Newsletter | 1.2.2025
Announcing our Legacy Experience
We’re excited to unveil an exclusive new experience that promises to be a highlight for luxury wine aficionados at our inviting Yountville tasting room! This unique offering will feature four exceptional Somerston Estate wines meticulously paired with chef-curated bites that will indulge your palate and elevate your tasting experience. This exceptional offering is typically only available at our 1,682-acre Estate tucked in the Vaca Mountain Range, but now it’s closer than ever for enthusiasts to enjoy fine wines without the journey into the hills.
At $135 per person, this experience highlights the elegance of Somerston Estate and emphasizes the craftsmanship of culinary partnerships that will enrich each sip with a chef-curated, flavorful accompaniment. Offering three tasting slots daily at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm, guests can choose the time that best fits their itinerary, ensuring convenience while partaking in this epicurious journey. This experience is available by prior reservation only, at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm daily.
Guests will have the opportunity to savor a curated selection of four exquisite wines from the Somerston Estate. Each wine, a testament to the quality and artistry that Napa Valley is renowned for, will reflect the terroir and the meticulous care taken in the vineyard. These wines are crafted to capture the essence of their origins, showcasing the flavors and nuances that make Napa Valley a premier wine destination.
The tasting experience will integrate the art of food pairing. Guests will enjoy thoughtfully selected bites designed to elevate each wine’s unique characteristics. The collaboration between Executive Chef Dan Solomon and Winemaker Cody Hurd’s offerings is intentional, aimed at enhancing flavors and creating an immersive experience that harmonizes taste and scent. Each bite will serve not only as a complement to the wine but also as a highlight of local ingredients and culinary creativity.
Crispy Crab Cake with Charred Jalapeno Aioli – Paired with the 2021 Somerston Sauvignon Blanc
The 2021 Somerston Sauvignon Blanc offers a vibrant balance of crisp acidity and a rich, textured mouthfeel. Its bright citrus and tropical notes enhance the delicate sweetness of the crab cake, while its refreshing profile tames the subtle heat of the charred jalapeno aioli. A sophisticated take on the classic shellfish and Sauvignon Blanc pairing—elevated with a bold twist.
French Onion Gougères – Paired with the 2013 Stornoway
The 2013 Stornoway, a single-vineyard Merlot, features layers of ripe black cherry and velvety mocha. Its fruit-forward palate and savory, lingering finish complement the nutty, caramelized flavors of the French onion filling while harmonizing with the light, airy texture of the gougères. This pairing highlights elegance and richness in every bite and sip.
Bacon Rillettes with Crispy Potato – Paired with the 2017 Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2017 Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, tannic red with deep notes of dark chocolate, ripe blueberry, and hints of spice. Its robust structure cuts through the creamy, decadent texture of the bacon rillettes, providing balance and complexity. The crispy potato adds a satisfying crunch, tying together an indulgent and harmonious pairing.
Roasted Squash and Mushroom Tart with Egg Yolk Jam – Paired with the 2018 Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 Somerston Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and structured wine showcasing layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and hints of cocoa and tobacco. Its rich fruit profile and well-integrated tannins complement the earthy flavors of roasted squash and mushrooms, while the velvety egg yolk jam adds a luscious texture that mirrors the wine’s smooth, lingering finish. This pairing highlights the harmony between savory, umami-driven flavors and a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a refined and memorable experience.
What makes this tasting particularly appealing to luxury wine appreciators is not just the quality of the wine but the personalized nature of the experience. Guests will be guided through the tasting by knowledgeable staff who are passionate about sharing the stories behind the wines. The intimate setting of the tasting room further enhances this experience, allowing for engaging conversations and connections among fellow wine lovers, all while surrounded by the serene beauty that epitomizes Napa Valley.
In a world that often rushes us along, this experience at the Priest Ranch tasting room serves as a curated escape—a time to savor, to enjoy, and to connect. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of fine wines, this tasting provides an exceptional opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the craft. The combination of exquisite wines and delectable bites offers a fresh perspective on luxury wine tasting, where each element is designed to harmonize and elevate the other.
The Priest Ranch tasting room’s location in Yountville, a town known for its culinary treasures, provides a perfect backdrop for this luxurious offering. With world-class restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries just a stone’s throw away, visitors can easily extend their day into a broader exploration of what the region has to offer. It presents not just an occasion to sip and savor but also an opportunity to indulge in the local lifestyle.
While the luxury wine market can often feel exclusive, this new offering at the Priest Ranch tasting room aims to make high-quality wine and dining experiences more accessible without sacrificing elegance. By presenting this curated tasting to a wider audience, it invites more people to appreciate the nuances of fine wines in a more approachable setting.
As you delve into the selected wines, you’ll explore the stories they tell—each vintage reflects the year’s growing conditions and the careful planning and nurturing that goes into every bottle produced at Somerston Estate. Following this, discover how the paired bites accentuate the flavors in ways you may not have imagined, showcasing the chef’s expertise.
This is more than just a wine tasting; it is a celebration of fine living, a moment to treasure among friends or to enjoy as a delightful solo retreat. It provides an opportunity to refine your palate, learn from knowledgeable staff, and engage with fellow enthusiasts, all while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of Napa Valley.
In the end, this new offering at the Priest Ranch tasting room is about more than just wine—it’s about experience, connection, and appreciation for the finer things in life. For those seeking a luxury experience that is accessible yet exclusive, this tasting promises not to disappoint. Come ready to sip, savor, and soak in the elegance of Somerston Estate wines in what is sure to become one of Yountville’s premier destinations for food and wine lovers alike.