Winery Reviews

A couple weeks ago, we went to Napa for my first winetasting experience. It's one of those romantic places where people propose. (according to websites :P). After scouring google and other internet search sites, we made 3 stops (mostly because they were cheap and serendipidously we covered a wide range of different types of wineries...SCORE!

Stop 1: Clos Du Val

This is a much smaller winery compared to the rest but the good thing is it has a picnic area where you can enjoy the sun. Also the swallows were nesting, so it added a nice touch to the country ambiance. We got free tasting with the purchase of wines, so I decided to get a couple small bottles.

The winery seems like it specialized in the Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted mostly new wines, but I tended to like the lighter wines, with less tannins. If you get can, try to go on a weekday because it gets really crowded on the weekend.

Their website: www.closduval.com

Stop 2: Robert Mondavi

This is a beautiful winery. Best if photographed in the morning, but nevertheless, the winery grounds are very well kept and adds to the winetasting experience. Their wines here are very diverse and my favorite was the dessert wine. I forgot what it was called, but it tasted like alcoholic grape juice.

Tip for this one: each wine tasting is only that, it's a 2oz tasting of a single wine. If you want to taste more, you need to pay for more. Luckily, there are 2for1 coupons on the internet if you'd like to taste more.

Their Website: www.robertmondavi.com

Stop 3: Domaine Chandon

This winery was much more commercialized. It's nestled in hills and the parking lot was almost full of tour buses. This is definitely a date place with quiet secluded areas for that all nervous DTR. (and guys, if you like the girl and the girl likes you, you'll DEFINITELY score points with winetasting as the first date, but enjoy responsibly.)

This place specializes in sparkling wines, but you also have the choice of still wines. This winery, too, has 2for1 online discounts, you just have to look for it. Also, they have different tasting series in which you can choose.
Their website: www.domainechandon.com

More random pictures:
The bar at stop 3, Domaine Chandon
Vineyards at Clos du Val.
Greek influence/ambiance at Robert Mondavi.