There’s just something about the mountain fruit that Diamond Mountain offers – grace and finesse that differentiates itself from other surrounding mountain sites. This appellation sits at a higher elevation than most of Napa Valley’s wine region, resulting in less cool fog coming in from San Pablo Bay, and more direct exposure to sunlight. The soil of this AVA is volcanic and very porous which allows it to cool down quickly despite the increased sunlight. Escape with us on our Diamond Mountain tour as we introduce you to three of the gems that call this home!
Reverie Winery
1520 Diamond Mountain Rd
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-6800
www.reveriewine.com/
Nestled in the hills of Calistoga, up Diamond Mountain Road, is Reverie Vineyard and Winery. This 30-acre vineyard is an appointment only must-see! Norman Kiken, Reverie’s owner and winemaker, has been making his elegant Bordeaux-style wines for 22 years. All of his grapes are estate grown and picked early so he can keep the alcohol levels low and “showcase the intense and unique mountain flavors.” With nine different varietals, showcased and bottled individually their total production is limited to 3000 cases.
Your wine tour will begin on the crush pad where you’ll learned some Reverie history as you sip the 2012 A.S. Kiken, named after Norman’s oldest son. This blend is made up of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, but also includes Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Grenache. Check out reviews of their current and past vintages. Next stop on the guided wine tour is the wine cave tasting of Reverie’s Tempranillo. This wine is lighter than a Cabernet and possesses elements of tobacco and spice. The last stop is the most special and only can happen in this special Diamond Mountain location. You will step inside the naturally occurring phenomenon, their perfect ring of redwood trees. Enter this cool, dark, majestic circle of trees and relax while tasting wine in this magical, peaceful place. We dare you not to utter “wow!” There you’ll enjoy their 2012 Cabernet Franc. This fruity and soft wine put Norman on the map. A slightly older vintage of Reverie’s Cabernet Franc was recently selected as one of the Top 100 Wines in the World and it was the only Cabernet Franc-based wine to make the list.
Schramsberg
1400 Schramsberg Rd
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-4558
www.schramsberg.com
Schramsberg is rich in history, on an understated and serene property. Upon your arrival you’ll be greeted in the front tasting room surrounded by lovely gardens and a frog pond, nestled against Diamond Mountain. Your wine tour begins with the history of Schramsberg, which was started by Jacob Schram way back in 1862. Through a circuitous route, the winery had been abandoned and since brought back to life by the Davies family during the 1960’s. Read more of the lively history of the winery. Schramsberg has served Presidential administrations since the 1960’s and this is a tradition that is still continued.
Soon after your history lesson you’ll move to the caves. It’s a dark, dank experience with moss growing on the walls and lit by candles, enhancing the experience of wine making from another time. It’s a functional wine cave that can hold up to three million bottles of wine! You’ll be introduced to the classic method of producing sparkling wine, including the riddling method created by Madame Clicquot and used by the master riddler of Schramsberg.
The wine tasting is set up on an elegant table surrounded by candelabra lighting where you’ll taste a selection of wines. From their Blanc de Blancs sparkling made from Chardonnay grapes, Blanc de Noir to their Brut Rose and Reserve wines. Since the Davies family also makes “still” red wine, you might sample a couple of their reds including a Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Find out more about their wide variety of sparkling wines and their still selections
And you can learn more about the other Napa Valley sparkling wineries here
Learn more about the history of Schramsberg below:
Constant Diamond Mountain
2121 Diamond Mountain Rd.
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-0707
www.constantwine.com
“Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard may just be the highest (2121’), oldest (1895) vineyard, and smallest winery in the Napa Valley. Our location here at the top of the Diamond Mountain District appellation is, perhaps, one of the best places in the world to grow Bordeaux varietals and is unequivocally, the most beautiful and romantic.” So says Mary Constant owner of the spectacular vineyard and winery that sits atop Diamond Mountain at the northern end of the Napa Valley.
Wine tasting at Constant is exclusively for members and is by appointment only and those who make it atop Diamond Mountain for the experience are often awestruck at the experience – both the view and the wines! Constant produces a limited supply of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Claret (Bordeaux style blend) and Syrah from its mountain estate.
Diamond Mountain is an unforgettable experience. At times it can be a challenge to acquire and arrange wine tours and tastings. So let Beau Wine Tours handle your experience and all we ask is that you enjoy all that Napa Valley has to offer! Get in touch with us here and we’ll be happy to help!
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