A stop by the tasting salon at B Cellars exudes a luxury and style that is rare to find. The artisanal blended wines are exceptional and the educated tasting staff treats guests like royalty. The B Cellars experience is relaxed and personal with a contemporary flare! Located at the northern end of the Napa Valley on the historic Silverado Trail, just a few minutes from downtown Calistoga, B Cellars is a sparkling jewel nestled beneath the Vaca mountain range.  

Founded in 2003 by business partners Duffy Keys and Jim Borsack, B Cellars is committed to the artisan approach to winemaking and creates complex, beautifully balanced wines.  A modern-day négociant in the classic Burgundian model, their grapes come from some of Napa Valley’s most prized vineyard properties and esteemed grape growers. This makes for wines that have distinct character, depth and “layers” of flavors, in other words, wines that are ideal for pairing with food.

B Cellars innovative and hands-on private tasting experiences are a must! There is the Exclusive Single-Vineyard Private Tasting, held in the heart of the cellar, where guests enjoy limited production Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from some of Napa Valley’s most sought after vineyards. Experience the extraordinary and diverse terroir of the Napa Valley, while savoring locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie.  This experience is offered daily by advance reservation only.  Cost $65 per person; approximately 90 minutes.

Take a peek at B Cellars past and future with the intimate Library Wine Tasting. Offered in a private setting, guests will start with a future release wine drawn from the barrel and then explore the ageability of B Cellars wines through a multi-vintage vertical tasting.  Each wine paired with artisan cave-aged cheeses, this tasting allows guests the opportunity to taste and purchase wines not available to the general public.  This experience is offered daily by advance reservation only.  Cost $65 per person; approximately 90 minutes.

The Flagship Private Tasting takes guests on a guided tour of the estate vineyards or cellar hosted by one of B Cellars wine educators.  Following the tour, guests will enjoy a private seated tasting of B Cellars flagship blends as well as a limited-production selection only available at the winery. All tastings are accompanied by locally sourced cheese and charcuterie and are offered on a daily basis by advanced reservation only.  Cost $35 per person; approximately 60 minutes.

Sensory and Excitement … Join B Cellars wine educator, Christina Machamer, winner of the season four FOX TV series: “Hell’s Kitchen” in a “no-holds-barred” wine education experience. Now a certified sommelier, join “Chef Cmac” as she explains how childhood “sense memories” affect the way adults taste wine, and learn her insider tips for successful food and wine pairings. A “no rules” wine tasting, where guests should expect the unexpected, this tasting is offered on a limited basis, and advance reservations are required. Cost is $55 per person; approximately 90 minutes.

So you want to be a winemaker! Come for the Wine Blending Boot Camp, hosted by B Cellars assistant winemaker, Derek Taylor.  Get the insider’s view on what it takes to develop an artisanal blended wine.  “Campers” start their day with a walk through the estate vineyard, escorted by one of B Cellars wine educators, followed by a tasting of future and current release wines in the cellar.  After the tasting, each couple will concoct their own proprietary blend, to be judged by the group in a blind tasting.  The “Master blenders” will be rewarded with a B Cellars magnum signed by camp graduates and every camper will receive a souvenir bottle of the winning blend. A gourmet catered lunch is included, and advanced reservations are required. This program will be offered the last Friday of every month, beginning February 24th, 2012 starting at 11 a.m. Cost $150 per person; approximately three hours.

Picnic Among The Vines! Looking for the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, or simply take in the breathtaking sights of the valley? Starting in June through October, join B Cellars for a romantic picnic, nestled in the estate vineyard. Greeted in the beautiful B Cellars tasting salon, guests will enjoy a tour of the beautiful cellar/barrel room, before being escorted to a secluded picnic spot in our vineyard, where guests can experience the tranquility of our serene Calistoga location. Gourmet lunch includes a take-away picnic basket filled with gourmet sandwiches, artisan cheese, locally baked bread, fresh cured olives and a bottle of either the white “Blend 23 or a Single-Vineyard Syrah. Advanced reservations are required; cost $150 per couple, $75 per additional guest.

Enology 101 … For something a little more casual, reserve your spot for our Enology 101 class offered every Sunday at 11 a.m.  Whether you are a seasoned wine adventurer or if this is your first excursion into wine country; learn the secrets as to how sommeliers taste and analyze wines, the basics of wine service and how to pair food and wine at home. Come ready to participate, as each guest will write their own “mad libs” inspired tasting notes, the best of which will be featured in future B Cellars wine club shipments! Advanced reservations required; cost $30 per person; approximately 60 minutes.

Classic Wine Tasting …  guests are welcome to come to the tasting salon anytime for a classic B Cellars tasting, featuring four vintage wines (one white and three reds) from B Cellars current releases. No reservations are required, cost is $15 per person.

B Cellars is located at 400 Silverado Trail, Calistoga and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (707) 709-8787 or 1-877-229-9939, email info@bcellars.com or go online to www.bcellars.com.