Larkmead Vineyards is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. The Solari-Baker family, proprietors since 1948, craftssome of the most recognized Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RECOMMENDED: View Our Top Picks for the Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit This Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gallery images courtesy Bob McClenahan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":22074,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"amenity":[1442,666,230,1141,893,860,803,802],"wine_style":[919,920,1532,1531],"experiences":[2776,2649,2748,2695,2651,2683,2728,2798,2679,2680],"class_list":["post-22057","winery","type-winery","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","amenity-food-wine-pairings","amenity-great-service","amenity-great-views","amenity-outdoor-patio","amenity-small-bites","amenity-vineyard-views","amenity-wine-tastings","amenity-wine-tours","wine_style-dry-red-wines","wine_style-dry-white-wines","wine_style-red-wines","wine_style-white-wines","grapes-cabernet-sauvignon","grapes-merlot","destinations-napa-valley","destinations-united-states","regions-california","regions-napa-valley","experiences-beautiful-views","experiences-couples-travel","experiences-epic-landscapes","experiences-food-drink","experiences-luxury","experiences-road-trips","experiences-solo-travel","experiences-vineyard-views","experiences-wine-tastings","experiences-wine-tours"],"acf":{"featured_order":"","featured":false,"widelayout":false,"widelayoutdisable":false,"forceupdateblocks":false,"content_title":"Winery in Napa Valley, California","logo":false,"website_url":"https:\/\/larkmead.com\/","established_year":"1895","head_wine_maker":"Avery Heelan","hours_of_operation":"","yelp_id":"larkmead-vineyards-calistoga","contact_name":"","phone_number":"(707) 942-0167","email_address":"reservations@larkmead.com","region":{"ID":4307,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2019-12-23 12:00:04","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-23 17:00:04","post_content":"\n Napa Valley is the<\/strong> most important wine region in the United States. While experts and enthusiasts can debate which regions are \u201cbest,\u201d the importance of Napa Valley\u2019s wines cannot be underestimated. It was the first American wine region to be internationally recognized for producing high quality wines that stood toe-to-toe against its French counterparts, which helped give American wines an international platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also little doubt that the \u201cNapa Cab\u201d style is immediately recognizable and is often imitated around the world - an impressive feat for a comparatively young wine region that does not have centuries of winemaking tradition to follow! Napa Valley wines have become an integral part of California\u2019s robust economy that reaches far beyond basic production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Napa Valley is north and east of San Francisco, running about 30 miles long and only about 5 miles wide. Flanked by the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas to the west, it was formed by volcanic and earthquake activity, much like most of California\u2019s rugged terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its location allows Napa Valley to enjoy a Mediterranean climate<\/strong><\/em>, with warm dry summers and cool rainy winters. Combined with its unique patchwork of soils, its unique terroir enabled early European settlers to see that wine grapes thrived there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n George Yount, namesake of today\u2019s Yountville, is credited with first having planted grapes in the late 1830s. Other settlers soon followed suit and the potential for commercial wine production was realized. By 1861, Charles Krug opened the first commercial winery and within 30 years, there were close to 150 commercial wineries throughout the Napa Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Early success, however, was quickly met with adversity. Napa did not escape the global phylloxera plague, and by the end of the 19th<\/sup> century, the majority of Napa vines were devastated by the louse. Before wineries had adequate time to fully recover, the Volstead Act was passed and proved to be the final nail in the coffin for many commercial wineries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few were able to maintain operations with under-the-radar production, and investors were quick to move in when when Prohibition ended. By the mid 1940s, Napa production increased steadily and the subsequent decades saw now-legendary names come in and build empires that spearheaded the high quality that we know today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Despite thriving local business, Napa wines struggled to gain deserved international attention. That all changed in 1976 with the now-infamous \u201cJudgment of Paris.