Clos Pegase Winery : Born Again Under New Ownership

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Clos Pegase Winery, one of Napa Valley’s most distinctive wineries where art, architecture, and exceptional wine beautifully come together.

The winery’s name is rooted in two classical references: Clos, the French term for an enclosed vineyard, and Pegase, the French spelling of Pegasus, the mythical winged horse symbolizing the connection between wine and the arts.

Located in the heart of Calistoga, the estate was founded in 1983 by Jan Shrem and Mitsuko Shrem, whose shared passion for fine wine and art inspired the creation of this remarkable property. The estate was designed by legendary architect Michael Graves and built to showcase the Shrems’ extensive art collection, including works by Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.

Beyond the tasting rooms, the property features underground caves for barrel aging along with a beautiful Heritage Garden adorned with classical sculptures, making the winery feel as much like a cultural destination as a wine estate.

After operating the winery for decades, Jan Shrem sold the property to  Vintage Wine Estates in 2013. Following the company’s bankruptcy in 2024, the iconic estate was purchased by Jay Adair, billionaire CEO of  Copart, and his wife Tammi.

Following an extensive renovation and a year-long closure, Clos Pegase has truly been “born again” and has recently reopened with renewed elegance and energy.

Our knowledgeable hosts for the afternoon were Russell and Rae — appropriately nicknamed “Ray of Sunshine.” We enjoyed our tasting in the beautifully refreshed main tasting room featuring elegant furnishings, striking artwork, and a welcoming fireplace that warmed both the room and the spirit.

We began with the 2021 Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine, perfectly chilled and wonderfully refreshing. From there, we sampled the 2021 Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Pinot Noir Dijon Clone 777, and the 2021 Pinot Noir from Mitsuko’s Vineyard. We enjoyed the Cab Franc and the 2021 Pinot so much that we brought a bottle of each home to Danville to share with wine friends.

We concluded our tasting with the silky smooth 2023 Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon — a memorable finish to an outstanding experience. These wines were crafted by winemaker Robin Akhurst, who has been with the winery since 2016.

In conclusion, Clos Pegase Winery is truly a “must-do” destination to add to your Napa Valley wine bucket list — whether you appreciate world-class wines, inspiring architecture, or the seamless blending of art and hospitality.

To make a reservation, visit  www.Clospegase.com

Archer Hotel Napa

Recently, we had the pleasure of staying at the beautifully appointed Archer Hotel Napa, a sophisticated boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Napa. Opened in 2017, the hotel features 183 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, many offering private balconies or cozy fireplaces that add warmth and charm to the experience. The hotel is also pet-friendly, offers ADA-accessible accommodations, and provides valet parking for added convenience.

One of the hotel’s most unforgettable highlights is the spectacular Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar. With sweeping views of Napa Valley, it is the perfect setting for morning coffee, leisurely brunch, casual bites, or sunset cocktails. We especially enjoyed the lively energy of guests relaxing and celebrating in such a beautiful atmosphere. After a day of wine tasting, it truly feels like the perfect place to unwind.

Step outside the hotel and you are immediately surrounded by Napa’s vibrant collection of restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques, and nightlife — all within easy walking distance. The entire downtown atmosphere feels welcoming, energetic, and wonderfully restorative to the soul.

Most impressive of all, however, was the exceptional hospitality. From the moment you arrive, the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel genuinely valued and cared for. Their warmth and attention to detail elevate the entire experience.

Archer Hotel Napa is truly a “must experience” destination for any Napa Valley getaway. The only downside is having to leave — although you quickly realize you will absolutely be returning.

For more information or reservations, visit Archer Hotel Napa

Robert Mondavi Winery Renovation

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting the long-awaited reopening of Robert Mondavi Winery following its remarkable multi-million-dollar transformation.

Founded in 1966, the winery has long been a cornerstone of Napa Valley winemaking. This three-year project by Constellation Brands was far more than a renovation—it was a complete reimagining of the estate. While preserving its iconic archway and bell tower, the property now features elegant vineyard-view terraces, a beautifully curated botanical garden in place of the former lawn, and an entirely new hospitality wing offering elevated tasting and culinary experiences. Guests can also enjoy guided cellar tours and vineyard walks, with experiences beginning at $60.

