Clos du Val
5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Website: http://www.closduval.com/
Clos du Val is a relaxed winery located off the Silverado Trail in the Stags Leap District. The winery was founded by John Goelet and French winemaker Bernard Portet in 1972 with the intent of producing wines of the highest quality. With Bernard Portet’s winemaking leadership, Clos du Val has produced premium wines that can stand the test of time. Clos du Val’s 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of six California cabernets that were selected for the famous 1976 Paris Tasting. Although the 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was not selected as the #1 wine in 1976, it took first place in the 1986 rematch of the Paris Tasting and beat out the French wines again at the 30th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in 2006 showing that Clos du Val’s wine can age elegantly.
Clos du Val Tasting Room
The first time my husband and I visited the winery we were in the middle of a downpour and we had to make a mad dash from our car into the tasting room. Despite the weather, I felt very welcome. There are several reasons why I find this place so appealing. The property is beautiful, the staff is friendly, and I really enjoyed the artistry in the tasting room and on their wine label. Also, their red wines are smooth and lovely.
Picnic area at Clos du Val
The winery itself is pretty to see with all of the greenery covering the front of the stone building. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and relax at a picnic table in the Olive Grove out back. This is a nice winery for a family or group activity. There are pétanque courts (the French version of bocce ball) open to anyone who is up for a game. For visitors interested in an educational tour, there is also a demonstration vineyard out front open to the public that explains trellising techniques, sustainable farming, and how to identify Merlot grapes.
Inside the tasting room I found the staff to be very amiable and informative. Since I am a fan of Greek mythology, I was intrigued by the Three Graces on the wine label and wine cartoons created by humorist and graphic satirist Ronald Searle that are the emblem of the Clos du Val Cellar Club. In my opinion, the wines certainly represent the high quality that the co-founders sought out to achieve in the 1970s.
Demonstration vineyard at Clos du Val