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New Tasting Room Opens at Realm North in Calistoga

Napa Valley’s latest addition to the wine tasting experience is set to elevate standards in the region. Realm Cellars, acclaimed for crafting some of California’s most coveted cabernet sauvignons, has unveiled Realm North in Calistoga.

This new venue, situated at the northern end of Napa, not only broadens the winery’s presence but also aligns with its goal of making its highly sought-after wines more accessible. Realm North aims to provide wine enthusiasts with a chance to sample some of Napa’s premier wines in a more relaxed atmosphere while paying tribute to their flagship wine, The Bard—an esteemed cabernet sauvignon-based blend that has been a staple of their portfolio for over twenty years.

Scott Becker, co-owner and CEO of Realm Cellars, highlighted the importance of The Bard, stating, “Realm North gave us a dedicated home for The Bard, which is arguably the most important wine we make. The spirit for this wine is one of approachability.” He noted that the tasting room serves as an extension of their hospitality, likening it to “our living room where we invite folks to join us for a glass, relax and enjoy the view, and maybe learn a bit about the Realm journey.”

The design of Realm North offers guests an opportunity to take in the stunning vistas of the Vaca Mountains from a private room with expansive glass doors that lead to a shaded patio. The interior is adorned with a vibrant collection of artwork, including two murals by notable California illustrator Craig Frazier and original label art from some of Realm’s cherished bottles.

The tasting experience at Realm North is crafted to blend indulgence with education. Visitors can not only sample The Bard but also delve into library wines and selections that have informed Realm’s winemaking philosophy, available for an extra fee.

Becker emphasized the intention behind their offerings: “We feature The Bard, of course, along with other wines from the portfolio, and we also curate a small list of other wines from around the world that inspire us. The idea is to share our passion and inspiration with guests, and hopefully, they leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft of winegrowing at the highest level.”

Over the last decade, Realm Cellars has significantly influenced Napa Valley’s wine culture, employing innovative strategies that challenge traditional norms. The winery has attracted a diverse following that includes both seasoned collectors and a new wave of wine aficionados, notably celebrities like NBA star Carmelo Anthony, contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, and social media figure Tinx.

For those interested, members of Realm Cellars can visit realmcellars.com to secure a reservation. Members with a tenure of five years or more can enjoy a complimentary tasting experience for themselves and up to three guests. Additionally, prospective members can join the Realm Cellars mailing list on their website to gain access to these exclusive experiences.

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www.travelandleisure.com