VERY NAPA VALLEY TA S T E
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MT. VEEDER, OAK KNOLL DISTRICT & COOMBSVILLE Happy Hour | Winery Games | Drones Crusher Wine District | Host Your Own Wine Tasting
DISCOV ER THE PINNACLE OF NA PA VA LLEY HOSPITA LIT Y
The Trinchero family has been making wine in Napa Valley since 1948 and Trinchero Napa Valley serves to honor the legacy of founder Mario Trinchero. Our brand new tasting room is a truly unique and inviting space where visitors can gather for an unparalleled Napa Valley experience. Taste exclusive, small-lot, single-vineyard wines from our premier Napa Valley estates, sample delectable food and wine pairings, and discover the art of winemaking like never before through behind-the-scenes barrel tastings in our wine cave. Today, we welcome visitors to be part of our extended family.
©2017 TRINCHERO WINERY, ST. HELENA , CA
Reserve your space for our one-of-a-kind tasting experiences: WINEMAKER’S SELECTION TASTING Taste four wines alongside artisan cheeses and charcuterie. Includes barrel samples and Vin Santo paired with house-made cantucci.
A TASTE OF TERROIR SEMINAR Discover the nuances of terroir in this horizontal tasting of four single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines from St. Helena, Atlas Peak and Mt. Veeder. Includes cheese plate. THE ART OF OAK SEMINAR Journey through our wine cave and discover how di erent barrel aging techniques impart unique avors in our wines. Includes winery tour.
O P E N D A I LY F O R T O U R S A N D T A S T I N G S 1 0 : 0 0 A . M . – 5 : 0 0 P. M.
No reservation necessary for tasting flights in the main tasting room. For parties of 6 or more or to reserve your space in one of our special tastings, please call 800.473.4454. ¦ 3 0 7 0 N S T H E L E N A H I G H WA Y ¦ S T H E L E N A ¦ C A L I F O R N I A ¦ T R I N C H E R O N A P AVA L L E Y. C O M ¦
Napa Valley wineries at your fingertips... The Napa Valley Winery Map and Trip Planner will make it easy for you. Browse and search hundreds of comprehensive winery listings, create your itinerary, plan your route and text it to your mobile device. While you’re here, use the mobile version to discover wineries and get directions.
Click. Plan. Go. napavintners.com/maps 4
VERY NAPA VALLEY
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Meticulously Hand-Crafted Wines We embody the philosophy that great winemaking begins in the vineyard.
A Stunning Location
A world-class equestrian facility dedicated to training top performance horses.
An Experience Like No Other Taste our wines, tour the winery, mingle with the horses and enjoy stunning views.
1251 Tubbs Lane Calistoga, CA 94515 | 707.942.2100 | www.tamberbey.com
VERY NAPA VALLEY FALL/WINTER 2016 A twice-annual publication sharing the lifestyle of Napa Valley with Northern California guests and residents. A Publication of Wine Country This Week 669 Broadway, Suite B • Sonoma, CA 95476 | P.O. Box 92 • El Verano, CA 95433 707-938-3494 | Fax 707-938-3674 | www.VeryNapaValley.com GENERAL MANAGER
EDITOR
OFFICE MANAGER
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS General Sales
Cathi Wastal Direct 707-938-3734 | Mobile 707-815-4070 cathiw@winecountrythisweek.com Chandra Grant Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674 Email chandra@winecountrythisweek.com Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 | Fax 707-938-3674 Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com Monica L. Dashwood, Shoshana Hebshi, Charlene Peters, Tanya Seibold, Don Sonderling, Josh Stein, Ilona Thompson and Bonnie Zimmermann Cathi Wastal Direct 707-938-3734 | Mobile 707-815-4070 cathi.w@winecountrythisweek.com RoseAnn Trzesniewski 707-334-1930, rmtrue@comcast.net
Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission is prohibited.
Celebrating 20 Years of Delicious Single Vineyard and Appellation Wines Hand selected fruit from Napa and Sonoma’s premier vineyards. Open for Tastings in Downtown Calistoga 11-5 Daily Tuesdays by Appointment • Fridays & Saturdays 11-7 Seasonally 1307B Lincoln Ave. Calistoga • (707) 942-4912 • www.augustbriggswinery.com
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Cathy Gore, Cathi Wastal, RoseAnn Trzesniewski, Mike Giangreco, Gina Bostian and Chandra Grant on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley at Pestoni Family Winery
PHOTO BY GREG MARTINDALE
Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of
VERY NAPA VALLEY As we enter in to the third year of publishing VERY NAPA VALLEY, we continue to bring more information that will hopefully entice you to Taste, See and Feel the Napa Valley lifestyle. Our goal is to share more of the valley with you, from its history to what’s happening now. This issue has some different perspectives of the valley as technology takes on a new face from the sky to 3D. On any given day, you might hear the drones before you see them flying above a winery or checking on the vineyards. If wanting more to explore, whether you are a visitor or a resident, you might want to travel the valley and try some of the local happenings at the “happy hour” time of day. We have some of the best Happy Hours from Calistoga to Napa with special eats and drinks. And, if venturing out wine tasting, why not stay a while and play while tasting some fantastic wine. The AVA Focus this time is the Oak Knoll District, Mt. Veeder and Coombsville, the newest AVA in the Napa Valley. Here, you find many different varietals from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon, and much more. For these three AVAs you only have to travel the southern end of the Valley. One of our favorite stories in this issue on how to host a blind tasting. We give you suggestions on how to set the stage to host your friends and make a fun night of exploring a specific wine varietal. Why not set the date for yours?
– Cathi, Chandra, RoseAnn and staff
DAY TRIPS Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country
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The team at VERY NAPA VALLEY (and Wine Country This Week)
VERY NAPA VALLEY VERY NAPA VALLEY
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Photo: Terri Binnell-Trujillo
SEQUOIA G ROVE WINERY We don’t need to create the illusion of quality; we let our wines speak for themselves. Discover an authentic expression of Napa Valley; visit our historic winery and majestic Sequoia trees on the Rutherford bench. DISCOVER THESE TASTING EXPERIENCES: • A Taste for Cabernet • Cabernet Culinary Challenge www.SEQUOIAGROVE.com 8338 SAINT HELENA HIGHWAY, RUTHERFORD, CA 94573
707-944-2945
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FEATURES 16 | Drones and 3D Robotics Winemakers Up Their Game with Eyes in the Sky 22 | The Happiest Hours in the Napa Valley Featuring Signature Cocktails and Appetizers 30 | Sit, Sip, Play: Stay Awhile! Winery Games and More 39 | A European Sensitivity to Place in the Napa Valley A Before-and-After Tale (where the Before Still Affects the After) 44 | Crusher Wine District It’s Cool, it’s Hip, it’s the Napa You Don’t Expect 46 | Napa Valley Winemakers The Legends Behind the Wines 68 | How To Host a Blind Tasting Invite your Friends and Create Your Own Wine Tasting Experience at Home
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44 REGULARS 28 | Napa Valley Dining Culinary Deliciousness 80 | Wine Country Calendar Wine-Related Events 88 | Map of Napa Valley Find Wineries, Tasting Rooms and Appellations
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68 ON THE COVER Tom and Vicki Celani, Celani Family Vineyards Photo by Bob McClenahan Photography www.napasphotographer.com 12
3341 Solano Ave (Redwood Plaza) Napa, CA 94558 • (707) 252-8131 • www.creationsfinejewelers.com
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VERY NAPA VALLEY SPECIAL AVA FOCUS
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MT. VEEDER, OAK KNOLL DISTRICT & COOMBSVILLE 50 | Mt. Veeder Challenging Terrain Produces Elegant Wines
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EXPLORING MT. VEEDER WINERIES 50 | Fontanella Family Winery 51 | Mount Veeder Magic 51 | The Hess Collection 52 | Rubissow 52 | Mayacamas Vineyards & Winery
54 | Oak Knoll District Ideal Growing Conditions – Dating Back to 1851
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EXPLORING STAGS LEAP WINERIES 55 | Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards 55 | Monticello Vineyards – Corley Family Napa Valley 56 | Robert Biale Vineyards 58 | Trefethen Family Vineyards 59 | Andretti Winery 60 | Celani Family Vineyards 61 | Black Stallion Winery 62 | Hagafen Cellars 62 | O’Brien Estate Winery
63 | Coombsville Napa Valley’s Newest AVA
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EXPLORING COOMBSVILLE WINERIES 64 | Porter Family Vineyards 64 | Black Cat Vineyard 65 | Tulocay Winery 65 | Palmaz Vineyards
48TH ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
JULY
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with fireworks!
