My Kind of Winery
Aug 5th, 2009 by Alana
Courtesy of http://CasaNuestra.com
When people ask me where to go wine tasting in Napa, I feel a bit of a conundrum. I wonder why Napa? Do they drink $150 Cabernet Sauvignons? Are they okay with paying $25 per person for tasting fees? Do they like wineries owned by international conglomerates? Are they interested in cult wineries, hanging out with very wealthy people or visiting exceedingly sophisticated and stunning tasting rooms? If so, I can definitely point them in the right direction.
For my taste, here’s my criteria for a great wine tasting experience:
- I am enthusiastically welcomed.
- The staff obviously enjoys introducing me to their wines & educating me about their wine making style, history & story behind the wine.
- I can sit while tasting & take my time studying the wine.
- There are plenty of wines & price points to choose from; if there are only two Cabernets and one Chardonnay on the tasting menu & I don’t like any of them, I’ve wasted my time & theirs.
- The tasting fee should be waived with purchase at the discretion of the staff.
- I always love unexpected discounts.
Added bonus:
- Tulip is welcome (dog friendly).
- A paired tasting is offered.
When in Napa, check out a really fabulous and unexpected wine tasting experience at Casa Nuestra.
Get a private tour and surprise with an Insider’s Pass.
Don’t even tell me you are friends with Stephanie @ Casa Nuestra — SHE is MY FRIEND — LOL. I LOVE Casa Nuestra & have been buying their wines since 1999….. That is how I know Effrain. (from Casa Nuestra) Our driver took us there while we were on a tasting tour & I’ve been in love ever since…..
I agree with Randal — you cannot eliminate the small boutique wineries. If they happen to not like their wines – it is never a “waste of time” – just a learning experience!
I like the criteria, except for the broad range of wines one — many boutique wineries focus on 1 or 2 varietals and can offer great experiences — the key for them is to know what you like and what they offer before visiting them.
I recommend Collective Wine Tasting Rooms that have many small wineries to choose from. To clarify, I like a few different wines to try, they can represent 1 or 2 varietals.