Napa Tasting Salons
On a beautiful fall day, we visited 3 new tasting salons in the Napa area, (plus, we had a fabulous dinner at Cole's Chop House in downtown Napa). Tasting salons in Napa are sort of a new thing. Whether it's because people don't want to go through the hassle of booking an appointment or driving to individual wineries, new tasting salons have sprung up almost overnight. Overall, the salons offer a decidedly more relaxed vibe than some wineries and can be a less expensive alternative, so they are worth checking out.
Mia Carta
Mia Carta offers a unique tasting experience that combines a curated selection of boutique wines from some of the region's small-scale producers. Tucked in downtown Napa, this intimate tasting salon feels more like a hidden gem than a traditional tasting room. The focus here is on discovering wines that embody the heart and soul of Napa Valley's lesser-known winemakers. Each visit feels like a journey through Napa's hidden corners, with every pour offering a new story to uncover. I had a remarkable tasting of pinot noir wines from The Three Furies winery, featuring wines from two of my favorite AVAs (American Viticulture Areas), Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills.
What sets Mia Carta apart is its emphasis on personalization and hospitality. The team at Mia Carta is passionate about the stories behind each label, and they bring that same passion to your tasting experience. The atmosphere is welcoming, laid-back, and unhurried, allowing you to explore these wines at your own pace while learning about their craftsmanship and creativity. As a bonus, Mia Carta offers substantial charcuterie plates to nosh on while sampling the wine.
Gamling & McDuck
The tasting salon at Gamlick McDuck mirrors that same vibe—welcoming, intimate, and completely focused on the wine. There's no rush here, just a laid-back setting where you can really dive into the tasting experience. Scott, our concierge for the tasting, is passionate and knowledgeable, eager to share the unique processes behind each wine without overwhelming you with too much jargon. It's the kind of place where you can sit back in their comfy bar chairs or lounge on their sofa, take your time, and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each glass while enjoying a personal connection to the winery's story. I will remember two steller wines: their Chenin Blanc from Suisan Valley and Empire 2021 Cabernet Franc. Both wines are worth a visit alone to the tasting room.
Benevolent Neglect
Benevolent Neglect is a small, Napa-based winery across the street from Gamling & McDuck that takes a different approach to winemaking—letting nature lead the way. Their philosophy is simple: minimal intervention maximum expression. Just like with good soil, the best wines come from letting the grapes do what they do best. Each wine reflects the land it comes from, capturing the nuances of the vineyard and the vintage in a pure, unpolished way. Benevolent Neglect sources all of their grapes, and celebrates some of the more uncommon varieties you see in Napa: Vermentino, which I love, and Gamay, one of my all-time favorites.
Visiting their tasting salon is an experience that feels personal and genuine—no frills, no pretension—just great wine in a laid-back, welcoming setting. You're encouraged to dive into the stories behind the wines, much like savoring the nuances in a good glass of red. And, an added plus, they have a great vinyl system that allows visitors to sit back, take a sip and listen.
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