A&W Transport
  • Tours
  • About
  • Contact
  • Insider's Guide to Napa
  • Napa Wines

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- Far Niente

4/24/2016

 
The Winery: Far Niente
Unique Point: Past meets Present
Signature Wine/Varietal: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Far Niente produces critically acclaimed, estate bottled Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are renowned for their consistent house style and ability to evolve with extended age. Founded by John Benson in 1885, Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when the winery ceased operation and the buildings and estate were abandoned. Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the old stone shell of a winery and spent three years restoring the building to its original, 19th century grandeur.
Picture
Far Niente
During restoration the name, "Far Niente," which romantically translated means "without a care," was found carved in stone on the front of the building. In 1998, Far Niente was reunited with its past when a bottle of 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, intact with its original cork, capsule and label, was found in a wine cellar in Marin County, California.
Picture
Guests Socialize In The Caves Of Far Niente
Guided tours and tastings are offered several times each day, by appointment. Tours begin with a walk through the historic, tri-level winery, which is built into the surrounding hillside. Guests are then led through a portion of the 40,000 square-foot Far Niente wine aging caves, which were the first modern wine caves built in North America when excavation began in 1980. The tour ends in the Carriage House, home to an incredible collection of classic automobiles.
Picture
A Far Niente Holiday Reception
Tastings follow each tour and feature the current releases of Far Niente estate wines, including a Napa Valley Chardonnay and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as carefully aged Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Far Niente Cave Collection. A seasonal cheese pairing is also featured. Each tasting ends with a taste of Dolce, the sumptuous, late harvest wine produced by Far Niente’s sister winery, also called Dolce.
 
1350 Acacia Drive
Oakville  CA 94562
707-944-2861
farniente.com
 
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Tastings/Appointments: 
(707) 944-2861

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- ZD Wines

4/17/2016

 
The Winery: ZD Wines
Unique Point: Eco-centric, organic certified
Signature Wine/Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines is located in Rutherford on the beautiful Silverado Trail. Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by three qenerations of the deLeuze Family. ZD's mantra of "(Z)ero (D)efects" is based on founder Norman deLeuze's history in Aerospace. It sets the tone for the winery's focus on quality, consistency and style. The ZD style is to craft rich, flavorful wines that reflect the varietal character of the grape.

Picture
ZD also has a strong internal emphasis on ecology. ZD's Estate Vineyards located in Rutherford and Carneros have been certified organic for more than 15 years. The use of an implemented waste reduction program and a water recycling system are in place, and the entire winery is powered by solar, truly reflecting ZD's commitment to the health of the environment surrounding us.
Picture
Picture
The winery welcomes visitors 7 days a week for public tastings. In addition, special tour experiences are available by appointment including our Cellar Tour & Tasting, Eco Vineyard Tour, Unwined Tasting, Library Selection Tasting and Private Group Tastings. The ZD website provides more detailed information about each of these options at www.zdwines.com or call 800-487-7757.

Brewery Tours

4/10/2016

 
​In a region known for internationally acclaimed wines, craft beers may not be the first beverage that comes to mind. But they should be, especially in Sonoma County. Take Petaluma, a sleepy farm town, recently reawakened by brew masters at Lagunitas Brewing Company. The company has gained a huge following (and multi-state distribution) in just a few years. You can taste why at the company’s in-town taproom where favorite brews include a classic IPA, plus Little Sumpin Sumpin and Hop Stoopid ales.
Picture
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Further down the road is Russian River Brewing, serving 20 beers, including legendary Pliny the Elder double IPA, in its Santa Rosa taproom. You can expect a crowd; this brew has gained cult-like status. Guerneville’s Stumptown Brewery, identified by the big white fermentation tank out front, pours three of its own brews as well as guest beers, ales, and stouts from other parts of the state.
Picture
Russian River Brewing Company
Picture
Carneros Brewing Company
Conveniently, most breweries do not require tasting appointments, so you’re welcome to stop in and grab a pint at your leisure. When you book through A&W Transport, we’ll be glad to create a tentative schedule that includes wineries, breweries or a combination of both.

Best Off-The-Beaten Path Tasting Rooms: Beaulieu Vineyards

4/3/2016

 
Beaulieu Vineyards, located in Rutherford, is one of the oldest wine producers in the Valley. BV tastings take place in the Maestro tasting room, and cost just $20 for up to 5 pours of Cabernets (their signature varietal) found only at the winery. 
Picture
However, BV’s private historical tours offer a far richer experience. For just $35 per person, you will begin with a tour of the original winery building that dates back to the late 1800’s, followed by barrel tastings of Reserve Cab.
Picture
The intimate experience concludes with a tour of the Heritage
room that chronicles the history of wine-making from 1885, including the winery’s naissance, prohibition, and the development of the Valley’s first “cult cab.”
Picture
It’s an altogether unique experience that will encourage you to appreciate the history of the grape and the glass in your hand.
Picture
    Experience Napa Valley

    Categories

    All
    Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms
    Brewery Tours
    Napa After Dark
    Napa Valley First Time Visitors
    Picnics
    Small Town Getaways
    The Silverado Trail

    Archives

    March 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016

    RSS Feed

    Check out A&W Transport on Yelp