Behind the scenes, the winery has embraced innovation with state-of-the-art production facilities, dedicated spaces showcasing the renowned To Kalon Vineyard, and meaningful sustainability efforts—including water recycling, rainwater capture, energy efficiency upgrades, and organic certification achieved in 2023.

In short, Robert Mondavi Winery has evolved into a true luxury destination.

During our visit, we enjoyed a curated tasting in the new hospitality wing overlooking the famed To Kalon Vineyard. Our knowledgeable host, Mark, guided us through a memorable lineup, beginning with a crisp and refreshing 2022 Fumé Blanc from the Oakville District. We then sampled a 2022 Merlot from Oak Knoll District, followed by a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District and another 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville—each one exceptional.

The highlight of the experience was tasting the 60th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon alongside winemaker Kurtis Ogasawara. It was such a special moment that we brought a few signed bottles back to Danville to share with fellow wine enthusiasts.

In conclusion, this newly reimagined estate in Napa Valley is truly a “must-do” for any wine lover’s bucket list.

To reserve your experience, visit RobertMondaviWinery.com.

2026 Mexico Cruise

 

Recently, our family had the pleasure of traveling to Mexico aboard the Ruby Princess on a 12-day cruise. Having experienced many cruises around the world, one of the standout features of this trip was its departure from and return to San Francisco—the beautiful “City by the Bay”—allowing us to completely avoid air travel.

To make the journey even more seamless, we arranged for a driver to take us to and from our home in Danville to the San Francisco Cruise Terminal—an easy and stress-free start and finish to the trip.

Our voyage began with a spectacular sail under the Golden Gate Bridge on a crystal-clear day. The itinerary included three ports of call: La Paz, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas.

Among the many highlights were the exceptional food, lively nightly entertainment, attentive service, and a wide range of daily activities—truly something for everyone.

We especially enjoyed the Princess Premium beverage package, which included unlimited premium wines and cocktails across the ship’s 14 bars, as well as dining upgrades to two of their finest restaurants. The Crown Grill featured outstanding steaks and seafood, while Sabatini’s delivered a first-class Italian dining experience.

We also made a point to stay active, walking three to five miles each day and taking advantage of the ship’s excellent fitness center and spa.

One of the most memorable experiences was participating in a Guinness World Record event in Cabo San Lucas during a sashimi festival. Tables stretched nearly a mile through the town, setting a new world record. It was a truly unique and “cool” experience, complete with music and local restaurants serving fresh sashimi.

The trip concluded with a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration—an ideal ending to a sensational journey filled with smooth sailing and beautiful, warm weather.

For more information or to book a cruise, visit:

https://www.princess.com/

Top 26 for 2026

After originally publishing our Top 10 Favorite Wineries, we quickly realized that list didn’t do justice to all the incredible places we’ve discovered. After visiting several new wineries, we’ve officially expanded the list — it’s now our Top 26.

You can read detailed reviews of each one on my blog:

https://mikemccolgan.blogspot.com

We feel incredibly fortunate to have visited more than 400 wineries throughout Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. Each one offers something unique — whether it’s the wine itself, the terroir, the passion of the team, or the story behind the label.

Over lunch one afternoon, we challenged ourselves to choose our favorites. It was not easy. We considered the quality of the wine, the character of the vineyard, the hospitality, the winemaking philosophy, and the overall experience. Every winery has its own personality and leaves a lasting impression.

One especially memorable visit was blending our own wine at Raymond Vineyards. We not only learned a great deal about the art of blending, but we also created a wine we truly loved — our very own “McColgan Private Reserve.” The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. It remains one of our most fun and hands-on wine experiences — truly a must-do.

In no particular order, here are 26 wineries we highly recommend visiting. Some are well-known, others are hidden gems — and the good news is that all are conveniently located within easy reach of Danville.

