Go with “Pride”
This past Sunday, we enjoyed a ride up the mountain to tour and taste at Pride Mountain Vineyards. This famous winery is located atop Spring Mountain and provides glorious views of Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Range. The expanse of vines provides picture perfect scenery for the photographer in you. Many times I have visited and never tire of the beauty of the setting.
While I am doing my best to explore the 500 wineries in Napa County and almost 450 in Sonoma County (yes, that is a lot), there is one winery I always seem to come back to — and that is Pride Mountain Vineyards. It is the winery I have the longest history with and always enjoy visiting. The people are gracious, the views are lovely and the wine – oh, yes, the wine is quite pleasurable to drink.
The tour at Pride starts in the tasting room with their white wine. They produce Chardonnay, as well as Viognier; and both are well-crafted and delicious. You will get an overview of the winery and the plantings, gaining an appreciation for the history of the property. The tour continues into the caves with stops along the way for different wines and greater detail about the process. Each time I have visited, the guides are informative and friendly.
This is a property that makes many different varietals from their estate. They have been known for their Merlot, which has been touted as one of the best made. Pride makes one of the best Cab Francs, along with Syrah, Sangiovese, and Cabernet. I have bought and enjoyed them all over the years.
A visit to Pride is worth the time. It is also one of the best values for a visit. The cave tour and tasting is only $20. The wines are well-crafted and well-priced. I know that I sound a bit like a commercial, and I may be. It is a favorite among the valley for this writer.
Enjoy!
