Note: We had appointments for all tastings mentioned in this post unless otherwise specified.
Sunrise on Day 6 brings another sore throat that disappears after breakfast and an allergy pill. Perhaps this is just a new thing for me when visiting Napa Valley in fall...?
Tasting 1: Fontanella Family Winery
Our first tasting of the day was in the Mount Veeder AVA at Fontanella Family Winery. An easy drive west of the town of Napa, we arrived at Fontanella and were amazed by the breathtaking view and couldn't believe we'd never been there before! We were greeted by Jennifer who welcomed us to the property with a glass of the 2018 Napa Valley Chardonnay. We were introduced to Burt Reynolds, Jennifer's dog who is part of the Fontanella family and one of the winery dogs. We quickly learned that Burt Reynolds is a cheese lover who will patiently wait for any and all crumbles you may "accidentally" drop.
Jennifer brought us on a quick tour of the barrel cellar, and we had the opportunity to taste not one, but two, barrel samples! Each sample was a Cabernet Sauvignon from a different vineyard block, and they hadn't been blended with other barrels to create a final wine product. Tasting these two samples was such an excellent example of how the environment, the growing conditions, and the soil -- collectively known as "terroir" -- impacts so much about the wine. On our next visit to Fontanella, I will take much better notes on the barrel samples, as it was truly amazing to experience the subtle differences!
We were seated outside in the lovely patio area, and tasted the following wines with an assortment of cheese, fruit and nuts:
- 2017 Napa Valley Zinfandel
- 2015 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2016 Napa Valley Zinfandel
- 2015 Rutherford Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- "Port"manteau (port style wine)
We enjoyed all the wines in our tasting, and our favorite was the 2015 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. We enjoyed our experience so much at Fontanella, and cannot wait to return again in the future!
We had some time before our next appointment, but we both felt that all we had done since arriving in Napa Valley was drink wine and eat, so we decided to go to a local cafe for tea and light snack.
Tasting 2: Reid Family Vineyard
Our second tasting of the day was at Reid Family Vineyards. Founded in 1992, Reid Family Vineyards is located west of the town of Napa in the foothills of the Mount Veeder AVA. The vineyard is approximately three acres, and located on a south facing slope behind the winery. Planted varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Syrah, and Viognier.
Reid Family is a very small family operation. We had our tasting with Erin in the barrel cellar. We tasted the following five wines:
- 2016 Bay's Merlot
- 2016 Erik's Cabernet Franc
- 2016 Kevin's Cabernet
- 2016 Erin's Petite Syrah
- 2013 J. Kirkwood
The wines are all named after the family! J. Kirkwood is named after the patriarch of the Reid Family. Our favorite wines of the tasting were the 2016 Erik's Cabernet Franc and 2013 J. Kirkwood.
Tasting 3: Progeny Winery
Our third and final tasting of the day was at Progeny Winery, also in the Mount Veeder AVA. Turning off Redwood Road, we drove up a winding paved road to the winery and tasting room. The view is breathtaking.
Progeny Winery was founded in 2006 by Paul and Betty (O'Shaughnessy) Woolls. The 32 acres surrounding the winery includes several Bordeaux and Rhône varietals.
When we made our reservation at Progeny, we had the option of a Classic Tasting or a Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience. As much as we've been trying to limit cheese in our diets (damn cholesterol), when wine tasting I think it's a good idea to eat any time you are offered food.
We were greeted by Blanca and shown around the tasting room -- including an area with wines from the private collection of the owners. The entire space is gorgeous! There are several different tasting areas, including comfortable sofas and chairs with that killer view. We were surprised to have the place to ourselves!
Blanca escorted us to our table, where we were able to relax and take in the view. There were personalized menus, listing the wines and pairings.
- 2014 Trinity Blanc, paired with Nocciolo and plums with Bellweather Farms Sheep Ricotta and Sweet Basil
- 2014 Trinity Rouge, paired with Cremeux des Citeaux, Rosette de Lyon, and Finocchiona
- 2015 Mount Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, paird with Mista di Copra, Italian Coppa, and Duck Breast Prosciutto Wrapped Fig
- 2013 Mount Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with Gruyere 1655 and Bresaola
Thanks for reading! Cheers!