Rombauer Vineyards

BV Vineyards

Silver Oak

Grgich Hills

Chateau Montelena

Pine Ridge

Buena Vista

Caymus

Faust

Hall

La Sirena- Heidi Barrett

Antinori Napa Valley

Stag’s Leap

Chimney Rock

Davis Estates

Vineyardist

Lokoya

Aperature

Lewis Cellars

Palmaz

Gandona

Lithology

Melka Estates

Raymond Estates

Cultivar

VGS

 

Go to their web sites and make an appointment. You will not be disappointed. 

Parable Wines: Dedicated to Crafting World-Class Wine

Trey Eppright’s passion for wine began at the age of 15, sparked by a single sip of Champagne that set him on a journey from Texas to Napa Valley. Trey and family founded Parable Wines in 2021, a family endeavor rooted in curiosity, heritage, and craftsmanship.

Trey discovered the former Dutch Henry Estate, a 10.6-acre pristine property that had been ravaged by the 2020 Glass Fire. The estate features a subterranean wine cave and a completely remodeled residence, offering both history and promise. While Parable’s wines are currently produced at Arrow & Branch, plans for a dedicated winery facility have been approved—an exciting next step toward fully realizing their vision.

As described on the Parable Wines website, “Each bottle of Parable wine uncorks a tale of heritage and character. We celebrate the symbols and stories that inspire our craft, honoring the origins of each wine with reverence and warmth.” This philosophy was evident throughout our visit.

On a sun-splashed day overlooking the vineyard, we enjoyed an intimate and informative tasting of five exceptional Parable wines, guided by Trey and Brindley.

The tasting began with the 2022 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The Ritchie Vineyard is widely regarded as one of California’s Grand Cru vineyards, and this wine showcased remarkable purity and elegance.

Next was the 2022 Larry Hyde & Sons Chardonnay, sourced from Los Carneros. This wine beautifully balanced Old World refinement with New World vibrancy.

The third Chardonnay was the A18 Antica Vineyard Chardonnay, grown at 1,400 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Its rugged, elevated site is reminiscent of Chianti Classico, lending the wine structure and distinctive character.

The first red was the 2021 Vangone Parable Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from a compelling site situated on two rocky plateaus at 1,672 feet in the Vaca Mountain Range.

The tasting concluded with the 2021 Parable Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard. The vineyard’s history is as impressive as the wine itself. William Bowers Bourn, credited with building Greystone Cellars—now home to the Culinary Institute of America—purchased the property in 1872 as a family estate. The 13-acre vineyard, all but one acre planted, was acquired by Beckstoffer in 2010 and continues to produce wines of exceptional pedigree.

In summary, all of the wines were outstanding. We were particularly taken with the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay and the Beckstoffer Bourn Cabernet Sauvignon, and happily brought a bottle of each back to Danville to share with our wine friends.

The Parable Wines story is just beginning, and it will be a pleasure to follow their passionate pursuit of perfection as they continue crafting truly world-class wines.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit:

https://www.parablewines.com/experience

2021 Silver Oak Napa Valley Release Day

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Silver Oak’s 2021 Napa Valley Release Day, a highly anticipated celebration marking the debut of its newest Napa Valley vintage. This beloved tradition takes place on the first Saturday in February for the Napa Valley release and the first Saturday in August for the Alexander Valley vintage.

Silver Oak began this tradition in the 1980s, and it has since become a sold-out signature event for loyal patrons. The day features an unforgettable lineup of renowned local chefs, live music, photo booths, and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy the newest Silver Oak vintage in the stunning setting of their iconic winery.

The 2021 Silver Oak Napa Valley is composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Aged for 24 months in 50% new American oak barrels, this full-bodied yet elegant wine delivered layers of depth and balance—bringing, as many attendees described, “smiles of joy” throughout the event.

This year’s culinary program was equally impressive, featuring three exceptional chefs whose résumés are far too extensive to fully capture here. Silver Oak Executive Chef Preeti Mistry, Chef Kim Alter of Nightbird in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, and Chef Dominica Rice-Cisneros of Bombera in Oakland showcased their talents by creating inspired dishes that paired flawlessly with this world-class wine.

