The days are getting warmer and longer. Flowers are blooming and renewal is in the air. Spring is one of our favorite seasons in Napa Valley. It’s a time of fresh beginnings, new growth, and mindful reflections all across Stags’ Leap Winery.
Let’s celebrate renewal in Napa and at home! We’ll share how we celebrate spring on the vineyard, organization tips for your wine-related spring cleaning, and some recipes to freshen up your spring table.
A Vital Season for Our Vines
Spring brings the vineyards to life. In the early months, usually around March, the first signs of life return to the vines. Warmer temperatures and more sun wake up the dormant vines. You’ll notice tiny buds that bloom with the first, delicate green leaves of the season. This is known as bud break. It’s the official start of a new vintage and is always exciting for us.
The season is more intense than it sounds. The young shoots are tender and susceptible to frost, wind, and rain. Our vineyard team keeps an eye on the weather and works hard to protect the vines to ensure strong, healthy growth.
By the later months of spring, the vines begin to flower. The flowers are understated, tiny clusters of small blossoms that are extremely elegant. This is when pollination occurs and the potential crop is set. Stable temperatures and mild conditions will allow the flowers to transform into small green berries. This is known as the fruit set.
The Stags Leap District is special because the warm days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for the fruit to develop evenly.
Once spring ends, the vines grow vigorously. The leaves expand, shoots stretch, and grape clusters form on the vine. Our team guides the canopy, trimming the leaves to balance shade and sunlight, allowing for airflow, and ensuring every cluster is given the best conditions to ripen.
Renewing Your Wine Collection
While the vines are preparing to fruit in the vineyards, our hospitality team is busy refreshing our wine cellar for the summer season. We’re sharing our favorite spring cleaning tips for your collection at home, too.
Having a management system for your inventory is a great place to start. Even smaller collections can benefit from an organizational system. Our go-to ways of organizing wine are:
By Color. We know, it seems obvious, but start by separating your wines by reds, whites, sparklings, and specialty. This will make finding the right bottle for any occasion a breeze.
By Varietal. Once your wines are separated by color, get a little more specific. Organizing your bottles by varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Rosé, etc.) will help you understand the nuance of each varietal’s flavor and which pairs well with certain foods.
By Expiration. Not every wine is built to age for more than a few years. Those with lower tannins and lighter bodies will need to be consumed sooner than those meant to last for a decade or more.
Need a refresher on how to store your wine? Check out our guide on how to cellar well.
Wine Recommendations for Springtime
We have three recommendations for wines that bring the crisp, fresh, fruit-forward flavor of Spring to any meal:
2022 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum are complemented by hints of violet, black pepper, and toasted oak. The wine’s complexity continues on the palate, where rich flavors of black raspberry, cassis, and ripe plum unfold, balanced by secondary notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and cedar. The mouthfeel is full-bodied with velvety tannins, which provide a plush texture and a long, satisfying finish. The natural acidity gives the wine a sense of freshness, while the wine’s deep, powerful flavors showcase the depth of the estate’s terroir.
2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Layers of red berries—raspberry, red currant, and blackberry—interweave with notes of vanilla, clove, and a cinnamon-spiced, woodsy perfume. Floral undertones of red rose, violet, and potpourri add a delicate, aromatic lift. On the palate, sweet red berry fruits take the lead, followed by plush black cherry and blackberry flavors. The body is on the lighter side, showing the character of this vintage and allowing nuanced layers to shine through.
2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay. Delicate citrus blossoms and magnolia flowers add a floral elegance to the nose. The ripe and full palate offers flavors of Golden Delicious apples, Asian pear, and lemon curd. Spiced oak notes of vanilla, brioche toast, and ginger complement the fruit, while exotic floral notes provide a lovely perfume. Full-bodied with a creamy texture, the finish is long and satisfying, highlighted by hints of lychee and a beautiful mineral character.
Recipes We Love
Bring the freshness of the season to your table with some of our favorite spring recipes, perfect for dining al fresco in the warm, spring air!
Deviled Eggs. Classic, nostalgic, elevated, and fun. Our deviled eggs are perfect for brunch, lunch, or an appetizer.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. Fresh, healthy, and ideal for a spring dinner. This vibrant grilled chicken is a crowd pleaser.
Beet and Goat Cheese Galette. This is an unexpected and refreshing choice for a brunch with friends.
FAQs
Can I use fresh-cut flowers or floral scented candles for a spring wine tasting?
Strong scents in a room can interfere with a wine’s flavor. That’s why we discourage cologne during wine tastings. However, fresh-cut flowers can add beauty to any gathering. While we recommend tasting the wine away from a bouquet, we have an article on pairing wines with flowers to help you choose the cuts that will enhance the wine’s flavor.
Any advice for hosting a Spring brunch?
Check out our spring brunch inspiration article and our guide on how to host the perfect picnic.
