A Week in Napa with the Aston Martin DB12
Exhilarating performance. Refined indulgence. This is Napa like never before.
Over the course of seven days, I explored some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries, pairing world-class wines with the unmatched thrill of one of Britain’s finest grand tourers. From the sculpted curves of the DB12 to the rolling vineyards of Club Partners — The Donum Estate, Raymond, Cakebread, Darioush, Quintessa, and the lively Bounty Hunter — this was a trip that blended speed, sophistication, and sensory delight.
Before diving into the wineries, let’s talk about the DB12. With a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 pushing out 671 horsepower, it’s both ferocious and refined. The drive along Napa’s winding roads was as intoxicating as the wines I was about to taste. Whether cruising down Highway 29 or carving up the Silverado Trail, the DB12’s handling, luxurious interior, and sheer presence elevated every moment.
The DB12 is a blend of aerodynamics and presence, combining Aston Martin’s timeless elegance with modern aggression. The front grille is significantly larger than its predecessor’s, improving airflow to cool the uprated twin-turbo V8. The sleek, LED Matrix headlights integrate seamlessly with a redesigned front bumper, giving the car a sharper, more menacing look. The wider track (6 mm front, 22 mm rear) enhances stability while giving the car a more planted stance. A sculpted hood and pronounced rear haunches ensure the DB12 remains instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin. The 21-inch forged alloy wheels — standard for the first time on a DB model — reduce unsprung weight and improve handling. Aston Martin’s obsession with airflow is evident in the underbody aerodynamics, where improved channeling increases downforce without the need for a large, conspicuous wing.
Stepping inside the DB12’s cabin represents a seismic shift for Aston Martin, introducing an entirely new infotainment system and driver-focused ergonomics. A high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen replaces the older Mercedes-based system, with Aston Martin’s bespoke UI delivering a fluid, driver-oriented experience. Driver controls have been repositioned for better usability, including haptic-feedback switches and a redesigned gear selector. The hand-stitched bridge of Weir leather and Alcantara dominates the cabin, with carbon fiber and aluminum trim available for a more performance-focused feel. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. A Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker sound system (1,170W) ensures audiophiles are just as entertained as driving purists. The DB12 maintains a 2+2 seating configuration, though — as expected — rear-seat space remains limited. This is a GT built with the driver and front passenger in mind.
At the heart of the DB12 lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG but extensively reworked by Aston Martin’s engineers. Power output jumps to 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque — a significant increase over the DB11’s 528 hp. Upgraded turbochargers, revised cam profiles, and improved cooling enable the power boost while ensuring reliability. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF-sourced) with shorter ratios for quicker shifts and better responsiveness. A revised electronic rear differential (E-Diff) actively distributes torque between the rear wheels for better cornering agility. The DB12 has a 50% increase in cooling efficiency, thanks to a larger radiator and new auxiliary coolers. This powertrain propels the DB12 into supercar territory, while still retaining GT usability.
Aston Martin completely overhauled the chassis and suspension, making the DB12 a significant step up in rigidity and handling precision. The bonded aluminum chassis is 7% stiffer, improving steering response and high-speed stability. The new adaptive dampers are five times faster in response time compared to those in the DB11, ensuring precise handling without sacrificing ride quality. The wider track (front and rear) enhances stability and grip, particularly in high-speed corners. The electronic rear differential (E-Diff) works in conjunction with the chassis control system, allowing near-instantaneous torque vectoring. Aston Martin’s first-ever integrated vehicle dynamics system ties together the ESP, powertrain, suspension, and steering to ensure maximum control. All these improvements make the DB12 noticeably sharper without sacrificing comfort — a fine balance that many GTs struggle to achieve.
With a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph, the DB12 delivers ferocious performance while retaining its long-distance touring capabilities. The wider track and adaptive dampers provide outstanding composure through tight corners. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires (275/35 R21 front, 315/30 R21 rear) were specifically developed for the DB12, offering exceptional grip in both dry and wet conditions. The steering system is much sharper than the DB11, delivering precise feedback and immediate turn-in response. The carbon-ceramic brake option (440mm front, 410mm rear) sheds 60 lbs of unsprung weight while improving fade resistance for track use. Drive modes (GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet, and Individual) allow the driver to tailor the DB12’s behavior for any road condition. Where the DB11 felt like a traditional GT, the DB12 pushes deep into supercar territory, offering greater agility and engagement while still delivering exceptional ride comfort for long journeys and my jaunt around wine country.
