Cade Winery. WOW. The drive up Howell Mountain leaves the Silverado Trail and begins climbing in elevation to the hidden vineyards above. With only 54 acres, Cade is perched with a beautiful vista to the south. The tour includes a stroll though their ground which includes cork trees- No, they do not make the corks on site, but it is still interesting to see the trees and imagine the process. It is also interesting that only half the Cade wines are closed with cork, the other half if all sealed under a twist top. AND you have to purchase one of each.
From the vineyard and cork tree grove, our tour group of about 10 people wandered through the fermentation area. Built to be gravity fed, the area where the magic (wine) is made is dug into the hill. Like you are standing INSIDE Howell Mountain. Nothing better than naturally keeping the cellar at optimum temperature! And that barrel room!
Drool. Perfectly stacked barrels with their perfect wine stain down the center. Did you know? The Cade team actually removes their wine stain touch before selling their used barrels. From the barrel room we went to a long table and tasted through their offerings. Each wine is paired with a little bit. I was impressed the Cade team were able to change out the regular menu of small bites for a vegetarian version for me. Many thanks! The crackers were handmade by a team member and the fig jam was great with their Cabernets!
Not only did we love the Cade wines but we also took home some Adaptation, the Plumpjack groups second label. I highly suggest their Petite Syrah. Such a great everyday wine ( and much softer on the wallet). I would suggest Cade to anyone hoping to get away from the crowds and take in great service with a breathtaking view. I wish we would have had more time to enjoy a glass of wine at the fireplaces tucked into their grounds.
