Easy, Peasy, take me to Seavey

Close your eyes (except don't really 'cause you need to read this still). Picture yourself down a crisp, winding road. Your windows are down, the sun gently kisses the dew soaked grape vines, and the air is sweet like the first signs of Spring. You steer down a separate path, taking you further and further into the rolling hills of the Silverado Trail in Napa. As you go deeper into the valley, the natural light is blocked by the tall trees; a variation of oak and redwoods pass you by. Just as the faint idea of being lost crosses your mind, in front of you appears a winery comfortably tucked away on the mountainside. Is this heaven? Is this the Secret Garden? No. It's Seavey Winery and it is a totally real and totally amazing hidden gem of the booming wine industry of Northern California.

Since Seavey is a family and privately owned estate, the history is rather short and to the point. In 1979 married couple, William and Marry Seavey, purchased the grounds from a Franco-Swiss farming company established in 1880. Since it's humble beginnings, Seavey has dedicated it's existence to perfecting it's series of red wines.

Now, survived by their daughter Dorie, Seavey continues to practice and honor the integrity of the wine making process with the help of her co-worker Jim Duane. Together they operate the grounds, tend to the vines and experiment with new ways to store and ferment their wine. In addition to their winery, they operate on one of the first installed solar systems in Napa Valley that eliminates 24,000 pounds of carbon emissions annually.

They also raise a small number of cattle with the primary function of fire prevention by keeping the grass down in the hills as well as provide a welcoming source of organic beef for family and friends.

It wasn't until 1989 that the Seavey's decided to renovate the 1881 stone dairy barn as their winery and tasting room. In 1990 they made their inaugural vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with the Seavey Vineyard label; Merlot was added in 1994 and their second Cabernet, Caravina, in 1999. Their early vintages saw great success, enough for them to expand production into the construction of their second winery in the year 2000.

Here's Jim Duane, graduate of Biology and Chemistry from Gonzaga University. Former Stag's Leap winemaker.

Honestly, sometimes photos just don't do places like this justice

For our tasting, we tried the 2010 Merlot, 2008 Caravina, the 2010 Caravina and the 2010 Cabernet. Although the Caravina's had a lot to offer, the 2010 Merlot was striking for lack of better words. Seavey Winery has the advantage of both wind and sun, fully brining forth the potential of the grape. Similar to Storybook, they have the ability to be much more temperature controlled and the advantage of French Oak barreling process.
The year was good with a flavor booth fruity and robust.

It's one thing to enjoy a wonderfully handcrafted wine, but it's a whole other experience when you are treated with the kindness and hospitality that I encountered while at Seavey Winery. We didn't just take a tour, but were offered samples from Jim of their latest blend about to be barreled. Dorie didn't try to sell us on anything, but sat and enjoyed our company, swapping stories of our lives. My mom and I felt truly welcome, especially by their two adorable dogs: Scooter and Liefe. By the end of our visit, Dorie said the tour and tasting was "on her". We bought a bottle (can you guess which), said our goodbyes, and promised to stay in touch.

If anything, please take the time to visit Seavey Winery on your next Napa tour. The folks are friendly, the environment is stunning, and the tasting flawless. Easily my new favorite place to visit.

And with that, my 3-part winery series is over. This does not mean that I won't be reviewing more wineries. For now, I will enjoy the bottles I have with my lovely mama. Any Napa Valley suggestions? Feel free to comment and share. Thanks, lovelies.


Cheers,
K