Your friends come to town and you need an A-Game Expedition to share your love of wine with a day trip to explore unique vineyards in the Napa Valley. Wine has evolved to a lifestyle and a massive commercial business, evolving from use as a holy sacrament used in religious ceremonies. Anyone can visit the cellars lined up along the congested bumper to bumper Hwy. 29 or the Silverado Trail. We prefer smaller boutique properties, exclusive premium wine producers who generate less than 2000 cases a year and are not open to the general public. Clients meet privately with winemakers/vintners for tastings of their wines and lunch on property. An enchanting experience meeting the makers and understand their personal Journey, the interconnection between wine and the place where it is made—the vineyard.
A last-minute request from a client drew us back to our exclusive Napa Valley firm who curates bespoke wine experiences. We provided a comprehensive overview with a possible overnight Valley stopover at a private Villa or hotel – we were gratified to discover suites at Calistoga Ranch for the single night and a chef table on the edge of the vineyard for an under the moonlight dinner!
Our client had a noteworthy plus, a jet would deliver them directly to Napa, definitely a luxurious amenity! Our team took over on arrival with a deluxe eight passenger Mercedes Sprinter, comfort and style and a designated driver. Vintage cars are also available for smaller groups. We can add a few miles of bicycling as well if you are inclined. Fields of golden yellow mustard blossoms line the paths in spring, autumn is equally stunning, glorious shades of ruby reds and brilliant yellow, the verdant summer leaves transform into a fall pageant, a reminder of the portentous sleepy season.
Back to a day of unique private tastings and lunch under the trees on a hilltop estate with a small vineyard proprietor. Only you and your friends will be the guests here sipping handcrafted wines, away from the crowds. Guests need an appointment and would struggle to find the property, located off of an unmarked road with no vineyard sign. Any tasting here is by appointment only, for serious wine enthusiasts, and takes place at the owner’s home, the vineyard is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon but there are also some Bordeaux varietals and even a small amount of Sangiovese on site. This family celebrates more than 60 years of farming in the valley, but their roots were planted there more than 100 years ago. Four generations of family manage the successful sought-after vineyard.
If you can tear yourself away from the rambling hillside property and the soaring views, mosey to Vice Versa Winery and enjoy a private tasting with Vintner Samantha Breton. A few years ago, Vice Versa began selling its wines “en primeur” and allowed Paul Hobbs to complete his integral work as the team welcomed consulting winemaker Philippe Melka to the helm of the winemaking team which also includes Maayan Koschitzky and Ashley Leon. Big Cabs dominate the wine menu, the founder’s philosophy and wine style is rigid. After 22 months of aging, only the best barrels make Vice Versa. The best of the best make BBS. The best of the BBS make Magnificent Seven. This draconian approach to classification is rarely taken as it leaves tiny yields, but they find what remains is the purest expression of a vineyard’s identity and in turn, the wine’s spirit. They consider these wines a work of art.
You may have noticed we don’t include many names, the Vintners prefer we not mention their properties to prevent unscheduled tastings. We offer a select list of visits with some of Napa Valley’s most prominent vintners, a curated experience.
Wine loves good company, you invite your friends, we will curate the wine Journey!
