Ultimate Wine Tour of Napa Valley
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. Beringer is the longest continuously operating winery in Napa, and can lay claim to many “firsts”. They were the first to be open to visitors, and the first to win Best Wine in the World from Wine Spectator twice. We explore the ancient cellars before sitting down to a beautiful lunch paired with their best 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 – Beaulieu and Inglenook.
Fine Vintage luxury tours are just as much about the food as the wine. On the first evening we will have dinner at PRESS, a Michelin starred restaurant nestled among the vineyards, favored by the local vintners. We will enjoy a 4-course pairing dinner with exceptional wines.
The second day focuses on the wineries that catapulted Napa to fame in the late 1900’s. This is our “Judgement of Paris” day with visits to Stags Leap Wine Callers, a tour and pairing lunch at Chateau Montelena, followed by a visit and vertical tasting at Silver Oak. 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 start the day at Opus One, have a pairing lunch at Darioush, discover the hidden gem that is 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. All of this before an epic finale at a 17-time winner Michelin-Star restaurant, for a winemakers’ dinner
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. Beaulieu and Inglenook are credited with starting the fine wine revolution in the mid-19th century. Beringer is the oldest continuously operating winery in 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.
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 Silver Oak, a winery that created such a loyal following that the wines were all sold out on release day. We will learn about how they make their own barrels from a forest they actually own, before tasting a vertical of their wines.
Tonight is a free evening to relax and explore Napa.
INVESTORS & CULT CLASSICS
Our final day begins with the legend that is Opus One, perhaps the most internationally recognized fine wine from Napa. We will marvel at the architecture, the hi-tech winemaking, and then enjoy a tasting in the barrel cellar.
We continue on for our second winery visit at Darioush, another architectural wonder, that includes a delicious pairing lunch. But this tour is not just about visiting the famous names. We also discover the hidden gems, exemplified by our next visit to Spring Mountain Vineyards. This is owned by a private equity group who remains focused on sustainability. This is one of the best kept secrets in Napa, and we will taste a their best wines spanning the decades.
It’s not finished. Next, we discover the cults. Aaron Pott of Pott’s Wine welcome us to taste his creations alongside him, before popping the cork on 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 at the highly acclaimed Michelin-starred Auberge du Soleil. We will be joined by other vintners for this spectacular Winemaker’s dinner.
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.
TESTIMONIALS
OTHER DESTINATIONS YOU MAY LIKE
