Get ready to raise your glass and toast to the beauty of red wine, because August 28 is National Red Wine Day! You could go other places to celebrate, but isn’t Downtown Napa the ideal choice? Napa has a rich red winemaking history, and many experts, winemakers and wine drinkers truly cherish the incredible red wines produced here.
We hope you will spend a little extra time discovering, sipping and savoring some of Napa Valley’s best red wines on this pretend, yet very important holiday.
Here are some of the best spots around the Downtown Napa to taste red wine. Order a glass, or try a flight or two!
Wines on First – Located in a peaceful courtyard of First Street, this intimate tasting room offers a relaxing ambiance and a wide variety of vintages such as Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir, plus you can order lunch or dinner from Oenotri at the wine bar while you enjoy your glass of red!
Why we love it: You can taste a number of wines from two different winemakers.
Gustavo – This winemaker focuses on crafting wine using old-world techniques and grapes from small vineyards, and produces plenty of red vintages including Barbera, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. Come to the Gustavo tasting room across from Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa for an unforgettable red wine experience that will help you appreciate the art of winemaking.
Why we love it: The wine at Gustavo is made with heart, soul and history.
Carpe Diem Wine Bar – This wine bar is both casual and sophisticated, and includes a full dining menu in addition to its amazing rotating wine list. Sip on some of the best red wines in town as you savor small plates or a seasonal dish.
Why we love it: The menu is based on seasonal ingredients, and the wine list is always changing to feature new choices.
Vintage Sweet Shoppe – Red wine without chocolate…is that supposed to happen? Vintage Sweet Shoppe is not only one of the best local spots for incredible chocolate treats, but it also offers wine tasting. Sample a couple truffles while you sip on a complementary red wine flight for a truly memorable tasting experience.
Why we love it: Handcrafted chocolates and amazing local wines under one roof. Don’t leave without tasting the cabernet truffle – delish!
These are just a small sample of the many places that will happily pour you a glass of red, so make sure you have plenty of time to explore when you come see us for National Red Wine Day!
Local Tip – Pick up a Wine Tasting Card for just $15 and get half-price tastings at ten local tasting rooms, which could save you more than $150 while experiencing some of Napa Valley’s best-kept wine secrets!