Between holidays and company I’m not always able to keep up with my posts. This past year we were fortunate to taste at a number of wineries that I have not previously written about that absolutely need to be posted.

In Napa on Dunaweal Lane is a winery called Canard. Rich “Duck” Czapleski and wife Carolyn own this winery. With son Adam and winemaker Brian Graham they produce some exceptional wine. Their Zinfandel, created from 140 year old grape vines, along with their Cabernet Sauvignon are true standouts. While Canard has been producing wines for 40 years it has only recently opened a tasting room.

Their home and small barn tasting facility are surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards on all sides. When you arrive there are two rather robust rescue pigs to greet you and a blond lab that appears to be quite used to playing second fiddle to the pigs.

A rarity at a wine tasting is to be hosted by the owner or winemaker. Having Rich Czapleski pour for us was unexpected and special. We were completely entertained by his stories of the historic property, the early days of Napa and his extensive travels. And yes, we did talk about the wines and his philosophy of wine making. It was such an engaging tasting that we lingered and hated to say goodbye, but we did leave with a bottle of each of the Adam’s Blend, Throwback, and Deux Vignes, all Bordeaux blends.

Read the “rescue” story of their Znfandel vines and absolutely fit a visit to Canard in your tasting plans. The wines are luscious and the visit relaxing and fun.

Thank you Rich for hosting us.

Salud!