There are some wineries you visit for the gorgeous views. Others have unique architecture. Some (not our favorites) cultivate a party atmosphere. You go wine tasting at Cakebread Cellars (www.cakebread.com) for the wine.
Now, Power Tasting does not do wine reviews, but it’s fair to say that Cakebread makes some pretty fine wine. They’re best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and we’ve enjoyed their Pinot Noir in the past. The winery building itself is pleasant enough, but not such an architectural wonder that you’d make a special trip. The big attractions are an attention to wine tasting as a unique activity and some of the most knowledgeable servers we have ever encountered.
Cakebread Cellars’ winery. Photo courtesy of the winery.
In the past, we have always indulged ourselves with the reserve tasting. The ability of the servers to understand each visitor’s level of knowledge and interest and explain the wines in alignment with the individual, have always impressed us. We don’t know if it is still the case, but pre-pandemic we learned that all the servers in the reserve room were qualified sommeliers. In one case, a server showed us a book on wine that he had written. Impressive, right ?
These days the reserve tasting is supposedly limited to Cabernet Sauvignons and they do pour quite a few of them. We’ve found that there’s usually some other interesting wine behind the bar, just for contrast. On one visit, we expressed disappointment not to taste their Merlot, so the server ran out and got a bottle to open for us. This is indicative of their attitude about wine tasting and towards their guests. They clearly enjoy sharing wine and experience with people. As a visitor, you cannot help but being caught up in their enthusiasm.
We have not tried it, but Cakebread now has a seated group tasting, highlighting library wines. We’re sure it lives up to the experiences we have had.
Cakebread is very serious about their “by appointment only” policy. While many wineries use the limitation as a way of managing crowds, at Cakebread no reservation means no tasting. Of course, this gives the staff the opportunity to really focus on the people who do call or email in advance. We recognize that the ways and manners of Napa Valley wine tasting have changed since our earliest wine tasting days. Still, there’s a different feel to such formality that doesn’t always sit well with us.
Jack and Dolores Cakebread were among the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking back in the 1970’s. Their sons now run the enterprise, which has grown to include vineyards as far afield as Howell Mountain and Anderson Valley. Cakebread’s all wood winery building pays homage to those old days, so you can still feel a little of the vibe even if today’s reality is somewhat different. Cakebread Cellars is an expression of what Napa Valley was and what it has become. For lovers of the distinctly Californian style of winemaking, this winery is definitely a place to visit.