The only time I get to taste hard-to-get, small lot wines from “famous” wine makers is at special industry tastings or large events open to the public.  The industry tastings are great because you usually have smaller groups and can talk to the wine maker.  The “wine road” huge events are not my style–there are so many people, the staff has no time to talk about the wine.  Some wineries consider them a drunkfest which is definitely not my style.  Both industry events and large events can cost around $25 and up.

A better alternative for me is a collective tasting room. The best I’ve found is  Vintner’s Collective.  It’s a nice atmosphere, stylish and yet comfortable with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. The best part is you really get to know who’s-who in the boutique wine making world and taste their wines.

For example, I fell in love with a Viogner from Napa Valley made by Gemella Wines.  Come to find out it is made by Jay Buoncristiani, the former winemaker at Hess Collection. Vintners Collective also carries Buoncristiani red wines made by Jay and his brothers  Wine Spectator has called the Buoncristianis “rising stars.”

The tasting room has lots of stories like this and the prices are reasonable.  I’m looking forward to going back, tasting, attending events and putting together mixed cases of these once-in-a-lifetime finds.

It’s a convenient location too, near many shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants in downtown Napa.

Get your $75 Insider Pass.

Tags: Wineries & Wine Bars