I’ve met the owner John Williams in countless educational wine symposiums and other events as well.

Now you probably know Frog’s Leap winery because of their excellent wines, and also because of the iconic label.

Frogs’ Leap winery reviews are pretty good too!

Why?

Aside from the wine, Frog’s Leap has a gorgeous hospitality center.

Frog’s Leap also has an enormous, lovely garden filled with flowers, fruit, and organic vegetables bursting with color.

Frog’s Leap Red Barn With Mustard

Planning Your Visit to Frog’s Leap Winery

This article will explain how to best plan your visit to Frog’s Leap Winery so you will have the best experience.

But first, I want to tell you a funny story about how at the last minute I made Frog’s Leap part of my recent Napa Valley visit.

So a few weeks before my trip, I was in my exercise studio chatting with a classmate named Mary.

Mary was not in the wine business.

But I knew from previous conversations she loved traveling, going to great restaurants, and drinking fine wine.

And because almost everyone I know is in the wine business, I thought she might have a fresh perspective on great wineries to visit.

“Frog’s Leap was my favorite!” she said.

Then she explained she had just visited the Napa Valley.

“They farm organically and the grounds were so beautiful! The tour was absolutely fantastic!”

So that was all it took to put a visit to the winery on my list!

I should explain that I have been to Frog’s Leap many times in the past.

But that was the distant past.

I had not realized that so much has changed, and that the hospitality center is one of the best in the valley.

Making the Frog’s Leap Reservation

For the last several years, it has become a necessity to make a reservation at virtually all the wineries in the Napa Valley.

It’s a good idea for several reasons.

The primary reason is so you, the guest, are assured of having a smooth visit with no waiting involved.

And also so that there will be enough tour guides on hand to give their full attention to the visitors.

Yes, there is a charge (at the time of this writing, the tours and tastings range from $25 – $35 dollars).

Also – at of this writing, check out the FAQ pages on the Frog’s Leap winery web site.

It says there may be some discounts on the tours and tastings if you buy Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon or other wine.

But be sure to verify this at the time of making your reservation, because things change quick at the Napa Valley!

I’ll have more information at the end of this article, but if you have your cell phone handy and want to make a reservation this minute, dial 800-959-4704.

Origins of Frog’s Leap Winery

John Williams was an undergraduate at Cornell when he came to the Napa Valley In the early 1970s to work in the vineyards.

He met winemaker Helen Turley, and Helen told him that maybe her brother Larry could help him find a winemaking job.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Long story made short, supposedly, (a penniless) John Williams camped out on Larry’s front yard” display_tweet=””].

In a typical Hollywood “cute meet” fashion, Larry discovered the (stranger John) on his yard, confronted him.

Then they both raised a glass of wine and became fast friends.

Next Chapter of Frog’s Leap Origins 

So the story goes that Larry Turley found him a job at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

At the time Stag’s Leap was a relatively little known one-man shop, owned by Warren Warniaski.

Famous Andre Tchelistcheff also worked there as a consultant.

The first wine John worked with was the 1973 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon.

This wine would ultimately win the Judgement of Paris tasting in 1976.

Of course, that was the famous tasting that launched California Napa Valley fame in the world market.

Birth of Frog’s Leap Winery

John and Larry Turley made their own wine together. Larry offered to let John use a barn on an old frog farm.

Note: Frogs were an important commodity for fancy San Francisco restaurants.

To make the dream a reality, John and Larry had to pawn their motorcycles to get the $10,000 to buy the grapes and produce the wine.

Their first wine they made was a Sauvignon Blanc.

The next step was to create a brand, make a label, and bottle it.

Though a high-priced San Francisco label designer was going to charge them 10,000 to design the label, a “friend of a friend” referred them to Chuck House, who agreed to $100 dollars and a few cases of wine.

This “simple” label helped make Frog’s leap an immediate hit.

That same year, Chuck House’s label was awarded the Design of Excellence Award from the American Institute of Graphic Designers.

The label was further honored with its inclusion in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institute.

Chuck’s Icon Design Group is now one of the most sought-after design studios in the industry.

Frog’s Leap Winery: Flash Forward to Present Day

John Williams is today the sole owner of Frog’s Leap Winery.

It is in Rutherford.

This is one of the most premium areas in the Napa Valley for long-lived Cabernet Sauvignon wine.

