Unquestionably, Napa Valley is America's most recognizable name in wine, a winegrowing region second to none in the world. But while the Napa Valley reputation is huge, Napa Valley accounts for only four percent of California's wine production, and only five percent of the total U.S. vineyard acreage. While it may appear to most observers that Napa County is bursting with grapevines, the truth is that only nine percent of Napa County is planted in vineyards, and less than three percent remains suitable for grape planting. Today, Napa Valley is home to almost 400 wineries. Its growers and vintners combine cutting-edge science with traditional techniques, and its reputation for producing world-class wines is firmly established in an ever-growing global market.
Our first stop will be at Domaine Chandon, the first French-owned sparkling wine venture in the United States. Chandon's heritage dates back to 1690 and the actual invention of champagne, when a French monk stumbled upon a wine with a sparkling effervescence. Recognizing something important about this accidental discovery, the monk worked to unlock the secret to its process and ultimately developed the traditional champagne method, or methode traditionelle. In 1743, Moet & Chandon was founded in Champagne, France, and the company soon thereafter acquired the monastery and its now legendary discovery, and named one of their champagnes, now world-renowned Dom Perignon, after the monk who started it all.
Fast-forward to 1973, when Moet-Hennessy bought land in Northern California, planted vineyards and designed Domaine Chandon. More than three decades after coming to California, Chandon continues to combine centuries-old methode traditionnelle practices with high-quality classic California fruit and the best modern approaches to craft great sparkling wines. The winery has parlayed its experience with the classic sparkling wine varietals of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, grown in their Yountville, Carneros and Mt. Veeder vineyards, into an exciting varietal sparkling wine collection, augmented more recently by limited quantities of still wine releases.
Our next stop will be at V. Sattui Winery, a family-owned winery established in 1885. V. Sattui's award-winning wines are available exclusively at the winery; there is no outside distribution. This winery is overwhelmingly rated by visitors as a "must" stop. Lunch will be on your own, available in V. Sattui’s large gourmet cheese shop and deli. There is a large picnic area next to the winery building and vineyard where you can enjoy your lunch and the beautiful grounds and view.
Our final stop of the day will be at Beringer Vineyards. No winery more thoroughly embodies the timeless appeal of Napa Valley than Beringer Vineyards, a benchmark producer in Napa Valley since its founding in 1876. Beringer Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley. In 2001, the estate was placed on the National Register for Historic Places as a Historic District.
Now in its third century of crafting classic wines from Napa's finest appellations and vineyards, Beringer today is guided by its rich heritage and tradition while utilizing cutting-edge techniques to producing memorable and elegant wines from great vineyards up and down the Napa Valley.
Tasting fees in Napa
Domaine Chandon-$16 per person
V. Sattui-$5 per person
Beringer-$10 per person
All tours require a minimum number of passengers.