Sparkling Wine: If you’re driving in from San Francisco,
my first recommended stop would be at Domaine Carneros
at the base of both counties. Modeled after a French
Chateau and located on one of the most beautiful
landscapes in Napa, you stop here more for the location
than the wine. Opt for the Sparkling Wine tasting and
cheese pairing. If that’s been there-done that for you,
Schramsburg in Calistoga has a unique tasting and tour
through the hundred-year-old caves where their wines are
stored. Schramsburg Reserve is their top bubbly, aged
for six years and has a fruitful but dry taste. Pair this with a
main course such as fruit-stuffed veal, pork tenderloin, or
roasted duck with mango.
Chardonnay: My personal favorite Chardonnay is
Cakebread Cellar’s Napa Valley Chardonnay
from 2014. It has aromas of creamy golden apple, Asian
pear and honeydew melon with complementary coconut
and sweet oak scents. Since the Chardonnay is a bit richer
and weightier than other white wines, it pairs nicely with
Arancini with Fennel, Lemon and Crescenza Cheese.
Rombauer has an equally impressive 2014 Carneros
Chardonnay, buttery with a refreshing acidity. Pair it
with a Nicoise Salad or Salmon dish.