8 JULY 15 JULY 22 JULY 29 JULY
Concerts begin at 7pm. Food available on site to purchase. Concert proceeds are non-profit and benefit the Napa Valley Unified School District Music Programs. The lineup will be announced in March.
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Go to RobertMondaviWinery.com/concerts or email us at concerts@RobertMondaviWinery.com
PHOTOS BY ERIN MALONE/LIGHTSPEED FILMS
Drones and 3D Robotics Winemakers Up Their Game with Eyes in the Sky Just a few years ago unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, were virtually unknown or considered only for military operations, but remote-controlled aircraft have been moving to mainstream America. From food crops to vineyards, farmers are one of the fastest areas of growth in the commercial drone industry. I began working with 3D Robotics and Ryan Kunde, owner and winemaker at DRNK Wines in Sebastopol, CA, almost four years ago as they explored early uses of on-demand aerial images in vineyard management. The basics are that a camera is attached to the drone to capture photographs, video images or thermal data. The drones used were autonomous, fixed-wing planes and multi-rotor quad-copters with a point and shoot camera mounted inside. The drones are guided by GPS to follow a specific flight pattern. The images can be viewed realtime or stitched together to make a map of the vineyard. Aerial imaging is not new to farming but a drone’s on-demand capability allows farmers to optimize inputs and react faster to threats. Drones save time and money versus crop scouting on foot or with manned flights.
– BY JOLENE PATTERSON –
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Early winery uses were 3D and thermal imaging to create vineyard maps. Ryan Kunde knew that variations existed in his family’s 1,850-acre Wildwood Vineyards in Sonoma but drones provided insight into some surprising areas in the 700 acres planted to grapevines. Thermal imaging can be used to assess nutrient and water requirements, wind and storm damage or evaluate crop yields. An interesting project during the harvest of 2013 included multiple drones flying over harvest-ready fields to determine areas of exceptional vigor for separation during the grape harvest. Crème of the crop separation decisions in real time gave the winemaker another tool to utilize premium grapes to their potential. Precision agriculture and drones have been driving agriculture into more efficient and higher quality outcomes. Specialized drones can now deliver solutions to crops as well as monitor the fields. This is especially useful for mountain vineyards and can economically deliver solutions only to the grapevines requiring attention. Images for this article are provided by professional photographer and videographer, Erin Malone and her team at Lightspeed Films in Healdsburg. They show the expanded uses of drones from vineyard documentation to corporate branding and event coverage. Drones allow professional photographers to bring a corporate story to life, capturing a unique perspective that makes the audience feel like they’re part of the action or soaring above it. This is especially true for wineries; the ability to capture the entire vineyard and its unique landscape is incredible and much more impressive than any shot from the ground.
SHAFER VINEYARDS, ERIN MALONE/LIGHTSPEED FILMS
SOMETHING
huge IS IN DOWNTOWN CALISTOGA
Wander in Daily
WINES
in Downtown Calistoga 1373 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga HugeBearWines.com 707.341.3414
COME TASTE THE BEAR in the historic calistoga bank building
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
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Like personal computers or cell phones the technology for drones started small and has been growing exponentially with drone popularly and expanded industry use. Drone popularity brought regulations and registration requirements governing their flights in the United States by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Drones are regulated everywhere in the United States, but usage over private property like vineyards limits many concerns related to privacy and human safety. Erin Malone is licensed as a remote pilot. Professional pilots are restricted from flying their drones directly over crowds, but safety, technology and regulations are improving to allow detailed aerial coverage of special events like birthdays or weddings at spectacular winery venues. Many innovative uses for drones include search and rescue, disaster relief, wildlife management, extreme sports photography and real estate sales. Delivery companies from Amazon to Domino’s are also testing this technology, as is the National Football League for professional sports. For the near future, precision agriculture and aerial photography seem to be the leaders as real-time information continues to be a priority for farmers and businesses alike as they react to ever more technology savvy consumers and economic n demands in a competitive environment.
e x pl o re wine & culinary
s t raig h t f ro m o ur g ard e n
O w n e r s Li s a & Ar i a n a Pe j u
napa valle y
PEJU PROVINCE WINERY 8 4 6 6 S T. H E L E N A H W Y R U T H E R F O R D , C A 9 4 5 7 3 800.446.7358 | PEJU.COM | OPEN DAILY 10A M - 6PM
NAPA GENERAL STORE
TWO BIRDS/ONE STONE
HOG ISLAND OYSTER BAR
BOUNTY HUNTER
The Happiest Hours in the Napa Valley Like an echo to a bartender’s talent, as well as a chef’s, happy hours pave the way to a decision on where to enjoy dinner. Within the Napa Valley there are plenty of places to stop, sip and savor come late afternoon to early evening. From north to south you can take advantage of discounts often up to half the cost for a glass of wine, a cocktail and appetizers. Each city offers a unique vibe, starting at the top with quirky, swanky Calistoga, followed by the famed high society of St. Helena, and then Yountville, the crown jewel of culinary talent. Napa, the largest city within the Napa Valley, is where a plethora of restaurants stay open late, offer live music and, best of all, happy hours. With so many options on where to go, what to drink and who’s got music, here’s a narrowed down version of some worthwhile sipping stops.
– BY CHARLENE PETERS –
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Napa Valley Wine Trolley
JOHNNY’S CALISTOGA
GOOSE & GANDER
Calistoga Johnny’s Bar Side is a casual, approachable dining spot in this hot springs destination open until 11:00 p.m. daily. Monday through Friday, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., a special happy hour menu includes $1.75 oysters, $3 fried chicken sliders and more tasty appetizers to pair with a $6 glass of Von Strasser, Grüner Veltliner or North Coast La Follette Pinot Noir. At the bar from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every day, Bosko’s Trattoria offers $7 glasses of wine, $6 glasses of beer and all appetizers are half price. The crispy polenta stack is one of the most popular and tasty appetizers and pairs well with a cold brew or an Italian varietal. Friday through Saturday, Bosko’s is open until 10:00 p.m. Calistoga Inn & Brewery holds happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and offers a pitcher of hand-crafted beer for $18, a pint for $4.50, house wine for $6 a glass, or a well cocktail for $4. With drinks, complimentary house-made potato chips are yours to munch on. The bar stays open latest on weekend evenings, until the last crowd exits (at least until midnight). Brewery tours led by brew master, Brad Smisloff are Monday through Friday by appointment.
St. Helena Rather than stating what this laid back destination-within-a-destination offers, the question to ask is if there’s anything Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch doesn’t offer? Along with an outdoor café, farmers market, Eco Fitness and general store, the restaurant offers Growers Happy Hour Monday through Thursday, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with wine (Farmstead Pinot Noir for $10 a glass), beer and well liquor. Its bar menu of seasonal nosh includes the must-order-and-share warm burrata with roasted garlic, estate olive oil and grilled bread for $16. Throughout the year, Farmstead has ticketed Bluegrass-fed Concerts, and at the Outdoor Bar on Friday nights you can enjoy complimentary live music. On Friday and Saturday, Goose and Gander keeps its kitchen open until midnight, and on Sunday during summertime, look forward to live music. Although this restaurant doesn’t offer happy hours, it is known for its comprehensive cocktail list: Coastal Pimm’s Cup, Walter’s Manhattan and Rosemary-Pear Shrub are the most popular libations.
JOHNNY’S CALISTOGA
• Featuring Baxter of California, Davidoff, Ettinger, Maui Jim & S.T. Dupont • Shaving/Grooming Supplies, Leather Goods, Fine Cigars & Accessories, Sunglasses and More! • Exclusive, Member’s Only Private Club 760 Main Street, Napa (on the Riverside at Napa’s Riverfront)
(707) 254-7900 • WWW.SIDESTREETNAPA.COM
Yountville Inside Bardessono, rated second best resort in the U.S., Lucy Restaurant & Bar is an upscale stop. During happy hour, Monday to Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., you can nosh on a budget, beginning with Lucy signature cocktails for $10, and for the same price a glass of Trinchero Sauvignon Blanc or Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon. Suggested order: a cocktail named “Lucy does the Tango,” a plate of prosciutto, fig mostarda, manchaego and Aptos kiwi flatbread for $6.
