06/03/2026
That’s a wrap on an incredibly immersive Domestic Trade Trip! 🍷🥂
First stop: — a collaboration between Burgundy’s de Villaines and Napa’s Hydes, focused on single vineyard wines. We met with Winemaker , who shared how Napa Valley’s 2023 growing season — which delayed harvest by nearly six weeks — shaped their elegant Carnernos Chardonnay.
Next was , Calistoga’s iconic producer of traditional method sparkling wines, led by second-gen Proprietor . Hugh Davies’ incredibly diverse blending program spans over 120 vineyard sites and 300 lots, with just 20 selected for the J. Schram tête de cuvée range!
We then visited in Calistoga, where we held a bottle of the 1973 Chardonnay that won the Judgment of Paris exactly 50 years ago! Montelena’s legacy speaks for itself, but what stood out most was how CEO Bo Barrett and Winemaker .crafton continue to push it forward — including their largest vineyard replant since the Barretts bought the property in 1972.
Afterward, we reconnected with Hugh — this time to explore his red wine label, in St. Helena. These wines trace back to Hugh’s replanting of the family estate with red Bordeaux varietals, supple enough to enjoy now and structured to age beautifully!
Then it was off to , a regeneratively farmed Russian River Valley winery and the newest addition to the WD portfolio! Winemaker even prepared an incredible meal, expertly paired with wines like the beautifully balanced Moon Dust Vineyard Chardonnay!
We closed at , spanning 70 acres across the Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, and Ribbon Ridge. Led by and , our visit focused on differentiating these vineyard sites through an immersive soil pit tasting experience!
Seeing our producers in action is nothing short of amazing; THANK YOU for sharing your world with us!
