We have all been wine tasting. And it has gotten to be more cost prohibitive and a bigger hassle than ever before in many places. The traffic is terrible and the tasting fees have gotten expensive at many wineries. So it's really wonderful to find a winery where you can relax, take in the view and savor some wines with food, which is what it's all about in my book.

Signorello Vineyards, which is delightfully calm during the week as it is only open by appointment, launched its Enoteca program a couple of months ago. The estate is beautiful and the tastings are held in a small, private dining room that overlooks the Napa Valley and the pool. The food pairings are prepared by local chef Rodger Babel and are delicious and sufficient to make a lunch or dinner of. And at $65 a person it's a steal for the quantity and quality of food and wine. I have spent that on a salad and a bottle of wine for two in Napa!

The one long table in the Enoteca room can accommodate up to 12 people. Current pairings include the creamy, elegant Bordeaux-inspired  blend 2008 Estate Seta, which is a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc with smoked salmon; the dusty, intense 2006 Estate Syrah with a savory rabbit salad and two Cabernets-the 2005 Estate and the 2006 Padrone-with kobe beef with bacon and pepper-crusted venison. There are six courses in all followed by chocolates dusted in a spicy Moroccan spice blend.

Winemaker Pierre Birebent says his inspiration in making the wines is strongly Old World and that clearly comes through. He also notes that he also tries to make an appearance when guests come to the Entoteca tasting to guide them through the wines.

The winery even offers a Kobe and Cabernet Club! How delicious does that sound? The Club sends members several steaks and bottles of wine and the average cost per shipment is $390. It's intended to be a complete meal.

Cheers,

Liza the Wine Chick