The Discovery Collection

The Discovery Collection:
Getting Started

Welcome to the Baldacci Family Vineyards Discovery Collection! To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve created an easy-to-follow wine tasting guide.

We’d love to hear about your tasting adventure! Share your thoughts and photos on social media with #discoverbaldacci and tag us @baldacciwinery. Join the conversation and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts.

Accolades

Editor's Top Pick: Products to Watch in 2024

“The Baldacci Family Vineyards Discovery Collection ($60) comes in a Napa artist-illustrated gift box. Each glass bottle is a single-serving size, making this set ideal for gifting, wine tasting parties, multi-course meals…” 

“Second best to a trip to Napa Valley is a collection of its most popular wines, curated in these sweet glass vials and boxed for gifting. It's perfect for your holiday host and features a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Red Wine Blend…” 

“If you are looking for the perfect gift for a wine connoisseur then look no further than this trio of wine samples from family run vineyard Baldacci, based in Napa Valley. We found it hard to find better wine during our tasting and were impressed with the variety of flavors...”

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Fraternity Red Blend

Ready to Enjoy Now: While the wines are sealed to maintain quality, they are ready to be enjoyed now. There is no need to cellar or age the wines before tasting.

Short-Term Storage: If you plan to store the wines for the short term before tasting, the Chardonnay can be stored in the refrigerator until you begin tasting. Store the red wines – the Pinot Noir and Fraternity Red Wine Blend – in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations; keeping the wine at a consistent temperature will maintain its integrity.

Re-Sealing the Tubes: If you haven’t finished a wine sample, make sure to reseal the tube tightly. The caps are designed to maintain the freshness of the wine.

Step 2: Set Up Your Tasting

Choosing Glassware

We recommend using clear, stemmed wine glasses for each wine. If you have stemless wine glasses, those are also suitable, but keep in mind that holding the glass in your hands can affect the wine’s temperature. The shape of the glass can also influence how you experience the wine.

Serving Temperature

We recommend refrigerating the Chardonnay sample tube for about 30 minutes before starting your tasting. This will enhance the flavors and aromas. We also recommend chilling the reds for approximately 15 minutes as well so that they reach cellar temperature.

When you’re ready to begin, assemble your wine tubes in the following order: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Fraternity Red Blend. You may use a separate glass for each or taste the wines one by one with a single glass. If using individual glasses, pour the wines into each glass.

Step 3: Tasting Your Wines

The Wine Tasting Process

Sight: Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle against a background of white paper. Follow our step-by-step guide to evaluating the appearance of wine here.

Swirl & Smell: Give the wine a gentle swirl in the glass to release its aromas. Take a moment to gently inhale. How strong are the aromas? Note any fruit, floral, or spice notes that greet your senses. Follow the wine aroma guide here.

Sip: Take a small sip, allowing the wine to coat your palate. Move it around in your mouth to fully appreciate the range of flavors. Pay attention to the balance of body, acidity, and tannins. Wondering what all that means? Find the answers in our tasting guide here.

Savor: Swallow the wine or, if you prefer, spit it out into a designated spittoon. Notice the lingering flavors, known as the finish.

Step 4: Pair with Cheese & Snacks

Chardonnay

Brie, triple cream, and fresh mozzarella complement the wine’s rich and full-bodied character.

Kettle corn, honey mustard pretzels, and sour cream and onion chips bring out Chardonnay’s tropical fruit and vanilla notes.

Pinot Noir

Manchego, Fontina, and herbed goat cheese pair well with the earthy complexity of Pinot Noir.

Truffle popcorn, parmesan crisps, and rosemary almonds enhance the wine’s red fruit and floral notes.

Fraternity Red Blend

Aged white cheddar, Gruyère, and aged Gouda elevate the wine’s bold and complex nature.

Spiced mixed nuts, barbecue potato chips, and dark chocolate-covered espresso beans are a perfect match with Fraternity’s dark fruit and spice notes.

The Discovery Collection