A Perfect Napa Valley Wednesday: Tasting at Caymus & Rombauer
Napa Valley is a place that never fails to deliver memorable moments, but some days stand out as truly special — like the one I recently spent with my dear friend Lynell from Marin, tasting at Caymus Vineyards and Rombauer Vineyards. Sharing great wine with a great friend in a setting as beautiful as Napa? It doesn’t get much better than that.
First Stop: Caymus Vineyards — Cabernet Lovers’ Paradise
Our adventure began in Rutherford at Caymus Vineyards. Caymus is legendary for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s easy to see why. We were escorted through the beautiful garden area on our way to the tasting room buy two butterflies that danced together for what seemed like an eternity. It was truly amazing
Lynell and I did not have an appointment for a tasting and they could not squeeze us in on this Wednesday, however they do have a wine bar where you can get a glass from the very kind and informative wine tender. It was like having a private tasting. Lynell started her pallet for the day with the 2023 Caymus-Suisun Bay Rose. It was a beautiful wine to sip and savor as we caught up. I had the 2022 Sun Sea Pinot Noir. Both light and flavorful and a great way to start the day. They gave us many sips of various wines and to tell you the truth, I loved them all.
Next Up: Rombauer Vineyards — Chardonnay & Views for Days
From there, we made our way up the Silverado Trail and unexpectedly ended up at Rombauer Vineyards, famous for its welcoming charm and iconic Chardonnay. The great grandnephew of Irma Rombauer, (Joy of Cooking) is the master of this joyful and amazing winery.
Lynell and I found a quiet spot on the terrace to enjoy our tasting and the views. The 2022 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay was everything it’s known for: creamy, layered, and full of peach, vanilla, and just the right amount of oak. We both agreed it was a standout — and the perfect pairing for good conversation.
We also sampled their Zinfandel, which surprised us both with its bold, juicy character. It’s the kind of wine that makes you want to plan a summer dinner party just to serve it.
Final Thoughts: Wine, Friendship & Napa Magic
Spending the day tasting with Lynell reminded me that wine is about more than just flavor — it’s about connection, memories, and sharing something beautiful with someone you care about. Caymus and Rombauer each offer something special on their own, but together they created a perfect day full of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable wines.
If you're planning a Napa Valley visit, these two wineries are a must. And if you can bring along a good friend like I did, even better. 🍷
