Napa Valley Wine Tasting on a Saturday afternoon

Today we decided to go wine tasting on the Silverado Trail.  Normally we go up Highway 29 and then by the time we are heading back home down the Silverado Trail we may stop at one more but usually we are finished.  This trip we wanted to scout out wineries we had never been to and also do some recon for some visitors in September.  We went to 5 wineries and had lunch.  We split the tastes which made it more economical and also allowed us to stop at a couple more than we usually do. 

Tasting in Napa Valley has gotten too expensive unless you hit one of those wineries that refund your tasting when you purchase a bottle.  I really think this is how it should be because at $20 a tasting on average,  this made for an $85 event, which equals out to about $20 a glass if we even got two glasses each.  It's getting to where it no longer makes sence to do it unless you are a visitor.  I think for those of use who live near the Valley and like to try a new wineries they should offer tasting by the glass especially if they have a nice area to sit back and enjoy it.  Domaine Chandon does this, others need to follow suit.  My new quest is to find wineries that offer tastings by the glass.  As I find them I'll let you know.

Here is where we went along with Rutherford Grill for lunch.  These wineries were mainly reds, which is my preference although Reynolds and Pine Ridge did offer one white.  This was a full day.   The bold numbers are the tastings we did.

• Del Dotto, Napa:  Beautiful candle lite caves but a bit out of the way.  Tasting $20, cave tour & barell tasting $40.  We didn't purchase any wine here but I liked the 2005 Caves Merlot at $39, hubby liked the 2007 Napa Valley Sangiovese at $49.
• Reynolds, Napa:  Nice server who gave us other suggestions, close grape vines for pictures and a lovely pond. Tasting $20.  Purchased the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate Select.
• Chimney Rock, Napa:  Beautiful garden & view of the vine lined hills.  Tasting $20.  Did not purchase any wine.
• Pine Ridge, Napa:  Tour sounded great.  Tasting $15 or 25.  Purchased the 2007 Charmstone Table Red. 
• Silverado Vineyards, Napa:  Beautiful view over valley on Silverado trail, sit outside, relax and enjoy your wine.  Server gave us lots of suggestions for future trips.  Owned by a Disney relation but no memorabelia.  Tasting $15-75 depending on flight.  Check on line for a 2-4-1 coupon.  Good wite, OK reds, did not purchase any wine. 
• Rutherford Hill:  The Merlot use to be my favorite, this trip purchased the Petite Sarah.  Good reds, great port and loved those chocolate covered blueberries.  Great view over Silerado Trail.  Tasting Fee:  $20, look online for a 2-4-1 coupon