Napa
HOG ISLAND OYSTER BAR
COLE’S CHOP HOUSE
TARLA
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Distillation delight! Every Sunday through Thursday, head to the bar at Cole’s Chop House, 1122 Main Street, Napa, for a Kettle One or Belvedere vodka cocktail – anyway you want it, $6 a glass. No need to rush to the bar after work; this vodka special lasts all night at the bar. Snacks are also available at the bar and specials vary each evening. Hog Island Oyster Bar inside Oxbow Market is where you can enjoy happy hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Oysters are $1.25 each and a flight of Napa white wines, $15. Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill has $5 bubbles and wine at the bar, daily from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and for the same price, a glass of Turkish beer to go with a plate of house-made dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) for $6. Try the Turkish grilled meatballs ($8) and taste the cocktail of the day for $7. Tarla is open until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Napkins Bar & Grill has a DJ spinning tracks every Friday and Saturday night, and their happy hour is daily from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Grab a glass of Prosecco for $5 or a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. Also on the happy hour menu: Dutch mules ($6), margaritas ($6) and a Dark & Stormy ($5). Its late-night menu offers what many locals attest to be the greatest Napkin wings ($6 during happy hour, $10 on the late-night menu, which ends at 11:30 p.m). The bar is open until 1:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Although happy hour offerings may change, wherever you choose to relax before dinner, know that you’re in good company with locals and visitors alike.
NAPKINS
VERY NAPA VALLEY
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experience more than a century of napa valley excellence Enjoy Responsibly Š2017 Beaulieu Vineyard, Rutherford, CA
open daily: 10am - 5pm retrospective reserve tasting available daily featuring a flight of library selections www.BVWines.com | 1960 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
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RUTHERFORD Auberge du Soleil – 180 Rutherford Hill Road, 707 963-1211 Rutherford Grill – 1180 Rutherford Road, 707 963-1792
Contemporary American Cuisine Contemporary/Traditional American
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Contemporary American Cuisine French Cuisine French inspired California Cuisine Italian Cuisine French Cuisine Contemporary American Cuisine Contemporary American Cuisine Contemporary American Cuisine Latin American/American American/Sushi Contemporary American Cuisine
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YOUNTVILLE Ad Hoc – 6476 Washington Street, 707 944-2487 Bistro Jeanty – 6510 Washington Street, 707 944-0103 Brix Restaurant – 7377 Highway 29, 707 944-2749 Bottega – 6525 Washington Street,707 945-1050 Bouchon Bistro – 6534 Washington Street, 707 944-8037 Hurley’s – 6518 Washington St, 707 944-2345 Lucy @ Bardessono – 6526 Yount Street,707 204-6000 Mustards Grill – 7399 St. Helena Highway, 707 944-2424 Protea – 6488 Washington St, 707 415-5035 R+D Kitchen – 6795 Washington St, Yountville, 707 945-0920 Redd – 6480 Washington Street, 707 944-2222
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NAPA Angéle Restaurant & Bar – 540 Main Street, 707 252-8115 French Cuisine Basalt – 790 Main Street, 707 927-5265 American Bistro Don Giovanni – 4110 Howard Lane, 707 224-3300 Italian Cuisine Boon Fly Cafe – 4048 Sonoma Highway, 707 299-4870 Traditional American Cuisine Bounty Hunter – 975 First Street, 707 226-3976 Contemporary American Cuisine Ca’Momi – 1411 First Street, 707-224-6664 Italian Carpe Diem – 1001 2nd St, Napa, 707 224-0800 Wine Bar, American Cuisine Celadon – 500 Main Street, 707 254-9690 Seafood and Contemporary American Cuisine Cole’s Chop House – 1122 Main Street, 707 224-6328 Steakhouse and French Cuisine Cordeiros Bar & Grill – 2025 Monticello Rd, Napa, 707 224-1960 Steakhouse Eiko’s – 1882 Town Center, 707-501-4444 Japanese Cuisine Farm at Carneros Inn – 4048 Sonoma Highway, 707 299-4880 Contemporary American Cuisine Fumé Bistro – 4050 Byway East, 707 257-1999 Contemporary American Cuisine Galpão Gaúcho Brazilian Steakhouse – 1990 Trower Ave, 707 255-5121 Brazilian Steakhouse/Bar Grace’s Table – 1400 Second Street, 707 226-6200 Contemporary American Cuisine Hog Island Oyster Co – Oxbow Public Market, 610 First Street, 707 251-8113 Seafood Kitchen Door – 610 First Street #24,707 226-1560 Multi-Ethnic Comfort Food La Toque – 1314 McKinstry Street, 707 257-5157 French Cuisine Lulu’s Kitchen @ 1313 Main – 1313 Main Street, 707 258-1313 Contemporary American Miminashi – 821 Coombs Street, 707-254-9464 Japanese/Bar Morimoto Napa – 610 Main Street, 707 252-1600 Japanese Cuisine Napkins Bar + Grill – 1001 2nd Street, Napa, 707 927- 5333 California Oenotri – 1425 First Street, 707 252-1022 Italian Cuisine Pasta Prego – 1502 Main Street, 707 492-8026 Italian Cuisine The Restaurant at CIA Copia – 500 First Street, 707 967-2555 Comtemporary American, Craft Cocktails Tarla Mediterranean Bar & Grill – 1480 First Street, 707 255-5599 Greek, Turkish TORC – 1140 Main St, Napa, 707 252-3292 Farm-To-Table Uva Trattoria – 1040 Clinton Street, 707-255-6646 Italian Cuisine Zuzu – 829 Main Street, 707 224-0695 California Tapas, Spanish & Mediterranean
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CALISTOGA Bosko’s Trattoria– 1364 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9088 Brannan’s Grill – 1374 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-2233 Calistoga Inn & Brewery – 1250 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4101 Hydro Bar & Grill – 1403 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9777 Johnny’s – 1457 Lincoln Ave, 707 942-5938 Solbar – @ Solage, 755 Silverado Trail, 707 226-0850
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Italian, Pizza Traditional American Cuisine Traditional American Cuisine Traditional American Cuisine Sports Bar/Traditional American Contemporary American Cuisine
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ST. HELENA Brasswood – 3111 St Helena Highway North, 707 302-5101 American Cuisine The Charter Oak – Meadowood – 900 Meadowood Lane, 707 967-1205 Fine Californian/Wine Pairing Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen – 1327 Railroad Avenue, 707 963-1200 Contemporary American Cuisine Culinary Institute – 2555 Main Street, 1-888-995-1699 Contemporary American and Worldwide Foods Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – 738 Main St, 707 963-4555 California Farm-to-Table Goose & Gander – 1245 Spring Street, 707 967-8779 Contemporary American & Craft Cocktails Harvest Table – 1 Main St, St. Helena, 707 967-4695 California Market – 1347 Main Street, 707-963-3799 Traditional American Cuisine Press – 587 St. Helena Highway, 707 967-0550 Steakhouse St. Helena Bistro – 1146 Main St, St. Helena; 707 963-3371 Bistro Terra – 1345 Railroad Avenue, 707 963-8931 Contemporary Asian insipired American Cuisine Tra Vigne Pizzeria – 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, 707 963-4444 Italian Cuisine Two Birds/One Stone – 3020 St Helena Hwy N, 707 302-3777 Japanese
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FOOD & WINE PAIRNG ON THE TERRACE AT DOMAINE CARNEROS
WINE & BOCCE AT BERINGER VINEYARDS
OAKVILLE TREK TOUR AT B CELLARS
Sit, Sip, Play: Stay Awhile! Winery Games and More A wine country trip to Napa Valley often turns out to be a mad dash visiting and tasting at as many wineries as possible. You may be surprised at how many Napa wineries offer much more than just your conventional wine tasting or picturesque venue for a picnic lunch. Prior to moving up the road to the next stop, look beyond the typical wine tasting visit; the most memorable experiences may be found when you taste, play, delighting in the special ambience, and stay awhile. Numerous wineries have games you can play and offer additional unique activities to enjoy, enhancing your visit. So before hurrying off to the next winery, kick back for a bit, be spontaneous, play a game or two, explore, absorb the atmosphere and have fun.
– BY DON SONDERLING –
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BOCCE AT NICHELINI FAMILY WINERY
Bocce Bocce is a ball sport, with roots going back to about 5000BC in Egypt. Popularized centuries later in Italy, bocce became a pastime among Italian noblemen. Today, bocce is the second most-played sport in the world, and many Napa Valley wineries have bocce courts for their visitors’ enjoyment. Because the game is played between two players or two teams of two, three or four, it lends itself well to hanging out at the winery while you sip your wine, and engage in a round or two as part of your total winery adventure. Nichelini Family Winery has the distinction of being the oldest familyowned winery in the Napa Valley. Five generations of Nichilinis have handed down their winemaking expertise, and the intimate family atmosphere continues. Get away from the crowds; come to taste, and while you do, allow yourself to feel “old” Napa, the way it used to be. Off the beaten path on the road less travelled, the tranquility and restfulness will inspire you to exhale and listen to the quiet. Bring a picnic lunch, and once you have tasted and eaten, challenge your companions or other visitors to a game of bocce before you continue your journey. “Laugh. Sip. Unwind. Unload. Let the afternoon, and your problems, slip away.”
