The 31st Annual Taste of Howell Mountain is one of Napa Valley’s premier tasting events and it includes both a silent and live auction. This was our first time attending thanks to an exceptional company – Dragonfly Forward who graciously invited us to be their guests.

On hand pouring were so many of Napa Valley’s exceptional wineries. The price point for their bottles (easily $200 and up) is out of reach for most wine drinkers. While I tasted a number of these I was honestly attempting to avoid them. I hated falling head over heals for a $300 Cabernet that I would more than likely never have again.

We were on a search to find the Howell Mountain wines that might match up in quality to those hefty priced bottles but come with a more affordable price tag. It was a tough job but a great adventure for the day. It’s possible we might have missed one. We found two that met our criteria – that can be purchased closer to the $100 mark for a Cabernet Sauvignon and less, of course for their other varietals- Zinfandels, Rosés, etc…

There were 9 of us comparing notes. Without question, we all reached the same number one choice – Paravel. Full disclosure – We’ve written about Paravel before and tasted there many times.

Owner, winemaker Jon Jones doesn’t submit his wines to be rated or chase after accolades from the wine critics. He just spends his time creating exceptional wines and assisting other wineries to produce the best product their grapes and land can achieve.

Paravel’s Cabernet Sauvignon – Alchemy Howell Mountain and Estate Petit Sirah are, without question colossal stars in the line up of Howell Mountain wines.

The second winery every one of us chose is Spence. They are a small family owned winery with quite a line up – two Rosés, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, a red blend, Cab Franc and a Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious and the other varietals -“Harmony” the red blend and their Zinfandel have become new favorites for us.

The event was one of the best we have ever attended – held on beautiful winery grounds with wonderful event staff, volunteers and Mother Nature offering up the best weather you could ask for.

Click on Visit Callistoga’s site to view the list of wineries that participated in the event and consider planning your June 2027 wine visit to include this great event.

Salud!