Nov 11, 2016
The end of our wonderful time in Napa
This is part two of day 2 of our Napa winery tour. Part one can be found here.
I had done some reading before leaving home including some recommendations on Trip Advisor.
We were on are way up, way up to the top of the highest hills to check out a winery described as having breath taking views.
I navigated by what we later found out was the little used back mountainous road. I had a small map with little detail. Twas a thrilling ride dodging the crumbling asphalt and pot holes. As we climbed Colin kept asking me if we were on the right road. I thought so and it was true, sort of. At least it was an interesting drive. We did get to the Cade Winery to find only one other vehicle in the parking lot. We weren’t on the grounds five minutes when someone came up to us and asked if we had booked a tour, which we had not. We were asked to leave as they could not have us on the property if we had no paid reservation for a tasting/tour. Very uppity and rude. They were even known for their Sauvignon Blanc wines and it wasn’t like they were busy.
The view was lovely but not the drive nor the attitude of the people on site. We did find the proper road for our way back down to the valley.
Our next stop at the Beringer Winery was not planned. But I do enjoy their Pinot Grigio and the girls needed lunch and a walk.
There are two old homes on the estate and lots of space to walk and explore.
The grounds are lovely but the wine tasting area appeared rather touristy with more interest in selling more stuff rather than the wine. No one was doing any tasting here.
Our last stop of the day was perfect. First the girls got to walk around and listen to a babbling brook.
The bridge leads the way from the parking area to the winery.
We had arrived at the Domaine Chandon vineyards.
The grounds were exquisite. The entrance into the winery was like entering a wonderland, I never got a photo as I was so entranced. The best was yet to come.
A flight of three champagne tastings for $25.00! I barely had enough money but I was compelled. The lady said she felt like she was robbing my piggy bank. I went with the Prestige Tasting.
You were encouraged to take your first glass and walk about the grounds.
Such a very lovely area. We saw many groups of what appeared to be locals enjoying themselves with a glass of bubbly or in some cases a bottle to be shared among friends. I could see myself hanging out here with some special friends.
There I am getting my next glass. I wondered how many people took advantage of the system. It didn’t take me long to see that with the many different people pouring behind the counter that it was an honor system. I could have had my first or second tasting over and over. There was no way to note how many of each tasting you had. But frankly the glasses were full tastings and one can only drink so much champagne. It would have been different if we didn’t have the girls waiting in the car for us. What I mean is that I could have taken more time to enjoy each glass but still it was the end of the day and enough was enough.
Yes I could easily spend an afternoon here.
It was difficult to leave this enchanted winery. Easily our favorite of the trip. A perfect way to end our winery tours.
The girls were happy to be heading back to the RV. Carmeh looked like she was sleepy and was resting her head on Caeli’s head.
We really had a wonderful time in Napa and the valley. But we are equally enjoying our time here in Palm Springs where our focus is on our finally preparation for four months in Mexico. Next post will be on what we have been up to these past few days.
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That sure looked like a nice day for all of you….
Upriver
Looks lovely!
Your posts about Napa Valley took me way, WAY back! I lived in Sonoma County in the early 70s and would regularly take a drive on winding roads over the hill and into Napa. Few tasting rooms, and no charge for tasting, although Mondavi (and I think Berlinger) did make you take a tour. And Raymond Vineyards! I remember tasting in the cabana of the owner’s swimming pool in the early 80s. Times have certainly changed, but Domaine Chandon looks lovelier than ever. Thanks for sharing!
Certainly interesting visits you have had but seems so very flashy and over-the-top, one winery outdoing the next, rather than what I would have expected with more emphasis on the wines themselves. I am guessing they charge so much to help pay for that extravagance. It is to your credit that you have an indepth knowledge of wines.