Vino Vagabonds in Napa Valley: 2013
Ah, a new year. The promise of a fresh start and 365 glistening days ahead to become a richer, healthier, friendlier, and more enlightened version of our 2012 selves. We set our resolutions like most everyone else: I want to get certified to teach yoga and finally see my abs, Jeff wants to get better at golf, and of course the biggie: we're gettin' married! ;)
But, in true 'overachiever' form, we've set a separate resolution as Vino Vagabonds: Kick our excuses to the curb and finally explore the legendary wineries right here in our own backyard.
Despite having lived in Napa Valley for three of the last four years, we've still not tasted at some of the region's most iconic facilities. There is no excuse for that kind of laziness and anti-Vino Vagabond behavior, so this year, things are changing. Here's our agenda for 2013:
- Opus One
- Robert Mondavi Winery (no excuses...I know)
- Screaming Eagle (Beg, barter or break in...We're going!)
- Harlan Estate & Bond Estates (See above)
- Schramsberg
- Bryant Family
- Brown Estate
- Quintessa
- Futo Wines
- Dana Estates
- Stags Leap Winery (Not 'Wine Cellars')
- Antica (Antinori's US Brand)
We realize it'll take some sweet talking and smiling to score an appointment at a couple of these places, but like all good resolutions, if it was too easy, it wouldn't be worth doing. And of course, we'll write an exclusive article on each of these visits, so the winery gets a little love too...we get to taste, the winery gets free press. Win-win right?!
Where else should we taste? Any recommendations for other must-visits in the NorCal area? Let us know and we'll add them to the list!
