Many experts will tell you that much of taste and preference is simply subjective when it comes to wine. The couple's also partnering with Infineon Raceway in Sonoma to serve Maximus - their rich, full-bodied red - by the glass in the track's new entertainment zone. In fact, Randy and his wife, Lisa, are the first California winery to own a NASCAR team. Like his long-time pal, Richard Childress (who produces outstanding wines at his winery in North Carolina), Randy is heavily involved in racing as well as his growing winery. For more information, call 70.īennett Lane owner Randy Lynch is a man on a mission to introduce wine to beer-loving NASCAR fans. Don't miss the dark chocolate and Maximus pairings every Saturday - call to check on times. Guests are also welcome to use the winery's picnic area. The winery is open to the public daily from 10am to 5:30pm. If you're interested, be sure to call ahead to schedule a time. Helena areas) - I reckon when you add it all up it's actually a pretty solid value. (Call to check on pricing for parties of 1 to 4, or more than 8.) The Experience also includes a wine and cheese pairing, and a limo ride to and from your hotel (within the Calistoga or St.

The staff-lead Custom Wine Blending Experience is a splurge (at $175 a person for a party of 6 to 8), but it's definitely worth it.at least once.and with a few good friends. Scott's Picks: Maximus, White Maximus, Los Carneros Reserve Chardonnay Next stop: A 'wine blending experience' at Bennett Lane Winery (3340 Highway 128, Calistoga, Napa 70) Join me as I look back on a recent trip (which was out of this world!). Summer's probably my favorite time to visit Napa and Sonoma - the nights are cool, everything's lush and green, the roads and wineries are not nearly as crowded as they are in the fall, and, compared to the South, there's almost no perceptible humidity (which I'll take all day long). The former blends Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot the latter is a mix of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat.Ĭalifornia Wine Country: A Trip to Remember JLīennett Lane - At this remarkable source for high quality and good prices, winemaker Rob Hunter oversees a line up led by Maximus Red and Maximus White. Gains complexity and depth before ending with ripe, chewy tannins. Tight, focussed and well-structured, with a firm band of cedar-and-mineral-laced currant, graphite, herbs and cherry. View Complete Entry and Photos Wine SpectatorĬabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley Reserve Check out the album below to see our adventures in wine blending and Bennett Lane’s beautiful vineyard. Under the guidance ofStefanie Longton, retail sales and wine club manager, we were able to create, bottle and cork our own special blends of wine. Move over Lucy and Ethel! Yesterday, “ Everyday Food” co-host Sandy Gluck and I took a shot at blending our own wine at Calistoga’s Bennett Lane Winery.

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