Day 2 of our four day wine excursion in Napa Valley, California.

Click/ tap here to go to Day 1.

(Editor’s Tip: for more information about the wineries and their wines, click the blue text introducing them. You can also click/ tap here to see all my Napa posts going back to 2008.)

Today’s excursions take us to the hills of Napa, starting with

Sterling Vineyards

The visit starts with a ride in a gondola up to the main buildings.

Traditional vistas from the top.

_{If you look closely just left of center, you will see Castello di Amorosa, an “authentically-styled 14th century Tuscan castle winery.”}

Wine production…

Sterling was heavily damaged by the 2020 Napa Valley Glass Fire. All the grapes were lost, buildings suffered smoke damage, and the gondola system had to be replaced. The winery closed for three years.

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Our next stop took us up winding roads to O’Shaughnessy’s vineyard on Howell Mountain.

A cave tour…

Robert Craig Winery

Another Howell Mountain vineyard, elevation 2,300 feet. “Mountain Wines,” particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, are known for their exceptional depth and character.

A wildfire was in the area during our visit. Fortunately, strong winds and good firefighting kept most of the damage northeast of Napa. Unfortunately, one of Robert Craig’s vineyards may have suffered smoke damage. Smoke causes more damage to vineyards then actual fire. The smoke gets into the grapes, ruining the crop.

Group Picture #1: The People

Group Picture #2: The Important Ones… The Wine Gnomes

How to take a picture of the Winemaker and Lisa, our Estate Ambassador…

Instructional session…

Barrel Tasting!

August 26, 2025

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