Join us for a deep dive into the wines of Napa Valley, starting with a comparative tasting of samples from six different AVAs, led by the legendary Steve Matthiasson, followed by a vertical tasting of wines from the outstanding Cakebread Cellars, led by Bruce Cakebread himself.
Event details
The fine wines of Napa Valley have developed mythic status, and the region's powerful and elegant reds are some of the most sought after wines in the world.
In this Meet the winemaker double bill, we will be taking an in-depth look at Napa Valley’s sub-regions and discovering how the wines develop with a vertical tasting.
The ticket price includes both tastings, as well as a cheese and charcuterie spread to enjoy in our fourth floor foyer between the two sessions.
Session 1: 6-7.30pm
Discovering the AVAs of Napa Valley: a comparative tasting from a single winemaker
Steve Matthiasson will share six 2021-vintage Cabernet Sauvignon barrel samples from different areas of the valley to demonstrate the diversity and complexity of Napa Valley. The tasting will end with a sampling of finished blends to show how each component contributes to the final wine. This tasting is a rare opportunity to taste multiple pre-release wines from one of Napa Valley’s leading viticulturalists and winemakers, and a leader in the region's sustainability and organic movement.
About the presenter, Steve Matthiasson
Steve is the owner, viticulturist and winemaker at Matthiasson Winery. He dreamt of farming his entire life. He became an obsessed gardener and cook while studying philosophy in college. In 1994, while back in grad school for horticulture after three years as a bike messenger/wannabe farmer, he found a job in vineyards and orchards working for a small sustainable agriculture consulting firm. In 1999 he co-authored the California manual on sustainable vineyard practices. In 2002 he started consulting on vineyard practices in Napa. He still loves the challenge of solving vineyard problems for others, but since 2003 the primary focus has been on his own family farming and winemaking. Steve is a life-long student of the craft of viticulture.
Wine list
2021 barrel samples
- Mt. Veeder
- St. Helena
- Rutherford
- Oak Knoll (hillside)
- Oak Knoll (alluvial fan)
- Coombsville
Finished wines
- 2019 Matthiasson Dead Fred Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville
- 2019 Matthiasson Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District
- 2019 Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Session 2: 8-9.30pm
Vintages of Napa Valley: a vertical tasting
Explore the vintages of Napa Valley through the lens of a single winery and one of Napa Valley’s most well-known producers. Bruce Cakebread will share a selection of vintages dating back to 1985, and will discuss how his Cabernet Sauvignon wines have developed, as well as the evolution of viticulture and winemaking over the years.
About the presenter, Bruce Cakebread
Bruce Cakebread has worked alongside his father since the founding of Cakebread Cellars in 1973. He joined the winery in 1978, and after graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis, in 1979 he took over as winemaker, overseeing all vineyard and cellar operations for the next twenty-five years. In 2004, Bruce became the winery’s President and Chief Operations Officer, also leading international distribution efforts, until in 2018, when he stepped back from day-to-day operations, and today is co-owner of the winery with his brother.
Wine list
- 1985 Cakebread Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford (magnum)
- 1988 Cakebread Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford (magnum)
- 1993 Cabernet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (magnum)
- 2008 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (magnum)
- 2012 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (750 ml)
- 2016 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (750 ml)
- Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (750 ml)
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.
Tasting level
Masterclass: Our most advanced sessions, suitable for those who have a WSET Level 3 qualification or equivalent knowledge. Gain expert knowledge and insights from a specialist speaker.