Hi-Time Wine Cellars is hosting its second annual Tour de Napa – A Tasting of the Valley’s Finest at Crevier Classic Cars on Feb. 9. The tasting runs 4:30-7 p.m. for $100; although, you can purchase an early VIP 3 p.m. entrance for $150.
The focal points are Napa’s remarkable cabernet sauvignon and fuller chardonnays as well as other varietals. Local restaurants like Greenleaf Chop Shop, Social, Tower 48, The Winery, and Bread will have bites and culinary complements.
Napa Valley is a huge draw for the Orange County wine lover, be it for your dinner table or as a vacation destination. This is a fantastic way to learn about new Napa wineries, delve into wines that may be beyond your pocketbook, or seek out that cult cab. If you purchase wine at the Tour de Napa tasting, you’ll receive a 10 percent discount. You’ll pick up this purchase directly at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa at a later date. A portion of the proceeds of the event are donated to The Napa Valley Community Foundation.
Given that wine tastings can run a dime a dozen and Napa cab is readily available, I asked Dan Williams, Hi-Time’s renowned North American buyer, what propelled this event for this second showcase.
What success did Hi-Time experience in the inaugural event last year that encouraged the work for this second run?
“First and foremost, we were able to donate $10,000 to the Napa Valley Community Foundation, which they put towards helping those affected by the devastating wildfires of 2017. Also, both guests and winery representatives mentioned that this was possibly the best wine tasting event they had ever attended. The list of attending wineries is top-notch, and the attending guests were genuinely interested in learning about the wine. They aren’t just the ‘fill up my glass’ mentality.”
What specific pours are you excited to experience?
“This is an event with such notable wineries that it’s hard to pick just a few, and for those who attended last year, you know just what we mean! Hundred Acre will be pouring one of their 100-point cabernets during the VIP portion of the event, so that is definitely going to be a show stopper! Another draw is the cabernets from Morlet Family, Caymus, and Alpha Omega. The Rombauer Chardonnay is always a hit, and Domaine Carneros will pour their vintage Brut. Sparkling wine is always refreshing as well as being a great palate cleanser!”
How integral is Napa Valley to Hi-Time’s clientele and wine-sales experience?
“Oh, extremely! Cabernet sauvignon is the No. 1 subcategory for domestic wine, and Napa Valley definitely leads that charge. Our customers visit the Napa Valley more than any other wine destination in California, although Paso Robles is becoming a close second. We always enjoy recommending new wineries for them to visit, and they come back with good stories about the great times that they had.”
Hi-Time Wine Cellars Tour de Napa
Feb. 9
Crevier Classic Cars
365-B Clinton St.
Costa Mesa
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