THE MCBEE WINE BLOG DIARY

My mother, Camille McBee, partnered with Bobby G. Smith, Winemaker, in North Texas for over 30 years. Together they worked to develop a National and International name for Texas Wines. In 2009 she passed away too young, but she left behind a Texas Wine Industry that was better because of her dedication and she left a family with a deep rooted love and appreciation for wine and entertaining. This blog serves as a diary of my adventures in wine and as a lasting toast to my mother. -Cheers!

This blog is NOT intended to be the authority on tasting notes, or a professional guide for wine experts; it's simply a place for me to share some of my opinions and findings about wine with my friends and other wine lovers.

I truly hope you will use this blog to help you the next time you are thinking about what to buy at the wine store or deciding what to order at a local restaurant or when you travel to the wine country. ENJOY!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Perfect Trip to Napa (Day 2: Afternoon & Evening-)

AFTER LUNCH AGENDA...   MORE WINE!

I have mentioned that big groups are not welcome at most wineries, so that afternoon we split into three groups.    We made reservations at three wineries, each one highlighting a different area of the valley.    The first group headed off to Carneros where they would be greeted by some familiar accents at Truchard Vineyards.   This is a large sprawling winery, with a long Napa History and a quaint, friendly tasting room was a perfect option for those looking for a laid back tasting experience.     The winery owners are originally from Texas, they live on property and enjoy having visitors, especially Texans.      As happened to our guests, you will often get special treatment when you mention you are a native of the Lone Star State.

The second group was set up with a private tasting at Cakebread Cellars.    This well known winery does a great job with their tastings and is a good fit for a group that has had their wine in the past and wants to learn more about its' heritage and its' many different varietals.   This is another rather casual, yet scripted experience as you walk through their facilities and get to understand the winemaking process at Cakebread.    You will taste many wines from Chardonnay to Cabernet and will have the opportunity to see their barrel aging process in their barrel room.  

Modern Architecture at Qunitessa starts at the door
View into the vineyards at Quintessa
The last group visited Quintessa, which is a real special experience for those looking for a more boutique or specialty winery experience.  You are greeted by a massive modern winery with gravity flow design that aides in the winemaking process.    Yo get a real understanding of how the juice travels from the vine to the barrel as they walk you through the harvest process.  

Their tasting includes a walk though their expansive property, where the tour guide gives an education on "Green" winemaking and the processes used throughout the valley to conserve the environment and use nature where there is a need to combat nature.   Many of us don't think of all the natural predators there can be to winemaking.    Bugs, animals and fungi are always concern of the vineyard manager and the winemaker.    You sip on a special Sauvignon Blanc, Illumination, as you look across acres of grapevines and man made lakes.  (pictured above) Quintessa is a beautiful winery...   the pictures are worth 1000 words.


LATER THAT EVENING...

After another day of wine touring we headed to St. Helena for dinner at PRESS, a California steakhouse.     We arrived to a private reception on an outdoor patio in from of a natural wood-burning fireplace.   Most of us had had enough grape juice for one day...   a nice single barrel scotch seemed to hit the spot for the boys.


Tommy, Me, Mike, Hunter and Brandon - brings back some GOOD memories boys!

The girls took a seat by the fireplace and caught up about "who knows what" but they certainly had a good time doing it.    It was a nice relaxing break from the long day.    

Libby and Taylor

The girls catching up by the fire

After the reception, the staff seated us a two long table alongside the fireplace under a canopy of lighted trees.    The setting was awesome and the food was absolutely great.  PRESS features great wood fired steaks, adult mac 'n cheese, great green and salads and a lengthy wine list, delivered via IPAD of course.   The staff was excellent, but they always are at PRESS.   This is one of the reasons that PRESS was a must for this trip.   They always take very good care of their guests and we wanted ours to experience that for themselves. 

Patio Dinner at PRESS, St. Helena

2 tables set for 12

We never miss this restaurant and neither should you.   Next time your at PRESS, don't forget to ask for Charles, he is the best waiter in town!

Lee, Kevin and Donna



1 comment:

  1. Hi David,
    My name is Jane and I'm with Dwellable.
    I was looking for blogs about Napa to share on our site and I came across your post...If you're open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
    Hope to hear from you soon!
    Jane

    ReplyDelete