Pinot Noir is a wine with a cult following gone mainstream. We did our research to discover that pinot noir first came to California in the mid-1800s. A debate still rages over whether it was brought by Agoston Haraszthy of Buena Vista Winery, Charles LeFranc of Almaden Vineyards, or Frenchman Pierre Pellier, but by 1880, it was planted in Napa Valley by Gustav Niebaum, founder of Inglenook Winery.
Inglenook Winery
The Stanly Ranch in Carneros soon became pinot noir’s home. In 1942, ahead of his time, Louis M. Martini bought 200 acres of the Stanly Ranch and experimented to find the best pinot noir clones. From there, Carneros Creek Winery, Acacia, Saintsbury and a host of others became known for their pinot noir plantings and wine.
Saintsbury
Carneros remains a special place for pinot noir. Its close proximity to the ocean keeps the wines vibrant while letting them show off intense aromatics. Be sure to check out these spots when celebrating the holiday (or on any other day for that matter!)
Domaine Carneros
It’s the obvious choice. Most recognize Domaine Carneros for their famous bubbly and the massive Chateau that sits along Highway 12. But they also have a dedication to pinot noir, with four current offerings all sourced from their estate Carneros vineyards. Seated tastings take place at intimate tables on the balcony, offering flights of sparkling wine, pinot noir, or a combination of the two. The blanc de noir is made from 100 percent pinot noir grapes, which are fermented without the skins so that the wine loses its red color. Pairing plates of cheese, charcuterie, smoked salmon or caviar are also available for an additional cost.
Domaine Carneros,
1240 Duhig Rd., Napa
Domainecarneros.com
Appointments needed
It’s the obvious choice. Most recognize Domaine Carneros for their famous bubbly and the massive Chateau that sits along Highway 12. But they also have a dedication to pinot noir, with four current offerings all sourced from their estate Carneros vineyards. Seated tastings take place at intimate tables on the balcony, offering flights of sparkling wine, pinot noir, or a combination of the two. The blanc de noir is made from 100 percent pinot noir grapes, which are fermented without the skins so that the wine loses its red color. Pairing plates of cheese, charcuterie, smoked salmon or caviar are also available for an additional cost.
Domaine Carneros,
1240 Duhig Rd., Napa
Domainecarneros.com
Appointments needed
Domain Carneros
Cuvaison
Just down the road is Cuvaison. The views are nearly as incredible as the wine at this modern glass house. Their typical wine flight includes a smooth estate pinot noir, and it’s worth asking if you can compare it to the Spire, a rich single block pinot reserved for club members. It will awaken your taste buds and just might make you a club member!
Cuvaison
1221 Duhig Rd., Napa
Cuvaison.com
Appointments needed
Just down the road is Cuvaison. The views are nearly as incredible as the wine at this modern glass house. Their typical wine flight includes a smooth estate pinot noir, and it’s worth asking if you can compare it to the Spire, a rich single block pinot reserved for club members. It will awaken your taste buds and just might make you a club member!
Cuvaison
1221 Duhig Rd., Napa
Cuvaison.com
Appointments needed
Cuvaison
Saintsbury
Just off Highway 121, Saintsbury is a hidden gem within the Napa-Carneros region. Dependent on the weather, your tasting will either take place in the English-style gardens adjacent to the Home Vineyard or on the eastside of the cellar overlooking the vineyards. The classic seated tasting lasts about 1 hour and includes four Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay exploring wines from select vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and Sonoma Coast. A Saintsbury host will also walk you through a tasting of current releases, detailing the winemaking practices, different terroirs, and story behind iconic Pinot Noir vineyards.
Saintsbury
1500 Los Carneros Avenue Napa
http://www.saintsbury.com/Visit-Us
Appointments needed
Just off Highway 121, Saintsbury is a hidden gem within the Napa-Carneros region. Dependent on the weather, your tasting will either take place in the English-style gardens adjacent to the Home Vineyard or on the eastside of the cellar overlooking the vineyards. The classic seated tasting lasts about 1 hour and includes four Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay exploring wines from select vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and Sonoma Coast. A Saintsbury host will also walk you through a tasting of current releases, detailing the winemaking practices, different terroirs, and story behind iconic Pinot Noir vineyards.
Saintsbury
1500 Los Carneros Avenue Napa
http://www.saintsbury.com/Visit-Us
Appointments needed
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