There is little question that, on many levels, wine is a form of food, and that wine and food pairings are a perfect way to bring out the best in both, whether it is wine and artisan cheese, wine and chocolate (Cabernet and Zinfandel are perfect matches with chocolate) and more. But to my knowledge, in the southern part of Napa is the only winery that pairs their roster of fine wines with honey.

The honey they use is collected from hives on their own land and then stored in barrels before it is put up in jars and delivered to the tasting room. The flavor and color of the honey depends on the flower that the nectar came from. As they explain, these different flavors, or flavor profiles complement different wines:

“Wildflower honey is a wonderful match for our 2009 Estate Pinot Noir and 2009 Estate Viognier. Honey that comes from blackberry is a favorite with the 2007 Zinfandel. The assertive flavor of eucalyptus stands up to our 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and that which has the star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis, to be precise), component is fascinating with the very popular 2010 Aurelius California White Wine Blend.

“The honey is 100% pure and raw (never heated above 100 degrees) so it will not have changed from the time the bees placed it in the hive to when you have the opportunity to enjoy a spoonful.”

“This ambitious but rewarding venture has also shown us the importance of being conscious of our impact on our local environment and how our decisions and initiatives can influence others’ as well,” said Emily Byer, the winery’s marketing director. “So in maintaining our commitment to what is best for the bee, our farm and honey harvesting is also powered by solar energy.”

When you visit the winery you’ll see proof of that and much, much more. “Reata has some of the most beautiful views in the Northern California Wine Country,” said Alyssa O’Hare, co-founder and president. “I was raised on a working ranch in Oregon, and this estate is magical for me. From our veranda you can see the whole panorama, from the Napa Valley to San Pablo Bay, the unique climate of which is so important here.”

In addition to the bees, honey and wine, the winery is undoubtedly stunning. A combination of Old West master carpentry using huge timbers to start with, splendid rock work both inside and out, and plantings and water features everywhere you look outdoors. It is surrounded by acres of vineyards with pasture land above, a fitting tribute to its storied history as a working ranch.

In the tasting room, with its high ceilings, even more polished wood, a fireplace, furniture made out of hides, a huge chandelier made from discarded antlers and with doors that open out to that spacious veranda, it is certainly a one-of-a-kind destination. And, whether inside or out, those who make their way to this friendly tasting room are encouraged to linger for as long as they would like, to soak in nature and Napa, both old and new. The well-crafted wines featured in the tasting room can include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, a Syrah and Pinot Noir, and are certainly worth the time spent enjoying this property.

From the tasting room and down a hallway, glass windows look down on to the state-of-the-art winemaking facility with its gleaming equipment and oak barrels. Reata also offers a barrel tasting and tour, which can easily be made by appointment. The samples vary from unfinished wines in various stages of the aging process to a nearly finished wine that will be soon available in the tasting room. It’s a unique and intimate experience where guests have the opportunity to ask questions about winemaking process. Groups typically range from two to 12 people.

The Lodge at Reata also has a stunning traditional banquet room with vaulted ceilings that has proved popular for private dinners, large celebrations and corporate events, whether they are casual gatherings or formal seated dinners.

The tasting room at Reata is open daily, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. They are located at 1 Kirkland Ranch Road in Napa, across from the Chardonnay Golf Club about 15 minutes south of downtown Napa. For more information on tastings, tours and special events, call them at (707) 254-8673 or go to www.reatawines.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.