We’ve been contemplating how reading shapes our worldview by adding nuance, depth, and breadth to it. Though we may not consider ourselves avid readers, our insatiable hunger for knowledge often leads us to browse the shelves of local bookstores, selecting one or two tomes to savor while indulging in a tasting. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a curator from a well-known East Coast library. Our time together inspired us to share a list of books you might find enticing to read before visiting Napa Valley. “The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty” by Julia F ..read more

“Wine like art; is a way to share our universe from a different point of view” -Javy Calderon Javier Calderon, owner of Napa Private Tours. Javier has recently achieved a significant milestone in his journey to enhance wine tourism experiences in Napa Valley. He is now a certified sommelier by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). This prestigious certification not only sets him apart from other tour operators but also promises to bring a new level of sophistication and nuance to the wine experiences he offers. Javier Calderon’s passion for wine is palpable, and his journey to becomin ..read more

As a wine and culinary expert, I have made a promise to my wine-loving friends to meticulously document my adventures in Valle de Guadalupe. Today, I want to provide you with an exclusive glimpse into the hidden culinary gems of this enchanting region. During my recent visit, one restaurant that captured my attention was Emat, the signature farm-to-table establishment at Vinicola Hilo Negro. Under the skilled guidance of Chef Eduardo Salgado, Emat offers a sensory experience that leaves no detail unattended. Chef Eduardo Salgado’s Journey: Chef Eduardo Salgado, a graduate of the esteemed Cul ..read more

Nestled just a couple of hours from San Diego, CA, just across the border, lies a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered – Valle de Guadalupe. This charming region is home to over 150 wineries and proudly produces 90% of the wine originating in Mexico. While grape cultivation has been a part of Valle’s heritage for over a century, it was only about 15 years ago that a renaissance took place, leading to the production of world-class wines and establishing it as a top-level enophile destination. During our recent visit to this captivating region, we had the pleasure of experiencing the epitom ..read more

We are overjoyed to extend a special invitation to you, as a prelude to the highly anticipated Tyler’s Cattle Barons’ Gala. Join us for a fantastic evening of exclusive wine pairings and tastings, featuring luxurious Napa wines, hosted by VillaMontez and key Napa insiders. Prepare to elevate your wine appreciation and discover limited new releases that will leave a lasting impression. Date: Friday, June 9th Time: 5:30 PM Venue: Villamontez Bar At this exclusive event, you will have the pleasure of a guided tasting led by sommelier Javier Calderon, accompanied by esteemed winemaker Alex Llama ..read more

In partnership with Mundo Villapudua and in support of The Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala fundraising for The American Cancer Society we have the pleasure to present a delightful and exclusive Napa adventure. We have partnered with the best of the best to offer you two days full of incomparable and priceless experiences not available to the public. Without further ado this is the auction item of your dreams: Welcome Libations by Mixologist Izzy Carriero Izzy has made a name for himself by designing beautiful and complex cocktails featured in many prestigious Napa venues. He has also served as a co ..read more

Every once in a blue moon I like to feature fellow professionals whose professional excellence makes them worthy of accolades.  Today I want to introduce you to Izzy Carriero, Izzy is brilliant and his skills as a mixologist are incomparable. Have you ever wished you had someone to mix you a drink that fully reflects who you are and what you love? If you have not yet, Izzy is your man. His is the king of bespoke cocktails; libations that are equally beautiful to the eye and to the palate. Izzy has perfected his craft in some of the top Napa bars inclusive of Coqueta and Agaves in downtow ..read more

Napa Valley has almost 500 wineries, but not every winery affords the visitor an experience that brings delight to all the senses. Our beautiful valley is sandwiched between the Mayacamas and the Vaca mountain ranges and it is these topographical features what allows for a huge range of micro-climates and terroirs that consistently render superior wines. A few weeks ago I hosted a guest whose is passionate about landscape photography. Personally, I often find myself taking shots of nature, attempting to capture the beauty of flowers and the details that make each visit magic. Our guest challen ..read more

Kellie Martin – Your Personal Wine Mentor I have spent almost two decades in the wine industry and every single day I am surprised by the joy of learning something new or meeting someone whose knowledge of wine-making adds to my own. To put it simply, we are able to deliver unique and curated experiences because we are constantly in learning and discovery mode and we want to encourage you to do the same. Being well-versed in enology will absolutely give you the edge when it comes to wine collecting, wine discovery and most importantly it will equip you to have educated conversations on a topic ..read more

How about you join us for Happy Hour at Villa Montez ? We plan to be there on December 16th and 17th 2021 Starting at five in the afternoon and hanging out with new and old friends until we run out of wine and stories. We love traditions, and going to Tyler and spending time with each of you has become an almost yearly pilgrimage that fills our heart with happiness. Our goal is to introduce you to some of the finest Napa Wineries Our hope is to help you become a well-rounded wine aficionado. We want to sit by your side and help you discover what it is that makes a wine special and discern you ..read more