Plumpjack Winery is Always Fun - See the Video Blog Here
First of all, what about that name, Plumpjack? It was a nickname that Queen Elizabeth the First, good Queen Bess of England, had for a favorite Uncle who must have been a bit rotund. She convinced Shakespeare to write a play for him, the Merry Wives of Windsor. The founders of Plumpjack, which is a large brand that includes resorts, are big theater fans (Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty), so Plumpjack seemed like a good idea. They have a sister winery up on Howell Mountain called Cade, open by appointment and possessing some of the most beautiful views in Napa.
Part of the charm is the feeling of intimacy, the winery is small, the tasting room the size of a two car garage, the patio is something you might have outside your house. The tasting bar can handle a dozen people although the winery often handles more, because it is a very popular winery. Truthfully this could be someone’s home, except for all the winery equipment sitting around.
Part of the reason for the popularity is the location; it is just off of the Oakville Crossroad, the heart of Napa. These might not be the most expensive vineyards in Napa but they are up there. They are also easy to fit into a tour, being five minutes from Silver Oak, Saddleback, Groth, Gargiulo, Rudd, Miner Family, Paraduxx, Vine Cliff, Opus One, Mondavi, Nickel and Nickel, Cakebread, Sequoia Grove, Sawyer Vineyards, St. Suprey and Peju. Honestly the list goes on and on. Not surprisingly we have included them on tours in our Amicis Winery Guide tour books and the Napa Valley Winery iPhone App. It is not easy to get on to one of our planned tours. A winery has to do a lot of things right and do it consistently.
What is funny is that I haven’t even mentioned the wines, the very, very good wines. Of course, considering their location they do a stellar Cabernet Sauvignon blend and a killer Merlot, but they also do an excellent Chardonnay. Their list isn’t big but it’s muscular. I think part of the popularity is that the gift shop sits right next to the tasting bar, so while you’re sipping the wine you can get a little browsing in. The tasting room is gently dim, pretty but subdued, except for the video screen that always seems to be running something about surfing, or another fun activity. The tasting room staff is thoroughly cool. I’m not just saying that because they’re always nice to me. I see the way the clients react and there is a fundamental friendliness that always comes through.
They are tucked down a narrow drive just off of the eastern end of the Oakville Cross Road. The drive is right at the bottom of the hill. Look for the Elizabethan Shield. The drive winds around a little bit but it is clearly marked. Enjoy!
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