Total Trail Miles: 40.7
Sauvignon Blanc is a green skinned grape that takes its name from the French words for wild (sauvage) and white (blanc). A native varietal of Southwestern France, Sauvignon Blanc varies with the region and is often characterized by notes of fresh, crisp, flinty, steely, acidic, green, asparagus, grassy, herbaceous, gooseberry and tropical fruit.
Start the trail in the town of Napa at John Anthony. This is a very modern tasting lounge that serves wine without an appointment from 10am to 2am including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and two Sauvignon Blanc’s with very different flavor profiles - both from their estate in Carneros. Don't miss John Anthony's late harvest dessert wine.
Head north on highway 29, cross the floor at Yountville and continue north over on Silverado Trail until you reach Conn Creek Road. Make a left and continue west to the Honig Vineyard and Winery about half way cross the floor. This is a friendly family operation that started producing Sauvignon Blanc in the late 1980’s - the name Honig is synonyms with the white varietal. Enjoy three variations of their Sauv Blanc under a canopy of trees at the center of the valley in Rutherford.
Continue north in Highway 29 until you reach Dowdell Lane, Crocker and Starr is the last house on the left. This vineyard has been active since 1870 and currently farmed organically under the direction of Charlie Crocker & Pam Starr. Their Sauvignon Blanc is stainless with a kiss of wood, crisp with stone fruit and a streak of mineral. One of the best Sauv Blancs in the Valley.
Final stop, Jericho Canyon. Work your way over to The Trail and head north past the town of Calistoga to the Old Lawley Toll Road. This winery sits in a valley on a dramatic piece of property at the base of the Palisades mountain range. The old west aesthetic and rugged surroundings provided a fascinating contrast to the beautiful wines produced here. This is a well-balanced, citrus flavored Sauvignon Blanc that delivers a long, lingering finish.
Dine at Sam's Social Club in Calistoga (707) 942 4969.
Crocker & Starr | St. Helena AVA
