Using an ah-so wine opener is our preferred way to open wines aged more than ten years. As the wine ages, so does the cork, making it more brittle and weak. Using a standard corkscrew increases the chances of the cork breaking or crumbling into the wine. While this does not make the wine undrinkable,…
Our Gourmet Collection of olive oils and vinegars is a reflection of time-honored methods, sustainable farming, and the pursuit of excellence in every bottle. Gourmet quality every step of the way At Round Pond Estate, we believe the best flavors begin with the best practices — fruit grown with respect for the land, harvested by hand, and…
We are honored to share that Round Pond Estate has been named Best Cabernet Sauvignon Winery 2025 – Napa Valley by LUXlife Magazine as part of their international Hospitality Excellence Awards. Now in its tenth year, this global recognition celebrates businesses that exemplify innovation, authenticity, and craftsmanship in hospitality. To be acknowledged among such exceptional…
If you’ve walked down our vineyard rows recently, you may have spotted a new kind of team member rolling quietly among the vines. Her name is Emma — a vineyard robot designed by Budbreak, a young ag-tech company founded by Jonathan Moon and his colleagues. We’ve received many curious questions from guests about Emma’s purpose,…
Harvest has officially begun at Round Pond Estate! On Friday, August 8, we welcomed our very first fruit of the season, 14 tons of Chardonnay picked for our Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. This block always comes off the vines first because sparkling wine requires grapes that are picked earlier than any other variety. The…
At Round Pond Estate, our 12-acre culinary garden is more than a source of fresh ingredients. It’s the heart of our farm-to-table culinary program and a daily source of inspiration for our chefs. Every herb snipped, berry picked, and flower harvested finds its way into the hands of our culinary team, who transform this seasonal…
Every June, we take time to reflect on a cause that is deeply personal to the Round Pond Estate family — Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. This initiative carries special meaning for us, as we honor the memory of our founder and father, Bob MacDonnell, who we lost to Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. In his…
Olive oil tasting is a sensory journey that allows you to explore the depth of flavors, aromas, and textures in high-quality oils. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just curious about the process, experiencing an olive oil tasting can transform the way you cook and appreciate this kitchen staple. At Round Pond Estate in Napa…
Looking for the perfect gift to share the magic of Napa Valley? Whether you’re near or far, it’s easier than ever to send a taste of this renowned wine region to friends and family. From immersive experiences and exclusive club memberships to wine bottles and gourmet gift sets, there’s something for every budget and palate.…
As the holidays commence and we begin to gather with our nearest and dearest, we’ve put together our top recommendations on how to curate a stand-out event! There are many factors to consider when hosting a party including how many guests you’ll have, what the style of your event is, and what food you plan…
Summer is approaching, and it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in the mouthwatering delights of BBQ season! As the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meats and grilled vegetables fill the air, embark on a culinary adventure with our favorite BBQ recipes and perfectly paired wines to keep the grill hot all summer long!…
We lost our father and the founder of Round Pond Estate to Alzheimer’s in 2021. His battle and loss was devastating for our family, and through talking with others who have had a similar experience, we have learned so much more about how this disease affects not just the individual, but their friends and family…
This year your social calendar is probably filling up quickly, but for a lot of us, it’s been a while since it’s been this busy, and you might be asking yourself how to be a stand-out guest this holiday season. We’ve made it easy with our top 5 tips so you can focus on enjoying…
Indulge in a refreshing delight, a perfect blend of blood orange juice, Rosato di Nebbiolo, and a hint of sweetness — our favorite summer treat! Ingredients 4 c blood orange juice2 c + 2 tbsp sugar2 c Proprietary Rosato di Nebbiolo Directions Combine 1 cup of Rosato and sugarBring to a boil stirring constantly to…
As winter turns to spring, our vineyards begin to wake up to prepare for the next vintage. As we move towards summer, the action really picks up and we see the vineyards work in earnest to start crafting the our 2023 wines! In winter, while the vines were dormant, our vineyard management team began pruning,…
Our founder, Bob MacDonnell, always said, “People are everything” and this is a tenet we honor to our core. Our people, our teams, and our guests mean everything to us. To this end, we are thrilled to announce the promotion of Jeff Plant to Estate Winemaker, overseeing all vineyard and winemaking activity. __________ We believe…
When people image a visit to Napa Valley, they often picture the jewel tones of fall, lush vineyards, and harvest activities – but the real pros know that winter is one of the best times to visit! From beautiful scenery and fewer people to VIP access and hard-to-get reservations, we believe that winter is an…
Our Olive Mill is once again open for tasting and tours! Join us to learn more about the history of our mill, the process of harvesting and making olive oil, and experience a tasting of our fresh Estate Oils, Infused Oils, and Red Wine Vinegars. When the MacDonnell family decided to make their own estate…
With the new year upon us, my brother, Miles, and I took some time to discuss our vision for the year. Year after year we are grateful for all our members and customers who make everything we do possible— from being stewards of the Estate, winery and olive mill; to our mission-driven work and fundraising.…
When it comes to a visit to Napa Valley, we’re here for the wine. But there’s much more to the 789 square miles of this NorCal paradise than wineries and vineyards alone. Here’s our list of what to do in-between tastings in the valley: Hike Bothe-Napa Valley State Park This local-favorite park includes 10 acres…
A row of dust-covered bottles, a dimly-lit cave: it’s an iconic portrait of the life of a wine collector. But how do you know if a wine is age-worthy? And how do you store wine to age it? Today, we’re breaking down the aging process with four key tips. 1. To age or not to…
The best wine tasting experiences have a perfect balance between enjoyment and education, offering sips of delicious wine without overcomplicating the process. With that said, knowing the choreography of a wine tasting can take your experience beyond the basics, allowing a greater level of appreciation for what’s in your glass. We like to break down…
Our wine and food philosophy comes down to one motto: drink—and eat—what you like! However, knowing just a few core principles can take your pairing game to the next level, so today, we’re diving into the art and science behind pairing food with wine. The Pillars of Pairings Wine and food pairing starts with the…
There is nothing we love more than connecting with the extended Round Pond family; the people who have made our family’s vision a reality for all these years. Hosting our guests and sharing the wine country lifestyle with all of those who come to visit is our passion, and we’re introducing another way to stay…
