It’s easy to overdo it when going wine tasting. What I prefer to do is make a day out of visiting just one. I like to have a leisurely meal nearby after wine tasting, so I can let the wine impact go away before driving home. Of course, if you have a designated driver, then have at it! Today’s destination idea is Duckhorn Vineyards just south of Calistoga. To me, it is a quintessential tasting experience in Napa: not rushed, seated, excellent wines, nice people, and a perfect Victorian farmhouse with a wrap around porch so you can soak in those vineyard vibes. Whenever I host a newbie to Napa, I make sure Duckhorn is on the itinerary.
The Road to Take: Everybody takes the same two roads into St Helena or Calistoga. Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail are both wonderfully scenic and shouldn’t be missed. But once you’ve done them, maybe you’ll try something a tad different. And if you’re like me, the journey is just as important as the destination. So for a 1.75 hour discovery route starting on the Silverado Trail north of the City of Napa, I do a loop round Howell Mountain through Pope Valley and Middletown. From the Silverado Trail, I head East on Highway 128, turn north on Chiles-Pope Valley Rd, which turns into Pope Valley Rd, into Butts Canyon Rd, and then intersects with Highway 129 just north of Middletown. Turn left (South) on Hwy 29 and head all the way back down to Calistoga. Just trust me. If you’ve read this far, you must be game.
Tasting at Duckhorn: The people at Duckhorn Vineyards are helpful, friendly, accessible, and justifiably proud of their wines. While they made their reputation initially on the Three Palms Merlot and their fantastic Cabernet Sauvignons, they’ve got a portfolio of varietals to satisfy just about any taste (of course, they also have their other labels which include Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Decoy, Migration, Calera, Canvasback, Kosta Browne). When I come to this location, I love everything. Sorry if I don’t sound very discerning. They’ve just got great stuff. Try “The Discussion” (Cab-Merlot blend), or maybe the Goldeneye Ten Degrees (Pinot Noir made from their handpicked best lots). But even if you’re a red wine kinda person, their Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay might sway you. Stroll around the grounds afterwards. It’s a perfect spot to let some of that wine wear off.
What to Eat: Among the many great places to eat in the area, here are a couple ideas: If you wanted to eat prior, while on your epic long drive, stop in at the amazingly delicious Perry’s deli in Middletown. It’s a well known local hot spot with nice outdoor tables and a menu that will make you want to come back again and again. Heck, Perry’s (and the drive there) is the kind of place that may be your only destination for a good day trip. Yeah, it’s that good. I’ve been known to drive 2 hours for a sandwich, so sue me. If you’re looking for something close to Duckhorn, we love the fresh, organic menu at Market in St Helena. The “Very Adult Mac n Cheese”, truffle fries, Dungeness crab cakes, and the Prime Rib & Gruyere French Dip are all favorites of ours.
I believe someone once said “Eat, drink, and be merry!”. Good advice. Just do it safely.
Leave a Reply