Palmaz Vineyards: “Passionate Pursuit of Wine Making Perfection”

Recently, we had the pleasure to return to Palmaz Vineyards. In an effort to visit all 600 Napa wineries 400 and counting, Palmaz has the distinction of being on our Top 15 Winery list. Palmaz is proudly perched on Mt. George on 600 acres  in Napa. 

This second generation winery was founded by Julio and Amalia Palmaz. Their son Christian is the COO, Daughter Florencia CEO, and daughter in law Jessica Chief Marketing Officer. Florencia is also President of the family’s other primary business, Good Heart Brand Specialty Food Company based in San Antonio, Texas.

We met this warm and passionate wine family many years ago and their spectacular story is unique and very impressive.

We also had the pleasure to travel with Julio, Amalia and Florencia on a memorable trip to South America. The wine cruise sailed from Rio de Janeiro down the coast to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The trip included fabulous wine dinners served by the attentive staff on Silver Seas Cruise line.

The trip was highlighted with an elegant luncheon and day of “fun in the sun” at the Palmaz oceanfront summer home in Punta de Este, Uruguay.

Palmaz Vineyards features over 100,000 square feet of caves and a gravity feed wine making system that produces high quality wines. Wine club members enjoy elegant theme parties throughout the year. A wine member receives a gift of an Argentinean Gaucho facon, a silver personal steak knife that can be used at the annual Palmaz Asado barbecue.

From the web site:

“Julio Palmaz was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Julio invented the Palmaz Coronary Stent, a device that revolutionized medicine. (Artifacts related to his research now sit in the Smithsonian Institution medical collection .) Having moved from Argentina in the late 1970’s to pursue medical research at a notable institution, Julio completed his residency at the University of California Davis, where his passion for wine first emerged. To unwind on weekends, Julio and his wife Amalia would drive through Napa in a white Triumph Spitfire, visiting wineries and restaurants. “ I had wanted to make my own wine since my days at UC Davis,” he would later say, “And where better to make the best wine in the world than Napa Valley?”

Our knowledgeable and passionate host for this tour and elegant tasting was Julio. The tasting and food pairing took place in a private room with a high tech computer presentation of each wine.

Our tasting began with the 2019 Louise Riesling paired with Southwest Chicken Salad on an Endive Leaf with Miera Cilantro. Next was 2019 Amalia Chardonnay paired with a Chilled Diver Scallop with Maradal Papaya Mousseline.

We were then treated to a vertical tasting of 2019, 2018, and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Wild Mushroom Flan Bruschetta, Flank Steak Roulade with French Mustard and French Dip Brioche with Horseradish Cream.

Next, we sampled the 2019 Florencia Muscat paired with Piave Vechio with Honey and Toasted Almonds. Finally, we enjoyed the 2017 Gaston 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

In conclusion, this winery is a unique experience and a “must do” to add to your Napa bucket list.

For more information and to make an appointment go to:

http://www.Palmazvineyards.com

Ackerman Family Vineyards: 30 Years Of Excellence

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Ackerman Family Vineyards. The vineyard was purchased 30 years ago in Coombsville in 1994. Coombsville became the 16th AVA within the Napa Valley in 2011.

Winemaker Leo Tellez is a third generation Napan. With Ackerman Family Vineyards, he has found the perfect fit as part of a small family operated estate based wine company creating world class wines.

The knowledgeable team at Ackerman includes Lauren Ackerman, President, Kristie Fondario General Manager, and Joe Hinde Director of Sales and Hospitality.

A variety of experiences are available that include wine tasting, corporate events, weddings, afternoon teas, cooking classes, and private dining.

In 2010 Lauren purchased the 1888 Napa  Victorian known as the Clifford house located 2 blocks from Main Street in downtown Napa.

She restored this historic mansion to its 19th century splendor. In 2015, it opened as the Ackerman Heritage House. Since then, many people have enjoyed unique experiences at this iconic Napa treasure.

Today our informative host Joe Hinde began our tasting with a glass of 2022 Sauvignon Blanc as we toured this elegantly decorated Victorian.

We then moved to their tasting room and were treated to 3 of their red wines. 2021 Alavigna Tosca, 2018 Memoir and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. We especially enjoyed the Memoir a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and 5% Petite Verdot. We took a couple bottles back to Danville to share with our friends. This is a ‘must do’ experience to add to your Napa bucket list.

In addition, there are many great restaurants within walking distance. We enjoyed a great lunch overlooking the Napa River at The Waterfront Seafood Grille.

For more information and to make a reservation go to:

https://www.ackermanfamilyvineyards.com/