In order to appreciate our recent trip to Napa, Yountville, Oakville and Calistoga let’s look at the current state of wine and spirits on a global level. Living in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania these items are purchased in large formats which work best with the state stores. The wineries we’ve been reviewing all ship direct to PA but are not normally carried in our state stores.

Constellation Brands

In the United States you know this company for their beer, their wine and their spirits. They are the importer of Modelo, Corona, Pacifico, Victoria and Casa Noble from Mexico. In the Wine world you will recognize Robert Mondavi, Mt. Veeder, Blindfold, The Prisoner-Saldo-Unshackled, Mt. Veeder, Double Diamond, TA Kalon and Opus One. If you venture to the Finger Lakes of NY state you will be in their home headquarters and find they have naming rights to the amphitheater in Canandaigua. Visiting any of these brands in the Napa region is a solid tasting trip.

TWE – Treasury Wine Estate

In the United states you will know this company mainly for their wine. Their brands and vineyards include: Sterling, Beaulieu, Berringer Brothers, Stag’s Leap, Daou, Gabbiano and Frank Family Vineyards.

EJ Gallo

Yes, your grandparent’s wine company still exists. You likely enjoy several of their brands and don’t realize they are part of Gallo. You typically may order a bottle with your rare filet and a side for brussel sprouts at your favorite steak house. They also include your favorite box wine for tailgating before concerts. Their brands include Rombauer, Orin Swift Cellars, Frei Ranch, Barefoot, Apothic, Black Box, Carnivor, Clos du Bois, Hahn, Hidden Creek, Mark West, Mirassou, Toasted Head, William Hill and Macmurray Estates Vineyard.

Boisset Collection

When you decide to take your wine journey between Nappa and Calistoga start at Oakville Grocery to stock up on your tasting supplies. The sandwiches are good to go in a cooler for your snack between wineries. You will also want to pick up their grab and go cheese and meat plates to accompany your tastings by adding some salt, fat and crunch. Oakville Grocery has been a staple of this region since 1882 if I recall. This company has collected the following brands: Wattle Creek, Wappo Hill, Raymond Vineyards, LVE by John Legend, Founder’s Ranch, JCB after John-Charles Boisset, Frenchie Winery, Durant & Booth, Elizabeth Spencer, DeLoach, Cut Series and 1881 Napa.

About the big wine companies.

Why am I taking a minute to point out the big players? You likely already know them and enjoy them and can find them in every state in this union. You will also begin to understand the world of wine, since most of these players are both importers and exporters. The consistency and supply is key to the fine wine and dining experience in this country. The tasting experiences offered by these big players may not be quite as intimate as most of the wineries we visited this time around, but the experience always meets expectations. YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW SOME OF THESE BRANDS and hopefully love them.