Napa: July 8, 2011 (400 Level)

July 8, 2011 Itinerary
(Spring Mountain)


Number of wineries: 5
Average rating: 4.63
Wine Route Rating: Expert (400)
Highlight of the day: Pride (4.88)

Notes: Our "Spring Mountain Day" was one of the better tasting days in recent memory. With the exception of Barnett (which was still good) every spot exceeded expectations, usually significantly. Given the need for appointments at all wineries and the fairly high-end wines, I rate this a "400-level" route -- too intimidating and too much planning for a first-time visitor for sure, and a day that I think someone with some significant wine country experience would appreciate far more than a casual visitor.

LocationStart TimeStop TimeReservation?Notes
Pick up sandwiches from Dean & Deluca (NR)10:3010:50
 
Not Needed
Grab sandwiches before heading up the mountain
Cain (4.88)11:3012:30
Short tour followed by a great sitdown tasting of delicious wine
Pride (4.88)12:451:50
Walking tour of beautiful property and caves with multiple tastes (including barrel samples) along the way
Sherwin Family (4.75)2:002:55
Seated tasting on their patio overlooking the lake where they were happy to have us enjoy our lunch. Fantastic wine as well
Barnett (4.13)3:004:00
Perhaps the best view on the mountain. Very good wine as well, but pricey
David Fulton (4.50)4:205:00
Typically requires an appointment but we stumbled upon it by mistake on our way down the mountain. Great end-of-day spot to kick back in an Adirondack chair with a splash of delicious Petite Sirah
Dinner at La Toque (NR)7:30
High-end dining at the Westin Verasa in Napa. A bit snooty for us, and the food didn't live up to the price tag

Route:

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Map:

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