Total Trail Miles: 29.1
California wine makers represent the innovative new world of wine. They are unrestricted by traditions and formula's of the old world which allows them to experiment with blends of all varietals. We designed a trail to showcase this creativity and called it the Exotic Blends of the Napa Valley.
Start the trail just north of Calistoga at a winery producing a tiny 2000 case annually. Veteran Napa Valley wine maker Nils Venge created Bee Bee’s Blend for Envy Wines in 2005 and it's been a hit ever since. This is a delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah.
Head east on Tubbs Lane until you reach Highway 29 and continue southeast to the Silverado Trail. Keep heading southeast a few miles and cross the floor at Lodi Lane where you re-connect with '29'. Work your way south to St. Helena and find a place to park near the Orin Swift tasting room in the middle of town. Dave Phinney created a wildly popular Zinfandel blend in 2003 and the winery has never looked back (Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet, Charbono, Petit Sirah). Orin Swift is all about blends from a variety of sources - all exceptional.
Stay south on Highway 29 until you reach Whitehall Lane, make a right and continue West to South Whitehall Lane. Follow the road until it terminates at Tres Sabores. This winery produces organically grown fruit at the far west end of the Rutherford Bench and the creator of a popular Zinfandel blend called 'Por Que No', meaning - why not blend everything in our cellar?! The winery incorporates their best estate wine with a selection of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet, and Petit Verdot from various distinguished sources. A seductive, spicy gem.
Final stop, Robert Sinskey Vineyards at the north end of the Stags Leap District. Continue south on '29' and make a left at the Oakville Cross, traverse the floor and head south on Silverado Trail until you reach Robert Sinskey at the north end of Stags Leap. Sinskey is a biodynamic grower and big producer of Pinot Noir from their Carneros Vineyard. The winery bottles a number of different varietals including a seductive white blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Riesling called Abraxas. Perfect with food or sipping by the pool.
Dine at Bouchon in Yountville (707) 944-8037
Tre Sabores | Rutherford AVA
