Wine Tastings – A Good Idea But It Can Become Costly

By Tom Marquardt And Patrick Darr

Napa Valley is an expensive tourist destination.  Once, the place where a wine enthusiast could tour tasting rooms all day without spending a dollar is long gone, replaced by tiered tasting experiences that can easily cost more than $100 for a sip of a producer’s premium wines. Maybe you can afford one winery stop, but hitting up several wineries will cost more than a week’s lodging at the Holiday Inn.

The average tasting experience has risen to about $84 a person for maybe 3-4 wines. Many wineries apply this to purchases if you choose, but the cost is dampening interest – especially when alcohol consumption is down. Nearly half of the younger generation doesn’t drink.

Now comes the news that Vice Versa, a cult winery that sources grapes from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa Valley, is charging $250 for a tasting of four wines that include a $575 Magnificent Seven.  Owner Patrice Breton told the San Francisco Chronicle that he pours at least $1,000 worth of wine for the maximum 10 visitors he is permitted to host, so the price is justified. And he added that he hopes a visitor will buy three bottles and have their tasting fee waived.

One would think he would have few takers at these prices, but in fact Breton says sales are up 30 percent this year. Go figure.

According to Vice Versa’s website, “Our values are anti-corporate and anti-pretense. Collaboration and humility come before ego displays.”

Hmmm.

The wine tasting experience isn’t the only cost rising in Napa Valley. The average cost of one night’s lodging has risen to $440 versus $230 in neighboring Sonoma County. One night in the best inns will set you back more than $1,000. That makes for an expensive visit if you are planning one this year.

As an alternative, you could buy an expensive wine for home consumption, make a great romantic dinner with your spouse and save money. Watch some YouTube tours of wine country and relax.

Here are a few choices if you’re in the mood to open your wallet and spare yourself an expensive trip to Napa Valley:

Turnbull Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($110). From an ideal vintage in Napa Valley comes this blockbuster wine that is 92 percent cabernet sauvignon with the balance made up of cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. The texture is rich and opulent with dark berry and plum flavors, a dash of spice, fine tannins and lingering finish to let you know you’re drinking a luxurious wine.

Dry Creek Vineyard Sea Quelle 2021 ($55). This meritage blend of merlot (63 percent), cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot has good stuffing, as they say. It has layered notes f black cherries, blackberries and plum with tantalizing hints of clove, mineral and spice. Easy tannins and an earthy feel.

Kosta Browne Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022 ($220). This producer has a lock on some of the best pinot noir coming out of California. Sources range, but the style is always exquisite and balanced. The Sta. Rita Hills, another favorite of ours, is half the price. For a special experience, try one of its Burgundy Series that sources grapes from Beaune, Pommard, Volnay and Nuits-St-Georges for about $90 each.

Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 ($125). Drawing grapes nearly 1,800 feet high on Mt. Veeder, the producer has a blockbuster wine with ripe blueberry aromas and complex dark berry flavors with hints of dried rosemary.

Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 ($110). This wine from several vineyards is a berry pie with raspberry, blueberry, cherry and blackberry flavors. Long in the finish with lingering notes of leather and spice.

Here are some less expensive California cabernets also worthy of your attention:

Silverado Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($50). This Bordeaux-like blend shows off ripe cherry fruit with hints of vanilla and chocolate.

Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($45). Another blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, this version has copious blackberry notes with a touch of mint and cocoa powder.

Brassfield Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon High Valley 2021 ($35). 85 percent cabernet sauvignon with the balance of the blend the remaining four Bordeaux red varietals. Another winner from Brassfield Estate Winery. Plum, cherry fruit notes dominate along with soft tannins. A hint of mint and mocha in the finish.

Wine picks

Sallier de la Tour Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2022 ($17). This is an excellent value from northwestern Sicily. Made entirely of nero d’avola grapes, it has fresh red fruit character and decent tannins to make for a nice match with beef and other meat dishes. Good texture with hints of spice and licorice.

Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 ($55). Sourcing grapes from the Alexander Valley, this producer has crafted a delicious blend of citrus and peach notes with richness. We loved it the most in a blind tasting of California chardonnays.

Kaiken Ultra Uco Valley Chardonnay 2023 ($26). We really enjoyed this Argentinian wine. Balanced with lively fruit and a long finish. Fresh tropical fruit and citrus notes with hints of minerality, vanilla and almonds.

Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino 2020 ($50). A good price for a brunello di montalcino, this velvety sangiovese has generous strawberry notes with a good dose of spice.

Juggernaut Red Blend 2023 ($20). New to this producer’s popular wine lineup, the red blend consists of petite sirah, teroldego and malbec. Frankly, it’s our favorite wine from Juggernaut. An excellent value for a big and expressive wine that incorporates an eclectic trio of grapes.  Plum and blueberry notes with a dash of dark chocolate. The ferocious bear on the label speaks for the wine as well as the spirit of Californians.

Castello Del Trebbio Chianti Superiore 2022 ($15-20).  Superiore indicates a higher quality designation above regular Chianti. Montmorency cherry notes with a fine structure and soft tannins. Excellent value.