Our last day of tastings1

As our month in Napa Valley comes to a close, we couldn't have asked for a better finale than our last day of wine tastings. With only one tasting scheduled for the day, we made sure to make the most of it at the renowned Frogs Leap Winery.  

Arriving at 10:30am, we were greeted by the friendly hospitality team who introduced us to our host, Rebecca. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for our final wine adventure.  Our tasting started with the Frogs Leap Chardonnay, a crisp and refreshing wine that served as a delightful start to the day. Rebecca then took us on a tour of the property, beginning with the vineyard and then leading us through the breathtaking gardens.

Throughout the tour, she shared interesting insights about Frogs Leap Winery, including their commitment to organic agriculture and their deep-rooted values.  As we explored the property, we witnessed the hustle and bustle of the ongoing harvest. The Frogs Leap crew was hard at work, handling freshly picked Cabernet Franc grapes. We watched in awe as the grapes were loaded onto the conveyor, underwent stem removal, and made their way into the fermentation tanks. It was a truly immersive experience that allowed us to appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship behind every bottle of Frogs Leap wine.  

During this process, we had the pleasure of meeting John and Rory Williams, the father and son team who are the proprietors of Frogs Leap. Rory generously offered us a taste of a fermenting Gamay, which had been in the concrete fermentation tank for approximately three days. It was a unique opportunity to witness the wine in its early stages and gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking process.  

Meanwhile, Rebecca continued guiding us through the tasting, presenting us with the Frogs Leap Merlot and the Frogs Leap Cabernet. Each wine was a testament to the winery's dedication to producing exceptional varietals that showcased the unique terroir of Napa Valley.  

After the tasting, we headed downtown Napa for a well-deserved lunch at The Bounty Hunter. The combination of mouthwatering barbecue, impeccable service, and delicious cocktails made us regret not discovering this gem earlier in our visit. It was a memorable meal that further enriched our Napa Valley experience.  As some of our group explored downtown Napa and the Oxbow Market, Shannon and I opted for a relaxing afternoon at the house. The time provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible month we had spent in this iconic wine growing region, filled with incredible wines, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable memories.  

In the evening, we all gathered at the Villa for our final night together in Napa. The dinner menu featured exquisite espresso-dusted short ribs with French onion risotto and grilled asparagus, a culinary masterpiece if I must say.  To make the occasion even more special, we were joined by VIP guests Jay from Pride and his wife Becca. The combination of great food, engaging conversation, and outstanding wine created an awesome atmosphere, a fitting end to our time in Napa Valley.  

As we bid farewell to Napa Valley, we can't help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences we've had throughout the month. From the warm hospitality of the wineries to the unmatched beauty of the vineyards, I look forward to sharing these experiences with our team and guests when we arrive back in the restaurants. ‘Toast’ to Sonoma County and Napa Valley, thanks for a fantastic month!