Of all the tasting rooms in Napa, Bourassa Vineyards is by far the most urban.   Whenever we send people there you can see that look on their face, “They sent me to a warehouse?” But once you walk through the door you are transported to a swanky club.  The rooms are lit by candles, the walls painted red, and the ceiling is tented.   The whole thing has a cool urban swanky vibe..perfect for a special event or a tasting with good friends.

Vic Bourassa is one of those charismatic larger then life figures.  He got his start in real estate.  While practicing real estate in the Napa Valley, the wine bug bit.  He joined the Napa Valley Home Winemaker Association where he eventually became president.  It was around this time that he had lunch with the late Robert Mondavi.  When Mr. Mondavi tried Vic’s wine he said, “Vic, you don’t belong in real estate, you belong in wine.”

Never one to be afraid of risks, Vic did exactly that.  In 2001 he started Bourassa Vineyards.   At Bourassa Vineyards you will find an eclectic mix of wines.  For Vic, harvest is a bit like a kid in a candy store.  When quality vineyards let Vic know they have fruit for sale, he ha

s a hard time turning it down.  Fortunately he has his wife, Kathy, who can easily say “no” when needed.  The line up at Bourassa Vineayrds includes a Chardonnay (not yet released), Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Port, Cabernet, Red Blend, and their Merlot, a new release.

This month we are featuring this delicious Merlot.  A full bodied red wine that will convince the biggest Sideways fan that Merlot is indeed a worthy grape!