\u201d British merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind-tasting competition between famous French wines and their Californian counterparts. Top Bordeaux were tasted blindly with Napa Cabs, and white Burgundies with California Chardonnays. And, although almost all judges were French, Chateau Montelena\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> Chardonnay and Stag\u2019s Leap Wine Cellars\u2019 Cabernet Sauvignon took the top spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, Napa is king of American wine regions and its wines stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies<\/strong><\/a>. Innovative winemakers have also started experimenting with a wider variety of grapes, which will likely change global perception of what Napa can grow. Napa is committed to pursuing excellence for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n RELATED: The Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit This Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The question in Napa, really, is what doesn\u2019t<\/em> grow? Just about any varietal does well here, understanding that micro-climates do vary quite a bit. Everything from Riesling<\/strong><\/a><\/span> to Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a> is cultivated, but the following are the most commonly found:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cab dominates Napa Valley, making up 40% of all plantings. It absolutely thrives here and is used to produce robust, tannic, and fruit-forward wines. While most are meant to age for a while, the fruit allows them to be enjoyed much earlier than their Bordelais counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chardonnay and Cab aren\u2019t usually bedfellows since they thrive in difference climates, but Chardonnay has proved to do remarkably well in different sub-AVAs around Napa. In particular, it flourishes in Carneros<\/strong><\/em>, that cooler area that straddles both Napa and Sonoma. There, it is often used for Sparkling Wines<\/strong><\/a> as well and is part of the traditional Champagne-style Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Similar to Chardonnay, Pinot needs slightly cooler conditions than Cab but it loves the Carneros AVA. Expect heartier versions compared to Burgundies, with deep color, bolder fruit, and a richer mouthfeel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, Merlot is making a comeback! This formally heralded grape suffered the \u201cSideways Effect\u201d after the film but was still grown throughout Napa for single-varietal bottlings as well as for blends. After nabbing Wine Spectator\u2019s top wine in 2017, we have seen more returning to popular consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Much like its Bordeaux brethren Cab and Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc really, really<\/em> likes Napa Valley. Stylistically, Napa Sauv Blancs tend to fall between Bordeaux and New Zealand: fewer grassy green notes, but more white florals with zesty citrus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n From the south end of Napa Valley, the first sub-AVA is Carneros<\/strong>, which straddles over to Sonoma Valley as well. Moving north from there are Oak Knoll<\/strong>, Yountville<\/strong> and Stag\u2019s Leap District<\/strong>, Oakville<\/strong>, Rutherford<\/strong> (famous for its \u201cRutherford dust\u201d soil), St. Helena<\/strong>, and finally Calistoga<\/strong>. Cabernet does well throughout this run. Pinot Noir thrives in Carneros and Oak Knoll because both experience a cooling influence from San Pablo Bay, and Zinfandel loves the heat of Calistoga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just to the west of the main drag, you\u2019ll find the Mount Veeder AVA<\/strong> and the Spring Mountain<\/strong> and Diamond Mountain Districts<\/strong>. Cab, Merlot, and Zin all love it in these areas with some of the most-valued Cabs grown in Spring Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To the east of Calistoga is Howell Mountain<\/strong>, home to some legendary Cabernets<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atlas Peak<\/strong> is to the east of Stag\u2019s Leap District, and both Merlot and Cab do well here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the lesser-known AVAs of Chiles Valley<\/strong>, Coombsville<\/strong> and Wild Horse Valley<\/strong> are slightly further afield. Chiles Valley is east of Lake Hennessey, and Pinot Noir does well there. Coombsville is just east of Napa city itself, up against Solano County. Wild Horse Valley is mostly in Solano, but bits overlap to Napa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n There is no shortage of Napa Valley wines available around the United States. Among the most popular labels are Duckhorn, Mondavi, Caymus<\/a>, Cakebread,<\/strong> and Rombauer<\/strong>, but the options are almost limitless. Despite some wines commanding top dollar, there are plenty of affordable options, so work with a trusted wine merchant to find those that best fit your palate and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can take a look at some of our favorite wineries and partners within Napa below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she is now in the Central Coast of California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape variety of the grapevine species vitis vinifera. It is the most widely grown red wine grape variety in the world, and its wines were recently ranked as the most searched and sought-after in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can form a full-bodied, complex, fruit-forward and dry wine when vinified correctly. