Courtesy of Sonoma Magazine:
"…Napa Valley’s first wine history museum, 1881 Napa, opened June 12. The museum, owned by Napa Valley vintner and entrepreneur Jean-Charles Boisset, is located next to Oakville Grocery, the oldest continually operating grocery store in California (acquired earlier this year by Boisset Collection). Visitors to the museum can explore Napa Valley history, the region’s many viticultural areas as well as a collection of historic wine relics.
The first floor of the Victorian home that houses 1881 Napa serves as a tasting room…In addition to the site-specific cabernets, guests to Napa 1881 can try wines from a blend of Napa Valley grapes, including a sparkling wine, sauvignon blanc, rosé, chardonnay, red blend, merlot and a cabernet sauvignon — all wines are crafted exclusively for 1881 Napa by winemaker Thane Knutson.
…With a focus on sustainable organic foods, the menu at Oakville Grocery has changed, a wood-fired pizza oven has been added, and new artisan products have been introduced. Whenever possible, goods are sourced locally from wine country and California. Compostable plates, and containers have found a place alongside paper straws.
Store shelves are being filled with an extensive wine collection, and not just from Boisset’s labels. Along with rare wine tastings, Oakville Grocery now offers eight draft beer taps, wine taps and a craft coffee menu. In the coming months, changes will also be made in the Healdsburg location.
… As to be expected from a man known for his flamboyant style, Boisset’s new museum is equal parts informative, entertaining and extravagant. And there’s wine tasting, too. Click through the gallery for a peek inside.
1881 Napa, 7856 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, 1881napa.com. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