This is the motto of Pope Valley Winery, nestled between the hills, trees and vines of Pope Valley. Founded in 1897 as a winery and olive oil factory, this historic property was purchased in 1997 by the Eakle family, and today is run by second generation brother and sister team David and Diana. Wander around and take a 100-year step back in history. Begin by tasting premium, small-production wines, followed by a picnic and perhaps, a game of bocce. Allow time to tour the 100-yearold hand dug wine cave, and meander through the out-buildings, a veritable museum of 19th century winemaking.
BOCCE AT POPE VALLEY WINERY
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See how the winery looked and worked 100 years ago. Pope Valley Winery is a back roads destination that captures the ambience and Napa lifestyle of a less complicated time. At Napa Cellars enjoy a traditional indoor tasting or purchase a glass of wine (or two) to accompany your picnic lunch while sitting on the patio overlooking the Cabernet vineyards. Choose from a variety of Napa and California wines, including selections from Napa Cellars and Ménage a Trois. As you sip and unwind, you may enjoy challenging your party to a game of ladder ball or corn hole. Membership has its privileges, and at Bell Wine Cellars, there are many privileges to Carillion Club membership. One of those is being able to visit, sip and then go out to the members’ patio and bocce court, (yes, more bocce)! What better way to soak in the afternoon breeze, share a bottle of wine and meet new friends while laughing and playing this ancient game. Bell Wine Cellars extends a variety of different wine tasting options, including Cabernet clonal tastings, a blending seminar and special tours. There are many reasons to spend extra time at Bell Wine experiencing the exceptional while you treat yourself to a get-away from the stress of the everyday world. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
An extraordinary destination.
Exceptional Experience. Admired Wines. Premier Address. • All guest visits include wine & food pairings • Concierge services • Experience one of several tastings including the Oakville Trek, Appellation and Heritage experiences • Four private tastings rooms available for parties up to 14 each Book the winery as a venue for special occasions and corporate gatherings. 703 Oakville Cross Road | Oakville CA 94562 Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only | (707) 709-8787 | www.bcellars.com
FALL/WINTER 2016
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ST. SUPÉRY ESTATE VINEYARDS & WINERY FOR PÉTANQUE
Pétanque Another game making its appearance at Napa wineries is Pétanque, the French equivalent of bocce. The two differ slightly in the style of play in that bocce is more akin to bowling, whereas Pétanque is similar to horseshoes. St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery offers the visitor countless possibilities to relax, wander, and taste. Start with a tour of the espalier and culinary gardens offering unique exploration into gardening year-round. The garden provides the winery with small bites for their wine pairings, including Veggies + Vino, an interactive wine experience where you will gain an appreciation for crafting vegetarian dishes with wine pairings. Following, relax with a glass of wine on the patio, while playing pétanque. Before leaving, visit the demonstration vineyard and learn about the art of Ampelography (the field of botany concerned with identification and classification of grape vines), ending with a visit to their upstairs gallery. The attractions at St. Supéry can keep you busy for an entire day. (Reservations are required).
PICNIC AREA AT NAPA CELLARS/MÉNAGE À TROIS INCLUDES CORN HOLE AND LADDER BALL
EXPERIENCE THE OAKVILLE TREK TOUR AT B CELLARS
Enriching Your Visit In addition to lawn games, there are other attractions and special events to enhance your visit and induce you to explore, while tasting at many of Napa’s wineries. B Cellars recently relocated to Oakville. Boasting a new state-of-the-art winery, including 15,000 feet of caves, the property also consists of a market garden, bumble bee aviary and henhouse. There are several extraordinary experiences for the visitor to enjoy; the “Oakville Trek” for example, incorporates a tour of the property together with the culinary garden, chicken coop, bee hives, production facility and caves. The tour concludes with a tasting of limited-production wines, expertly paired with small bites; take the time to experience and enjoy “the trek, ”you’ll be glad you stayed! (Advance reservations requested for all experiences. Please refer to website).
EXCEPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY WORKS OF AR T
‘Meals on Wheels’ by Guy Buffet
@ V Marketplace Open Daily 10:00-5:30 6525 Washington Street, Yountville 707.945.0145 | www.northbaygallery.net
Resort Style Clothing for Men V Marketplace, 6525 Washington Street, Yountville CA 94599 | (707) 945-5263 | Daily 10am – 5:30pm Sonoma Plaza, 31 East Napa, Sonoma CA 95476 | (707) 996-3453 | Daily 10am – 5:30pm kanewear.com SPRING/SUMMER 2017
ART GLASS • JEWELRY • PAINTINGS • BRONZE
VERY NAPA VALLEY
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PART OF THE VINEYARD ODYSSEY TOUR AT CHIMNEY ROCK
PIZZA AND WINE BY THE GLASS AT CHARLES KRUG
THE CHINESE GARDENS AT CHATEAU MONTELENA
At Napa Cellars enjoy a traditional indoor tasting or purchase a glass of wine (or two) to accompany your picnic lunch while sitting on the patio overlooking the Cabernet vineyards. Choose from a variety of Napa and California wines, including selections from Napa Cellars and Ménage à Trois. As you sip and unwind, you may enjoy challenging your party to a game of ladder ball or corn hole. Get up close and personal with the vineyards at Chimney Rock. Book an intimate escorted Vineyard Odyssey tour, in a luxury golf cart. Enjoy a selection of Chimney Rock single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines as your guide explains the history of Chimney Rock and the attributes of each individual vineyard block that make the wines unique. While viewing the beautiful landscape and sampling award winning wines, your vineyard guide will enhance your knowledge of viticulture and winemaking. You will return to the winery to enjoy a wine and cheese pairing. This is a unique experience not to be missed. A visit to Chateau Montelena begins with the wines. Who is not familiar with the story of Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay that shook up the wine world by being named the top rated overall wine in the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” wine competition (portrayed in the 2008 movie Bottle Shock). Arriving, guests are greeted by an incredible view of the facade of the chateau. Following your tasting, take time to explore, stroll and relax, venturing onto the walking paths, wending your way through Chinese gardens, to Jade Lake (replete with two white swans, turtles, fish and wildlife). You may notice a small plaque perfectly describing what you will experience: “Peace and tranquility to all who enter here.” Additionally, club members may partake in a game of bocce following their tasting. Kick back while enjoying the overall ambience of this historical winery. Charles Krug has the distinction of being not only the oldest winery in Napa Valley but also as having California’s first tasting room, opened in 1882. Aside from an assortment of tastings, on Friday and Saturday (MayOctober) hang out and treat yourself to pizza on the lawn. Purchase wine by the glass as you relish the taste of freshly baked brick-oven pizza and gourmet cheese plates.
BRUSCHETTA FOOD TRUCK AT CLIF FAMILY WINERY
Clif Family Winery has taken a new approach to food and wine at their St. Helena tasting room. The farm-to-table concept has been expanded to include a fresh farm-to-truck experience. Parked outside the (Clif Family) tasting room is the Bruschetteria Food Truck. For one inclusive price, order a bruschetta and wine pairing: Three wines perfectly paired with three seasonal dishes from the Bruschetteria truck. Bon appetite! At Domaine Carneros, known for its production of methóde traditionnelle sparkling wine, there is no shortage of special pairings and tastings available. Reserve a private table on the terrace of this amazing French style Chateau, or sit in the salon, while you choose delicacies from their pairing menu such as caviar, artisan cheese or other delicious bites. Lingering, having a glass or flight of sparkling or still wine, (club members have the option of bottle service), perfectly paired with small bites while you drink in the surrounding view and atmosphere is pure heaven; you may just not want to leave.