But when John first bought the property and its vineyards, the soil was run down and stressed because of the former owner’s use of chemicals.

With the help of agriculturist “Amigo Bob Cantisano,”

John could revive the soil health of the vineyard.

Frog’s Leap Dry Farming

John was one of the first to bring back the concept of “dry farming” (not irrigating the vines).

This lack of water causes the roots to dig deeper into the soil for moisture, resulting in more concentrated fruit.

Organic Grapes

For 25 years, the vineyards have been organic.

Frog’s Leap is not an organic winery, but a winery that makes wine from certified organically grown grapes since 1989.

The Frog’s Leap Hospitality Center

You might have read about the exotic hospitality centers of Napa Valley wineries.

Some look like Italian castles.

Others like Persian palaces.

Many look very sleek, reflecting an aura of high-end modern luxury.

In contrast, the hospitality center of Frogs’ Leap looks like you are visiting your great-great grandmother’s cottage in the middle of the countryside.

On a hot summer day, it so pleasurable to step inside the cool shade of the hospitality center.

Then, a friendly and very knowledgeable guide will serve you wine and take you on a tour of the property.

The Frog’s Leap Wine Club

One thing I like best about Frogs Leap Winery is their branding.

It goes right from the label design of the Frog to the way they call their wine club members “Frog Fellows.”

And of course, there are many “ribbets”

The Guided Tours and Tastings (Reservations Required)

Check the Frog’s Leap website here yet at the time of this writing you will find three options for tastings.

Two options are $35, and one is $25.

Guided Tour and Tasting

Of the three tours and tasting, I highly recommend the “Guided tour and Tasting” because you do not just “taste the wine.”

Instead, you can get an “up close” view of the winery and the philosophy of owner, John Williams.

On the current tour, guests could taste the wine as they are led through the vineyards to see how the land is farmed.

I really liked this wine experience, because it was fun to be in the vineyard on a sunny day before harvest.

…. And of course I was SO TEMPTED to take a taste of a grape on the trellis.

On some tours they give guests’ glasses of wine during the walk.

This way, they can mentally make the connection between the grapes and the wine in the glass.

Be sure to bring your camera for this, as the vineyards are an excellent backdrop for selfies

Signature Seated Tasting

During my visit, I saw a smattering of people sitting outdoors in the sun at a table with a shady sun umbrella.

On cool days, they heat the patio.

They were sipping wine, and some had plates of cheese.

I found this is the “signature seated tasting.”

At the time of this writing, this is where you can taste through a flight of four current releases from the comfort of a private table on the back porch of The Vineyard House.

Wine specialists are on hand to guide you through the wines and share information on the winemaking practices.

This option is also $35, yet that it is more fun.

Garden / Cellar Tasting

This third option enables you to stroll around the (beautiful!) garden and also take in the ambiance of the Barrel Cellar.

It is a more casual tasting option featuring four current releases and depending on the weather, is hosted in either the Garden or Barrel Cellars.

The price is $25 a person.

The Frog’s Leap Experience

I was so happy that my food and wine loving classmate told me about her positive experience visiting this winery.

And so happy I came as a result.

The wines are delicious.

In the Napa Valley, most wines are.

But it was the EXPERIENCE of the visit that is now making me gush as I remember how fabulous it was.

The vibrant gardens are simply amazing.

You will find flowers, but you will also find delectable looking organic vegetables (tomatoes, herbs, squash) you wish you were allowed to pluck!

And berries!

Until that visit, I had actually not seen a berry outside of a supermarket!

Flowers in every color of the rainbow!

Stories of Frog’s Leap

And then there are the stories …

• • Stories of the red barn, and how it was ever so carefully dismantled and rebuilt so it would be safe.
  • Stories of the Frog’s Leap team members who are so passionate about their jobs.
  • Stories that explain why taking care of the soil is such an important component in achieving a good wine.

•  

My tour guide was fantastic.

Her name was Rebeca Ramirez and like most of the guides she has a genuine passion for Frog’s Leap.

Essential Items to Bring for Frog’s Leap

1. • A hat, especially for sunny days.
   • Sunglasses for the same reason.
   • Sunscreen very necessary in summer.
   • A charger for your device so not to miss once-in-a-lifetime pictures.
   • Your favorite bottled water (usually water is provided)
   • A cup for expectorating wine in case it is not provided (usually a bucket is provided, I like a cup)
   • A small notebook to record details about the wine or vineyards
   • Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard visits

Here is a short (under 3 minute) overview of the Napa Valley Appellation

About the Rutherford AVA

Frog’s Leap is located in the Rutherford AVA.

