Celebrating Mumm Napa’s Wine Grape Harvest

I was one of the fortunate few who got to celebrate with a famed sparkling wine producer for their harvest. Mumm Napa chose to celebrate with all of their employees present, and what a crowd it was. All employees received special t-shirts made just for the harvest, which they wore with pride.

When the semi-truck pulled into the crush-pad loading-dock the festivities got underway. Mumm Napa has as its motto: Pride, Family, Tradition. Their tradition of celebrating the harvest involves remembering their beloved founding winemaker Guy Devaux for his contribution to the winery’s success, as well as the hard work of all of their current employees. After some encouraging words, the winemaker Ludovic Dervin unsheathed his sword to saber a bottle of their Brut Rose. Everyone was given a split of sparkling wine to uncork at the same time that the ceremonial bottle was opened with the sword. Sparkling wine was sprayed everywhere for good luck to a successful harvest.

Afterward a glass of properly chilled Brut Rose was given to all present and another toast was made. Photos of each winery employee group were taken and then everyone went back to work. After all it was harvest time and there were guests arriving in the tasting room. The harvest, which came two weeks later this year due to colder weather, is supposed to be favorable for sparkling wine. The harvest lasts 7-10 weeks with winery employees working very long days. After this the growing cycle is completed while the wine-making process is just beginning.

When you visit the winery, be sure to take their informative tour, lasting approximately 45 minutes. You will learn the process for méthode champenoise and be given several glasses of bubbly to drink while on the tour. By the time you reach the tasting room you will truly appreciate the work that goes into making a bottle of award-winning sparkling wine. You can enjoy the Oak Terrace’s comfortable lounge seating or the indoor area. Make a final stop at the Fine Art Photography Gallery where they have a special exhibit of “Paris Icons.”

From now on, whenever I drink a glass of Mumm Napa I will remember all of the people that contributed to its consistency, making it the sparkling wine that I enjoy so much.

Details: Mumm Napa is located in Rutherford on the Silverado Trail, a short 90 minute drive from San Francisco.

8445 Silverado Trail Rutherford California

Phone: (866) 783-5826