Tasting Guide | Sequioa Grove Winery

A short drive from our house is the world-renowned wine growing region of Napa Valley that has over 400 award winning wineries that are yet to be discovered.  Wineries are trending towards creating a wine experience and encouraging and/or requiring reservations.  I believe the best things in life are the experiences we share, savor and discover to create lifelong memories.  To take advantage of this world visited wine region, hubby and I have set a goal to visit a new winery per month.  We are starting with the wineries that offer a curated food and wine experience. 

We recently visited Sequoia Grove Winery that was recently named "Best Napa Valley Tasting Room" by Napa Valley Life Magazine.  Set among monsterous and majestic redwood trees, as you enter the winery property a sense of calm envelops your entire body.  In the heart of Rutherford, this 24 acre estate has a wonderful climate and terroir to grow the grapes that produce superior cabernets and Bordeaux varietals. In addition, Sequoia Grove has the proud distinction of being a Certified Napa Green Winery.  The flagship cabernet is their Cambium which is a prize winning blend.  

We were escorted to the Cambium tasting room which was simply stunning.  Our host was welcomed us with a glass of the 2020 Montana Dorada Vinyards Chardonnay.  This was one damn delicious Chardonnay.  Trust me! It was paired with the house made rabbit sausage with mustard and a cornichon  slice.  

We did a sensory tasting with the pre-poured red wines to experience how the flavors of salty, sweet, 

bitter and umami are distinctly different when you have different wines. 

Next a colorful and flavorful plate of unique small bites were set up to pair with the various red wines.  From left to right:  

• Duroc Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Potato Gnocchi, Black Garlic, Ricotta, Pickled Mushrooms, Brown Butter | Paired with 2014 Rutherford Ranch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• Grilled Stone Fruit Salad with Toasted Farro, Spiced Pecans, Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette, Arugula | Paired with 2017 Christian Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
• Potato Crusted Halibut with Primavera Sauce, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Basil Oil | Paired with 2017 Tonella Cabernet Franc
• Tea Rubbed Duck Breast with Asian Plum Sauce, Duck Dumplings, Jade Rice | Paired with 2016 Cambium

After we finished our food and wine pairing, we were invited to visit the tasting vines in the rear of the winery.  They had Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, among others to taste and enjoy. It was an added special touch.  I would highly recommend putting this on your list of fantastic wineries to visit - you will not be disappointed!  Cheers!!