In every sense, it was a day of great wine, extraordinary food, and shared celebration. We already look forward to attending future release events—because, as Silver Oak so perfectly puts it, “Life is a Cabernet.”

For more information or to plan a visit to the winery, http://www.silveroak.com

 

Beaulieu Vineyard: “Quel Beau Lieu!”

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Beaulieu Vineyard, ideally situated in the heart of the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley. Founded in 1900 by Georges and Fernande de Latour, the winery’s name was inspired by Fernande’s first glimpse of the property—“Quel beau lieu!”—French for “What a beautiful place.” The name has proven timeless.

From the beginning, the de Latours were visionaries. They imported phylloxera-resistant vine rootstocks, helping to establish healthier, more resilient vineyards in Napa Valley. During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard was one of the few wineries permitted to continue operating, producing sacramental wine while many others were forced to close.

A defining moment came in 1938 with the arrival of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. His pioneering work—introducing small French oak barrels, malolactic fermentation, and cold fermentation—not only elevated Beaulieu Vineyard but also transformed the trajectory of California winemaking as a whole.

Today, Beaulieu Vineyard produces several tiers of wine, with its crown jewel remaining the iconic Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet.

In 2016, Beaulieu Vineyard was acquired by Treasury Wine Estates. Most recently, in March 2025, Nate Weis—formerly the renowned winemaker at Silver Oak—was appointed Senior Winemaker and General Manager. Under his leadership, Beaulieu Vineyard is undergoing a significant modernization and renovation, while remaining open to visitors throughout the process.

Our tasting experience was expertly guided by Jamie, an energetic and knowledgeable host. We enjoyed the Cabernet Clone Expression Tasting, which included:

• 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 169 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Cabernet Franc

Each wine was exceptional, showcasing nuance, balance, and the distinctive character of Rutherford terroir.

The undeniable highlight was the 2022 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which fully lived up to its legendary reputation for depth, elegance, and excellence.

Beaulieu Vineyard is truly a “must-do” Napa Valley experience. We look forward to returning once the renovations are completed in July 2026.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit: www.bvwines.com

Lewis Cellars: Celebrating 30 Years of Winemaking Excellence

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting the spectacular new Lewis Cellars estate and tasting room, beautifully positioned along the iconic Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley.

Lewis Cellars was acquired in 2021 by The Wonderful Company—owned by Stewart and Lynda Resnick, who also steward the acclaimed JUSTIN and Landmark Vineyards. Under their ownership, the property has been elevated with stunning design and an enhanced hospitality experience, while preserving the legacy of its founders.

Our visit began in their elegant, light-filled tasting room, where floor-to-ceiling views spill out over the Napa Valley. Thomas, our professional and exceptionally knowledgeable host, guided us through a thoughtfully curated wine and food pairing experience.

We opened with the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, a bright, refreshing wine that immediately soothed the senses—and impressed us enough to take a bottle home.

Next came the 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay, beautifully paired with a gougère topped with Egg Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. This was followed by the 2023 Russian River Chardonnay, served with a California salmon rillettes on toasted brioche with citrus and cilantro bud. While both Chardonnays were excellent, the Napa Valley Chardonnay especially captured our attention.

The red wines showcased the power and finesse for which Lewis Cellars is known.

The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.7% Cabernet Franc, 3.8% Merlot, and 2.5% Petite Sirah—was served alongside an arancini with foraged mushroom, soubise, and onion blossom.

The 2022 Big Blend, composed of 48% Syrah, 21% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petite Sirah, was paired with a rich Schmitz Ranch beef roll with oxtail and Cabernet jus.

We especially loved the 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet and brought two bottles back to Danville to share with friends.

In conclusion, Lewis Cellars is unquestionably a “must-do” for your Napa Valley bucket list—an elevated experience that showcases the artistry, history, and hospitality of a truly exceptional winery.

For more information or to reserve a tasting, visit 

https://lewiscellars.com/about