The fruitful antidote to for-mer insurance broker Jim Prager’s “severe attack of mid-life crisis,” Prager Winery & Port Works in the Napa Valley’s St. Helena has been the perfect prescription for Port lovers since 1979. Along with his wife, Imogene, Jim was determined from the beginning to bring exceptional Port wines to the people. Three decades later, Prager Winery & Port Works boasts three distinguished Portugese varieties: Touriga, Tinta Cao, and Tinta Roriz.
Prager harvests its grapes at sugar levels only slightly higher than those used for red table wine, resulting in Ports to please the most discriminating palates. Although limited in production (fewer than 800 cases of each), these Ports have unlimited potential in the kitchen and at the dinner table, reflecting Winemaker Peter Prager’s mantra that Port goes well with almost anything. From the Best of Class Royal Escort (produced from Petite Sirah) to the four-star Gold Medal winner Aria White Port (made from 100 percent Napa Valley Chardonnay), there is a Port to accompany an impressive variety of cuisine. And, to prove how beautifully a fine Port pairs with chocolate, the winery makes its own—a dreamy classic dark chocolate truffle-style confection with a jellied Prager Port center.
The winery is a family affair with three generations of Pragers making their guests feel right at home. In the intimate tasting room, guests find delectable Port chocolate truffles and Imogene’s sweet and savory walnuts. Enjoying inner-circle acceptance, members of the Prager Port Club receive discounts, complimentary tastings, and two shipments of limited releases biannually. A sure-to-be-classic anniversary blend will soon be available as part of Grandfather Prager’s centennial celebration and the winery’s 30th year in operation. Born from Jim’s winemaking wake-up call and varietal vision, Prager Winery & Port Works promises a delightful new perspective on Port.