During a fantastic barrel blending session and through my scholastic pursuits, I learned about the tapestry of soils in the Napa Valley appellation.

The soil is different in each appellation (that is why it is an appellation).

In Rutherford, the soil is a composition of gravel, loam and sand with volcanic deposits and marine sediments. For this reason, it is GREAT for Cabernet Sauvignon.

So that is one reason Frog’s Leap is so famous for its long lived red wine.

Checking out the Wine Club

A few friends of mine wrote a thesis for the Masters of Wine about wine clubs.

I’ve belonged to a few, and they can be great ways to get special releases from your favorite wineries.

But from my research, the most important part of being part of a wine club is that you become “part of the family.

A lot of wine clubs have private events for members, discounts on both wine and tours for members, etc.

And at Frog’s Leap, the club is called The Fellowship And there are a lot of exciting events.

Frog’s Leap Driving Information

The winery is  between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail at 8815 Conn Creek Road. Look for the Red Barn with the frog weather vane.

Phone 800-959-4704

Drop me a line about your visit!

About Marisa D’Vari Luxury Travel Expert

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Archer Napa Hotel Review

Are you looking for romantic hotels in Napa Valley?

Napa Valley is wine country.

And wine country means romance.

To me, the secret of a truly romantic weekend in the Napa Valley means finding the right hotel.

This is a review of the luxury hotel Archer Napa Hotel, including its rooms, restaurants, bars, and pool

The Right Hotel in the Napa Valley

I have a handful of romantic hotels in Napa Valley I like.

I like each one for a different reason.

This blog post is about my experience at Archer Napa, one of the new Romantic hotels in Napa Valley.

Archer Napa: Located in the Heart of the New Luxurious Napa City

You will find many romantic hotels in the Napa Valley.

Many of my favorites are in Yountville or in St. Helena.

Yet only at Archer Napa can you be a short walking distance to the best restaurants and wine shops.

And especially, the CIA Napa which offers an amazing restaurant and wide variety of culinary and wine events.

The Napa Valley is also called “California Wine Country” …

… it is one of the most beautiful areas in the United States.

The Napa Valley is famous for wine tasting and romantic hotels.

Archer Napa: Ultimate Romantic Hotel to Chill and Relax

You can chill and relax at many romantic hotels in the Napa Valley.

But here is the thing.

Some people like to chill and relax in the privacy of your own room and patio.

And that’s cool.

Others like to watch other people chill and relax.

Sky and Vine Rooftop at Archer Napa

This rooftop space has fabulous views over main street.

You will also notice a canopy of olive trees.

Lots of energizing stone fire pits.

Up close views of the California sky stars.

The rooftop at night has a magical vibe.

Something like an outdoor nightclub.

. . . .Some very serious attention to decor is evidenced by the living topiary sculptures and ambient festoon lighting.

The night of my visits, the guests at the rooftop bar seemed an interesting mix of savvy Napa Valley locals and guests.

Though it was technically winter (January in the Napa Valley can be chilly), it was warm enough to enjoy the outdoor air without heating.

Also on the roof is the exercise studio, and the spa that offers a selection of massages, bodywork, and facials designed to relax.

Archer Napa: Every Romantic Hotel in Napa Valley has a Pool

And virtually every one of these pools is a place where people can chill and relax, and meet other guests.

What I like best about the pool at Archer Napa is this:

1 – The pool is located on the rooftop of the hotel, so you can take a look down to see what is happening on Main Street.

2. You will find lounge chairs ACTUALLY in the pool.

Yes, inside the pool! 

This very well be the place to show off those thousands of hours you spent at the gym

3. While you relax on your lounge chair IN THE POOL, you can sip one of the exotic cocktails Archer Napa is famous for.

Archer Napa: Charlie Palmer Steakhouse

Charlie Palmer Steakhouse is the signature restaurant in Archer Napa.

Yes, you will be able to have dinner inside the restaurant proper.

Yet you can also enjoy the “spillover space” that makes up the lobby of Archer Napa.

I suppose this can also be called a “lounge,” yet to me it felt like an unofficial extension of the restaurant.

