Round Pond

On a gorgeous day in early May, I was on a wine tasting excursion through the Napa Valley. I arranged for the group to stop at Round Pond for the Il Pranzo Lunch. As we ascended the stairs to the second floor wine tasting area, I was stunned by the gorgeous build-out of the space. It was absolutely beautiful...everything I aspire my future home to be! The room is a mix of both contemporary design with rustic influences (i.e. the antler chandelier below).

The open, airy wine tasting room spilled onto a outdoor patio, complete with a fireplace and breathtaking views of the Napa Valley vineyards surrounding the estate. After a brief background on the history of Round Pond, our tour guide led us through the wine facilities, the barrel room and their biodynamic garden.

Afterward, we were seated on the patio for the Il Pranzo Lunch. We began with their red wine vinegar tasting; trying both the Cabernet-Merlot blend vinegar and the Sangiovese-Nebbiolo Petit Verdot blend vinegar. Have you ever been vinegar tasting? This was a new experience for me so in case anyone isn't familiar; you take a simple sugar cube and pour a dollop of vinegar on the cube, then gently suck the cube to absorb the vinegar flavors. Who knew? 

Now on to the olive oil tasting (also a first for me). We tried three types: their extra virgin, blood orange and Meyer lemon olive oils. I highly recommend branching out from your typical extra virgin olive oil and trying different flavors. The citrus olive oils are a great way to add different flavors to a meal, especially when drizzled over salads or vegetables. 

Finally, we tasted the wines which accompanied our lunch. We tried three of their Estate wines: the 2010 Sauvignon Blanch (my personal favorite), the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Lunch was served family style. Each platter beautifully displayed trays of fresh fruits and vegetables (straight from their garden), along with a variety of cheeses and meats.

Everyone was in awe of this farm-fresh-to-the-table experience and we couldn't have picked a better day to dine al fresco. Bon appétit!
 
Round Pond Estate, 875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573.

All wines, vinegars and olive oils can be purchased through their website.