It all started with a trip to Napa Valley. Five years later, I continued the Black Cordon Vineyards adventure…in The Bahamas. 

Back in 2014, my husband and I serendipitously found our first bottle of Black Cordon at a local wine store. Becoming fans at first sip and knowing we would be visiting Napa Valley months later, I researched the winery online. I couldn’t initially find information about the company and its visiting policies. Several e-mail inquiries later, I managed to find a way to book a visit. Tastings are hosted at a top-secret location I cannot reveal. I can disclose, however, that the casual and intimate experience uses the Napa rolling hills as the most spectacular of backdrops.

Months later, friends visited the winery based on our recommendation. They brought along a group of wine lovers and mutual friends (owners of Coral Sands Resort in  Harbour Island, in The Bahamas). Everyone in attendance promised to join forces in the tropics for a future wine tasting event, and bring together the best of both worlds: sun, sand, and wine. Much, much, wine.

That day finally arrived five years later. A second visit (for me) awaited at this highly recommended hideaway with powdery coral sands and endless beaches: lazy days, guaranteed. I joined a small group of like-minded gourmands and red elixir enthusiasts for the memorable escape. Here’s a look…

SCRAPBOOK: Napa Valley at Harbour Island, Bahamas

When this is the view out of your window, you know you’ve arrived in The Bahamas.

Welcome bites, sights, and sounds at TOM’S BAR

A short flight from Miami.
A tiny taxi ride to the dock.
A spirited boat shuttle to the island.
An exciting arrival via golf cart to the resort.
And I finally arrived.
Exhale.

Night 1

Dinner at ROCK HOUSE 

Day 2

Lunch with a view at local gem Sip Sip

Evening Wine Pairing at the pool deck

Welcome Tasting: Sixteen by Twenty 2015 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Menu

Wild Mushroom Pecorino Gyoza paired with Sixteen by Twenty 2014 Napa Cabernet & 2015 Napa Cabernet

Slow Roasted Pork Belly  paired with Black Cordon Vineyards 2014 Napa Cabernet &  2015 Napa Cabernet

Rare Beef Tenderloin paired with Black Cordon Vineyards 2012 Napa Cabernet & 2013 Napa Cabernet

Mallard Duck Breast paired with Black Cordon Vineyards 2014 “The Black Cordon Vineyard” Cabernet

Oven Roasted Veal Loin paired with Black Cordon Vineyards 2013 “The Howell Mountain Vineyard” Cabernet

Day 3

Black Cordon Wine Tasting Dinner at Latitudes 25 Restaurant

 Menu

Lime & Tequila-Marinated Shrimp

Duck Ravioli

Creekstone Farm Braised Short Ribs

Pan-Seared Creekstone Farm Beef Tenderloin

Yellowfin Tuna “Rossini”

Molten Lava Cake

Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulée

Black Cordon Vineyards 2015 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Sixteen by Twenty 2014 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Black Cordon Vineyards 2013/2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Sixteen by Twenty 2014 Cabernet

Operation carpe diem: success! Leaving The Bahamas is never easy. I’ve come to love the many islands over the years so much it almost feels like an extension of South Florida. It helps that they are so close.

You don’t need a wine event to visit Coral Sands. And you also don’t need an excuse to visit Napa Valley. Both are magical on their own. Cheers to great wine, exceptional food, and sharing that joie de vivre!

My husband and I with David/Black Cordon and Silma/Coral Sands. Thank you for your hospitality!