Day 4 - Rutherford/Calistoga If you are planning to visit Napa Valley, CA (one of the greatest wine regions in the world), then let The Wine Snob show you the way with The Wine Tour Series. Should you be traveling in the Napa Valley vicinity this series will assist you with deciding which wineries to visit. You are provided with three to five recommended wineries,with contacts and within close proxcimity to visit. Enough for one day of fun. Schramsberg Vineyards 1400 Schramsberg Road Calistoga, CA 94515 Ph: (707) 942-4558 Fax: (707) 942-5943 Winery Hours: Open by appointment only

The Wine Snob 4th Annual Blind Zinfandel Tasting Vintage 1999 Spring Blanc! Tasting Report Visit my brother's site, Kevin: Hair Dresser to the Stars! www.themanething.com This would be an area for secondary navigation

David Reimer What a wonderful way to start the day! If you enjoy champagne, this is a "must stop" on your schedule. The tour, accompanied by a energetic and informative talk, are a great prelude to the elegant tasting at the end. David provided tour-goers with barrels of "nice to know" information as he led the walk around the beautiful grounds including a portion of the 2 mile maze of caves. The tour culminates in majestic style in an almost gothic-type room with large candelabra and long tables made from riddling racks. As one chooses their seat, before them stands three champagne glasses anxiously awaiting the soft caress of the pearly bubbles aged to perfection. Needles to say the champagne was delicious. Offered for taste were the Blanc de Blanc, the Blanc de Noir and the Cremant (dessert style). The Blanc de Blanc was second to none but the personal favorite was the Blanc de Noir. The Blanc de Noir delivered a sweet honey suckle nose followed by elegantly choreographed strawberries that pranced through the senses! The essence of strawberries grew increasingly intense as the sweet nectar tempered in the glass! If you havenŐt guessed by now, yes, it was "Yummy"! There is a $7.50 tasting fee for three half glasses, and $15 to experience a full glass of the J. Shram (flagship product). Both fees are well worth it, but if you are tasting alone, it can be a bit much if this is your first appointment of a full schedule day. Favorite Wine - Blanc de Noir

Mt. Veeder at Franciscan Estates Winery

1178 Galleron Road Rutherford, CA 94574
Ph: (707) 963-7111 Fax: (707) 963-7867
Winery Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Janet Pagano, Bill Love ItŐs a special treat when the individual that oversees the winemaking, Janet Pagano, conducts the tasting. Mt. Veeder, often a well kept secret, offers a fabulous line of wines that consistently achieve the "Yummy" level. The environment at Franciscan appears commercialized, but the wine tasting representatives are professional and enthusiastic to enhance the tasting experience. To quote Garret Jenkins, "tasting Mt. Veeder wines is like a French sport". One should not overlook the Franciscan wines that offer good quality and value, however, Mt. Veeder wines are far superior, and well worth the extra money! Four wines were available for tasting, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the Mt. Veeder Reserve. The "Yummy" zin, always a personal favorite, is filled with a broad variety of fruit big and robust body of cherries apples and pears. The Merlot, although very good, was the least favorite with very nice fruit and a touch of spice. The Cab was "Yummy" offering lots of raspberries and cherries and bit of light chocolate enhancing the oak finish. Last, the Mt. Veeder Reserve fills the mouth with a perpetual silky full body laden with an abundance of fruit including all types of cherries, berries and delicious milk chocolate contributing to a Pinot Noir-like finish - "Wicked Yummy". Favorite Wine - Mt. Veeder Reserve

Vincent Arroyo Winery

2361 Greenwood Ave. Calistoga, CA 94515
Ph: (707) 942-6995 Fax: (707) 942-0895
Winery Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Vincent and Joy This is becoming a regular Wine Snob stop! And of course it is well worth it. Arroyo is a small operation that caters to knowing the customer and creating a relationship. For those that prefer good wine, the relationship is solidified quite early! Vincent pours all good wines, from the Chardonnay, Melange, Merlot, Cab & Petite Syrah. All wines are good, but the overwhelming favorite is the notable Petite Syrah. The Petite was only available out of the barrel as it sells out long before it is bottled. Out of the barrel, the Petite displayed an inordinate amount of "Yummy" fruit and other remarkable characteristics! For those who prefer a lighter style wine, the Melange is highly recommended, a blend of Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah & Merlot. The Melange displays light, yet bright fruit, with a charming, yet hearty finish. A great wine for the holiday get togethers as food is not a required accompaniment. Favorite Wine - Petite Syrah

Day 1- Napa/Yountville Tour

Day 2 - Alexander Valley Tour

Day 3 - St. Helena Tour

Day 4 - Rutherford/Calistoga Tour

Day 5 - Heldsberg/Dry Creek Tour

Day 6 - Oakville Tour

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