My-WoodenSpoon: Winery Highlights

Cade- Cade was one of the best tasting experiences I’ve had in the Napa Valley. We started the tasting outside, with their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. "Spearmint, guava, kiwi, gooseberry and snow pea are followed on the palate with flavors of concentrated lemon/lime mix, fig and guava." This wine had wonderful complexity and a depth of flavors. Then, we went inside to taste their 2007 CADE Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, 2007 CADE Napa Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2007 CADE Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Each was better then the previous. Our hostess was a sommelier and provided useful information in regards to the wine we tasted and the process of becoming a sommelier. The beautiful atmosphere and informative staff paired with their tasty wines to make Cade a VIP experience.

Sitting next to the infinity pool...can't get a better view of the Valley

Where we tasted the Sauvignon Blanc

Castello di Amorosa Castello di Amorosa seems to be the “Disney World” of the Valley. For $30, guests receive a 1 hour and 45 min tour of the 3-year old castle. I found the tour to be extremely kitschy and I could have definitely done without- due to the cheesy and scripted tour guide. I suggest the self-guided tour along with a tasting. The tour highlights the fact that the castle took 15 years to build, however it’s treated as though it is 15 thousand years old. The property is beautiful, and the wines were surprisingly good, but the sales pitch took away from the experience. The tasting came at the end of the tour (couldn’t come soon enough.) It took place in a cellar room where guests choose 5 wines from a list of 20 to taste. We ended up tasting many more than that, which was nice, and much needed after the hour-long tour.