Here in Wine Country, we celebrate the often-rainy weather through winter, because it gives us yes another reason to visit our lovely wineries. Fireplaces make the experience even more special, as we sip in warm, relaxing comfort.
Round Pond Estate, Rutherford
Grab your sweater and your sweetie, and snuggle up next to the cozy outdoor fireplace. Hilltop views are spectacular, spanning across the Napa Valley, and here’s a great place to take in one of the more popular experiences – the Estate Tasting in a sit down sampling of three wines paired with garden inspired appetizers.
875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, 888-302.2575, roundpond.com.
Brasswood Estate, St. Helena
Formerly known as Cairdean Estate, the expansive property offers a variety of tasting options. But for the fanciest experience, make an appointment for the private tasting room, officially called the Winemaker’s Den, and relax in the wood-paneled, clubby lounge with posh leather sofas in front of a tall fireplace. The luxury wine tasting comes paired with cheeses, too.
3111-3125 St. Helena Hwy. (Highway 29), St. Helena, 707-968-5434, brasswood.com.
V. Sattui, St. Helena
Guests stay cozy in front of the stone fireplace in the wood trimmed tasting room, and also with tastings around the stone fire pit on the vineyard terrace. There are literally dozens of wines to sample, from estate wines, to limited releases, to older vintages.
1111 White Lane, St. Helena, vsattui.com.
Far Niente Winery, Oakville
A landmark since 1885, this gracious chateau offers a wide array of tasting experiences, from caves to a kitchen style salon. A favorite spot is in the Grand Hall, in front of the roaring fireplace, indulging in five wines, including current release and library vintages, plus a cheese pairing.
1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, 707-944-2861, farniente.com.
1313 Main, Napa
Yes, it’s a restaurant, but has such a deep, impressive wine list that it’s like visiting hundreds of top wineries in a single space. Some 1,300-plus international selections are curated by staff sommeliers, and presented in front of a sleek, contemporary fireplace-set lounge.
1313 Main Street, Napa, 707-258-1313, 1313main.com.
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