On this past warm northern Napa Valley Sunday afternoon I had the good fortune to experience a new Wine Adventure in beautiful Calistoga. Downtown, where Highway 29 is called Lincoln Street, Romeo Vineyards operates their tasting garden a block south of the Napa River, just a few doors down from the Calistoga Inn.
This is truly a garden setting. There are several tables on the front patio just off Lincoln Street, a few more along the garden path leading to the tasting room, and a second patio with larger tables at the rear of the property. Even with temperatures in the mid 80’s, abundant shade trees provided a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for tasting.
The tasting menu short version (photo right, long version on chalkboard in photo gallery at the top) consists of a flight of eight wines from which guests pick five for the standard tasting fee. Varietals ranged from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon, with Malbec, Rose and a nice red blend included. Bottles are labeled “Sempre Vive” (Latin, Always Alive). Romeo Vineyards wine guide Brian did an excellent job of presenting the wines and giving our group opportunities for comparative tastings.
Although there were more wines I liked than I could fit into a mixed case, a few made the journey home with me: 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($22); 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay ($26); 2009 Napa Valley Miscela ($48). Photo below. The Sauvignon Blanc is very refreshing and not too fruity. Romeo Vineyards makes two versions of Chardonnay, I preferred the clean Napa Valley style over the Reserve with its slightly buttery and oaky finish. Miscela is a Bordeaux blend red wine great with meals or sipping on its own.
Next time you’re in Calistoga, stop in at the Romeo Vineyards tasting garden, no reservations necessary (though you can reserve a table by calling ahead).
1224 Lincoln Street, Calistoga, CA 94515
Telephone (707) 942-8239
Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 6:00pm
Friday – Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm
Disclaimer: My tasting fee was waived when I bought a case of wine. No fee or other inducement was paid for this review.
