You know how you have some wineries that have been on your “must go to” list for a while? Newton was one of those for me. I kept seeing it in pictures, hearing things from friends and for whatever reason (life) never got around to visiting. Wow, was I missing out! I am not even exaggerating when I say that Newton Vineyards has one of the very best views in all of Napa Valley + their wine cave is incredible!
Awesome views, great wine, friendly people – what’s not to love about Newton Vineyards?
Nestled high up on Spring Mountain, Newton is a secret gem of a winery. The road you must travel to get there may deter tourists, but not true winos like you and me. Passing through multiple gates, fields of goats and cows, barns and windy one lane roads – you finally make it to a small parking lot surrounded by vineyards. This is where you’re told to stop, give the Newton crew a jingle and your ride will arrive. That’s when I already knew I was going to like the place.
Within a minute of calling, up strolls our host, Karen, in a golf cart and smile in tow. We enjoyed a welcome glass of Chardonnay on the terrace – and let me tell you, this is where the magic happens. THE BEST VIEW EVER. Men, propose to your gals here. That’s all. You’re welcome.
The view from the terrace is breathtaking.
The Newton property is snuggled on a total of 560 acres, with only about a fifth of it planted to vineyards. Many of the hillsides are too steep for grapes and they wanted to preserve the natural state of the land for indigenous wildlife (love that!). Those acres that are planted to grapes range in elevations from 500 to 1,600 feet above sea level. Some of these vineyards are extremely steep, folks. If you visit you’ll see what I mean. I can’t imagine harvesting them! Props to the vineyard crew.
What happened next is a pure winos dream. After walking through the small Chardonnay cave, Karen turned to us and said, “we can either use the cave door outside to entire the larger Cabernet cave, OR, we can use this old spiral staircase and go down four flights, but it’s gonna be a jaunt.” KAREN – YES – KAREN.
I have never experienced something like this and it was so special. Also, this isn’t typically offered, so don’t get mad if you don’t get to use the special staircase – maybe if you’re extra nice 🙂 Climbing down four flights of an old rusted spiral stair case deep into their hand-dug historic caves was quite the moment. We trekked back through turns and curves in the cave to get back to the tasting room – you could easily get lost in there, but then again I probably wouldn’t mind that.
One of the coolest caves I’ve been in – so many twists and turns!
After your tour, you head back to the Newton tasting room for a beautiful seated tasting. Check out that view from the window! Typically I’m a red wine gal, but gosh dang, they got it going on with their Chardonnay, ya’ll! Come to find out – they’re known for their Unfiltered Chardonnay. Bright, balanced, crisp, full of mineralities and not your typical butter bomb, this Chardonnay secured itself a place in my cellar. Their single vineyard Cabernets were delish as well – I love mountain fruit!
Down the hatch it goes..
Love how they finish off the experience with a seated tasting.
Newton Vineyards is appointment only, so I highly suggest booking in advance of your trip to Napa. Plan to spend at least an hour and a half. In addition, make sure to take the drive (it’s in the boonies) into consider when thinking of the timing of your next tasting appointment.
Cheers,
Raquel
