The Perfect Trip to Napa (Day 1: Afternoon)

Taylor and Cody Lummus

After Domain Carneros we headed out to The Silverado Trail for the afternoon and arrived at Stag's Leap Cellars where we would have our second tasting of the day.    We were greeted with a glass of Chardonnay and invited on a guided tour of the facilities.   We walked around the winery where we learned about the history of the Stag's Leap District and we were entertained with the story of the winery and few local legends as we sipped our Chardonnay and looked into the vineyards.    Next we were led into the caves where tables adorned with wine glasses, wine bottles and amazing cheese trays lined the barrel walls.    Our guides led us through a private cave tasting of Merlots and Cabernets.      They did an amazing job, I highly recommend the team at Stag's Leap Cellars, especially when planning for a big group tasting.  

In the caves at Stag's Leap Cellars

Then it was time to move on, so we headed off to Yountville for some shopping, tasting and later - dinner.  There was still time for a more tasting, so a few of us headed into The Ma(i)sonry,  a small art gallery in Yountville that represents a few local wineries.    I always have some great wines there and just had to introduce my friends to it.     We had plenty of laughs looking at all the expensive art.   We didn't break anything, so that was a good start.   However, none of us took advantage of the $10,000 Bart Simpson statue, but no one was disappointed with the wine they offered.   We had a Sauvignon Blanc, a Syrah and a Cabernet Sauvignon.    Paul Jackson and I both loved the Blackbird Cabernet.    Melissa Pogue showed quite a bit of interest I the art, especially the antique bicycle out front.  Man, that was funny!

Laura Craddick and Melissa Pogue at Ma(i)sonry