Quixote Winery

6126 Silverado Trail, in Napa, (707) 944-2659. Tasting daily 11-3; by appt. No dogs.

entry to Quixote Winery in Napa, California

Visiting exotic Quixote Winery in the legendary Stags Leap appellation of Napa is a treat for the senses. The ride in from the busy two-lane highway winds along a quiet back-country drive featuring a grand vineyard vista. A golden dome marks the spot, while colorful tilework and sod roofs planted with olive trees add to the visual pleasure. This small-production winery has only 27 acres, where it grows all of its own grapes, and it produces only 3,000 cases each year.

back-road drive into Quixote Winery in Napa, California

Named for the book, Quixote was designed by Vienna-born architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The playful architectural design has no straight lines. To me, the style is pleasantly reminiscent of Gaudi works I’ve seen in Barcelona. A 3-D mock-up of the winery and other artifacts are displayed in the tasting facility.

display of wines at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

chilled Rose of Petite Sirah at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

A tour begins with a glass of chilled Rose of Petite Sirah, described by winery host Lynn Kopper as “a bright, crisp, toes-in-the-sand wine.” Indeed. It is interesting to see the three concrete fermenting tanks which are credited with giving the wines a lush, velvety feel to the palate. The cold, fragrant barrel room is where wines are aged for 22 to 36 months . . . and where the winemaker discreetly stores his surfboards along the back wall.

entrance to Barrel Room at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

concrete fermenting tanks at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

barrel room at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

Quixote is known for their Petite Sirahs, which are described as savory on the nose with big, chewy tannins, and perfect to pair with a steak. But it also makes tasty Cabernet Sauvignons. Tasting an array of the winery’s silky-smooth reds is a must. My favorite is the new Rocinante, a Bordeaux blend. As I tasted it, I thought of it as dancing in my mouth.

tasting room at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

individual tasting set-up in tasting room at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

tasting room at Quixote Winery in Napa, California

A basic tasting starts at $80 per person. More elaborate versions can include a gourmet cheese pairing, an unusual chocolate-and-marshmallows s’mores pairing, and a seasonal culinary delicacies pairing.

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