A Collaboration with Wine Paths Travel. #Sponsored
Located one and a half miles from Hwy 29 in St. Helena and a thousand miles away from the hustle and bustle of Napa Valley. Fantesca Estates is in the Spring Mountain District AVA. This AVA (America Viticulture Area) straddles both Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. The Mayacama Mountains separate the two. Climate fluctuates with influence from the sea and fog providing an optimal climate. The mountain starts at 200 feet and goes up to 2,600 feet in elevation at its highest point.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for most of the vineyard designation here. The elevation and diurnal shifts lend beautiful acidity & structure to the wines.
Perched on 53 acres rolling hills, Fantesca has dedicated 10 acres to vineyards. The vista framed by sweeping views of the valley below. The winery is a nest of peace and solitude.
Duane Hoff is the co-founder who along with his wife Susanne started the winery as a project 10 years ago. The dream was to evolve into a family business that each member could be a part of. While Susanne joined a start-up of sorts while still in college, Duane came on board later. The start-up would later become Best Buy. Their experience there would fund their dream.
Today the team includes Master Sommelier D’lynn Proctor who came on board as a Director at Fantesca. He’s best known for his roles in the Somm Series movies.
For most guests, the greeting will be with a beautiful glass of Lallier Champagne. A perfect way to kick off this rich laid back experience. As I arrive, a jewel of a Fantesca’s Chardonnay graces my hands. The Chardonnay contains fruit hand-selected by coveted winemaker Heidi Barrett She’s been working with Fantesca from the beginning. A world-class winemaker, she described to the Hoff’s how she envisioned making wine. Her palettes are the parcels in the vineyards and the fruit within. The palette she uses to create the wine, much like an artist paints a painting. Her’s is the guiding hand of elegance and quality that exists in the wines of Fantesca.
Mass production is pervasive in the wine space. Not so at Fantesca. Duane explains how they make the Chardonnay. Using grapes from the Russian River Valley in this case. And how they get that beautiful texture in the wine. On the lees, using the battonage technique (stirring of the lees). This method gives a creamy mouthfeel to the wine while maintaining its vibrancy. A Burgundian style of making Chardonnay.
Sitting on the terrace is the perfect place to taste when the weather is favorable. I’m taking in these sweeping views of the valley floor below and the rolling hills of their vineyards. A stack of cut vines piled high pops out amongst the bright green of the lush ground cover. The vines pruned, stand at ready for bud break after their deep sleep. These vines are old Cabernet Sauvignon. Bearing less with far more complex and intense fruit than its younger counterparts.
My next taste is the 2015 King Richard’s Reserve Pinot Noir in the caves. The caves offer a cool respite from the sun. The barrels carry their treasures of wine while it matures inside. The 100-yard long tunnel serves as transport for the family to go from home to the winery each day. Some tastings take place in the cool stillness of the caves. Others in their tasting room above the winery itself.
Spring Mountain is known for its bright and vibrant wine. At Fantesca it’s got it all. This is an experience with wine you won’t soon forget. A destination with memorable wine, incredible scenery, and serenity. After one visit you’ll feel like part of the Fantesca Family.
For information on visiting Fantesca, contact Wine Paths Travel the luxury destination company.
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
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!
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Incredible experience and it keeps on getting better every time I visit. Have you been to @goosecrosscellars ?
Fantastic red white and Rosé wine. There is absolutely something for everyone. Including clothes for the shoppers amongst us.
#rosé #roséallday #napavalley #winetasting #winelife #summervibes #bestday #goosecrosscellars #visitnapavalley
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2 Responses
Looks like a great visit, and love that they greet you with Champagne!
Isn’t it the best!? You are going to love their wines Ryan. It is absolutely a lovely experience. Some of the best views in The Valley!