Less is More There are an abundance of winery activities to enjoy while on your wine tasting journey: Play a variety of games including bocce, petanque, giant jenga, croquet, backgammon and more. Stroll through old Napa winery buildings and museums, enjoy special food pairings and bottle service, or sit back and soak in amazing views. Below is a partial list of additional wineries to check out: Beringer Winery… Cade … Ceja Vineyards … Dutch Henry … Ehler’s Winery … Frog’s Leap … Hagafen … Hall Wines … Long Meadow Ranch … Pina Napa Valley … Raymond Vineyards … Silenus … Stag’s Leap Winery … Summers Winery … Trinchero Napa Valley … and the list goes on. Be certain to consult individual winery websites for advance reservation requirements in addition to other pertinent visitor information. If you are at all like I am, there is never quite enough time when travelling to wine country. Always trying to get in that “one more” winery, I have often found that less is more. Rather than going from winery to winery, my visits have been enriched by taking advantage of what each winery has to offer. Wine, and wine tasting, are personal. Sitting with a glass of wine, listening to the quiet as the sun starts to set can enrich the winery experience a thousandfold. Save that next winery down the road for a future trip. Sit, sip, play n and stay awhile where you are, you will be glad you did. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Drink, eat and be happy at Stewart Cellars in Yountville One of Yountville’s newest additions, Stewart Cellars, beckons guests with its Scottish abbey-inspired stone façade, an homage to the Stewart family's ancestral heritage. Outside, the open-air courtyard is tastefully appointed with Adirondack chairs, a vintage daybed layered with pillows and a communal picnic table, where guests are invited to while their day away under the sun. In the Tasting Hall, guests with or without reservations are welcome to choose from two flights of wine. The Portfolio Flight features four Stewart Cellars current releases and the Cabernet Flight offers a selection of their current and past vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautiful alabaster horseshoe shaped bar is the highlight of the tasting room, alongside a custom designed 20' long oak Scottish settle. For enthusiasts who wish to adventure further into their tasting experience in a more intimate setting, the NOMAD Heritage Library is available by reservation for private tastings of Stewart Cellars’ current and select library vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and their vineyard designate, NOMAD Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon. The library not only showcases wine, but is also home to a collection of books, current and “vintage”, including some rare finds and personal favorites of the Stewart family. Unwind by the fire with a glass of wine and a good book for the perfect pairing. If hunger calls, wander just a few steps away into Gather Café where Chef Sarah Heller’s seasonal fare is sure to curb your appetite. To book your reservation this spring at Stewart Cellars, visit www.stewartcellars.com/Visit-Us.
PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
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A European Sensitivity to Place in the Napa Valley
MILJENKO ‘MIKE’ GRGICH, GRGICH HILLS ESTATE
A Before-and-After Tale (where the Before Still Affects the After) Modern and early Napa are worlds apart in some ways – horsedrawn transport, redwood and iron tanks, and lack of fermentation controls are all long-solved technical issues – but the recognition of and reliance on place are very much age-old European winemaking concerns and are still very much with us today. Indeed, some of modern Napa’s most successful or arresting wineries organize their current ways of doing things based only on what has worked for centuries in Europe: putting the focus almost exclusively on growing great wine in balance with the specifics of that spot of land. Napa, in fact, seems still to be a magnet for those willing to train themselves to the land rather than the reverse course of modern, “conglomerate” agriculture, which bends the earth to the will of people. – BY JOSH STEIN – DARIO SATTUI, V. SATTUI WINERY SPRING/SUMMER 2017
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MODERN-DAY NAPA VALLEY WINERIES WITH EUROPEAN ROOTS
Kapcsandy: Making Dreams Come True in Napa Valley It’s not hard to make the case that Lou and Bobbie Kapcsandy represent what has been and remains the driver behind Napa’s worldwide success for 150 years: it’s a place which allows people with a vision to work the land and craft that idea into bottled existence. “We love Napa wine not just because the wines are great; we love Napa wine because it shows us dreams can come true if you work hard enough.” Lou came to the United States penniless and without any English in 1956, a political escapee from Sovietoccupied Hungary who parlayed his former membership on the National Soccer team into professional football with the San Diego Chargers and a long career in chemical and engineering processes as a general contractor in the Pacific Northwest. Upon retirement, he and Bobbie went looking for a “couple of acres” in Napa, and the result was the revitalization of the twenty-acre State Lane estate vineyard in Yountville. Destroyed by Phylloxera in the late’90s, the Kapcsandys began the replanting to fifteen blocks of Cabernet and Merlot in 2000, and the winery next to it was completed just prior to the harvest in 2005. In the years since, the winery’s releases have received great acclaim, with every bottling since the inaugural releases receiving scores in the high90s or above. The results speak—and taste—for themselves. 40
CESARE & ROSA MONDAVI, CK MONDAVI
One way or another, no modern Napa winery today can exist outside the past’s decisions. Why? Early Napa was settled and literally parceled out by a group of Europeans whose names surround us, no more prominently than George C. Yount, but also remembered by their choice of appellations – Oak Knoll, Calistoga and many other now-world-famous terms only came into existence 150 years ago, laid down by European eyes. It was not just a different world then, but also different vines and wines. Indeed, it was mostly Zinfandel until after Prohibition, which is when the “true” European influences on modern Napa wine begin beyond the creation of the matrix for success described above. It was the siting of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the incredible locales of the Valley’s micro-AVAs which set the chain reaction to the worldshaking of 1976s Tasting of Paris, and it was hard-earned and nurtured European winemaking traditions which made that happen. Indeed, even after Prohibition, it was a mutually self-reinforcing relationship between European masters and their New World context which set up the Valley’s success. Martin Stelling and Cesare Mondavi were among the first growers to promote French red and white varieties, setting the stage for 1944’s creation of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, a new world example of a very old world cooperative realization: all wineries do better when information is shared. And, it was the Vintner’s Association which allowed for the dissemination of information from “The Maestro,” Andre Tchelistcheff. Without a doubt, if we were to look for a crucial figure to link “old” Napa, still-present European influences, and today’s modern Napa, it would be Tchelistcheff. He was hired by Georges de Latour at Beaulieu Vineyards in 1938, where he worked on technical progress in frost protection, sanitation, the use of French oak, malolactic fermentation, cold fermentation, planting with higher levels of vine density, sulfur use and matching sites to varieties. His compatriot, Croatian Mike Grgich, in addition to working with Tchelistcheff, also trained with the pioneers of the modern Valley: Lee Stewart at Souverain Winery, Brother Timothy at Christian Brothers, and Robert Mondavi at his eponymous winery. Grgich Hills came forth out of the 1976 Judgment as it was Mike Grgich’s skills which gave the world the tasting’s best Chardonnay, and, after
Discover Our Winery Exclusive Wines Let us welcome you to our historic tasting room, housed in the original winery built in 1847. Taste the wines you know and love along with our winery exclusive offerings.
