We began our morning at Chateau Boswell, where we enjoyed a private tasting for two in the wine cave. Our experience with Matt Simpson was intimate, our morning was filled with laughing, drinking, and learning a thing or two about this hidden gem. This was the first certified Napa Green Winery, and their wines are simply perfection. Personally, I prefer reds to whites. However, the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay and Jacquelynn Cuvee Blanc were definitely something to write home about (and of course I had to bring them home too). My only regret here were that I came at a time of year where most of the reds were already sold. We tasted one red, but it was the whites that stole the show today. This experience is perfect for you and your fellow wine enthusiast. As you taste your way through the bottles, their Quality without Compromise approach will become very apparent. Tastings are by prior appointment only, and the fee is $40/person. If you are a Lexus owner, you can exercise your benefits here for a complimentary tasting for two.
After waving goodbye to Matt, we were on our way to Failla, which was less than a mile away. We arrived a little early for our appointment so we were able to peek around the awesome tasting room. The house reminded me of going to your cool friends house to play pool and board games. Alex and I found wine barrel chairs on the porch and hung out until it was time to try the wines. We tasted our way through four wines, two chardonnays and two pinots. Instantaneously, we were brought back to that wonderful pinot that we enjoyed several months ago. This small production winery is not messing around! Their available wines were priced in the $30-$70 range and they were wonderful at every price point. Failla is constantly rated in the 90+ range from Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, and many others. We purchased their Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir and also we took a gamble on their Estate Syrah since we were not able to taste it, but it was one that I was definitely willing to take the risk for. We were told that syrah is the winemaker's (Ehren Jordan) favorite varietal, so we are hoping that his passion will reflect in this wine. Overall, this was a great experience, and it would be perfect for a group of friends or family. The tastings are by appointment only and the fee is $20, which is waived with a purchase of two or more bottles.
If you are looking for a perfect day trip, begin your trip at Chateau Boswell, grab lunch at the nearby Solbar, then head to Failla and Hunnicutt for a day filled with amazing and completely different tasting experiences without driving all over the valley.
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