Nestled in the picturesque town of St. Helena in California’s Napa Valley, is Rombauer Vineyards, a renowned winery that has been crafting exceptional wines for over four decades. The winery is known for its high-quality wines, exceptional vineyard sites, and family-style hospitality. You may have heard of the Joy of Cooking, an iconic American cookbook that was published in 1931 by Irma Rombauer. To this day it’s considered to be the most popular cookbook in American history.
As Rombauer is an icon in the world of food and wine, I was pleased to visit their St. Helena property for their annual Spring Release Party – a feast for the senses! Perched atop a hill, there’s a stunning backdrop of vineyards and the dramatic Mayacama mountains. The air is filled with the fragrant blossoms of spring as there’s a garden onsite with over 100 varieties of plants and flowers.
After checking in and grabbing a wine glass I made my way into the spectacular wine cave. While meandering through I tasted the following wines: 2019 Napa Valley Merlot and 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Descending from the cave I wandered to the outdoor area featuring various food and wine stations. There were various photo-ready backdrops and it was fun to mix and mingle with other Rombauer enthusiasts. A New Orleans style brass band played tunes and set the mood for a fun afternoon! I whetted my appetite with a freshly shucked oyster with “hog wash” mignonette as well as a barbecued oyster with chipotle bourbon butter from Hog Island Oyster Company. Both paired nicely with Robauer’s 2022 Sonoma & Napa Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s bright acidity and tropical fruit flavors perfectly complement the briny, delicate flavors of the oysters, creating a symphony of taste sensations on the palette.
Afterwards, I made my way over to the Wood Fire Grill Station featuring a wide-variety of delightful items. The lamb chops were cooked to perfection and seasoned with flavorful herbs and spices. They paired wonderfully with Rombauer’s red wines and the following were on pour at the event:
2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
2020 California Zinfandel
2018 Stice Lane Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 La Meilleur du Chai
During the event, I tried Rombauer’s newest addition to their wine collection: 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. It was rich and silky, with vibrant red fruit flavors and beautifully balanced. The subtle notes of earthiness and warm spice seduced my palette and made me go back for another glass!
I was quite full from the generous portions of food, but other options guests could select from were grilled salmon, jerk chicken, and various gourmet pasta dishes. One could settle their sweet tooth with the following small bites: mini tiramisu, crème brûlée, and mini chocolate mousse cups.
Rombauer’s annual Spring Release Event in Napa Valley is a must-attend event for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. With exceptional wines, gourmet culinary offerings, and a stylish ambiance, the event captures the essence of Napa Valley’s lifestyle.
What I appreciate about Rombauer is that it produces a diverse range of wines, but they are consistently on-point and at the utmost quality. You can always find a bottle of Rombauer in my cellar!