Perfect Napa Valley Experience
I always love introducing my parents, long time wine lovers and Napa Valley visitors, to exciting under-the-radar wineries. On their most recent visit to the valley, I set up a tasting at Mira Winery. This welcoming, family owned, 16-acre estate is located just south of Yountville.
The name Mira was inspired by the Latin root of “miracle” and is Greek for “destiny”. The story of Mira certainly lends itself to the miraculous. The meeting of Co-Founders James “Bear” Dyke, Jr. and Gustavo A. Gonzalez, was one of life’s perfect little miracles. The two met at the Off the Record Bar at the Hays-Adams Hotel and struck up a dialogue about what a premier superior Napa Valley winery could be. Thank goodness these two happened to meet, because what they have created is a truly beautiful experience.
As you approach the entry gate to the winery, the beauty of the estate and surrounding vineyards is breathtaking. The natural architecture is inspired by the divine proportions of the Golden Ratio. The winery buildings are in a serene setting and constructed from natural California gold stone and reclaimed roof tile from a century-old French villa. The environment is what I imagine people daydream when thinking of a perfect Napa Valley getaway!
The inside hospitality house is intimate, meticulously decorated with interesting details everywhere you look. Large windows and glass doors allow you to take in the beauty of the vineyards while seated inside. Experiences are also offered outdoors, but we were patiently waiting for the morning fog to burn off and when it did the views were not to be missed.
Exceptional Wine Making, Exceptional Wines
After being poured a taste of the Mira Estate White Wine (a Sauvignon Blanc/Sauvignon Gris blend) we followed our host Ed for a short tour of the property. We were able to view the estate vineyards and the educational vineyard, where visitors can take a closer look at the vines.
We then headed to the production area, where we learned about winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez’s long-held approach to winemaking, which is one of intention, precision, and artistry. This becomes apparent as you gaze upon the collection of French barrels, stainless steel tanks, and 2 more unique items, one of which I had yet to see in all my winery visits.
The first, quite charming detail, was a rack of miniature barrels. Ed explained that these were the barrels used to top off the larger barrels, as some evaporation occurs during the wine making process. Most wineries will use a stainless-steel keg, but Gustavo prefers to have the top-off wine live in a barrel. The second surprise item was the Ovum. The Ovum is the winery’s wooden, egg-shaped fermenter. It came as no surprise this was my first time encountering this spectacular egg, as Mira is the only place in the Western Hemisphere that has one.
After our tour of the property, we settled back into our seats, which by now, felt like the dining table at a friend’s home. We chatted about the history of the winery, Gustavo’s style of winemaking, and the vineyards Mira works with (the names are the best of the best of Napa Valley farming). The growers Gustavo works with offer the best parts of their blocks to Mira. This says a lot about who they are as winemakers and as a company.
We tasted through a Pinot Noir (from Hyde & Sons Vineyards), a Merlot (from Hyde Vineyards), an Oakville Cabernet (farmed by the Renteria Family), before being treated to a taste of the 2016 & 2012 Schweizer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The Schweizer Vineyard, one of the oldest in Napa Valley, has been producing grapes for premier wines for over 100 years. It has been owned by the Schweizer family since 1956. This small 42 acre vineyard in the heart of Stags Leap District brings together some of the best soils and the perfect microclimate for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2012 Mira Cabernet was the first time the family had allowed a producer to vineyard designate, making it the greatest vineyard you have never heard of, until now!
My parents loved the wines so much, they are now members of Mira’s exclusive Society 610 Wine Club. They immediately began making plans to visit with friends who also love to travel to Napa Valley. The wines were some of the most delicious I have tasted, and my love for the 2014 Hyde & Sons Vineyards Pinot Noir is something I will not soon forget.
I love a quote that the founders noted when discussing the start of Mira.
“There are only two ways to live your life; as though nothing is a miracle, or though everything is a miracle.”-Albert Einstein
For me, a perfect morning in Napa Valley, sipping incredible wines with two of my favorite people, is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you Mira for the memorable and exceptional experience.
All experiences are offered by appointment only. Please call (707) 945-0881 or click to make a reservation.
