Conn Creek Winery
8711 Silverado Trail, St Helena, CA 94574
Website: https://www.conncreek.com/
Conn Creek Winery, located on the Silverado Trail in the Rutherford appellation, was started by Bill and Kathy Collins in 1979. The 1970s was an exciting era for Napa Valley. California wines were getting recognition after beating out the French at the 1976 Judgment of Paris and emerging wineries were riding on the coattails of that success. The Cabernet Sauvignon that took 1st place at the Paris tasting came from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars just down the road from Conn Creek. Conn Creek Winery showcases Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. What I like most about this winery is its focus on “terroir”. If you ask someone what terroir means you’ll probably get a variety of answers. Essentially, terror represents all of the environs that give a wine its character, which includes the location, soil, weather conditions, and so on. This winery embraces the nuances in the terroir across the different Napa Valley appellations that have defined what people love about Napa Valley wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, this place can pride itself on being one of the first energy efficient wineries in the area.
Anthology Room at Conn Creek
Conn Creek’s tasting room has an air of Napa elegance without being “over the top”. It is spacious and has a few different tasting options. As you walk in there is a traditional tasting bar to the right. To the left is a nook for private tastings in the Anthology room. Anthology is one of their most renowned Bordeaux blends. Toward the back of the tasting room is a cozy space with big comfy leather chairs, a TV, and a wine bottle display on the wall. There is lots of paraphernalia about the space to educate tasters on the different Napa Valley terroirs. If you prefer to be outside, there is a little patio off the side of the tasting room as well.
Conn Creek Tasting Room
One of the tasting options that they offer explores Cabernet Sauvignons from different Napa appellations. That is the option I tried. I enjoyed the tasting because I was able to compare a few Cabernet Sauvignons side-by-side and taste the difference in the appellations. Another fun option this winery offers for those who want to splurge a little is a private blending seminar. Check their website for details. This winery is a nice place to stop into if you have an interest in learning more about the differences in the Napa appellations.