Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Wine tasting in Napa Valley - Taste of Beringer Tour at Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards - Sign bw
My good friend from high school Lizz and her hubby Rieks were in town from Singapore.  They are both wine enthusiasts so we thought of taking them to Napa Valley for a tour.

We decided to go to the more popular destinations in Napa Valley for their introduction to California wines. Beringer Vineyards did not disappoint.



I've been to Beringer for a wine tasting before during the peak time for tourism and this place was packed. Cars and bus loads of visitors probably from around the world come here to site see and wine taste. This time of the year, the scene is quite the opposite. It is winter and the grounds of Beringer is ours to enjoy. We had arranged a Taste of Beringer tour.
Beringer Vineyards - Welcome 

Our wine educator's name is Jesus, yep that's his name, and he welcomed us with this 2015 Chardonnay called Luminus from their Oak Knoll District. It was crisp and refreshing with some hints of pineapple.  He mentioned the history of Beringer, the prohibition years, and how Beringer has become one of the wine institutions in the valley and a Napa Valley landmark.
  Beringer Vineyards - Chardonnay 

He then walked us in front of the Hudson House, the residence of Jacob Beringer, founding partner of the Beringer Brothers Winery.
  Beringer Vineyards - Hudson house 

We then walked some more toward the Rhine House where we would sit down for the Taste of Beringer. The Rhine House was a copy of the Beringer family's home in Germany.
  Beringer Vineyards - Big house 

We walked around the courtyard toward a table for our next wine.
  Beringer Vineyards - Fountain 

We tasted their 2015 Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast. Tasty Pinot Noir with hints of cherry and plum.
Beringer Vineyards - Garden tour Pinot Noir

We then walked to their herb garden where we smelled different aromas - woody, citrus, fruity, etc.
  Beringer Vineyards - Vineyard 

  Our wine educator then ushered us inside the Rhine House into a room with a long table beautifully set up with lots of plates, wine glasses, wine bottles and some food.
  Beringer Vineyards - Tasting table before 

The wine selection includes their 2015 Luminous Chardonnay.
  Beringer Vineyards - Tasting bottls  

Their 2015 Private Reserve Chardonnay was paired with squash soup with lemongrass. The pairing brought out the creaminess of the Chardonnay. Their 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon was paired with a crispy wonton topped with shitake mushroom. The full body of the cab went so well with the savory dish. 
  Beringer Vineyards - Tasting glasses pairings 

Lastly, their 2014 Nightingale dessert wine was paired with creme filled profiteroles. I don't really like sweet wines but that one was very good and precious. It was a perfect pairing.
  Beringer Vineyards - Tasting glasses 

We finished the pairing with the table looking like it was untouched. Thank you Jesus for the wine education.
  Beringer Vineyards - Dining table afterward 

Here are more pictures of the lobby inside the Rhine House.
  Beringer Vineyards - Tasting lobby 

They even sent us a postcard! Thanks so much Beringer!
  Beringer Vineyards - Postcard

~rl

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