On a recent Saturday night, it was full of people sipping exotic looking cocktails.

Your Personal Bar in Your Personal Suite

The rooms are very attractive at Archer Napa, but take a suite if you want to explore one of the most romantic hotels in Napa Valley.

Our suite came equipped with a bar and all those cool bartender amenities …

… like equipment for muddling, stirring, and shaking.

The suite at Archer Napa also came with very high end stemware for the expensive wine you bought at a wine tasting.

And appropriate cocktail glasses as well.

The Bath at Archer Napa Hotel

To me, a gorgeous bathroom is essential when it comes to the most romantic hotels in the Napa valley.

Our suite had the largest bathtub I have every seen in a hotel room.

And this is from a person who stays in a lot of five star hotels.

More about the Bathroom at Archer Napa 

When I look at hotel review web sites, the most important element that catches my attention is reviews around the bathroom.

What I liked about my Archer Napa suite was that the bathroom was also fairly large.

Two people can use this bathroom at the same time (two sinks, a separate large shower and large tub, etc).

So that may be important for you to know.

Archer Napa: Toy Duck Waiting For Me In The Bath

In my experience, amenities often change with the season or the hotel General Manager.

Yet on this visit I found it cute I was thrilled to discover a “bling” rubber duck on a towel near the bath.

I also found it cute that the face towel had the words “take the day off” embroidered on it.

So true!  

Archer Napa Breakfast in Bed

The Living Room of Archer Napa Suite

Romantic hotels in Napa Valley should all have a separate room.

A room where where people can just chill out.

In our suite, I entered the room to find the living room, bar, and then a separate room leading to the large bedroom and bath.

Our living room had a sofa, television, and coffee table – also the perfect spot to invite friends up for a drink.

This room also has access to the patio (more on this later).

If you want to order room service from Charlie Palmer, this is also where you would want to have your dinner.

Though many people who enjoy romantic hotels in Napa Valley may also want to have diner in bed.

The Patio of Archer Napa Suites

Ordinarily, I would take full advantage of a patio in my room.

During this trip, my days were spent at the nearby Culinary Institute of America at a wine conference.

This patio has a table and two lounge chairs for sun.

My visit was in January.

Despite being winter, the weather was gorgeous during the day.

So this patio is a great place to just relax and chat privately …

… away from the crowd at the rooftop pool.

Keep in mind that the views are all different, so if you absolutely need a view facing main street you should express this when you reserve.

Archer Napa Charlie Palmer Steak House

At the time of this writing the executive chef is Jeff Russell.

You can enter from the street, or within the hotel itself.

More About Archer Napa

This romantic hotel in Napa Valley bills itself as “wine country with urban undertones”

January 2019 was my first stay at this new hotel, and I liked it so much

Archer Napa Favorite Things

1. The gorgeous room with the fabulous bath.

2. The location on main street, just 3 minutes by foot to anywhere you would want to go.

3. The rooftop bar and pool.

I can just imagine that in summer, The Archer is the place to go.

During my visit, I did not have an opportunity to take advantage of the spa.

Yet I did see the state-of-the-art rooftop fitness studio.

This offers Matrix cardio, free weights and an outdoor deck.

The spa is operated by the locally acclaimed Francis & Alexander team.

It offers a selection of massages, bodywork and facials designed to relax and rejuvenate.

Archer Napa: Conferences and More

The Archer does have conference space.

It seems a very prestigious venue for events.

Romantic Hotels in Napa Valley for Non-Drivers

This hotel is the perfect hotel for couples who want to experience a hotel where everything is in reach.

I loved that I did not need to take a car anywhere.

Because this hotel is in downtown Napa, you can walk to winery tasting rooms.

Some of the most famous restaurants in the world are just steps away.

Archer Napa: Lay of the Land

This boutique hotel is set in the heart of flourishing downtown Napa.

Here you are near the distinctive shops and dining of First Street Napa …

… and just steps from the Napa Riverfront and Oxbow Public Market.

With dozens of walkable tasting rooms, world-class restaurants and live entertainment, downtown Napa is positioned to be the next great Napa Valley destination.

Hotel Information

Archer Napa
1230 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
(707) 690-9800

Final Tips 

Consider this face cover to block out the strong sun – more effective than sunscreen.

Wear a hat – this one is made from a fabric with sun blocking agents inside of it.

