Did you know …Only 4% of the wine produced in CA comes from Napa?

We recently enjoyed a few days in Napa…okay, “enjoyed” is an under-statement! The trip was my first as a wine “tourist” instead of a wine-worker-bee. We visited many amazing wineries that I will blog at a later date but let’s start with the Conn Creek Winery Experience. WOW!

At one point in my career, I oversaw programs at Conn Creek Winery so I am very familiar with the winery and wines. We were traveling with friends and since I had never taken advantage of the VIP experience, this seemed like the perfect time.

The Comprehensive Blending Experience is one of the best in California. The room is surrounded by barrels with a table full of tasting mats, glasses and beakers. For the next couple of hours our wine educator gave us an overview of the Napa Valley AVA, guided us through barrel tastings, instructed us on the blending process and gave us an overall FUN time. It is a true hands-on experience! After we each blended our perfect bottle of wine, we corked it and made a personal label. In other words, we played winemaker for a day!

The REAL winemaker at Conn Creek Winery is Mike McGrath. Mike is a genuinely nice man and a great winemaker. The wines are elegant, bold and very easy to drink. One of my favorite Conn Creek wines, Anthology, a blend of Bordeaux varieties. On occasion you can find Conn Creek wines at Fry’s or purchase online at http://store.conncreek.com/storefront.aspx.

Include Conn Creek in your Napa travels….and tell me about your experience! I was impressed.