"The Jane" Chardonnay Lovers Tour, Napa (200 Level)

"The Jane" Chardonnay Lovers Tour, Napa


Number of wineries: 6
Average rating: 4.31
Wine Route Rating: Moderate (200)
Likely highlight of the day: Tough call. Chateau Boswell has the best wine and probably the best tasting experience, but I know plenty of people who have left Frank Family dreaming of the "liquid crème brûlée".

Notes: This one is named after Jane Hogan Barlin, who loves Chardonnay more than anyone I've ever met. Napa doesn't have the same types of sitdown multi-Chardonnay tastings "The Jane" Sonoma route does, but there are still some great Chardonnays to be found. The route is rated "200" (Moderate) due to the advance planning needed for Cakebread and Chateau Boswell.

LocationStart TimeStop TimeReservation?Notes
Pickup sandwiches from Oakville Grocery9:309:55
 
Not Needed
Good sandwiches on your way up Hwy 29 to your first stop.
Cakebread (4.00)10:0011:00
Still one of the classically good Chardonnays from Napa. A good introduction to the Valley as well
Alpha Omega (4.06)11:1511:45
 
Not Needed
A chance to try side-by-side a chardonnay aged in stainless steel vs. one aged in oak
Rombauer (3.94)12:001:25
 
Not Needed
Rombauer has come to be the seminal example of a "big, buttery Napa Chardonnay". They also have picnic tables overlooking a beautiful view. Enjoy a taste, and then enjoy your sandwich here.
Chateau Boswell (4.69)1:302:40
Fantastic Chardonnay, among the best in Napa Valley. A sitdown tasting in their cave will let you explore 2-3 Chardonnays as well as some delicious Cabernet
Frank Family (4.56)3:004:00
 
Not Needed
Still one of the best Chardonnays ever, and definitely the best under $30. "Liquid Crème Brulee" as they like to call it at the winery
Lava Vine(4.63)4:155:00
 
Not Needed
A fun way to wrap up the day, I think. Small food pairings typically with their wines, including a very good Chardonnay
Dinner at JoLe (4.31)6:00
Since you're all the way up in Calistoga at the end of the route, why not stop in to dinner at JoLe? Delicious farm-to-table approach to classic California cuisine

Route:

View Larger Map or View Directions in a separate window


Map:

View "The Jane" Napa - Chardonnay Lovers Tour in a larger map

No comments:

Post a Comment

Previous Posts