Napa Valley

Fig. 1 Experience the perfect blend of elegance and flavor at Rhombauer Vineyards, where breathtaking vineyard views meet expertly crafted wines. Sip and savor their renowned Zinfandel or Chardonnay in a serene, dog-friendly setting, making it a perfect outing for both you and man's best friend.

I wasn’t exposed to much wine growing up in South Dakota in the 60’s and 70’s.  Although my grandpa was a hobbyist, amateur vintner as he made dandelion, rhubarb, and pear wine from his backyard shed.  We pretty much drank milk with all our meals.  But after college when I spent 1986-1992 in the San Francisco Bay area, I really started enjoying wine from Northern California.  Back in those days, you could get a great Cabernet from Beaulieu Vineyards, Rutherford, California or a Robert Mondavi, Oakville, California for under $10.00!  Still today at home, I sometimes splurge with a Trefethen Chardonnay or Hess Cabernet from Napa Valley.  But traveling to Napa, and visiting a few of the 16 AVAs, is a whole different oenological and gastronomical experience.  Savoring world-class cuisine paired with exquisite wines in Napa are an unparalleled sensory journey, elevated by breathtaking vineyard views and hanging out with my dog. 

Fig. 2 Lucy and I cruising into the iconic Charles Krug Winery. Her first Napa Valley visit, November, 2022. She had a great time!

Without a doubt, Napa Valley is one of the world’s premier wine regions. Steven Spurrier’s well-known Judgment of Paris in 1976 sealed that fate during the old-world vs new world epic showdown in which Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap came away with honors.  Much of Napa Valley is under the backdrop of Mount Saint Helena, which is part of the Mayacamas mountain range.  The cool marine winds from the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay, along with the multitudes of soil types and mixtures, terroirs, and dry, Mediterranean-type climate, have created wine industry estimated to be worth 9.5 billion dollars.  These amazing wineries range from boutique producers to globally acclaimed estates celebrated for its innovation and hospitality.  One can’t really go wrong anywhere in any of the 16 subregions, specifically my favorites:  Calistoga, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Oakville, Yountville, or Los Carneros. 

Fig. 3 The oldest winery in Napa Valley, Charles Krug Winery, has been operated by the Peter Mondovi Sr. family for four generations. The winery was founded in 1861.

On this specific trip to Napa Valley with my mini-goldendoodle, Lucy (Fig. 2), the schedule included tastings and visits to Frank Family Vineyards, Prisoner Wine Company, Rombauer (Fig. 1), and Charles Krug (Fig 3,4,5).  Although George Yount, a European immigrant, cultivated grapes in 1830, it was Charles Krug, a pioneering winemaker who founded the first commercial winery in the region in 1869.  Born in Prussia in 1825, Krug immigrated to the United States in 1848 and eventually settled in California during the gold rush era.  Krug introduced practices such as maturation in oak vessels and planting only premium varietals.  Despite not having fancy soil testing kits, Krug obviously knew that the rolling hills surrounded by the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain ranges would be a mecca for viticulture. 

Fig. 4 Indulging in an unforgettable tasting experience at Charles Krug Winery, where rich history meets exceptional wines. Enjoyed the tasting with Lucy while soaking in the stunning vineyard views and charming historic ambiance.

Fig. 5 Charles Krug cheese board and wine study with the Mondovi sisters.

The two big, nasty P’s, phylloxera and prohibition, pretty much wiped out the success that had been built upon by Krug and the other pioneering winemakers of the region until 1930 – 1966, when a new group of pioneers revitalized region.  Today, the Charles Krug winery (Fig. 3, 4, 5) is one of the most historic wineries in Napa Valley blending its legacy and providing world-class wines that honor its founding pioneering spirit!

Napa Valley’s signature grape is Cabernet Sauvignon, and I find it most to be deep ruby, with medium plus aromatic intensity of huge fruit bombs of blackberry and blackcurrant.  Oak aging often gives the wine vanilla and spice undertones.  These wines are usually higher in alcohol and are just massive on the palate.  Mountainous areas of Napa Valley can also produce cabs that are high in acidity.  50% of all grapes cultivated in Napa Valley are Cabernet Sauvignon and sure, there are pretentious wineries in Napa Valley – Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, and Bryant Family but some of us retired folk can’t afford bottles at $3000 or $4000 a pop.  So, I am appreciative when wineries like Krug are reasonable with their prices. The wine tasting experience (Fig. 11) was made even better with a visit from one of the Mondavi sisters.  On a good day you will get to visit with one of them to get insight into the property and really delve into the historical perspective of Napa Valley wine making. 

Fig. 6 Heading out of the beautiful Napa Valley with my loyal companion, leaving behind the iconic vineyards and unforgettable wine experiences. Until next time, Napa!!

As I drove away from the historic wineries of Napa Valley (Fig. 6), Lucy rested comfortably by my side.  I couldn’t help but to reflect on this epic trip and how well behaved she was.  Goldendoodles are empathetic, in an emotional contagion kind of way. But her wagging tail and curious nose added a layer of joy to the experience making it more than just a wine trip. 

Napa Valley will also have a special place in my heart, not just for the wines but for the memories I made with Lucy, my mini goldendoodle. Listed below are amazing Napa Wines (Fig. 7, 8):

Fig 7 Napa Wine Labels - High Quality Producers

Fig 8 - Napa Wine Labels - Personal Favorites