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Eight is Enough?

When Naggiar Vineyards and Winery was voted the Best Winery in the Sacramento area for eight years in a row last month, I was reminded of that old (really old) TV show “Eight is Enough”. Is eight enough? Is eight consecutive years as the number one winery in the very competitive Sacramento market really enough?

My initial response was quick; heck yeah! Retire already, this is getting embarrassing.

A little deeper thought however lead me to ponder what it truly means to be named the best. Sure, it’s the most votes received in a contest. But is that it? Is that all this really was, a popularity contest? I don’t think so. It’s about being the best of the best which means you’ve offered something – service, product, experience – that continues to not only meet people’s standards, but exceed them while at the same time instilling a fierce loyalty to your brand.

Now that’s something that you can never get enough of.

KCRA 3’s Alist is a yearly quest for the best – the best local businesses in the Sacramento area. This year it was based on a total of 84,000 votes from local experts. In the best winery category there were 160+ wineries to choose from – small and large venues, well known establishments and newer faces, near and far locations. We can assume with a fair amount of certainty there was something for everyone.

So why was Naggiar selected to be the best of the best? How can we answer that all important question?

The Magic eight ball! (I’m running with the eight themes.) Remember that heavy black ball that you’d ask a question, shake it, and get your answer? This thing gave you an accurate … or inaccurate … or basically statistically improbably answer… to all of life’s burning questions. Loooooved that game as a kid!

What if we asked the Magic 8 ball why Naggiar was named best winery for eight consecutive years? Brilliant! Here goes …

Does Naggiar make the best wine in the world? Magic 8 Ball says … don’t count on it. Of course not. And we’re not trying to. What we do make, are fine estate grown wines that showcase the exemplary talents of our winemaker and the superior quality of our grapes and vineyards.  Naggiar wines are authentic wines with a unique sense of place. We make a variety of wines that will please our clients’ diverse palates and garner some prestige awards as well.

Is it true Naggiar has some of the best vineyards and wine grapes in the Sierra Foothills? Magic 8 Ball says … signs point to yes.  As Mike Naggiar says “there are two absolute truths in wine making – the first is great wines start in the vineyards where the wine grapes are grown and harvested; you have to start with exceptional quality grapes to make a great wine.” Additionally, blended wines make better, more complex and nuanced wines (and more tasty wines, as well!. The wide range of grape varietals available in the Naggiar vineyards allow for enhanced blending abilities, resulting in quality wines.

Does Naggiar have the best winemaker in the world? Magic 8 Ball says …  doubtful. There are legions of successful winemakers in the world. Naggiar does have, in winemaker Derek Irwin however, our own resident wine wizard. He knows Naggiar – our vineyards, our location, our weather, and our goals – and how to best utilize this package to craft fine wines. You got to know how to work with what you got.

Is it true Naggiar Vineyards offers some of the best customer service in wine industry? Magic 8 Balls says … you may rely on it. We pride ourselves on offering consistent, quality customer service by friendly, knowledgeable staff. Naggiar Vineyards is a family owned and operated business where everyone is made to feel like they are part of the family.

Is Naggiar Vineyards a breathtaking destination? Magic 8 Ball says … without a doubt. Our location in the rolling landscape of the Sierra Foothills is beautiful. At sunset or sunrise, in winter or summer, the vineyards shine in their unparalleled beauty. Our Tuscan styled Tasting Room inspires thoughts of old world elegance while at the same time creating a comfortable and welcoming venue. Naggiar is named the second most popular of all destinations in the Grass Valley area by Trip Advisor users for good reason.

Perhaps KCRA3 voter Randy B. says it best – “Naggiar is a place where fond memories have been made over the years, and new ones continue to be made. Anytime someone says how about going to the winery, the answer is always YES! There is never a question about which winery because there is only one, Naggiar. The setting is intoxicating the wines make it better. … [The Naggiar team members] make everyone feel welcome and at ease. Best wines, best location, best hospitality, Naggiar is clearly “The Best of”. “

In conclusion, it appears that experts – including 84,000 KCRA3 voters and the Magic 8 Ball (with over 60 years experience under its belt) – believe Naggiar to be the best of the best in the Sacramento Area. We don’t take these accolades lightly, and are honored by the Best Winery distinction. We invite you to celebrate this distinction with us.  Join us – for a wine tasting or music overlooking the vineyards – to fully immerse yourself in the award winning Naggiar experience.