Dianne’s Napa Valley Music and Wine Pairings

It would take several lifetimes to visit every winery in Northern California’s beautiful wine country, but I’m determined to try! While driving along Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail in Napa or the Russian River roads of Sonoma County, I always have the perfect soundtrack at the touch of a button: Classical California, of course.

To kick off our music and wine pairing excursion, let’s begin with Napa Valley and the Miner Family Winery. Located smack dab in the middle of the storied Oakville AVA (American Viticultural Area), the Miner Family Winery boasts a commanding view over the valley. Full disclosure, the Miner Family has been a great supporter of KDFC (and now Classical California) for many years. Our Van Ness Avenue studios are named for their matriarch, Batishwa Miner. If you’ve attended any of our Sky Concerts in San Francisco, you’re probably familiar with their delicious wines.

Tasting: Napa Valley Roussanne

Listening:

Next our designated driver takes us further north on the Silverado Trail to the little town of Calistoga for a visit to Chateau Montelena. This year (2026) the winery is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of its big win at the so-called “Judgement of Paris”, the famous blind taste test back in 1976 that put California wines on the global stage. The winning wine? A 1973 Chardonnay.

Tasting: 2023 Chardonnay

Listening:

Heading across the valley to the westside, we jump on Highway 29 south, stopping at another legacy winery, Freemark Abbey, established by a woman vintner in 1886. Freemark Abbey also had wines competing in the “Judgement of Paris”, both of which were ranked in the Top 10. At this point in our trip, I’m ready for a signature Napa Valley Cab!

Tasting: 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

Listening: Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings

Last stop, Far Niente or I should say House of Far Niente, as they have several distinct wineries. I prefer the original old stone building and beautiful grounds, host of many a memorable classical concert. The name comes from the Italian expression, “Il dolce far niente” or ”the sweetness of doing nothing”, (one of the few things that I have mastered in my life.) If you’re lucky, you can taste their special dessert wine, Dolce.

Tasting: 2021 Dolce

Listening: