Conn Creek Winery

Conn Creek Winery

Napa Valley Barrel Blending

Do you love Napa Valley winery events, not just tasting Napa Valley wine itself?

Yes, I can relate. We all love to book a Napa Valley Wine Experience.

This typically means tasting the wine in the tasting room.

We can even book a food and wine pairing experience.

Yet the best Napa Valley Winery Events are events that are active.

You play a key role in the winery event itself. Such as the barrel blending experience at Coon Creek winery in the Napa Valley.

Conn Creek Winery Barrel Blending Experience: One of the Best Napa Valley Winery Events

So for the second time now, I can vouch for the Conn Creek Winery blending session as one of the best Napa Valley Winery Events.

If you love Napa Valley red wines, you know that the majority of wines are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.

As a wine lover, you know there is an “art of the blend” in the Napa Valley.

This is why the Conn Creek winery event known as the “barrel blending experience” is one of the best Napa Valley winery events,

On a personal note, I’ve wanted to take part in this Napa Valley winery event for quite some time.

I first heard about this Napa Valley winery event from former Conn Creek winemaker Mike McGrath.

He explained his barrel blending winery event for visitors, saying that it was more of a “class” than a typical Napa Valley Winery Event.

Objective of this Napa Valley Winery Event Barrel Blending Class

The objective of this winery event is for Conn Creek visitors to assemble their own wine.

They do this by blending a wine from all the different appellations owned by Conn Creek.

The most expensive Cabernet Sauvignon wine at Conn Creek is called the Conn Creek Flagship Anthology Bordeaux style blend.

The word “Anthology” refers to a collection of literary or artistic works. At Conn Creek, the name suggests the layers of depth and complexity that can be achieved through the art of blending.

“Anthology” is expensive because it takes a very seasoned palate to use the exact right amount of grapes from the different appellations to use in the blend.

Structure of the 90 Minute Barrel Blending Winery Event

Guests are very warmly welcomed as they enter the main tasting room of the Conn Creek winery.

I emphasize the word “warmly” because the tasting staff team is extremely friendly. 

They seemed very excited to introduce guests to their winery and show them how the wines are assembled.

While you wait for the class to begin, you are offered a glass of the Anthology wine.

The reason for this offering is twofold. First, it is relaxing to sip wine as you meet the rest of the group you will have class with.

Second, tasting this “finished wine” helps get your palate ready for understanding how your finished blend “should taste.”

At least according to Conn Creek standards.

That said, during the blending class you are free to blend whatever style of wine you desire.

The Blending Class Logistics

Participant numbers can vary, yet there seemed to be about twelve people during our Napa Valley winery event.

Most if not all were couples, yet I could imagine that the class would be fun for groups of friends or event wine lovers traveling on their own.

The room was enormous, with gigantic windows that let in the sun and barrels of wine on one side.

The walls also had maps of the various Napa Valley appellations.

Our hostess was very friendly and welcoming.. 

She spoke in a way that enabled everyone in the class, from new wine drinkers to seasoned professionals, to understand the fundamentals of how, and why, Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon wine is blended.

The reason Conn Creek blends Cabernet Sauvignon wine from different Napa Valley appellations is because in winemaking, a blended wine (usually) creates a more complex wine.

Yet the “how” is also important. Every vintage is different in the Napa Valley.

Beyond that, each appellation is known for unique qualities. Some appellations produce a Cabernet Sauvignon wine with higher acidity.

Some appellations have stronger tannins.

Part 1 of the Wine Blending Experience

 

As you take your seat, you will notice five filled glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon wine from different appellations, as well as two empty glasses for blending.

 

You will see a document written by the creator of the class, as well as various tools for your wine blending experience.

 

This includes a pipette for assembling your blend.

 

Our engaging, charismatic leader spent about a half hour explaining how and why each glass of Cabernet Sauvignon had a different flavor profile, even though it was the same variety.

The difference is because of the climate and terroir of its respective appellation.

People who like a softer style of wine, might prefer the softer flavors that come from the Sonoma appellation.

People who like stronger tannin and a bolder flavor profile might like a majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon from the Saint Helena appellation.

Note: If you like this piece, check out related content:

• Visit to Chappellet Winery
• Visit to Quintessa Winery
• Chalk Hill Winery with Courtney Foley

Part 2 of the Wine Blending Experience

If part 1 of the wine blending experience is listening, then Part 2 is actively making the blend. This part of the class requires several things.

1. You must remember from Part 1 the characteristics of each appellation.
2. You must be relatively good in math to make sure the components add up correctly.
3. You must exercise self-restraint and remember that Malbec and Petit Verdot add “spice” and should be used in very modest amounts.

It is also necessary to amble, avoid splashing people with your wine as you take samples from the different barrels, and write down the exact proportions of your blend.

Once your sample blend is approved by your own palate, you make the final blend.

This is the wine you will pour into a bottle, and seal yourself with a cork.

They also encourage you to design a label for your wine.

I had a lot of fun making my own blend.

A year later back in New York, I took the wine and myself out to a restaurant to celebrate my masterpiece.

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During the visit  I was able to meet the new winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Grant.

She is fresh from being Assistant Winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Look for great things from her to come!

I strongly recommend this incredible Napa Valley Winery event.

If blending is not your thing, you can discover the wines of Conn Creek with a formal wine and cheese pairing tasting experience or just taste the delicious wines of Conn Creek at the tasting bar.

Reservations are necessary: Click on this Conn Creek link or call 707.968.2669.