Quintessa Winery
Quintessa winery is just off the Silvarado Trail in Rutherford, Napa Valley. It is about 90 minutes from San Francisco by car.
It’s considered one of the best small wineries in the Napa Valley. It is also one of the most fun wineries in Napa for wine tours.
Many will agree that Quintessa Winery is possibly the most picturesque winery in the Napa Valley.Many will agree that Quintessa Winery is possibly the most picturesque winery in the Napa Valley.
Quintessa Winery Tours
Quintessa Winery is an organic winery. Two of the winery tour options at Quintessa Wine Estate include a delightful vineyard tour. In this way you can see the health of organic vines.
Then after the tour you can taste the corresponding quality in the wine.
The “Ambasssadors” at Quintessa Winery (this is their word for guides) in Rutherford encourage guests to book a “tasting experience.”
Yes, I know, the word “experience” is a nebulous word. The concept alludes to the reality that your visit will include more than tasting the wine.
It involves the concept of understanding the goal of owner Agustin and Valeria Huneeus and their philosophy.It involves the concept of understanding the goal of owner Agustin and Valeria Huneeus and their philosophy.
We will discuss the different tour and wine experience options below.
Quintessa Winery : History in Rutherford, Napa Valley
The Quintessa Winery owners Agustin Huneeus and Valeria Huneeus purchased the gorgeous vineyard to become Quintessa in 1990.You can imagine that it takes a lot of money to buy such expensive land for wine vineyards. As Agustin Huneeus is responsible for the success of Concha Y Toro, one of the most popular brands in Chile, he can afford the land and the costs of its development.
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Quhttp://shopintessa Winery Vineyards in the late 1990s
So in the late 1990s, Agustin Huneeus looks at the 280 acres of land that is now Quintessa. He sees the potential of the land, as well as the amount of work that must be done to plant vineyards.
Experts arrive to advise on the best grape varieties to grow. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are planted in addition to others.
Quintessa Winery Harvest and Vinification
After the three required years, grapes are harvested and vinified at the Franciscan winery. At the same time, Agustin is building the state of the art Quintessa Wine Estate. 2002 marks the opening of the new Quintessa Rutherford winery. Aaron Pott is the first winemaker.
Michel Rolland joins the team as consultant in 2010.Quintessa Winery : Booking a Tasting Visit
As Quintessa Winery Napa Valley, you can taste red wine from Bordeaux varieties and white wine from Sauvignon Blanc. The Cabernet based red Bordeaux wine, Quintessa also includes the varieties Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère.
It is possible to have a simple tasting in the Quintessa tasting room. Yet having visited this picturesque Rutherford winery, you will want to consider options that include vineyard visits below. The reason is that you will have a much richer experience and understanding of the Quintessa Wine Estate.
Please continue to read about the various tasting experiences, and the essential items you are strongly suggested to bring with you, below the jump.
Quintessa Winery: Tasting Experiences
Quintessa is one of the best Napa wineries to visit because of the quality of the wines and the incredible scenery. The wine experiences must be booked in advance. The price range as of 2019 begins at $75 and goes up to $150.
Some may consider the fees high. One reason for the fee to taste wine is because the owners want you to have a wonderful experience. This means a very comfortable experience without crowds. They want to make sure you understand all about Quintessa wine, both the viticulture and the winemaking.
When you make an appointment you and your group will have your own personal Ambassador to explain the wines as you taste them. And also answer all questions.
Quintessa Winery : Premium Tasting Experiences
The Salon Tasting Experience showcases the famous Illumination Sauvignon Blanc, the new release and library vintage. It is a 45 minute seated flight including three wines.
The Estate Tasting is an immersive look into the Estate. The semi-private visits begins with a guided walk through the vineyards. It concludes with a relaxing sit-down tasting showcasing current releases and library vintages.
Quintessa Winery Experience
The Quintessential Quintessa Winery Experience includes the scenic walk to the vineyards and then a tasting in the private pavilion overlooking the vineyards. You will taste exclusive barrel selections and library wines paired with cheese. Your ambassador will tell the wonderful story that is Quintessa. You will also enjoy the Quintessa caves and gravity flow winery.
