Boutique wineries are becoming more popular as the number of wineries grows ever year. This article gives a good background of some of the smaller lesser known wineries in Napa Valley. It points out some of the differences in experiences you will have when visiting these wineries and why it would be an enjoyable experience for any wine lover.
Most Napa Valley visitors have heard of Robert Mondavi wines,
Sutter Home and Beringer. You can buy and enjoy their wines in
most U.S. grocery stores and wine shops.
But, most
visitors have never heard of Elk Horn Peak, Hagafen, Miller,
Madrigal or Stelzner (to name just a few...).
There's more than 350 wineries in the 38 mile long Napa Valley
and only a few dozen are widely known. That doesn't mean they
are the best. Sure, they make good wine, but so do many of the
really small wineries.
Small and boutique wineries
are real "hands on" operations. They are fun, friendly and have
tons of character.
Some, like Elk Horn Peak are
really laid back and built into an old barn. Ken makes an
outstanding Pinot Noir.
Others, like Cosentino,
have a tasting room right on Highway 29. If you like Zinfandel,
their's is terrific.
The magic of small wineries
and vineyards is the character and individuality they provide
the Napa Valley visitor.
One company, Vintners
Collective, was formed to be a collective of wines from wine
makers who all scored 90+ in Wine Spectator, but were too small
to have their own tasting room. So, in one place, you can sample
an incredible collection of fantastic wines by wine makers
dedicated to the art of fine wine.
Small wineries
and vineyards can give you a level of customer service and
attention you may not receive at larger wineries. And, small
wineries can't afford to have an attitude either. Their friendly
attitude is genuine and fun. Goosecross and Stelzner are great
examples of this. And their are tons more, too.
Often small and boutique wines are priced reasonably and provide
a great value for the incredible quality you receive. The value
of a wine isn't the price, it is what tastes good to you.
Inexpensive wines can be just as good or better than expensive
wines. I remember doing a blind tasting of Chardonnays a few
years ago and out of 6 wines the most expensive wine came in
last place when scored by the entire group.
Some of
these small wineries, like Bouchaine and V. Sattui, have picnic
tables and can even offer food, appetizers and nibbles to go
with a bottle of their fine wine (food and wine at additional
cost).
While many of these small and boutique
wineries will sell you wine through the Internet, you don't have
an easy way to find out which ones you like the best...unless
you go their.
So, the next time you visit the Napa
Valley to taste wines, try small wineries and vineyards. They'll
make the experience an enjoyable and memorable one. And you can
have wines shipped to your home or business to share with family
and friends.
About the author:
Article by Steve Sands. If you're planning a tour of Napa Valley
wine country, pick up Steve's guide at:
http://bestnapavalleywinetours.com/
Tags: napa valley - winery - vineyard - california - wineries - wine - Zinfandel