Taste Our Award-Winning Wines
Mention this ad for a 10% discount on your purchase. Complimentary tastings 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily 277 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena, • 707-302-3296 ©2015 Sutter HomeCA Winery, St. Helena CA 94574 • sutterhome.com ©2017 Sutter Home Winery, Inc., St. Helena CA
MODERN-DAY NAPA VALLEY WINERIES WITH EUROPEAN ROOTS
RALPH HERTELENDY, HERTELENDY VINEYARDS
Hertelendy and Its Secret for Old and New World Success The Hertelendy name may have only appeared on wine bottles relatively recently, but that doesn’t mean their skill with grapegrowing doesn’t stretch back centuries. Starting in the 1700s on the rolling hills of Eastern Slovakia, the family has been in the winegrowing business continually without ever putting their names on the bottles. Great-Uncle Gábor Hertelendy’s Soviet-confiscated Hungarian vineyard cooperative and manor sat on the rolling hills overlooking Lake Balaton below the extinct Badacsony volcano. Ralph Hertelendy’s four acres on Howell Mountain is just the latest example of what the family likes to work with — well-drained volcanic tuffaceous terroir, which forces the vines to work hard. “To be honest, interestingly enough, I didn't realize this little tidbit until after I bought the Howell Mountain property,” Ralph said. “ I've just always loved wines out of Howell Mountain, so it must be hereditarily in my blood.” But now, with a twist, these wines proudly display their creator’s name and crest at last. In addition to the estate vineyard, Ralph also works with fruit from Atlas Peak, Oakville, Pritchard Hill, the Russian River Valley for Chardonnay and the Silverado “Bench” area of the Vacas, all areas where the soil is key to wines of finesse, elegance and flavor. Ralph brings time with Casey Flat Ranch and Del Dotto to bear on his own wines, earning a 95 from Robert Parker with his first 2013 release of the Hertelendy Vineyard Cabernet. More recently, Robert Parker awarded 96 points for the 2014 Hertelendy Vineyard Cabernet and giving a good prediction of the results yet to come from the meticulous decisions which go into each unique Hertelendy bottling. Cheers to that! 42
again winning first place at BROTHER TIMOTHY, THE FACE OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERS a second event, The Great Chicago Showdown, he received his famous nickname, “The King of Chardonnay.” Never one to rest or relax, Mike founded Grgic Vina, a Croatian winery, in 1996, and, in 2002, he was instrumental in helping Dr. Carole Meredith and Professors Ivan Pejc and Edi Maletic identify Croatia as the home of the varietal known by us today as Zinfandel. In the same vein of a long pedigree, Sutter Home Winery dates back to 1874, when the Swiss-German immigrant John Thomann established a small winery and distillery in St. Helena. It was sold after his death, to another Swiss family, the Leunbergers, who renamed the estate Sutter Home. The winery was shut down until after Prohibition. In 1948, it was purchased by brothers John and Mario Trinchero, whose family had been active in the Italian wine business. The Trincheros refurbished the winery, and in 1972, Mario’s son, Bob Trinchero, created White Zinfandel; it was his “fortunate accident” with a batch which gave the world slightly sweet blush wines in 1975. In 1869, brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer arrived in California from Germany via New York where Jacob became Cellar Foreman for Charles Krug. In 1875, they purchased land next to Charles Krug and started the Beringer legacy. Finally, no mention of European influence can forget V. Sattui, one of the largest, longest-operating, family-owned, and still only consumer-direct wineries anywhere. V. Sattui is named after owner Dario Sattui’s pioneering San Francisco vintner great-grandfather Vittorio Sattui, who founded the enterprise as “St. Helena Wine Cellars” on then-Montgomery Street, now-Columbus Avenue in 1885. In 1899, the winery relocated to the Mission District as “V. Sattui Wine Co,” which was closed because of Prohibition, but Dario, remembering his childhood amongst the barrels and tanks of the old underground cellar, refounded the winery in St. Helena in 1975, intent upon a wine experience modeled on a small European village, where visitors would feel encouraged to stay and feel part of “wine country” and its great wines without pretense or large wallets. Clearly, the past stays with us in a micro-world of our own creation here in Napa generation after generation. That history is inescapable as it has given us our landmarks, our routes, even the names of the very hills and mountains—and the bounty of those days still flourishes in modern hands trained through those folks’ hard-earned legacies. No glass of wine exists in isolation—and it’s always interesting to think of the piece history each contains. Enjoy! n
Handcrafted Wine & Food Pairing Experiences
Private, Seated Tastings of limited production Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon INSIDE THE VAULT of the Historic Calistoga National Bank Building BUILT IN 1909
Wine & Cheese Tasting $35 per person
Food & Wine pairing $55 per person
Reservations required; available for groups of 8 or less.
1373 LINCOLN AVENUE, CALISTOGA CA | 707-341-3391 | KNIGHTSBRIDGEWINERY.COM
Crusher Wine District It’s Cool, it’s Hip, it’s the Napa You Don’t Expect A few miles north of the unofficial entrance to Napa Valley (where the Grape Crusher statue greets you) lies The Crusher Wine District, described as “authentic, stripped down and a little funky.” Similar in character to Lompoc’s Wine Ghetto, Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone and Paso Roble’s Tin City, the Crusher Wine District is a collection of small, cool, artisan wineries, set in an industrial park within close proximity to each other. Uncharacteristic of many Napa Valley tasting rooms, this is the Napa Valley wine tasting experience you don’t expect, and don’t want to miss.
CRYSTAL IMAGES
– BY DON SONDERLING –
THE ANNUAL CRUSHER DISTRICT PASSPORT Sip, Taste and Crush It with the Crusher Wine District, all year long! Purchase a Passport and have the opportunity to taste one time at each participating winery anytime during that year, for one low price (note: most require advance appointments). To purchase the pass, and for information on The Crusher Wine District, individual winery details and upcoming events, visit their website at www.crusherwinedistrict.com/passport/ . Put The Crusher Wine District on your “to do” list for your next trip to Napa–you will be glad you did! 44
CRYSTAL IMAGES
Personal, Unique Tastings Strolling through The CWD and enjoy a novel Napa experience, meeting small-production, artisan winemakers and delighting in new, intimate wine tasting adventures. Currently, there are eight wineries in the district, each with its own mark of individuality. Humanitas: Judd Wallenbrock, winemaker and proprietor of this family-owned winery has a vision “to make wines so good, they can change the world.” The “pay it forward” philosophy, to help change the world, follows through with a commitment of donating 7% of all revenues to charities working on fundamental human needs – hunger, housing and health. To date, Humanitas has donated more than $250,000 to charity, and that number grows daily. Humanitas is changing the world, and helping those in need, one sip at a time.
forward and balanced wines. Latin for Trinity, Trinitas represents the Holy Trinity, a central Christian concept integrated into the winery’s mission and winemaking philosophy: Sun, Soil and Humanity. Take a cave tour and tasting, vineyard tour or book a private tasting in the Trinitas Library. Mi Sueño Winery: Focusing on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, producing ultra-premium wines, Mi Sueño has had the honor of having several of their wines served at state dinners at The White House. Crosby Roamann: “Honest handmade wines,” with grapes sourced from select Napa vineyards. Winery tours with the winemaker are available by appointment. Y. Rousseau was named in the “Top 100 Wineries of 2015” by Wine and Spirits Magazine. They specialize in small-batch, n single-vineyard wines.
Spelletich Family Wine Company: Barb and Tim Spelletich have been making wine for 20 years. Offering three labels (Spelletich Reserve, Rock ’n’ Roll in a Bottle and 3Spells – Wine that Define). The comfortable tasting room is open daily (by appointment only). Hosted by Barb or Tim, they often include members of the winery team, giving you rare one-onone interaction. Seldom does one have the opportunity to enjoy such an educational, sensory and in-depth tasting of artisanal, hand-crafted wines, while learning the intricacies of a winemaker’s passion. The Wine Foundry: This is truly an all-encompassing, unique place. Clients from around the world can craft wine from the most prestigious vineyards in California. They can participate in as much or as little as they like in winemaking activities from sorting, punch-downs and pressing, to private blending sessions with the award-winning winemaking team. For visitors, the winery is focused on hands-on and immersive experiences. The sleek, modern tasting room features floor-to-ceiling visibility into the winery and an exceptional tasting experience. Avinodos: Private tours and tastings are available, including barrel tastings. During harvest you may even help pick grapes and make the wine. Trinitas Cellars: A family-run winery, managed by Garrett and Betsy Busch, Trinitas was founded by Garrett’s parents, Tim and Steph Busch. Trinitas offers a variety of approachable, fruit45
The Legends behind the Wines Trinchero Napa Valley
MARIO MONTICELLI In many ways, Mario Monticelli is a grape grower at heart, intimately connected to the estate vineyards. He personally selects the finest lots from 200 acres of pristine vineyards throughout Napa Valley. In the cellar, no one dictates how much wine Mario should make. Instead, he is simply asked to craft the best wine possible. With that freedom comes the ability to adapt to each vintage, to articulate a vineyard’s terroir in its purest expression. Mario studied viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis, and honed his craft at venerable producers like Antinori in Chianti and Melka Wines in Napa Valley before joining Trinchero Napa Valley in 2007. Trinchero Napa Valley 3070 N. St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena, CA 94574 (707) 963-1160 | www.trincheronapavalley.com Open daily for tasting, 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Seminars available by appointment
Beringer Vineyards
MARK BERINGER Mark Beringer, great-great-grandson of Beringer Vineyards' founding brother Jacob Beringer, was immersed in wine from the moment he was born in the heart of the Napa Valley. As the direct descendant to Beringer's first winemaker and one of the most iconic family names in Napa Valley wine history, he knew from a young age that he would follow in the footsteps of his ancestors. Mark graduated from California State University in Fresno with an Enology degree in 1990. Eager to immerse himself in winemaking, he spent a year in the cellars at Benziger in Sonoma and then joined Duckhorn in 1992. Mark began as Enologist and worked his way up to Vice President of Winemaking at Duckhorn. In 2009 Mark joined Artesa as Vice President and Winemaker. In 2015, Mark Beringer came 'home' to Beringer Vineyards, joining as Chief Winemaker. "As a winemaker, there is no greater thrill than having great vineyards to work with and Beringer's are second to none. The diversity of microclimates, terroir and locations truly comprise the best of what Napa Valley has to offer and I'm honored to work with them." Beringer Vineyards 2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574 | (707) 257-5771 | www.beringer.com
