and cheese from the same region with each other such as Chianti paired with parmesian. Other suggestions include pairing tannic wines with harder cheeses, pairing creamy cheeses with more acidic wines, and salty cheeses with a sweet wine. After much delicious research, Napa Wine Tours created this simple guide for our readers featuring some of our favorite wines from Napa Valley. Napa Valley Red Wine and Cheese Pairings Napa Valley Cabernet Franc A Napa Valley Cabernet Franc will pair wonderfully with Blue cheese, Brie, and Cheddar cheese. We suggest trying a distinctive Cabernet Franc from Inglenook, or one of Jarvis Winery’s most highly demanded wines 2005 Jarvis Cabernet Franc, or the limited release 2007 Rutherford Hill Cabernet Franc. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon This varietal also pairs nicely with blue and cheddar cheeses, and with parmesian. Try any elegant Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, exceptional Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, or award-winning Cornerstone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley Syrah Cheddar, parmesian, and gouda - either one of these will pair with Syrah. If you’re not already familiar with Keever Vineyards, a family-owned and operated winery, make sure to make an appointment to taste their perfectly balanced Syrah (and more!) and take a tour of their winery and wine caves. Napa Valley Malbec Up to this point, we’ve tried to suggest cheeses easily found. However, when it comes to this next cheese, it’s important to make sure to purchase an artisanal, high quality cheese. Manchego is the cheese to pair with your impeccable,
Someone, somewhere, a long time ago, thought of a delicious idea – the pairing of wine and cheese. For thousands of years this pairing has been satisfying the taste buds and filling the appetites of humankind. There are plenty of suggestions for pairing wine and cheese. Some suggest pairing the wine and cheese from the…
This final part of a three-part series dedicated to the 16 sub-appellations of Napa Valley shares more of the characteristics of each AVA that make Napa Valley the diverse, outstanding, world-renowned resource for stellar American wines. Atlas Peak District The highest point of the peak itself sits 2,663 feet above sea level. The majority of vineyards grow on hillsides and the grapes grown in Atlas Peak find their way to wineries throughout Napa Valley. Most well-known for exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon, visitors to the Atlas Peak AVA can also find many other wines including Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Most wineries are open by appointment and some are not open to the public. Antica Napa Valley offers a tour and sit-down tasting of wines only available for purchase at the winery. Mount Veeder District Steep slopes and rugged conditions rule in this AVA where 85% of the land is covered in dense forest. The terrain demands that the majority of the work in the vineyards be performed by hand. With the longest growing season and lowest yields, the Cabernet Sauvignon from this sub-appellation is distinctly delicious. Other wines to be found in this district include Chardonnay and Syrah. Visit the Hess Collection for tastings in their Visitor Center and to explore their Art Museum. Oak Knoll District This historical district consists of wineries that have received international acclaim for a diverse collection of wines such as Merlot Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak Knoll wineries also produce Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors to Trefethen Family Vineyards sip their critcally acclaimed wines in their historic building. Black Stallion Winery is located on a historic equestrian center. Robert Biale Vineyards offers tastings of their acclaimed Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Coombsville District Coombsville became the 16th AVA in 2011. Located only
This final part of a three-part series dedicated to the 16 sub-appellations of Napa Valley shares more of the characteristics of each AVA that make Napa Valley the diverse, outstanding, world-renowned resource for stellar American wines. Atlas Peak District The highest point of the peak itself sits 2,663 feet above sea level. The majority of…
It’s that time of year again. The time when eggs are hard-boiled, dipped in dye, and stored until they’re ready to be hidden for an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic, colored, eggs are filled with sweet surprises and images of bunnies and chicks in bright pastel colors dominate storefronts. For those interested in celebrating Easter Sunday with Napa Valley food and wine, Napa Wine Tours has a few ideas for you. Napa Valley Wineries Open Easter Sunday With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours has discovered a list of approximately 50 wineries that will be open on Easter Sunday. Castello di Amorosa This landmark, Napa Valley winery will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for tours and tastings. Call ahead to make your reservation to enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure in the castle while tasting their Italian-style wines. Chimney Rock Winery Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines await at Chimney Rock’s beautiful estate. Other wines to sample include Cabernet Franc, Fume Blanc, Rose of Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Gris. The talents of Winemaker and General Manager Elizabeth Vianna and her team results in wines that truly reflect the Stags Leap District where Chimney Rock’s grapes are grown. Visit from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Del Dotto Vineyards Both of Del Dotto’s locations in St. Helena and Napa will be open on Easter Sunday also from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reserve your spots for an adventure that includes tasting Del Dotto wines straight from the barrel and enjoying sips paired with charcuterie and chocolate. Domaine Carneros Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday, Domaine Carneros offers public and private tours and tastings. Enjoy table service and choose bites to pair with Domaine Carneros sparkling wines and Pinot Noir from their extensive menu. William Hill Estate Winery This
