Wine Concierge: Private Napa Tours and Tastings

For wine lovers who wish to have privileged access to notable boutique wineries in Napa and Sonoma, the Hideaway Report wine concierge, Porthos, can arrange tours and tastings that are unavailable to the public. Such visits include samples of rare “reserve” bottlings and barrel tastings of upcoming releases. Hal Oates, the founder of Porthos, has long experience in the region and a peerless address book that includes luminaries such as Tim Mondavi and Dan Duckhorn.

As well as being a charming and articulate companion, Hal is immensely knowledgeable and unfailingly enthusiastic. Thanks to his introductions, I have fond memories of sitting in the California sunshine with some of Napa’s most passionate and successful winemakers. Porthos can also advise about boutique wineries worldwide and can organize wine tasting itineraries for Andrew Harper members.

Weekly Wine Concierge Recommendations

He and his team blind-taste more than 2,500 wines a year, then recommend the best of the best to members via a weekly email. If you have not already signed up, I would urge you to do so at [email protected] or call toll-free (866) 550-2492.

Illustration ©Melissa Colson