ebook Wine Tasting in Carneros

Wine Tasting in Carneros

Because of its proximity to the San Pablo bay, the day time temperature is moderated by wind and fog
from this body of water. This makes for excellent conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Subsequently, some of the best American sparkling wine producers are located in the AVA.

You do not have to be a wine expert to enjoy tasting in Carneros. But since Carneros was awarded
AVA status in 1980, the number of resident wineries in has greatly increased. So with limited time
and budget, which ones do you visit?

No matter how prestigious the area is, no wine is guaranteed to be good. There are so many factors
that go into viticulture and winemaking, choosing a wine based solely on the region is basically a shot
in the dark. The same can be said for deciding which wineries to visit on a wine tour.

When planning a wine tasting tour, consider wineries that produce the varietals you enjoy or would
like to experience. For example, if you want to taste Champagne style Sparkling Wines, Domaine
Carneros should be at the top of your list. This winery is owned Taittinger Champagne House. Their
stunning Chateau has become a Carneros Landmark, and is among the most beautiful wineries in
Napa County. Domaine also offers a thirty minute tour of their facilities, which culminates in their
tasting room with spectacular views of their vineyards.

For Pinot Noir aficionados, you cannot go wrong with Acacia Winery. If you choose to visit Acacia, I
would advise tasting the 2002 Beckstoffer Pinot Noir; you will not be disappointed.

If you would like to taste a wider range of varietals, visit Artesa Winery. They have produced several
wines made with several different grapes that have received 90 + points from major wine ratings.
This, along with their winery’s recent 10 million dollar renovation has made Artesa a premier
destination in Carneros.

Cline Cellars is also a pleasure to visit. Their tasting room is a restored 1850’s farmhouse, and they
have a picnic site on the premises that overlooks their 350 acre vineyard. This makes Cline Cellars a
great place to taste wine and enjoy your lunch.

Aside from the wine itself, other pleasing aspects of tasting experience lie in the beauty of the tasting
room, winery and surrounding landscape. Although it does not take a beautiful setting to enjoy a
great wine, it definitely adds to the experience.

The taster’s overall experience is by far the most important part of wine tasting. Most wineries in
Carneros realize this, and offer whatever they can to make your trip more enjoyable. Many tastings
will be hosted by a member of the winemaking team, so they can answer questions and explain the
subtleties of the wines. Whichever wineries you visit, make sure to bring your tasting room etiquette.

First of all, it is not advisable to bring children into the tasting room. As far as the actual tasting is
concerned, white wines are generally poured first, followed by reds, and finally desert wines. Within
each of these, the lighter bodied wines precede fuller bodied ones. Between each wine, it is common
practice to eat a cracker to cleanse your palate.

It is not necessary to finish each wine you taste; it is actually discouraged, especially if you are
planning to taste many different wines. Wineries will provide jars to dispose of any excess wine.
Additionally, do not feel obligated to try every wine that is offered.

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