Wine Pods and Socially Distanced Tasting Rooms
New COVID-19 protocols for wine tastings.
Founded in 1943 by Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, Charles Krug became the first winery in California to vintage-date its varietal labels and the first to integrate new French oak into its winemaking process.
Once again, this historic winery is leading the way with the debut of five new Wi-Fi-enabled cabanas on its picnic grounds. The cabanas were already under construction prior to the pandemic; however, they’ve turned out to be ideally suited for a socially distanced wine experience. While other wineries might not have wine pods, you will find new COVID-19 protocols for wine tastings. You can expect the tasting to take place outdoors or in seated areas at least six feet from other guests and the wine to be served in pre-poured glasses. Advance reservations are a must.
Napa Valley, California
Charles Krug is the oldest winery in the Napa Valley and has the longest-running tasting room in California. The estate offers a range of varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc—as well as limited releases and the reserve collection. The Generations Family Reserve estate-grown Bordeaux-style red blend is exceptional.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, put Napa Valley on the map when the winery beat out French vintages with its Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting competition. Its classic Californian varietals are produced with estate fruit farmed sustainably. Stag’s Leap is currently offering a Judgment of Paris 45th Anniversary S.L.V. Tasting to commemorate the historic win. You will have the opportunity to taste four vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon that show the evolution of the iconic wine.
Middleburg, Virginia
Boxwood Estate Winery was started by wine lover Jack Kent Cooke, the former owner of the Washington Football Team. The Cabernets, Sauvignon Blancs and Rosés are produced from 100% estate grown grapes harvested by hand and hand-sorted at the press pad. The wines are made in the Bordeaux tradition but have a distinct Virginia expression. Set on a farm in the heart of Middleburg, it’s a beautiful place to sip wine.
RdV, Middleburg There are more than 20 wineries within 30 minutes of the historic hamlet of Middleburg, and this winery is one of the best. The contemporary farmhouse overlooks a hillside with 16 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vines, an idyllic setting for tasting its Bordeaux-style reds.
