Backroom Wines (founded 1994) is located in downtown Napa almost directly across from the Bounty Hunter wine bar. Don't make the mistake and try to enter the 1000 Main Street building from Main Street - their entrance is actually on First Street. Any shop that has Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison album playing (as it was one morning) when we walked in already has been raised up a notch in our eyes! Backroom Wines is a boutique wine shop with a very good selection of wines from mainly small producers. Everything is laid out very nicely - the shop is clean and well organized. Most of their small producers are Napa wineries although they do have some other California representation. However, there is a nice European selection as well with main focus on French wines - French Whites and French Reds. Often tiny Napa area producers have initially sold their wines here before they were "well known". For example Napa area wineries such as Paloma, Switchback Ridge and T-Vine Cellars initially sold their first releases at Backroom Wines. These wineries are now well established and have won a number of high end awards and ratings. Like dessert wines? They have a number of European wine "sweets".
They moved to this larger more central location in mid 2008 which now allows them to be open 7 days a week. The wine bar is larger and much improved and is also open every day of the week with extended hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The "special" tastings are what separates this wine shop from some of the other local wine shops. The tastings always varies - for example they often choose a specific region in France or Italy or elsewhere and solely taste those wines. In addition, they may have specific tastings in which small local area winemakers are on hand to taste their own wines; this is a great chance to actually meet someone in the Napa wine-making industry. Also popular is their "bring your own favorite wine" night where you bring one or more of your favorite wines; this is a great chance to try an eclectic variety of wine. Aromatic and "guess the varietal" tastings also sometimes offered. An interesting collection of cheeses are also sold on site - ask which wine pairs with what cheese.
All events are scheduled well ahead of time so check their website for details. Speaking of their website, it is often updated and is a treasure trove of information including their newsletter, featured wine section and the wine diary. Be sure to signup for their mailing list as almost weekly you will find an email with a plethora of wine info and is a great resource for the latest Napa wines to hit the market. This is the email list we subscribe to in order to discover latest releases and the newest commerical wine producers in the valley and beyond. Visit: www.backroomwines.com
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Open to Public: Yes
Appointments: No
Regular Tours: No
Hours: 7 Days a Week
Phone: 226-1378
Address: 1000 Main Street, Shop 120, Napa
 Winery Photos Winery Website
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