Champagne and Romance at Mumm Napa
Wine tasting is a romantic outing, but champagne tasting is even more so. A favorite place to visit is Mumm Napa for the overall tasting experience and their repertoire of sparkling wines. Their expansive outdoor terrace is the perfect place to sip their champagne while gazing out over the vineyards with someone you love. The sound of the cork popping is enough to put a smile on my face as I anticipate the glass of bubbly that I will soon be drinking.
While champagne is associated with special occasions, those at Mumm Napa believe that sparkling wine should be an everyday celebration. With their vast selection of sparkling wine, you are sure to find something that fits your mood and pocketbook.
Wine Spectator voted Mumm Napa as one of America’s Best Tasting Rooms. When visiting the winery, allow plenty of time to enjoy the experience. The tours are interesting and last approximately 45 minutes. Afterward, you can choose a variety of tasting options. Even if you have been on other champagne tours, you will learn something new about méthode champenoise (the traditional French method for making champagne) and it provides an opportunity to see their beautiful winery and fine arts gallery, which includes a collection of Ansel Adams photographs.
The most romantic location for a tasting is on the Oak Terrace in comfortable chairs overlooking the vineyards. During peak season, it’s best to make an advance reservation. The library flight includes two rare sparkling wines in addition to their more popular options, and you can pair it with a cheese and fruit plate. Many romances have begun here on the terrace. They have seen a number of happy proposals and can provide assistance to those wishing to “pop the question.”
Some of the more unusual sparkling wines for tasting include Santana, a collaboration with famed musician Carlos Santana, aged four years. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity. Brut Prestige, an old favorite, is consistently rated 90 by Wine Enthusiast while DVX, the winemaker’s favorite, receives 90+ ratings and is aged anywhere from five to six and a half years. It is truly a remarkable sparkling wine. I was surprised to taste the Rouge, a Pinot Noir Brut that is a perfect complement to turkey or wild game.
Not all of their sparkling wine is easy to find in stores, due to limited production, which is a good reason to join their wine club. Wine Vivant allows access to members-only events, including their Lobster Dinner held twice each year and limited-release wines which are rarely seen outside the winery.
Mumm Napa recently received its Green Winery certification for reducing its carbon footprint and adopting practices to reduce energy and water consumption while incorporating recycling programs. They have also implemented vineyard management practices that utilize natural pest control methods.
Join them at a reception for the new photography exhibit: Ancient Myths and Vineyard Lights opening on March 10, 2012 with a sparkling wine reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Mumm Napa is located along the Silverado Trail in Rutherford. Cruising along winding country roads in a fantastic car (Jaguar’s newest XJ Model) makes the journey delightful.
Read about how Mumm Napa celebrates the Wine Grape Harvest.
Details: Mumm Napa is located at 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, California and is open daily for tours, tastings and private events. Visitor center and fine art photography gallery hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily. For additional information on visiting the winery and its exhibits, call 707-967-7700 or visit their website.