Time did not allow me to enjoy the Quintessential Experience, yet I must admit as I was walking through the vineyards I wished I could sit down in that fabulous Pavilion and sip the wine as I looked out at the vineyards. So for me, this is the wine experience that is most worth it. With this tour you can also see the caves and winery.
You can choose your Quintessa Wine Experience tour here
Quintessa Winery : What to Wear, Bring, and Expect When Visiting the Quintessa Wine Estate
Expect to have a wonderful time, taste great wine, and learn a lot about the famous Quintessa white and red wines.
Yet for practical measures you might consider the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.
Though most wineries do provide a bucket for expectorating the wine you may not wish to swallow (for driving and other reasons),
I always take it upon myself to bring my own paper cup or plastic reusable cup. Many wineries have water available for seated tastings, yet you may wish to bring your favorite brand.
Essentials to Bring for Winery Visits
- A hat, especially for sunny days.
- Sunglasses for the same reason.
- Sunscreen very necessary in summer. Personally, I find this face covering more protective and less irritating.
- A charger for your device so not to miss once-in-a-lifetime photos.
- Your favorite bottled water
- A cup for expectorating wine in case it is far away or not provided.
- A small notebook to record details about the wine or vineyards.
- Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard visits
Quintessa Winery: My Experience
Desiree, pictured above, was my Ambassador during this visit.
The visit started with a visit to the vineyards, which was more gorgeous than I could imagine. I was very grateful for my walking shoes, as you will walk quite a bit uphill. I saw the pavilions along the way, reserved for the higher-end wine experience tours. How wonderful to book this tour category. The views are breathtaking.
During this outdoor excursion, Desiree explained the history of Quintessa. Then we toured more areas of the property and had a comfortable tasting in the beautiful Quintessa Tasting room.
The Tasting of the Quintessa Wines
The 2016 white Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is a signature wine at Quintessa. It is delicious. The Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of bright flowers and flavors of white peach and kiwi fruit. The grapes are hand-picked and rushed to the winery while still fresh.
They ferment the grapes with mostly native yeast. The wine is aged in a variety of barrels (including a small percentage of French oak, Acacia barrels, and egg-shaped concrete fermenters). The objective is to give richness on the palate while retaining fresh aromas.
Quintessa 2014
They make the current release of Quintessa 2014 from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere.
These are traditional Bordeaux varieties. 2014 is a perfect growing season. This is despite the earthquake and drought. This wine is an attractive deep garnet color with flavors of fresh cherry and blackberry. Also layered notes of violets, graphite, and cedar spice. They age it for 21 months in 100% French oak, 80% new.
Then 20 days maceration on the skins.
Quintessa Estate: The Wines Tasted
The Quintessa 2012 is also from an excellent vintage. It is a classic Napa summer with warm days and cool nights. The wine is made with the same Bordeaux varietals as above for the same 21 months. This vintage 85% new French oak is used, with 20 – 26 days maceration on the skins.
The Quintessa 2011 is from a challenging vintage with a lot of rain. The Quintessa Wine Estate the team used selective picking and careful sorting. This ensures only perfect grapes are used.
This wine has more aromas of crushed wet rock, sandalwood, and clove along with fresh cherries, currants, and red plum. 85% new French oak is used on this wine as well, but the maceration time was 28 days long.The Quintessa Wine Estate follows organic and even biodynamic practices. You can almost taste the effect of these practices on the health of the grape through the wine.
Quintessa Winery : About Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg
Rebekah has worked at some of the most prestigious wineries in the world. She loves working at Quintessa because of its diversity of vineyard blocks and soil types. She loves working with the Huneeus family and is passionate about the organic processes of the Quintessa Estate Winery.
Very friendly and natural, Rebekah enjoys spending some time out of the winery at special dinners featuring Quintessa Winery Estate wines.
Quintessa Winery: Watch the Film
https://www.quintessa.com/the-experience
To make a reservation call (707) 286-2730 or email [email protected].
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About Author Marisa D’Vari
D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.
She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio
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