Wine tasting is more than etiquette and ceremony. It’s an opportunity to listen to your palate — to discover what flavors resonate most with you, so that in later tastings or purchases, you can ask for “more of that. ” When you can name what you like, you unlock a more rewarding, deeper wine experience. Below is your refined guide to wine tasting etiquette — yes — but always in service of helping you tune in to your preferences.
At Paloma, Merlot is the soul of our story. It is the grape that founders Jim & Barbara fell in love with on their journey to Spring Mountain. Picture this: it’s the late 1970s, and Barbara and Jim are visiting the Duckhorn vineyard, tasting their famed Three Palms Merlot. They lean into a sip and feel stirred—not just by the wine’s richness, but by its quiet elegance. That moment sparked something. They looked at each other and thought, “This is the wine we want to make. These are grapes we have to grow.” Before they even found the site, they had their hearts set on Merlot. By the time they found the raw land at the top of Spring Mountain, there was no changing their minds. Back then, planting Merlot at that elevation was almost unheard of—too cool, too risky. But they trusted their instincts and took the leap.
Wine tasting and aging go hand in hand. Learn how patience and ritual shape each bottle into a story and train your palate with every sip.
Paloma’s 2019 Merlot opens with cranberry, cassis, and mocha notes, balanced by floral tannins. Taste this vintage and experience its lasting finish.
At Paloma Vineyard, sustainability is more than just a practice—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Nestled on Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain, our small, family-run vineyard has been embracing sustainable and regenerative farming for over four decades. Every choice we make, from cover cropping to solar power, reflects our deep respect for the land and our commitment to producing exceptional wines that honor both our family legacy and the environment.
Break down Merlot’s flavor, structure, and styles. Read the facts and choose your next bottle.
At Paloma Vineyard, tastings are personal and serene, with only nature and the winemaker’s voice. Visit us and experience Napa like home.
As Barbara said, “it starts in the vineyard.” Learn how sustainability shapes our Napa Valley practices and why it matters for the future of wine.
Since 1983, Paloma Vineyard on Spring Mountain has grown into a winery that feels like home. Visit us and experience the legacy in every glass.
At our sustainable winery and vineyard , every choice we make reflects our commitment to preserving the environment and crafting exceptional wines. From innovative trellising systems to thoughtful vineyard management, we strive to balance nature’s needs with our vision for creating wines that tell a story in every sip.
