It’s Time for a Blind Wine Tasting Party!
If you’ve never hosted or attended a blind wine tasting party, it’s time! We’ve done this several times over the years, and we attended an excellent one this past Saturday night.
What is a blind wine tasting party? It can really be done in many different ways, with the common theme being that the guests are tasting and comparing different wines without knowing what they’re tasting.
A Taste of Howell Mountain
There are many great events to attend in Napa Valley. Last week, I wrote about the Auction Napa Valley (more about that below), which happened in early June. This week, I want to share about the annual “Taste of Howell Mountain,” which we attended just yesterday.
One of my favorite AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in Napa Valley is Howell Mountain. It is in the Vaca Range on the east side of Napa Valley. It occupies a volcanic plateau and looks across the valley to the Mayacamas Range on the west side. The AVA itself starts at an elevation of 1400 feet and ranges up to 2000 feet. The grapes in these vineyards ripen slowly; and, because they are above the fog line, are drenched in sun for many hours of the day.
While I could go on about the wines, another notable characteristic is the generosity of the winery owners themselves. Many partake and give much to the Napa Valley Vintners Auction, and they band together for “Taste of Howell Mountain” to raise money for the Howell Mountain Elementary School.
No “Ice Wine” at Auction Napa Valley
I am having dinner at a restaurant in ______ City (full name is being withheld to protect the guilty!). I just saw the gentleman sitting in a nearby booth take his spoon, take ice cubes out of his water glass, and put them in his glass of red wine! Oh my, oh my – what to do?? Oh, well – nothing to do but continue working to help people enjoy the beauty of wine. He has to have it his way.
Such a contrast in places. Spending a week in Napa Valley is another world. The Auction Napa Valley was a huge hit this year with record-breaking results. Over three days, the total amount raised for area charities was $16.9 Million. This was a phenomenal result.
Napa’s Big Event: Auction Napa Valley
We’re coming up on the first weekend in June, and that means one thing in Napa Valley — Auction Napa Valley is about to get underway! This is one of the biggest wine events in the country (maybe the world?) and one of my favorite events in Napa Valley each year. Auction Napa Valley is the annual charitable fundraiser for the Napa Valley Vintners. Last year alone, Auction Napa Valley raised over $8 million for charitable causes.
Consider a Visit to Del Dotto on Your Next Visit to Napa!
Napa is filled with great wineries and great tasting experiences. Where to visit is really a question that is best answered by what type of experience you would like to have. There are over 400 wineries in the valley, and each offers something different to tantalize your palate and your mind.
Del Dotto is one of those fun and informational tours that I recommend to most folks who have the opportunity to visit the valley. There are two wine caves to choose from, and both offer tours of their caves where you taste from barrels along the way. The original location is in Napa in the south end of the valley. It’s been a few years since I’ve visited that location, but I’m sure you would not be disappointed. My most recent tours have been in the newer location in St. Helena. Del Dotto tours and tastings are by appointment only, and the cost is $50 per person. Trust me — You will definitely get your money’s worth!