The Napa Valley is a tapestry of different looks and feels. Every season offers a different view and experience. As does each unique winery.
On the valley floor, pastoral vineyards roll and stretch for miles. And as you head up into the gentle foothills, either west or east, you can find beautiful, thickly forested hillsides where acres of vines and heavy vegetation find themselves peacefully coexisting.
One lovely gem, tucked neatly away just 2.3 miles up Deer Park Road from the Silverado Trail is the Bremer Family Winery. Here on the slopes of Howell Mountain, the Bremer Family Winery at Deer Creek is the quintessential example of a historic Napa winery. The original stone winery and cellar were built in 1891. And they remain as charming as ever. Close by is the ever-babbling Deer Creek and an assortment of picnic tables where one can taste the excellent Bremer wines, and if the spirit moves you, a spread of cheeses, nuts and other delectables. I could spend hours at these tables, listening to the wind in the trees and water gently gurgle over the rocks. Of course, I have a glass of Bremer wine in my hand!
The Bremer Family Winery produces an excellent Chardonnay. Definitely one of my favorites. The 2006 was absolutely stellar. I think I drank it all…but check with the winery. Perhaps they have a few bottles more. And their reds – merlots and cabs, primarily – are excellent as well. Their winemaker describes their 2005 Howell Mountian cab this way: 'This densely concentrated mountain Cab expresses blackberry jam, cassis and a hint of cinnamon on the mid-palate as velvety tannins slowly melt in your mouth to reveal a tapering finish that says "It's a good day." ' I agree. Any day drinking Bremer Family wines is a good day!
While not yet finished, the winery is currently adding about 16,000 square feet of caves into the slope behind the original stone winery. When complete later this year, the Bremer Family Winery will have it all - plenty of workspace, wine and barrel storage, wonderful ambiance, and a long history of producing some of the best wines in the region.
Make an appointment to stop by the next time you’re in Napa. You’ll be glad you did.
Terry Liebman