But no grand tour is complete without extraordinary destinations. With the DB12 as my companion, I set out on a curated vineyard journey that brought Napa’s finest into full view — a route where every twist in the road led to a new sensory revelation, and every tasting offered a parallel in craftsmanship and character. Here's how the week unfolded, one unforgettable winery at a time.
The Donum Estate: Where Art Meets Wine
The first stop was The Donum Estate, an essential visit for anyone who loves the intersection of wine and contemporary art. Donum’s outdoor sculpture collection is breathtaking, featuring large-scale pieces by artists like Ai Weiwei and Louise Bourgeois. Their Pinot Noirs are just as impressive — structured, elegant, and expressive. Walking the property felt like a sensory overload in the best way possible, and sipping their Estate Grown Pinot Noir while overlooking the rolling vineyards set the tone for the week. Club Members can enjoy one complimentary tasting per year, discounts, complimentary ground shipping on all orders, and more.
Raymond Vineyards: Theatrical and Immersive
Next up, Raymond Vineyards. If there’s a winery that understands drama, it’s this one. With its bold, almost surreal aesthetic — think red velvet, chandeliers, and mannequins — Raymond feels more like a theatrical experience than a traditional tasting room. But don’t let the flash distract you; the wines here are serious. Their Generations Cabernet Sauvignon was a standout, deep and complex, with dark fruit and spice.
Cakebread Cellars: A Napa Icon
From Raymond’s avant-garde world, I transitioned to something more classic: Cakebread Cellars. Known for their precision and consistency, Cakebread’s wines reflect the essence of Napa. Their Chardonnay is legendary, but it was their Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon that stole the show for me — bold, structured, and deeply rewarding. Savoring each sip on their patio reminded me why Napa is a global wine powerhouse. Club Members can enjoy annual tastings, first access, unique wine lots, and discounts on current release wines.
Quintessa: The Pinnacle of Terroir-Driven Winemaking
If there was one stop that felt like stepping into a sanctuary, it was Quintessa. This biodynamic estate is all about purity and place, crafting wines that truly reflect their terroir. Their flagship Bordeaux-style blend is the definition of balance — elegant, structured, and built for longevity. The private tasting experience, overlooking the estate’s rolling hills, was one of the most serene moments of the trip. Club Members can enjoy ground shipping on all orders, a complimentary estate tasting experience, and first access to winery experiences and celebrations, including new and limited releases from wines of the Huneeus family.
Darioush: Persian Opulence in Napa
Driving up to Darioush, the Persian-inspired architecture makes a statement before you even step out of the car. The winery is grand, yet warm, blending Old World heritage with modern Napa luxury. Their Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerhouse — opulent, velvety, and unforgettable. The DB12 parked outside their striking columns? A picture-perfect pairing of European and Persian elegance. Club Members can enjoy a multitude of benefits from first access, tastings, excursions throughout America and around the world, to personally hosted tastings and workshops.
Bounty Hunter: A High-Energy Finish
To wrap things up, I shifted gears from exclusive wineries to something more relaxed: Bounty Hunter in downtown Napa. Known for its killer BBQ, extensive wine list, and selection of bourbons, this place is a must-visit if you want to experience a digestif in a laid-back setting. Pairing a smoky brisket with a glass of Bourbon was the perfect way to close out the trip — comforting, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.
Final Thoughts: A Week of Speed, Wine, and Luxury
The Aston Martin DB12 isn’t just an evolution of the DB11 — it’s a redefinition of what a luxury Grand Tourer can be. With stunning design, cutting-edge technology, and a massively upgraded chassis and powertrain, the DB12 sets a new standard for high-performance GT cars. This is not just another Aston Martin — this is a Super Tourer in every sense, offering a thrilling yet refined driving experience. Whether carving through mountain roads or cruising on the highway, the DB12 proves that luxury and performance can coexist without compromise.
The combination of the Aston Martin DB12 and Napa Valley’s finest wineries was nothing short of extraordinary. The DB12’s blend of power and refinement mirrored the wines I tasted — elegant yet bold, luxurious yet dynamic. Every stop along the way offered something unique, from the artistic expressions of The Donum Estate to the polished heritage of Cakebread and the architectural grandeur of Darioush. If you ever get the chance to explore Napa behind the wheel of something as exhilarating as the DB12, take it. The roads, the wines, and the experience will stay with you long after the last bottle is uncorked.
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