I am in the Crusher District of Napa Valley. It is in Napa proper, on the fringe of south Napa. This area enjoys a quiet solitude off the much-traveled route of Highway 29. It’s a peaceful destination with a handful of wineries and a different flavor of Napa. In today’s fast-paced crowd centered tasting rooms, I would consider this area a perfect respite. It’s home to several unique tasting rooms, including Crosby Roamann. The thing about smaller scale wineries is, they hold within them treasure. These are the wines that rarely make it to the supermarket. The reason? Because quality is a hallmark and that can get lost in mass production. The wines also will sell out. Smaller lots, less inventory. A favorite of collectors and investors, small lot wines are perfect for anyone wanting to discover something delicious and unique.
You can’t make great Cabernet Sauvignon without it getting wet at least once.
Today, I am visiting the owners of Crosby Roamann, Sean W. McBride, founder, and the man responsible for getting this winery off the ground and his wife, a key ingredient to the winery’s success, Juliana. The winery is bright and open, small in terms of the established atypical wineries. This is a start up. It began as a passion project as so many do, but on the East Coast. In 2010, the McBride’s embarked on a journey taking them to the epicenter of Northern California wine, Napa. Their first vintage consisted of 56 cases.
Listen in to Sean’s philosophy on making handmade wines {VIDEO}:
We do very small lots of wine very well. Sean McBride
They produce 1,000 cases of handcrafted, high touch wine, in their own winery. This venture is complete with a winery dog and painstaking hours of servitude to the almighty berries Napa produces.
This is who we are and this is our passion. Juliana McBride
When making wine is a passion unparalleled by any other desire, you learn every aspect of the industry even when you live in New York City. Sean and Juliana McBride left the east coast to realize their dream, build their own winery and make wine. This venture is a contrast to the high volume entities that exist today. In fact, their goal is to stay small. Their wines can be found in a variety of exceptional restaurants across the country.
Hear about how they built the business and the background of Crosby Roamann {VIDEO}:
What do you do when you have barrels of extraordinary wine? Why you create a reserve of course. That is precisely what they did. The very best wine, heady perfume, incredible raspberry with a nuance of French oak. I’d get one to cellar and another to enjoy now. Exquisite!
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
All I want to do... is have some fun @tressabores #NapaValley check them out. Absolutely outstanding down to earth vibe and wine that`s better for you and planet earth. Sustainable, organic & truly killer wine! #certifiedsustainable #certifiedorganic
Current vibe on @threadsapp
I know no joy as great as a moment of rushing into a new love, no ecstasy like that of a new love.
~ Anais Nin
The words say it all. Magnificent drink. If you can get it. @turleywine 2015 Napa Valley Library Block Petite Syrah
Dark, brooding with a side of magnificent freshness.
And now back to Paris for a formidably fabulous Friday! Michelin-star restaurant- check! Fabulous dark and exquisite library for enjoying cocktails, a breathtaking entrance of a French hideaway from years ago...
Stunning Michelin star restaurant and beautiful bibliothèque with Parisian friends.
Bookmark this spot! I don’t often share where I dine unless I am out of the country, but because so many people ask 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren I am going to change that. Take my favorite brunch and Fried Chicken spot! @southsidenapa offers not only some of the freshest most inviting dishes in Napa, they also have a wide array of coffee, tea, wine and bubbles to pair your dishes with.
Its one of the few #petfriendly places with great food and an inviting team. Lots of talent here in the food arena and the outdoor seating area is equipped with swinging chairs, a fire pit and comfortable seating inside and out.
Fried Chicken you ask? Yes! Pairs perfectly with your Napa Valley Sparkling and #Champagne.The best in Napa Valley. Make sure and call ahead, they often sell out.
Hours are 8am-2pm
Breakfast served all day and an expanded lunch menu.
With over 30 years of sustainability under their belt, Domaine Carneros has a big headstart in the way of sustainability. They built the first significant solar installation, recognized as the largest in the world at the time. Far beyond complacent, Domaine Carneros continues to push the limits and try new techniques and strategies to improve their abilities.
Domaine Carneros
An incredible indulgence and the ultimate experience.
It’s in my neighborhood. Two miles away door to door. Why do I find myself returning again and again? Because this is one of the most stunning destinations in Carneros and Napa Valley. Stunning in both taste and views.
The skies, the ultimate blue, the vineyard hills throughout the landscape. It’s a breathtaking pinch yourself situation no matter how often you visit.
The team is so welcoming and the sparkling wine is world class and made sustainably. If you’re ready to step up your sparkling wine game this is where you need to be.
The wines tasted:
2016 Estate Brut Cuvée (late disgorge) ripe pear, white flowers, creamy, beautiful structure.
2019 Brut Rosé Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, incredible well poised, citrus, red berries, almonds and floral notes
2015 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Tête de Cuvée The dream. A signature must taste from the most prized blocks of Chardonnay. Evocative of citrus curd, pie crust, a nuance of ginger and tart lemon. I could drink this all day every day!
2017 Ultra Brut Tropical fruit, lime, lemon zest, crisp, lovely palate and exquisite finish.
The ultimate indulgence, featuring three of Tsar Nicoulai’s finest caviars:
Classic, Select, and Golden Reserve
Served with potato chips, toast points, and Cowgirl Creamery crème fraîche.
Make your reservation today!
Domainecarneros.com and ask for the caviar experience!
#TheWineSiren #DomaineCarneros #CertifiedSustainable #NapaValley #WinePairing #SparklingWine
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