Tasting Merlot in Napa Valley

Total Trail Miles: 42.6

Google 3D Map

Merlot is a dark blue-colored, rich, plump grape named after an old French word for a young blackbird. One of the five primary gapes in Bordeaux wine, this early ripening varietal is one of the worlds most widely planted grape. Merlot-based wines are typically medium body and exhibit flavors of berry, plum and currant.

We can’t think of a better place to begin a Merlot trail-Duckhorn Vineyards. Dan and Margaret Duckhorn have been producing wine in Napa Valley since 1976 and were early pioneers of Bordeaux's second grape (Merlot). Try the winery’s 'limited tasting' or start the day with a full tour (allocate 90 minutes). This is a beautiful estate.

From Duckhorn head south on the Silverado Trail until you reach the Yountville Crossroad. Make a right and travel west until you spot a well-preserved old stone structure at the north end of Yountville. Maisonry is the collaboration of art, wine, history and entertainment. It’s also the tasting room for Blackbird Vineyards and their acclaimed Bordeaux style Merlot's from the Oak Knoll Appellation. These are very seductive wines.

Make a right at the stop light on Highway 29 off Madison and head north about four miles to Turnbull. This winery is known for Northern California architectural significance (William Turnbull Jr./Sea Ranch) and classic Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Make a point of visiting their permanent black and white photography exhibit during your visit.

Final stop, Pride Mountain Vineyards. Head north to St. Helena until you reach Madrona Avenue. Make a left, a right at Spring Mountain Road and then work your way up the narrow, winding mountain road for another six miles to the winery’s entrance on the right. Pride Mountain Vineyards sits on a 235-acre parcel straddling Napa and Sonoma Counties at the Peak of Spring Mountain and offers an informative tour + tasting experience around their beautiful mountain top estate. Merlot placed Pride on the map in the early 1990's and they haven’t looked back. All of their wine is exceptional and well worth the drive up the grade.

Dine at Cooks in St. Helena (707) 963-7088.

Winery Options: Keenan, Elhers.

Turnbull | Oakville AVA