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape has received most of its notoriety from being grown in the Bordeaux region of France<\/strong><\/a>. Traditionally speaking, these wines taste of heavy red and black fruit backed by noticeable tannins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The climate Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in has been known to substantially affect its taste. Cooler climate Cabernet will tend to yield a more dark-fruit-forward wine with evidence of acidity. While warmer climates tend to yield more evidence of rich red fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classic fruit notes are deep and dark: blackberry, black cherry, plum, cassis, and raisins. Earth and mineral notes can vary depending on terroir and vinification methods but classic notes include cedar, bell pepper, cracked spice, wood smoke, oak, tobacco, black olive, mushroom, mint, and wet gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of its complexity and high tannin structure, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice with any poultry or meat dish. The rugged spiciness of the wine combined with its dark fruit and earth will easily balance out grilled poultry, grilled pork, filet mignon, rack of lamb, or braised pork ribs perfectly. For vegetarian dishes, it works well with spiced mushroom, eggplant, or quinoa-based dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For cheese pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon works best with medium to sharp cheeses, like aged cheddar, apple-smoked gouda, asiago, gruyere, goat cheese, stilton, or bleu cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon is a choice grape variety for wine drinkers and vintners alike because of its taste profile and ease to produce. The vines are incredibly hardy and can grow in an array of climates and terroirs. They produce grapes with thick skins which are highly resistant to damaging weather like frost and hail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yields are often high, which can be a huge positive for winemakers considering that Cabernet is one of the most in-demand red wines around the world. On the other hand, controlling yields is also important for more boutique, craft wineries who are looking for a more refined product. This requires further investment in labor costs and a choice selection in terroir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ironically, if you were to look at it on a timescale starting when humans first tried wine, Cabernet Sauvignon hasn\u2019t been around that long. It was stumbled upon during the 17th century in Southwestern France<\/strong><\/a>, where Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> and Cabernet Franc<\/strong><\/a> were crossed to form a new grape variety. (This was recently discovered in 1996 where DNA testing was done at the <\/em>UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology<\/em><\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Bordeaux, there are a plethora of quality Cabernet growing areas. Venture into regions like the Loire Valley, Lebanon\u2019s Beqaa Valley<\/a><\/strong>, Tuscany<\/strong><\/a>, and Navarra in Spain to truly expand your palate and see this grape\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While centuries of wine production in Bordeaux helped launch Cabernet to fame over time, other regions like Napa Valley<\/strong><\/a> have helped bring it to the forefront of the new world as a single-varietal red wine. Many Bordeaux winemakers are known for blending Cabernet Sauvignon with other varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With wine production is expanding globally at a record pace, wine enthusiasts should begin to look towards other old world and new world wine-producing regions to sample new takes on Cabernet Sauvignon. In North America, Washington State<\/a><\/strong> is growing gorgeous examples of Cabernet in AVAs including Yakima, Walla Walla<\/a><\/strong>, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills and the Columbia Valley. California wine lovers undoubtedly should continue to keep an eye on Sonoma County\u2019s wines<\/strong><\/a>. Paso Robles<\/strong><\/a>, and Lake County<\/a><\/strong>. The Santa Cruz Mountains<\/strong><\/a> are also crafting some delicious examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A variety of New World countries and regions produce fantastic Cabernet. From New Zealand\u2019s Hawke\u2019s Bay region to Australia\u2019s McLaren Valley, all the way to regions across Chile<\/strong><\/a> and even Stellenbosch in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon produces some of the most age-worthy wines in the world. Cab loves oak \u2013 it\u2019s such a bold wine that it\u2019s almost impossible for oak to be intrusive. Instead, oak can really work wonders to round out the rough edges of young Cabernet Sauvignon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n French, American, and Hungarian oak all work well with Cab and it\u2019s rare that oak isn\u2019t used. High-end Bordeaux and high-end Napa Cabs can age for decades, and even less expensive Cabernets can age for a bit. While we don\u2019t necessarily recommend hanging on to an inexpensive wine for years \u2013 they are, after all, meant to be drunk young \u2013 with Cab, it could be a fun experiment just to see what happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she has recently landed in Northern California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe History of Napa Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Napa Valley Grape Varieties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pinot