After lunch, we drive north to Schramsberg Winery. Founded by Jacob Schram in the 1860’s, I read the description of the property from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Silverado Squatters to create a backdrop for our visit. Schramsberg offers one of the most personable, interesting winery tours in the Napa Valley incorporating property history and family stories into an overview of Schramsberg sparkling winemaking practices. One of the highlights of this excellent tour is visiting the original caves which were hand-dug by Chinese laborers. At the conclusion of the tour, we sample four of their more hard-to-find wines including their Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Our favorites are the J. Schram and the Reserve which are excellent, balanced yet rich examples of sparkling wine.
Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Road, off Highway 29, Calistoga
(707) 942-4558
Tours & tastings by appointment only 7 days a week
$25 tasting fee
http://www.schramsberg.com
Getting there: From Taylor’s, turn left onto Highway 29 and head north, through St. Helena, for 5 ½ miles. Keep your eyes peeled for the discreet Schramsberg sign on your left, then turn left onto Peterson Drive and make an immediate right on Schramsberg Road.
With a few minutes to spare before our next appointment we crossed the valley floor on Dunaweal Lane to the Silverado Trail and headed south for a quick stop at Dutch Henry Winery. We were greeted by the winemaker’s friendly Airedales, Buggsy and Sadie. Located in the cellar amidst the steel tanks and oak barrels, the tasting room was rowdy and lively. The gentleman serving us was brash, funny and very down-to-earth. The wines were equally approachable.
Dutch Henry Winery
4310 Silverado Trail, Calistoga
(888) 224-5879
Daily 10am – 4:30pm, tasting by appointment
http://www.dutchhenry.com