Carneros Wine Tasting Trio

The cool climate of Carneros appeals to those who love the classic flavors of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Taste three examples of what Carneros does best with this trio: Domaine Carneros Brut, Etude Pinot Noir and Cuvaison Chardonnay. Included with this gift are passes for a tasting at each winery for four guests (a $220 value) valid through December 31, 2013.

Wine Gift Set Includes:

• Tasting room passes for each of the three wineries for up to four people, valid through December 31, 2013. Appointments may be required, details are included on the enclosed passes.

• Domaine Carneros Brut:
  Domaine Carneros has established itself since its inception in 1987 as one of california's finest producers of premium quality, methode traditionelle sparkling wines. The inspiration for Domaine Carneros belongs to Champagne Taittinger; the first glimmerings of the concept were shaped in the mind of Claude Taittinger in 1947. The 138 acre estate is situated in the Carneros appellation of Northern California, a 36,900 acre viticultural area which straddles the border between the Napa and Sonoma counties. The estate's vineyards extend up a slope rising to a crest overlooking San Francisco and San Pablo Bay, with an elevation of 120 to 260 feet above sea level.

• Etude Pinot Noir:
  What began twenty five years ago as a philosophical state of mind is now a state-of-the-art winemaking facility where the ancient art of winemaking is pursued with a singular passion. Etude Wines is dedicated to mastering the craft of winegrowing. In classical music, an etude is a composition with a technical focus that allows the musician to practice a particular technique. Similarly, Etude wines are the product of deliberate concentration on the instructive variables of the craft. Chopin piano etudes are notoriously difficult, like making Pinot Noir, but sublimely beautiful, just like Etude.

• Cuvaison Chardonnay:
  Since 1969, Cuvaison Estate Wines has been hand-crafting classic and elegant Napa Valley wines. Cuvaison's 400 acre estate vineyard in Carneros is in the southernmost corner of Napa Valley. As one of the pioneers in Carneros, Cuvaison chose the Carneros vineyards as a site that was perfectly situated to express the character and complexity of this unique terroir. The wines produced from individual blocks are skillfully blended to create the balanced, elegant, well-structured wines for which Cuvaison is famous.