Frog’s Leap Winery Review
Address: 8815 Conn Creek Rd. Rutherford,California 94558.
Phone Number: 800-959-4704
Tasting Hours: 10:00-4:00
Region: Napa Valley AVA, Rutherford AVA, California
Reviewer: Laura Cropper
Review Date: 10/26/2015
Reviewer: Laura Cropper
Rating: 5
The Review
Frogs leap Winery is set in a beautiful Victorian house in Napa’s Rutherford AVA. Founded in 1981 by current owner and winemaker John Williams, the winery practices sustainable farming and is 100% solar-powered. Frog’s Leap is not an organic winery, but they do make wine from organically grown grapes and practice organic farming.
Frog’s Leap is also known as one of Napa’s most dog-friendly wineries. With leashes and dog bowls available on the front steps, and dogs (on leash) welcomed on the Vineyard House deck and in the garden and vineyards, visitors aren’t forced to forsake their four-legged friends while experiencing Napa Valley’s vinous joys.
With regards to the tasting itself, the concierge will check you in for your seated tasting ($25) and lead you to one of the very comfortable and pre-set tables on the terrace facing the garden and mountains. The terrace sports high-top tables, couches and Adirondack chairs on the lawn. The winery also features a spacious inside tasting room with a traditional living room setting.
We were seated with four glasses in front of us, and our server started us with a Chardonnay. The 2013 Chardonnay was clean with round flavors of green apple and a touch of vanilla. From there, we moved on to the 2013 Zinfandel which revealed a touch of baking spice and dark fruit. Next was the 2013 Merlot and our wonderful server Alicia told us that we could try a second merlot side by side. She brought us a splash of a 99 Merlot that just happened to be open, Lucky us! This was a really special wine.
Alicia explained to us that Frogs Leap also makes their own line of Jams. They sell out very quickly but again we got lucky! There happened to be a couple jars open of the white nectarine and strawberry jam so she brought us a taste paired with Carmody cheese and crackers, delicious! The white nectarine paired especially well with the cheese provided.
Alicia encouraged us to take a glass and walk around the garden. We viewed the gardens, the chicken pen and the serene fountain. The fountain leads into a small, man-made square pond surrounded by cement. The pond is complete with lily pads and other water-loving plants and is a great place to sit and relax with a glass of cabernet!
Frog’s Leap provides three different tasting experiences. First, there is a guided tour available twice per day (10:30 or 2:30) Monday through Friday. Reservations are required and the price is $25 per person. The signature seated tasting, which is what we selected, including four wines and stunning views. There is also the Garden Tasting which allows you to try four wines while experiencing the winery property.
Frogs Leap also has a wine club, The Fellowship of the Frog, that provides members, also known as FrogFellows, four shipments per year of three, six or twelve bottles. Reasonably priced at a range of $75-$140 for a three bottle shipment, and with invitations for exclusive parties and complimentary tastings for you and up to three guests, the Fellowship is definitely worth your consideration.
Frogs Leap Winery is a go-to type of place regardless of the circumstance. It’s lively enough for a small group of friends but quiet enough for a romantic date. Ill be back for sure!