It’s that time of year again. The time when eggs are hard-boiled, dipped in dye, and stored until they’re ready to be hidden for an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic, colored, eggs are filled with sweet surprises and images of bunnies and chicks in bright pastel colors dominate storefronts. For those interested in celebrating Easter Sunday…
“To get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” ~Mark Twain Napa Valley is the perfect place to visit for a special Valentine’s Day joy to share with someone special. The abundance of award-winning Napa Valley wineries and restaurants combined with impeccable Napa luxury hotels invites romantic getaways throughout the year. Here is a list of special events offered only during the Valentine’s Day holiday. Grgich Hills Estate Wine & Chocolate Festival Guests are invited to reserve a special tasting of limited production Grgich Hills Estate wines and a library Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon paired with chocolate sweets from Napa’s Le Belge Chocolatier. The festival takes place each day from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on February 14th - February 16th. Valentine’s Day Swing Dance Celebration at Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater This event offers three options for guests on Friday, February 14th. General Admission provides a ticket to the dance in the Grand Foyer. VIP Reserved offers admission to the dance plus a private table with a bottle of sparkling wine. VIP Dinner includes dinner and dessert prepared by Chef Cindy Pawlcyn, a private table, a bottle of sparkling wine, and admission to the dance. Highlights from Chef Pawlcyn’s Valentine’s Dinner menu include chocolate-chili braised short ribs and double chocolate cake for dessert. Live music performed by The Martini Brothers Band. Castello di Amorosa Royal Hearts Gala Walk the red carpet and be greeted by with a glass of sparkling wine. Enjoy chocolates and hors d’oevres at the VIP reception but save room for the four-course dinner paired with Castello di Amorosa wines. Entertainment provided by Opera Amore. Make your reservations now for this incredible gala taking place on Valentine’s Day. Domaine Carneros Share the Love Valentine’s Dinner &
“To get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” ~Mark Twain Napa Valley is the perfect place to visit for a special Valentine’s Day joy to share with someone special. The abundance of award-winning Napa Valley wineries and restaurants combined with impeccable Napa luxury hotels invites romantic getaways…
Looking for something unique for Mother’s Day this year? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for events in Napa Valley that will make Mother’s Day 2013 a special year. Napa Valley Wineries Domaine Carneros Mother’s Day Tea at Domaine Carneros is offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both times are sold out but there is a waiting list. This popular celebration includes Domaine Chandon sparkling wines, tea service, sweets, tea sandwiches and scones. Chappellet Winery Chappellet Winery joins with Silverado Country Club for an unforgettable winemaker dinner on Thursday, May 9th as part of the Silverado’s Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration. Chappellet’s Winemaker, Phillip Corallo-Titus has partnered with Silverado’s Chef Jeffrey Jake to create an exquisite menu. Castello di Amorosa Castello di Amorosa hosts a Winemaker’s Luncheon on Friday, May 10th. Winemaker, Brooks Painter, and Associate Winemaker, Peter Velleno, will lead a tour of the vineyards surrounding the castle followed by a relaxing and delicious lunch at Castello di Amorosa’s Il Passito Patio. Napa Valley Restaurants Etoile Restaurant The Mother’s Day Tasting Menu at Etoile located at Domaine Chandon brilliantly pairs Domaine Chandon exclusive and reserve wines with a deliciously creative menu. Exclusive wines include Chandon Yountville Vintage Brut, 2007. Reserve wines on the menu are Chandon Reserve Blanc de Blancs and Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Rose. The menu also includes still wines - Domaine Chandon, Chardonnay 2010 and Domaine Chandon, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2010. FARM at Carneros Inn The family style Mother’s Day Brunch at FARM offers diners an array of outstanding choices such as Maine lobster bisque, Prime New York, Eggs Benedict, Ahi tuna, and a mini dessert trio consisting of lemon angel food cake with lemon curd and raspberries, blueberry macaroon napoleon with creme fraiche and almond, and dark chocolate coffee ganache with lady
Looking for something unique for Mother’s Day this year? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for events in Napa Valley that will make Mother’s Day 2013 a special year. Napa Valley Wineries Domaine Carneros Mother’s Day Tea at Domaine Carneros is offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both times are sold…
