Nickel & Nickel: Single Vineyard, Single Varietal Boutique Oakville Winery

 Nickel & Nickel, Far Niente's sister winery, is the place that I think of visiting when planning a trip with my best friends and family. That's probably why I convinced Alex that this was a wine club that we needed to join. The tour we had with our wine educator, Chris, was a great experience for everyone ranging from wine novices to experts. He was informative, thorough, and flexible with the group's interests. He gave us just enough knowledge about the winery's history, winemaking philosophy, and the different local wine regions. Then after peeking into a beautiful 300 year old barn, checking out the different soils from the local appellations, and heading down to the caves, you return to fabulous wines and delicious cheeses to pair in a beautiful formal dining room.

This is a place where the wines are so delicious, they really steal the show! Their focus is on Cabernet Sauvignon, but their Chardonnays, Syrahs, and Merlots, were all very tasty. I love the style of the wine maker and I am always excited to receive our next shipment. My favorite so far has been the CC Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($95). Nickel & Nickel also hosts great events for their wine clubs, usually on the same days as the Far Niente events. If you are a member you can taste and tour complimentary at both wineries as well as attend all of their events. We have not attended any yet, but will be attending two of them the first weekend in February, and will definitely share our experience in a post soon!

Tips - Nickel & Nickel:

• The tasting fee is $50 a person, the wines are amazing (and very expensive) and I would pay the fee even if I didn't live near wine country! Since I do, I joined the wine club which allows me to take up to 3 guests complimentary on every visit.
• Try to remember what you like about tasting the same vintage of 100% varietal cabs from different regions. They all taste very different and I love that about Nickel & Nickel.
• Make this your first appointment of the day if possible, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes in advance. You don't want to hold up the rest of the group for these small and intimate tours.
• Remember, this winery is appointment only. Call in well in advance (2+ weeks) to make sure that there is availability.