Think about a sun shawl to protect you as you stay under the sun

If you liked this article, you will like:

Review of Grand Timeo Taoromina

Review of Le Negresco

Review of Tortue Hotel Hamburg 

Review of Hotel Urban Madrid

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Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting

Kendall-Jackson is one of the more historic wineries in California.

In many ways, it set the tone for the classic flavor of “California Chardonnay” most of us enjoy today.

In the late 1970s, Jess Stonewall Jackson – then a successful attorney – bought some vineyard land for family weekends.

As he learned more about vineyards, grapes, and winemaking he decided to make his own wine.

By the early 1980s, he had access to grapes from various regions of Northern California, as well as (expensive) French oak barrels.

His plan was to make a Chardonnay wine in the style of classic Burgundy from France, yet at an affordable price.

Challenges For Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay

So in the early 1980s, Jess Jackson had created the quintessential affordable, delicious Chardonnay. The challenge at that point in time was distribution.

A natural salesman, Jess Jackson had a stroke of luck when visiting the Oyster Bar restaurant in New York’s Grand Central station.

He offered the wine buyer a taste, and it was well received.

This bit of good luck eventually resulted in nationwide distribution. It paved the way for the multi-million dollar Kendall Jackson brand.

Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting – How to Prepare

When it comes to your Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting, you have many options.

Regardless of which way you plan to visit, please print out or write down the “essential” list of how to prepare for wine visits.

If you are driving to Kendall-Jackson from San Francisco or another city, consider investing in the audio recording of the book about Jess Jackson called “A Man and His Mountain.”  That way, when you arrive you and your friends or family will know more about Mr. Jackson than any ambassador or guide can tell you.

Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting – Options

1. Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting Without A Reservation

If you are reading this as your party is speeding along the highway to Kendall-Jackson in Sonoma (5007 Fulton Road, Fulton CA 95439 707 571 7500) the first thing you should know is that the hours of the tasting room are 10am to 5pm daily (holidays not included).

And no worries if you do not have a reservation. You may be able to taste at the bar. At the time of this writing, you have a choice of two different tasting experiences. One is $15 and the other is $20, with the difference being the quality levels of wines you will taste.

This said, even if you are in transit you may still be able to take advantage of the two-for-one tasting coupons available at the Kendall-Jackson website that are sometimes available.

Also inquire if the tasting fee can be waived if you buy bottle(s) of wine. The policy changes every so often so be sure to ask.

2. Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting : The Food and Wine Pairing Experience

Kendall-Jackson has many different food and wine pairing experiences that change with the seasons. Some are “small bites” paired with small pours of Kendall-Jackson wines.

The classic food and wine experience is a lunch, that you can book on opentable.com. This is typically a five course meal of fresh “farm to table” food” from the gardens of Kendall-Jackson, and local purveyors.

For example, on a recent visit the food and wine pairing experience happened in the outdoor patio. The menu included smoked trout, duck breast, Akaushi beef, and buttermilk pie, Vegetarians may be able to ask for a substitute, yet ideally this is done in advance.

A host will pour your Kendall-Jackson wine and explain the wines as well.

In my opinion, this is the most relaxing way to enjoy the Kendall-Jackson experience. True, it is more expensive than the bar tasting. Yet the food is fabulous and you have the undivided attention of your host.

On beautiful days, the outdoor patio is a wonderful experience.

If you are lucky, your host may also take you to see the gorgeous Kendall-Jackson gardens

Special Event Dinners

A few times a year, Kendall-Jackson offers some VERY special dinners. My favorite is the dinner involving all-you-can eat Dungeness crab and family style side dishes paired with Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.

Though this is basically for wine club members, savvy non-members can attend but you need to buy your tickets fast! Contact Kendall-Jackson for details 800 769 3549  or email events@kj.com

Throughout the year you can also choose from many farm-to-table wine and food pairing experiences. These are open air feasts in the stunning Kendall-Jackson Estate Gardens. You will sit at a shared table including the KJ team of wine experts, culinary staff, and the master gardener.

The family style dinner experience includes fresh produce from the day’s vegetable harvest and local purveyors. Dinners are usually sold out so book as soon as possible.

A few times a year, Kendall-Jackson also offers very special events, such

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

5007 Fulton Road, Fulton CA 95439 707 571 7500

Kendall-Jackson

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