One thing I’ve learned in what is now my third year in a row going to Napa is that it pays to call wineries ahead and arrange a special tour. What a difference vs. just pulling up to a tasting room bellying up to the bar. Another lesson, limit the winery visits to two a day (but that’s another story...). After winding our way up to Ladera Vineyard a few weeks ago, we were met by the very affable hospitality director Gordon Waggoner, who instantly welcomed us with a glass of their crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the perfect start to the morning. After a fascinating tour of the property and the interesting turn of the century stone winery, we settled into an amazing underground cellar room, filled with their magnificent cabs and a very lovely plate of food pairings, including some delicious local cheeses, nuts and delectables I am now forgetting. The star of the sit down feast was their Howell Mountain cabs that were the right blend of flavor and value. Gordon was a terrific host, and provided a great education on their approach to winemaking. Before it was all said and done, and there were several empty bottles and plates of food, we we’re sold and all joined their wine club. Just got my first shipment today, and look forward to opening a bottle up on the right special occasion. Great experience, great wines = we’ll be back for more. Here’s the Yelp version of the review.