The dictionary definition of an Abbey is a Christian monastery or convent, under the government of an Abbot or an Abbess, who serves as the spiritual father or mother of the community. 

So what does that have to do with wine tasting?  That’s what I was thinking as I entered the tasting room to sample some wines at the Freemark Abbey Winery located in St. Helena, Napa Valley. (Read the historical information about how the winery got its name at the end of this article) We didn’t start out by planning to go to Freemark Abbey.  I had originally planned on going to Storybook Winery located up in Calistoga, about two hours north of San Francisco.  Along the way, I picked up my lovely drinking companion, Sarita, and continued driving, on yet another rainy, chilly, summer day.

When we got to the Storybook Winery, we were greeted by a wrought iron gate.  When I pushed a button, thinking it was an intercom button and I would most likely be talking to someone inside, the gate magically opened.  After driving up to the winery we were informed that we would need an appointment to taste wine.  So much for knowing my way around wineries!  Anyway, since we didn’t have an appointment, we decided to head back down towards Napa. 

After about half hour of driving in pouring rain, we decided we were both hungry and should stop and eat something.  So we pulled into a roadside sandwich shop called Buster’s.  The smell of hot sandwiches and bread filled the air.  We were both very excited when we saw a half bottle (375ml) of Zinfandel available for sale.  So we got our sandwiches, our half bottle of wine and… two plastic cups!  Now, this would be a first for me.  I’ve never had wine out of a plastic cup.  So much for a sniffing, swirling, watching the wine legs form and sipping.

However, there was something very magical about listening to the raindrops singing on top of the tin roof, sharing hot food with one’s friend and being able to drink wine...on a Monday!  We sat and chatted for a while before finally, grudgingly, realizing that I was here to work and taste wine and not just to have a good time with my friend.   

Stay tuned for more.....