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Trujillo Wines
MICHAEL TRUJILLO A name that is echoed from California to overseas, Michael Trujillo is known for producing some of the best wines from Napa Valley. Elegant and powerful wines are the result 35 years of winemaking experience along with grapes sourced from the finest vineyards. Under Michael Trujillo’s guidance, Trujillo Wines captured the #2 spot from Bay Area “A list” for Napa Valley, 2016, and another handful of awards for 2017 already … DOUBLE GOLD, GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE, they’ve taken them all! From crisp white blends to vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserves, Trujjilo has something for everyone. Nestled right off of Highway 29 in St. Helena, the heart of wine country, the tasting room is within walking distance of fine dinning and quaint little shops. Michael and Terri invite you to the intimate, cozy and dog-friendly tasting room, open daily 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and showing boutique, limited-production, high-quality, award-winning wines. Most days Ramone and Maya (the vineyard dogs) are here to greet you, along with the friendliest tasting staff in the Napa Valley. Whether you are a party of one, two or 20, you are guaranteed to have fun! “We look forward to your visits and bringing new members into our family. All the best.” Team Trujillo Trujillo Wines | 661 Main St. Saint Helena, CA 94574 | (707) 965-2943
Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
JASON MOULTON Whitehall Lane Winery and the Leonardini Family of Napa Valley are pleased to have Jason Moulton as their winemaker. Moulton was made Winemaker at Whitehall Lane in April of last year. He is excited to be working with the Leonardini Family's 150 acres of vineyards and taking the wines to new heights. “I started my winemaking career in Rutherford and now I am excited to be back in Rutherford,” Moulton said. “I’ve learned a great deal working with some fantastic people over the last decade and really look forward to bringing the best out of Whitehall Lane’s vineyards.” Moulton has moved through the ranks from cellar worker to cellar master, assistant winemaker to winemaker, most notably at Long Meadow Ranch Winery in St. Helena, Cliff Lede Vineyards in Yountville and most recently at Brassfield Estate Winery in the High Valley AVA of Lake County. He graduated from the Lincoln University Viticulture and Enology program in New Zealand and spent over 10 years making wine in Napa Valley, Russian River, Canada, New Zealand, Bordeaux and South Africa. He has worked with renowned winemakers Philippe Melka, David Ramey, Kale Anderson and Ashley Heisey. Moulton is responsible for all winemaking at Whitehall Lane as well as overseeing the seven vineyard properties that the winery owns and all vineyards held under contract. Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards 1563 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 | (707) 963-9454 | www.whitehalllane.com 47
Napa Valley AVA Focus Mt. Veeder, Oak Knoll and Coombsville – BY ILONA THOMPSON –
MT. VEEDER | THE HESS COLLECTION
Mt. Veeder Appellation Mt. Veeder appellation rests on an ancient seabed, boasting highest elevations in Napa Valley, reaching as much as 2400 feet. Growing grapes here is an extreme sport, due to rugged, challenging and often limiting growing conditions. Plantable area is tiny, only around one thousand acres, making for the smallest level of production in Napa Valley. Yields are naturally low, averaging 2 to 2 ½ tons per acre, with the growing season being the longest. Most of vineyards are hand harvested. Nestled next to Carneros, it’s a place of quiet splendor and haunting beauty, where the vast majority of the land remains undeveloped. Difficult access makes for an enchanted environment, largely untouched. Viticulturally, steep slopes, poor water retention and nutrient content, drastic diurnal temperature shifts, make for stressed vines – a trademark of complexity, intensity, depth and delineation. Wines made here are labor of love in many respects, as the commitment, perseverance and hard work required for hardearned triumphs are formidable.
THE HESS COLLECTION
JEFF FONTANELLA
Fontanella Family Winery Jeff Fontanella’s career path was supposed to lead him to medical school. However, while studying biochemistry at UC Davis, Jeff became curious about winemaking. That landed him in the winemaking program and, ultimately, with a degree in viticulture and enology. Post-UC Davis, he found himself at Opus One, Saddleback and ZD Wines. These stints were instrumental in his development as a winemaker. Having apprenticed under the legendary winemaker, Nils Venge, he learned to trust his instincts; at Opus, he learned traditional methods, and modern approaches at ZD. This versatility empowered Jeff to buy a vineyard and start his own brand in 2005. Five acres of the 26-acre, 750-foot elevation, Mt Veeder vineyard are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. His first vintage was 2008 – a tough year, well-remembered for its economic woes. Ultimately, his perseverance and tenacity paid off. Today, his Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Port sell out directly to customers on his mailing list. He also makes an exquisite and highly allocated, GIII Beckstoffer Rutherford bottling which is available only to mailing list subscribers. They also produce a unique custom blending kit, composed of four individual block Cabernet components, allowing consumers to flex their winemakers’ muscles! The future is looking bright, and while Fontanella consults on other winemaking ventures, his focus is firmly on his brand.
The Hess Collection MOUNT VEEDER MAGIC VINEYARDS
Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards – A Rare Wine
With only 25 barrels offered each vintage, Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards has one of the most rare offerings in all of Napa Valley. Grapes are hand farmed and hand picked. The wine is hand crafted. Every bottle is hand labeled. The experience begins with grapes that are impossible to get as a consumer. After aging and refining in French Oak, the finished product is 288 bottles of ultra-premium, limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon for your private cellar. Of all the wines produced in The Napa Valley, only 1.3% comes from the Mount Veeder Appellation. A limited number of barrels are available. Kindly request an invitation from Karen Crouse at Mount Veeder Magic if you wish to have this rare Cabernet Sauvignon for your private cellar. “My clients are well established in business with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, said owner, Karen Crouse. “Several are Forbes Gentlemen. They enjoy the finer things in life like excellent food and rare wines. They are from around the globe and from varying industries – banking, energy, entertainment, finance, insurance, medicine and real estate. They all wish to have a rare wine with their bespoke label. “I truly enjoy working with each of my clients to create a Mount Veeder Cab that is worthy of their private cellar, a wine that they are proud to share selectively with clients, family and friends.”
The Hess story has always been about the quest to elevate the wine experience – from the planting of mountain vineyards, to sustainable farming practices, investment in state-of-the-art winemaking equipment and a winery visitor experience featuring a world-class contemporary art museum. Donald Hess established his first Mount Veeder vineyard in 1978, the beginning of The Hess Collection Winery in Napa Valley. He founded the winery with the steadfast belief that quality and goodness are the best business practices. The Hess Collection now owns more than 1,000 acres of prime California vineyards, including 700 in Napa Valley. The Hess Collection site was established as a winery in the 1860s in what is now the Mount Veeder Appellation of the Napa Valley. The original winery on Mount Veeder was hewn from native stone in 1903 and houses part of an art collection shown in museums worldwide, making the Hess Collection the premier showcase for Hess’ “two passions under one roof.” He has tremendous pride in everything the family has built and this pride is symbolized through the Lion which appears on every wine from the Hess Collection. The Hess family credo is, “Live each day with the heart and courage of the Lion.” “The Romans believed that good grapes are grown on the hills,” says Hess. “I saw that the soils on Mount Veeder were deep, volcanic, rocky soils. These are the very best conditions for growing berries that are smaller and more concentrated, which leads to a structured, powerful and complex wine.” The wines cultivated at The Hess Collection demonstrate the distinctive qualities of the individual vineyards, including the unique qualities of high altitude grapes. Today the visitor’s experience includes excursions out into the vineyard and culinary offerings where our Executive Chef pairs the Mt. Veeder Wines with estate grown ingredients to show case the flavor profiles, terroir, and uniqueness of the Mt. Veeder AVA.
Mt. Veeder AVA Fun Facts • Mt. Veeder AVA was established in 1993. Hess played a major role in its formation. This a rea has produced age-worthy wines since the 1860s. • It is the largest AVA within Napa Valley, but nature has limited production to just 1.3% of Napa Valley grapes • It has the longest growing season in Napa • Mt. Veeder has exceptionally low yields (usually 2-2.5 tons/acre for Cabernet Sauvignon), about half the Napa Valley average. Steep slopes require almost all work done by hand • Due to the many sharp curves and exposures in the mountain, there is a wide range of micro-climates and also the most grape varieties of the mountain AVAs. PHOTOS BY DOUGLASFRIEDMAN
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Rubissow
Mayacamas Vineyards & Winery
Rubissow was founded in 1983 by George Rubissow & Tony Sargent, both physicists at UC Berkeley. George purchased a spectacular, rustic 45 acre ridgetop estate on the lower flanks of Mt. Veeder and together with legendary consultant André Tchelistcheff as their advisor, they developed 18.5 acres into premium vineyards for their first wines. The singular site is subject to cool-weather influences from San Pablo Bay, yielding fruit with phenomonal depth and natural acidity. Today it’s owned by the two Rubissow siblings, Ariel and Peter, who reinvented the winery in 2004. The viticulture is impeccable, and so is the winemaking. Winemaker and sixth generation Bay Area native Timothy Milos started his Napa career at Opus One, moving on to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, subsequently becoming a head winemaker at Cliff Lede. Today, at Rubissow he crafts delicious wines of great intellect, elegance, and finesse, that are impeccably balanced. Exceptional Cabernet, Reserve Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and a red blend called Trompettes are produced are marketed by mailing list to fans around the world.