Noir<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Merlot<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Napa Valley Sub-AVAs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Napa Valley Wines to Try Available Nationally<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]\n","post_title":"Napa Valley","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"napa-valley","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-04 20:01:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-05 00:01:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=4307","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":{"term_id":2086,"name":"Calistoga","slug":"calistoga","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2086,"taxonomy":"sub_region","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"},"address_1":"1100 Larkmead Lane","address_2":"","country":{"ID":418,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_date_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content":"","post_title":"United States","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"united-states","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_modified_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=418","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":{"ID":1431,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_date_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content":"","post_title":"California","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"california","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_modified_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=state&p=1431","menu_order":0,"post_type":"state","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"city":"Calistoga","postal_code":"94515","lat":"38.5587193","lng":"-122.5245894","place_id":"ChIJg8ZMFkZbhIARUcR6_bEITVg","tasting_details":"Larkmead Estate Tasting: $150\/person
\r\n
\r\nLarkmead Salon Tasting: $90\/person
\r\n
\r\nLarkmead Sunset Serenade: $75\/person
\r\n","tasting_price":"$75-$150\/person","tour_details":"Larkmead, originally established in 1895, is one of the oldest, family-owned estates in the Napa Valley. Since 1966, the estate has been under the stewardship of the Solari-Baker family.
\r\n
\r\nThis historic, 142-acre site covers the valley floor from Highway 29 to the Silverado Trail and is located halfway between the towns of St. Helena and Calistoga. The extensive property offers tremendous diversity in its soils to produce the 100% estate-grown wines for which Larkmead is known.
\r\n
\r\nFor assistance with appointments or questions regarding a visit, please call 707-942-0167.","tour_price":"Experiences range from $76-$302\/person (Estimated)","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"Visits to our estate are by prior appointment only. Tastings are seated and focus on the diversity of the vineyard and wines. Due to the nature of our tastings and to preserve a tranquil atmosphere for our guests, we require that all visitors are at least 21 years of age.","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Larkmead-Vineyards-7_PhotoByBobMcClenahan.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/The-Lark-Room-1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2022-Lillie-Sauvignon-Blanc_PhotoByBobMcClenahan-1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vineyard-Manager-Nabor-Camarena-1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Larkmead-Vineyards-3_PhotoByBobMcClenahan-1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Larkmead-Tasting-2-1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Larkmead-Vineyards-5_PhotoByBobMcClenahan-1.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1871,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How Cabernet Sauvignon is Aged<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Try some of these great Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Cabernet-based blends from around the world: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published. It's free!\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]\n","post_title":"Cabernet Sauvignon","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"cabernet-sauvignon-taste-profile-food-pairing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-29 14:12:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-29 18:12:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/uncategorized\/cabernet-sauvignon\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"grape","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2553,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-04-02 22:45:21","post_date_gmt":"2018-04-02 22:45:21","post_content":"
\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nMerlot is a blue-black grape variety that produces softer, medium to full bodied\u00a0dry red wine<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. It is currently the most extensively planted red wine grape variety in the Bordeaux region of France and the second most widely planted and popular red wine grape variety in the United States \u2013\u00a0just behind Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a>.\r\n\r\nClassically vinified to be a dry red wine, Merlot grapes can have dramatic differences in flavor depending on the type of climate they\u2019re grown in. Many wine regions famous for growing Merlot will produce both red wine blends and single varietal wines with the Merlot grape.\r\n\r\nIN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong>\r\n