“If your looking for that secluded, romantic wine tasting experience, it doesn’t get any better then Titus!”

On a recent trip to Napa I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my friend Christophe Smith at Titus Vineyards. This small rustic winery has been owned and operated by the Titus family since 1967.  They continue to produce premium quality wines from the Napa at very competitive price points in the valley.

I discovered this gem while attending the Wine Bloggers Conference in Santa Rosa at the Flamingo Hotel.  My lovely wife and I were chillen in the courtyard with our pal Rick Bakas, tasting and blogging about wine on our iphones.  The evening was wrapping up and our glasses were running on empty.  That’s when Christophe stepped forward with his big smile and firm handshake.  Strapped over his should was a snazzy insulated wine six pack caring case.  ”Would you like to taste some wine from Titus Vineyads,” he asked.  Obviously we said “Yes” and the pouring began.  The wines were amazing, especially the Cab Franc and Zinfandel, two personal favorites of mine.  Christophe extended an invitation for us to visit the winery which we graciously accepted.

Upon our arrival, we were immediatly embraced by the quaint rustic cottage overlooking the vineyard.  The winery is nestled just off of Silverado Trail at the foot of Howell Mountain, a prime area know for it’s rich soil that produces world renowned qualities in wine.  Christophe gave us the grand tour of the property and introduced us to their crips refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.

Frank Gutierrez and Christophe Smith exploring the Zinfandel vineyard.

If your looking for that secluded, romantic wine tasting experience, it doesn’t get any better then this!  After walking the vineyard with Christophe and talking a little shop, we spent a few minutes with the vineyard manager Eric Titus and winemaker Phillip Titus. These two men have done a fantastic job at the winery and do so by respecting the land.  Their philosophy revolves around low-intensity farming without the use of pesticides or unnecessary fertilization  By taking care of the land, the land returns the favor by producing quality fruit, thus continuing their family’s rich hertiage in the Napa Valley.

Speaking of the next harvest, Christophe has big plans for Titus Vineyards. On September 9th, Titus TV gears up for the harvist… LIVE!  Tune in and watch the boys at Titus Vineyards as they get their hands dirty and prepare for the harvest of 2009.  Christophe has cleverly manufactured a portable video transmitting rig that will broadcast video live from the vineyard (during the harvest) with an uplink so his viewers they can post comments that can be addressed in real time in the vineyard!

One giant step for Titus Vineyards and one giant step for the wine industry.  I tip my hat to them for this amazing accomplishment.  Titus Vineyards certainly is a major player in the evolution of Web 3.0 by presenting a live internet based service that will instantaneously gratify the participants curiosity.  It’s the next best thing to actually harvesting the grapes yourself!  Come October 5th, 2009, I’ll be tasting my Titus Zinfandel and following the harvest live on Titus TV.