Stellar Napa Experience: Stag’s Leap Wine Cave Tour
The Stag’s Leap District is an area of the Napa Valley that grows the most sought after Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. A number of the most brilliant bottles reign from this small district, including Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Chimney Rock and Clos Du Val. Many of the tastings in this area are slightly pricier, even than other Napa Cab wineries, primarily for this reason. This is why I was ecstatic that I was able to plan in advance as I discovered a little known secret that got our group the ultimate wine tasting experience for the same price as it would have been had we walked in.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cave Tour
Our Tour Guide: Ned Trippe
Tour Time: 3pm (last scheduled tour)
Tour Duration: 1+ hour (probably closer to 2 since we were the last group and had the luxury of hanging out)
What to Expect:
This is one of the most informative and gorgeous tours I have seen that is open to the public (appointments are necessary, and fill up on weekends, so you do need to plan in advance). You will see that a lot of thought and planning was put into the grounds and caves and there are a few cool surprises along the way if you are an astronomy buff as well!
In addition to touring the vast, classic caves and corridors, you will be able to view the vineyards right from the grounds, and during the final tasting, they actually shared with us the vials of dirt that came from the individual vineyards we were tasting from (which by the way, tasted nothing like what was in the glass)J I know that dirt vials may not seem very exciting or upscale to most, but anyone who truly loves wine knows how important that filthy dirt is in the outcome of that final product…
The dirt was exquisite – and don’t even get me started on the wine!
Tip 1: Bring a light sweater as the caves are very cool
Tip 2: Bring a flash for your camera. Photos are allowed
Tip 3: If you are not in a rush, book the last available tour for the day (3pm) – this will give you extra time at the end with the wine and tour guide, which always makes for special treatment.
For details and info on all available tastings/tours at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, visit http://www.cask23.com/visit/toursTastings/
Stag’s Leap Winery
5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
866-422-7523
