Part of Wine By Appointment Chardonnay Winery Series
Details:
Address: 1075 Buchli Station Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (70)7) 252-9065
Website: www.bouchaine.com
Hours: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM Daily
Tours/Tastings Offered:
Bouchaine offers three tastings, ranging in price from $40.00 to $120.00. I would recommend their Terrace Tasting if you are new to the winery. A fully curated tasting of 5 wines, and you get to sit outside on their gorgeous patio.
What's Their Story:
Boon Fly first planted fruit trees and vines in what was to become Bouchaine Vineyards in the 1890s. The land was sold to Johnny Garetto, who, in 1928, had the audacity to build a winery in the middle of Prohibition. Fortunately, the winery wasn't completed until 1933, the last year of Prohibition. Mr. Garetto eventually sold the winery in 1961 to Beringer (which Beringer used as a storage facility and Beringer sold the winery in 1981 to Gerrit & Tatiana Copeland.
Twenty years as a dilapidated storage facility did nothing for the property's existing structures. Hence, the Copelands got busy, purchased additional land, restored and built new structures, and voila, Bouchaine Vineyards was born. Their lawyer actually came up with the name; needing a quick name, the Copeland's not available, and wanting a French-sounding name, he used his wife's maiden name, Bouchaine. It fits the bill.
Why The Winery Made The Grade: Chardonnay
Bouchaine Vineyards was a new find for us. I had no idea this expansive, beautiful winery tucked back in Carneros existed. The Carneros AVA (America Viticultural Area) is the most southern AVA in Napa and is known for producing amazing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Bouchaine wines do not disappoint. Their Carneros estate wines routinely win high praise from Wine Spectator and other wine authorities. Their estate Chardonnay wines are creamy with pear and citrus notes with oak notes.
Ambiance:
Bouchaine has a welcoming modern interior tasting salon, but their outside patio is what really shines. With a panoramic view of the Carneros vineyards and their lush gardens, it's easy to while away a summer afternoon. Coupled with their knowledgeable staff, this is one winery you'll want to put on your list to visit. And you gotta love their motto, "Wine Makes You Happy."
Which Winery Visitor Type Would Love It :
This winery has a little bit to offer all tasters, experienced, novice, and in-between; primarily, the wine is superior, and the gorgeous grounds will appeal to all visitors.
Check out the next winery in the series: Buena Vista
Or read all of the Chardonnay blogs in our new guide, Chardonnay Wineries of Sonoma and Napa.
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