There’s a moment we often watch for during wine tastings with a view. A guest takes their first sip, pauses, looks back out at the vineyard, and then returns to the glass as if something has just clicked. That pause is terroir at work. Terroir is one of wine’s most talked-about ideas—and one of its most misunderstood. It’s often reduced to soil type alone, or treated as a romantic abstraction that sounds good but feels hard to pin down. At Paloma, we think of terroir more simply and more personally. Terroir is the story of a place—elevation, soil, climate & site influences such as wind, temperature changes and sun exposures. Essentially, it is what we do not control. What is not terroir? Farming practices, winemaking influences, branding, or anything that is unnatural in the process. To understand Terroir, we like to start with a walk through the vineyard.
The holidays are a time of warmth, laughter, and lingering conversations around a table that feels just a little bit magical. At Paloma Vineyard , we believe that the right wine can turn a good holiday gathering into a deeply memorable one. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or welcoming friends through your front door, choosing a holiday red that resonates with the season adds richness to every moment. Red wines, with their deep hues and comforting aromatics, often feel like the unofficial wine of cool nights and festive gatherings. This year, elevate your celebrations with selections that embody structure, balance, and that touch of elegance holiday hosts crave.
Nestled on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains and overlooking the iconic Napa Valley, the Spring Mountain District AVA offers a truly elevated wine‑country experience. With vineyards planted on steep hillsides, above the valley floor, this mountain appellation is all about high altitude vineyards, dramatic terroir and a hospitality style grounded in family, craft and place.
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.
This medium-bodied wine shows vanilla, raspberry, cassis, and spice with a long finish. Taste it today and enjoy its elegant balance.
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.
