At Napa's Chateau Montelena You Can Have the Castle and Drink Their Wine

[Nicholas Kontis]

Photo by Nick Kontis

 

We San Franciscans are blessed breed. On any given winter day one can ski and surf on the same day, which I have actually done before. We are blessed with many wonderful activities with amazing scenery, from the beaches of the California coast to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe and Death Valley.  One place locals and visitors alike flock to is our famed Napa Valley. Here is one of my must visit wineries,  Chateua Montelena.. It's more like a winery in a castle. Located 75 miles north of San Francisco in the  Napa Valley lies The Chateau.

Chateau Montelena's rich history began on a chilly fall morning when Alfred L. Tubbs spaded over and inspected the soil where he thought of planting estate vineyards. He had heard the Napa Valley was the best place to grow grapes in California. A deal was struck, and in January of 1882 the San Francisco entrepreneur owned 254 acres of rugged land just two miles north of Calistoga at the base of Mount Saint Helena. The soils are well drained, stony and loose - perfect for the vines he would plant. The rest is a history of varietals that has been pleasing many discerning palates for over 100 years.

 

 Photo by [e-mail]

Chateau Montelena Tasting Room By Eve and Eveanderson.com

 

When it comes to wine. I'm a full bodied "red" drinker, or more in sync, “I’m crazy for a fruity, heavy, Caby that knocks my socks off, or my palate off.”   My passion simply runs deep, for a full bodied, Cabernet. If you like red wines, Montelana Estate Cabernet and for that matter all their reds are a wine lovers dream come true. 

 

The complex soils in the Estate vineyard Cabernet - volcanic, alluvial, sedimentary - and the variety of microclimates in the Calistoga district join together to produce unique and distinctive grapes every vintage.

Wonderfully supple and fragrant. Silky tannins frame a core of expressive dark red fruit. Floral and spice notes are woven nicely throughout. Something to truly savor.

There are many factors in the creation of a vintage masterpiece. One being the weather. The cooler weather throughout the early summer makes for great growing conditions (and high yields) and then, in August and  September, the valley gets just enough warm weather to bring the fruit to full ripeness. The absence of any major heat events during the summer and during harvest results in lower-than-normal sugars, great balance, and no issues with shriveling fruit – perfect conditions for the classic, Montelena style of wines. One can also find the aromas of black cherry, red berries, and plums all leading into the barrel notes of toasty, oak, vanilla, and smoky undertones.

 

Chinese Garden and Lake - Perfect for a Napa Picnic Photo by Eveandeveanderson.com

 

There probably is not a more Idyllic setting for a hot, lazy, summer day. The tranquil setting outside of downtown Calistoga, seemingly in the middleof no where just may be the most peaceful winery in the Napa Valley.

The unique winery is in a stone castle chateau has more of a Bordeaux feeling, carved into a hillside. Complete with a Chinese garden and a cozy lake, perfect for a picnic. The vineyards reach out to the base of Mt. St. Helena.

 

 photo by Nick Kontis

 

Vineyard Tours and Tastings

 

The Montelena Estate Vineyard is home to one of the world’s most unique winegrowing properties. The site’s diversity of soils and slopes translates directly into the layers of complex flavors in our wines. Experience the elements that make this property the ideal place for growing world-class wines when you hop into our Montelena Club Car and venture out into the vineyard. Your guide will explain the many viticulture decisions we’ve made and how those decisions impact the wine that you drink. Over the course of the 45-minute journey, you will learn how the year’s growing conditions are affecting the current vintage of grapes and have the opportunity to taste a selection of wines produced from the Montelena Estate Vineyard.

Vineyard tour groups are limited to seven people to ensure comfortable seating in the Montelena Club Car. Tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis so please inquire with the Tasting Room host on your arrival to sign-up.

 

So on your next visit to San Francisco , Take a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge on 101 north, follow the signs through the rolling hills to the Napa Valley. After all, what’s a visit to San Francisco without a little wine.

 

Call 1- 800-222-7288 for Vineyard Tours and Tastings.

Learn about the castle of liquid nirvana.

www.montelena.com

 

The Author is Nick Kontis world travel expert and part time wine maker himself with his wife, Gabriela. Thank you Chateau Montelena for a wonderful visit and your assistance in writing this small piece. Time for a glass of Cabernet right about now. Read more about Nick's Travel Tales on Trip Rambler by World Travel List

 

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