Napa Valley is renowned for its beautiful vineyards and world-class wineries, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts around the globe, the Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (CPJ) team being no exception. With a large portfolio of California wines, it is no surprise they planned out their three-day excursion with a focus around the Delicato and Foley family wineries which have extensive roots in this region.

The Delicato family winery has a rich history that dates back to 1924 when Gaspare Indelicato, an Italian immigrant, founded the winery in Manteca, California. The winery has remained family-owned-and-operated for four generations, with a strong commitment to producing high-quality wines while preserving its Italian winemaking heritage.

Known for producing a broad portfolio of wines, the CPJ wines team, led by Chairman Tom Tyler, set out on the Silverado Trail to experience the history of the Delicato family and, of course, indulge in a few great wines. Home to dozens of family-owned wineries, the Silverado Trail is famed for growing the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varietals, having the ideal climate for growing conditions.

Driving along the 29-mile stretch, surrounded by the lush greenery of the blossoming grapes tucked away in the valleys along the hillside, the air crisp and refreshing, the CPJ team arrived at the Black Stallion Winery. As they were guided towards the tasting room, they remarked the undeniable aromas of baking spices, vanilla and milk chocolate lingering from the surrounding French and American Oak barrels that were once home to their staple brands — Gnarly Head, Francis Coppola, Noble Vines, 1924, and many others.

With stomachs full of cheese and wine and hearts touched by the rich family history, they continued on their tour to experience the famous Foley family wineries, owned by businessman and wine enthusiast William Foley. Owner to over a dozen wineries, the Foley family portfolio is every wine lover’s dream. Previously owned by Diane Disney (Walt Disney’s daughter), and purchased by Bill Foley in 2022, it is no surprise he jumped at the opportunity to acquire the 400-acre estate of Silverado, nestled on top of a hill in the Stag’s Leap District overlooking Napa Valley.

With a suitcase packed of wine, the team headed to their next destination: the Francis Coppola winery. A world-renowned film-maker and producer, Coppola’s many years in the industry is reflected greatly across his estate. With artifacts from previous works such as sailboats and vintage cars, they stated this winery was definitely just as he described it to be: “a wonderland, a place to celebrate the love of life”.

Next stop on the wine tour was Chalk Hill Vineyards in Healdsburg where CPJ was greeted and seated for a fried chicken and caviar lunch overlooking the vast acreage of the estate. With no time to waste, the team took the buttery Chardonnay to go and drove across the street to Foley’s neighbouring winery of Roth Estate. Tucked away on a quaint and charming plot of land, the size of this vineyard had no bearing on the depth of its wine. Specialising in growing Bordeaux-style grapes, they recalled the ripeness of the strawberry in their Rosé blend and the strong notes of green citrus fruits in their Sauvignon Blanc; the team had a hard time leaving this winery.

As they headed back towards Napa along the Silverado Trail, the CPJ team set off into the main town to their final stop on the Foley family expedition. Right along the main street, hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of the Napa local markets was Banshee and El Pino Club. These two Foley family finds were the best way to conclude their past few days on the road. The environment and energy in their shared space was so different than their previous winery visits. The way they described it, I would have thought they were in a swanky California lounge. The velvet couches, the record player surrounded by neon lights, their two-hour appointment led to a four-hour experience of relaxation and sipping on amazing wines. Starting with Banshee, a brand created by three best friends’ shared love of a classic, bold Cabernet Sauvignon, they remarked on the rich flavours of dark fruit notes with hints of spice and chocolate.

They ended the day drinking the small but mighty brand that is El Pino Club, a brand highlighting their love of the Pinot Noir varietal, each bottle standing out from the one before.

With full stomachs, hearts fuller and minds bustling with ideas, the CPJ team headed out of Napa — four suitcases of wine heavier than when they arrived.

Photos courtesy of: Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited