Archer's summer sips Toast to the sunny season with Napa wines
Wines are fine anytime. Yet in summertime, they somehow seem more refreshing especially when sipping outside with friends and loved ones.
Here’s a short but sweet (and dry and bubbly) list of some of Archer’s favorite wines to sip in the sun.
Reds
Cabernet sauvignon is the undisputed king of Napa. It’s also a drinkable year-round wine (including summer sips).
Hess Persson Estates
High on Mount Veeder, Hess Persson produces Cabernet Sauvignon with the kind of depth that comes from elevation and patience. The visit is equally rewarding with a working winery and contemporary art museum sharing the same beautiful space.
Heitz Cellar
One of Napa Valley's most storied names, Heitz Cellar has been producing distinctive, age-worthy Cabernets since 1961. A visit here feels less like a tasting and more like a conversation with history.
Robert Mondavi Winery
The name needs no introduction. The newly renovated estate, however, deserves a fresh look. Robert Mondavi Winery has reimagined its iconic Oakville home while keeping what always made it worth the visit with exceptional wine, stunning grounds and a genuine commitment to the craft that put Napa on the map.
Whites
Not everything in Napa is Cabernet — and summer is the perfect time to be reminded of that.
Bella Union Winery
The sister property to the celebrated Far Niente, Bella Union brings a relaxed energy to the tasting experience without relaxing its standards. The Chardonnay here is bright, food-friendly and exactly right for a warm Napa afternoon.
Frank Family Vineyards
Frank Family has a well-earned reputation for Chardonnay — rich, balanced and consistently worth the trip to Calistoga. The hospitality matches the wine: genuinely warm and never rushed.
Lewis Cellars
Lewis Cellars built its name on bold reds but the whites are quietly exceptional. The Chardonnay in particular has a depth and texture that rewards a little attention. A discovery worth making.
Bubbles
Sparkling wine isn't just for celebrations. In Napa, it's an opener, a closer and everything in between.
Chandon California
The estate that helped put American sparkling wine on the map and still one of the best reasons to raise a glass in Napa. Chandon's sun-drenched grounds are made for summer visits.
Schramsberg Vineyards
Since 1965, Schramsberg has been producing some of California's most respected sparkling wines. A visit to the historic Calistoga estate, complete with cave tours and classic méthode traditionnelle pours, is as close to a pilgrimage as wine country gets.
Artesa Winery
Perched on a hilltop at the southern end of the valley, Artesa offers sweeping views and sparkling wines with genuine Spanish roots. The setting alone is worth the drive. The bubbles make it better.
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