Some occasions require pulling out all the stops: milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirement. Napa Valley lends itself to sophistication and celebrations, but to really escalate your visit to wine country, check out one of the top 10 wineries for the most exclusive experience in the valleys.
Harlan Estates
In a perfect world, you may have tasted the exclusive Harlan Estates Bourdeaux style blends which run upwards of $1000. And if the stars are aligned and you have somehow managed to obtain a hard to come by invitation to the estate’s wine tasting, consider yourself among the rare few. Coveted membership status will get you into a fabulous dinner in an opulent setting, not a tasting room.
Promontory
Unlike sister vineyard Harlan Estate, Bill Harlan’s Promontory, run by his son, while still quite a luxe vineyard, is a bit more attainable. Set in an industrial-like setting amid the hills of Oakville overlooking Napa Valley, guests descend 20 feet underground to the cask room, for a sample of young wines still resting in casks. Continue on to the library for a sample of more vintages before having the opportunity to purchase a current release which will run approximately $700.
Ghost Horse Spectre Dinner
For the ultimate dinner party, Celebrity Winemaker, Todd Anderson will co-host a dinner for you and your friends in your home, on your yacht or even on a private plane. The dinner can be anywhere in the world, as long as wine can be shipped to the location. Anderson supplies all the wine in addition to a mixed case for the client’s cellar, while you provide the food. $45,000 for twelve people.
Round Pond Estate
Fans of cabernet will get a first-hand look of the production with a winemaker. You will then experience the blending process and even have the opportunity to create your own custom blend. Enjoy lunch on the terrace with the fresh assortment of produce and cheese paired with the wine.
Rubino Luxury Tour and Tasting Castello di Amorosa Calistoga
One of the most regal tastings in the Valley, your private experience features curated tours through the story of Castello di Amorosa as you explore wines and architecture with intimate barrel tastings in the Grand Barrel Room. Next, you’ll be whisked away to a private location for an antipasti lunch paired with exclusive reserve wines and treasures to bring home. There is also the opportunity to work with the hospitality staff to customize a tour, making it uniquely yours.
A Day of Duckhorn: Duckhorn Vineyards
The full day experience, meant to engage all the senses, starts at Paraduxx winery where you will enjoy a Private Blend Experience. Following the tasting, relax with a casual lunch before setting off to Duckhorn Vineyards. Here, a private tasting is tailored to wines of your choosing as your educator walks you through the vineyards 41 years of history.
Darioush Winery
This invitation-only experience debuts Darioush’s most coveted releases in a food and wine pairing experience. Crafted for connoisseurs, your host will guide you through a tasting of the estate’s crown jewel, Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon and a selection of limited releases along with a thoughtfully paired selection of cheeses by Executive Chef Travis Hunter.
VIP Experience Davis Estates
Go behind the scenes of the stunning vineyard and estate before heading to the Howard Backen designed winery and tour 11,000Sq. Ft. of caves. Following the tour, enjoy a private tasting served with reserve wines beautifully paired with seasonal gourmet bites.
Joseph Phelps Vineyard
Take a gastronomical journey through wine and food amid the opulent dining room. Your evening begins with passed canapes on the redwood terrace overlooking the estate vineyard followed by creatively crafted cuisine paired alongside the extraordinary wines of Joseph Phelps Vineyards including the latest vintage Insignia.
Schramsberg Vineyards
One of the best tastings in Napa begins with a magical candlelight dinner in historic 125-year-old caves. Depending on whether you are visiting for the spring blending or fall harvest, you will learn the essentials of the season. A fine assortment of cheese paired served with Schramsberg Vineyards completes the over the top romantic experience.
