Luxury Napa Valley Wine Tour
EXPERIENCE THE HEARTLAND OF FINE WINE IN AMERICA
Over three days you’ll be captivated by mythical wines, grand estates and beautiful landscapes. Guided by a Master of Wine, Philip Goodband, you’ll experience why Napa Valley has become synonymous with opulence and luxury.
We start the tour by discovering the historical wineries of Napa, who have been producing wine for over 150 years. We explore the ancient cellars before sitting down to a beautiful lunch paired with fantastic wines. The first day includes two other winery visits to historical estates famed for creating the fine wine revolution in the middle of last century.
The second day focuses on the wineries that catapulted Napa to fame in the late 1900’s. This is our “Judgement of Paris” day, visiting the estates whose reputation have a global reach. At each estate we learn about the AVA, the vineyard management and the winemaking techniques during private tours led by the winery’s expert host and Philip Goodband.
Our third and final day is one you will never forget. We focus on the outside investors, the architectural wonders, and the cult wines of Napa. We visit such icons as Opus One, Darioush, and Spring Mountain Vineyards, and then dive into tastings of cult wines with famed winemaker Aaron Pott. Screaming Eagle, the most famed cult of Napa, will be tasted.
Fine Vintage luxury tours are just as much about the food as the wine. We are hosted by 3 leading wineries for private, unforgettable lunches that showcase the best of local produce. Two dinners are included at Michelin-starred restaurants on the first and final evenings.
The estates are gorgeous, the wines are impeccable, and you’ll dine like royalty all while basking in the Napa Valley sunshine. Many dream of a trip like this, but few get to experience it.
I invite you to join us.
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE
Over 3 days of fine wine and outstanding food, you will discover the major AVAs of Napa Valley including Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap, Calistoga and Saint Helena. We are welcomed by the top producers, given privileged access to their cellars and reserve wines, and learn first-hand about grape growing and winemaking from the experts.
Your glass will constantly be full as we indulge in the powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, the rich Chardonnays, the luscious Zinfandels and many more that have made Napa Valley the most famous wine producing region in North America.
Meals will be decadent as we enjoy multi-course pairing extravaganzas prepared by the talented chefs of Napa. We enjoy 3 lunches at wineries and 2 dinners at Michelin restaurants.
THE HISTORY OF NAPA
On the first day you’ll explore the historic wineries of Napa. There is a fascinating history in Napa, and we will explore the caves, the grand old chateau-style buildings, and learn about the trials and tribulations of making fine wine more than 100 years ago. Beaulieu, Beringer, and Inglenook are among the icons who welcome us. .
Our welcome dinner tonight will be a gastronomic affair to remember. PRESS, a Michelin-star rated restaurant will host us for a private dining experience that will round up the grandeur of Day 1.
THE JUDGEMENT OF PARIS
In 1976 the world of wine was forever changed when Stag’s Leap Wine Cellar’s 1973 Cabernet and Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay beat the best of their French counterparts in a tasting judged by France’s leading experts. This became known as the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Today we will visit both of these iconic wineries, and enjoy a pairing lunch at Montelena.
We end the day with a visit to another legendary Napa winery whose wines with such a loyal following that in the past were sold out on release day. Silver Oak, Heitz, and Mondavi are on the list for this day.
Tonight is a free evening to relax and explore Napa.
INVESTORS & CULT CLASSICS
Our final day takes us to wineries that have helped elevate Napa to the keystone fine wine region that it is today. Opus One marvelous architecture and hi-tech winemaking, Darioush with its unmatched hospitality and fine wines, and the hidden gem that is Spring Mountain Vineyards are among those who welcome us.
But the day is not yet finished. We discover the cults with a visit with winemaker Aaron Pott and his creations tasted alongside the cult Cabernet of Napa, a bottle of Screaming Eagle. Screamer, as the locals call it, costs over $3,000 a bottle and is hard to obtain.
A tour like this needs a fitting ending. Our grand finale dinner is winemakers’ dinner at a highly acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant.
MEET YOUR HOST
Our Luxury Wine Tours in Napa are guided by Master of Wine, Philip Goodband.
PHILIP is a true wine professional with a deep knowledge and love for Sonoma.
A California resident and former Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine, his work and travels for major wine companies and consultancy have taken him around the globe resulting in a unique blend of knowledge and experience, which he happily shares in a very enjoyable and engaging style.
UPCOMING NAPA WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is all lunches and two dinners during the trip, all winery tours, all wines at the visits and lunches, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Everything is included except your flights, accommodation, your travel to and from Napa from San Francisco, meals not specified in the itinerary, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, and suggestions on where to stay.
WEATHER
May is truly the ideal time to visit Napa. As the vineyards start to awaken, you’ll get a taste of summer and spring all at once. The days will be warm and sunshine-filled, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Come prepared for all elements, as the nights can be slightly cooler.