Being the exceptionally cool dad that my dad is he has a connection in Calistoga. Doesn’t sound very cool right?… but wait, it is located at the Northern end of Napa Valley in California. Now I have your attention. So to add to the story my dad went to college in Utah with Bo Barrett. Once again that doesn’t sound that cool but Bo Barrett is the owner of Chateau Montelena Winery which is the featured vineyard in the movie Bottle Shock! So like I said my dad has the connection!
The Chateau
Before you visit this vineyard, or any vineyard in Napa Valley that is, make sure to watch the movie, because it gets you eager to see how wine is made from people who are so passionate about the art of wine making. We were lucky enough to get a behind the curtains tour. Bo took us down in the subterranean wine aging tunnels, which was cool to see, no pun intended (they are stored down there to keep the cool climate controlled).
We tasted Chardonnay, Riesling, Zinfendal, and two different types of Cabernets.
I was a little disappointed when I heard we were going to be trying the Chardonnay and the Riesling, because I’m not a big fan of either, but since the Chardonnay was the star in the movie I figured that was one we would taste. We started with the Riesling; swirl, sniff, and a sip, and I was completely caught off guard. It was not the typical overly sweet flavor I am used to, but instead a crisp fresh flavor with layers of floral notes such as orange blossom, and white melon. The same reaction occurred with the Chardonnay. Instead of the buttery overwhelming flavor, it was full of citrus tones, and rich tropical notes complemented by subtle sweet oak.
After the tasting he drove us around the 254 acres of vines. It was just stunning land filled with vines rolling over the hills! He also showed us his adorable filly!
So now after one online wine class from school, and a quick wine tour from Bo I like to say I am a wine connoisseur! And to end post with the classic words of Galileo Galilei “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” Now grab a bottle of some fine wine, and enjoy a few more of my pictures from the Napa Valley!
Biking around the vines!
Learning about the grapes at Vincent Arroyo Winery.
I’m heading to CA’s wine country next week and Montelena is on our list after watching Bottle Shock. That’s so cool that your dad went to college with Bo. Cool pics!