In its early days, Mayacamas was a symbol of old-school Napa, producing wines that were monolithic, meant for aging, not instant gratification. Enter Charles Banks and Jay Schottenstein, who purchased the property it in 2013. They enlisted winemaker Andy Erickson, along with his viticulturist wife, Anne Favia, to transform the brand. The winery’s storied history originates in 1889. Originally built by a German immigrant, it has changed hands four times since then. It has been operating continuously, except for Prohibition. (Or so the authorities were led to believe!) The name originates from the 1940s owners, Jack and Mary Taylor, who restored the property and named it Mayacamas. The winery sits on the edge of a volcano. Sixty acres of vineyards are planted at 1800 feet to 2400 feet elevations. Several old vineyards date back to 1960s. The winery is gravity flow. The vinification has not changed since the 1950s, with extended aging in oak varying in size from small barrels to large casks (with some dating decades back), followed by lengthy bottle aging. Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot are made. They show classic restraint, freshness, and extensive tannins. The Cabs are known for their age-worthiness. With an unparalleled track record, their improvement with age is well-documented. The winery often holds back wine for re-release at future dates. Curiously, the famous 1976 Paris tasting included their 1971 Cabernet, which helped propel Napa into the international spotlight. Some scenes in the famous movie “Walk in the Clouds” were filmed at the winery.
RUBISSOW MT. VEEDER ESTATE | Below left, photo by Afsoon Razavi RUBISSOW RESERVE CABERNET | Below right, photo by Jonah Bierlein
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Open daily 10:00am - 5:30pm. For reservations, please visit HESSCOLLECTION.COM. TASTINGS: Reservations Suggested TOURS, WINE + FOOD PAIRINGS: Reservations Required
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Oak Knoll District The eight-thousand acre, Oak Knoll district, has a long history of viticulture, dating back to 1851. The appellation was recognized in 2004 and it is one of the most diverse. Ideal growing conditions makes it one of the finest winegrowing areas in the Napa region. Eighteen varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and a smattering of others, are grown on roughly four-thousand acres. The area’s cooler climate produces wines with bright character, elegance, and delineation. The position of the Oak Knoll District, at the mouth of the Napa Valley, allows for moderate temperatures due to daily cool breezes from the Bay. This allows means the fruit to ripen slowly, maintaining freshness and aromatic lift, while developing a soft and feminine mouthfeel with balanced alcohol and acidity. OWL BOX | ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT | BOB MCCLENAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
MATERRA | CUNAT FAMILY VINEYARDS
Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards Blanc and Viognier. The consulting winemakers are Michael Trujillo and Bruce Regalia (formerly of Duckhorn) - omit "formerly of Duckhorn". They not only make the wine but also helped design the winery. In 2015, construction was completed on the new facility and its sizable barrel room. They have plenty of capacity so they do custom crushes for other wineries. The state-of-the-art winery features custom fermenters and much of - omit "much of" remotely controlled tanks, exacting temperature control and automated racking. Some fruit is sourced from notable vineyards on Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain and Calistoga. These wines feature bright acidity, precision and plenty of fruit, undeniably channeling terroir.
Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards was founded in 2007 by the Cunat family. Brian Cunat grew up on an Illinois farm, and always loved agriculture. He and his wife, Miki, had a long-standing love affair with wine for years. They became enamored with California wines in the late 1990s. They both loved to travel and experience the world. Napa became one of their favorite destinations resulting in a dream to own a vineyard someday. By happenstance, on a 2007 trip out to Napa, Brian discovered a vineyard for sale. They bought the property and named it “Cunat Family Vineyards” with "Materra" named as the wine as homage to “Mother Earth”. Forty acres of vineyards are planted to Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sauvignon
Monticello Vineyards Corley Family Napa Valley “All in the family” is taken literally by The Corley family. Patriarch Jay Corley founded the winery. His three sons: Kevin, Chris and Stephen run operations, winemaking, marketing, respectively. In 1969, Jay Corley came to Napa to grow grapes and he had the foresight to acquire land in a cooler climate of what is now the Oak Knoll District. Jay Corley was a great admirer of Thomas Jefferson, who was not only a founding father but also America’s first great connoisseur. He honored the third President by naming the winery Monticello Vineyards – after Jefferson’s mountaintop home in Charlottesville, Virginia. The first vintage was in 1980 and in 1984, the Corleys built the Jefferson House, an homage Thomas Jefferson and his Monticello. The family holds a deep-seated belief that great wine is grown in the vineyards. Having mastered the production of wine in cooler areas, they subsequently pursued viticulture in other warmer areas and have expanded their SPRING/SUMMER 2017
MONTICELLO VINEYARDS | CORLEY FAMILY NAPA VALLEY
winemaking from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1980s to include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and their Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Today, five vineyards are farmed in the Napa Valley: Home Ranch Vineyard, Knollwood Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, State Lane Vineyard in Yountville, Tietjen Vineyard in Rutherford and Yewell Vineyard in St. Helena.
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FOUNDERS, DAVE PRAMUK AND ROBERT BIALE WITH WINEMAKER, TRESTER “TRES” GOETTING
Robert Biale Vineyards Aldo Biale was born to Italian immigrants Pietro and Christina Biale on Napa Valley’s Mount Veeder on the day the stock market crashed, October 29th, 1929. Napa’s booming wineries had basically collapsed during Prohibition as well, and if running a farm in rural Napa during The Great Depression wasn’t hard enough in those days for the Biales, tragedy struck the young family in 1942. Aldo was just 13 years old when he lost his father Pietro at a rock quarry explosion where he was working a second job. Teenaged Aldo began making and selling jugs of the family wine to friends and neighbors to earn extra income. The Biale Party Line and “Black Chickens” The Biale phone was the old party line whereby nosy neighbors could listen in on conversations down the road. This open line offered no privacy and the phone orders that came for produce and eggs sometimes included a request for a 56
jug of Aldo’s homemade wine from the barrels hidden in the barn. Because selling home wine was illegal, Aldo instituted the code name “Black Chicken” to keep his vinous side business on the down-low. The Robert Biale Vineyards Winery The farming practices at Biale are tantamount to an encyclopedia of grape growing. Head-training, dryfarming, hand-plowing, shoot-thinning, leafing and handharvesting are just an example of a great number of techniques diligently implemented every single year. Today, Robert Biale Vineyards stands out as a top grower and producer of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Based among the breathtaking vistas of Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, “Napa-raised” partners Bob Biale and Dave Pramuk offer visitors tastings of Black Chicken and other rare wines from their incredible repertoire of historic vineyards. VERY NAPA VALLEY
Wine tasting at Biale is one of the area’s greatest consumer experiences. The tastings are personable, laid-back, and (adult) family-style. You will feel like an old friend and you’ll be surprised about how much wine knowledge you’ve absorb during the relaxed casual conversations with your gracious hosts. Customers rave about wines and hospitality. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Trefethen Family Vineyards Trefethen Family Vineyards is a historic, generational winery located in the Oak Knoll District. It is a beautiful facility, tucked away at the end of a long driveway. Eugene Trefethen and his wife, Catherine, an avid gardener and chef, always loved fine wine and great food, so it was natural for them to move to Napa and purchase several farms back in 1968. The plantings on property date back to 1852. They instantly recognized a grape growing treasure and set out to do something about their vast 650-acre holdings. Their son, John, started dabbling in making wine and soon the first commercial wine was released. Subsequently, their 1976 Chardonnay won top honors in Paris and the die was cast. Today, John, Janet, and their children, Loren and Hailey, all work full-time at the winery. Trefethen is recognized as one of the leading Napa producers of premium wine. Their motto, “One Family, One Estate, One Passion,” encapsulates their values and unwavering commitment to their land, community and one another. The winemaking team is comprised of CEO John Ruel, Bryan Kays, Dan Blakely and Brendan Brambila. The team’s approach to vine growing is deeply horticultural, with each block being treated with specific care. The vineyards have been farmed sustainably since inception. All fruit utilized is estate grown. There are three main groups of wine in the extensive portfolio: Signature Series – that include dry Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet; Reserve – which features - and Harmony, Dragon’s Tooth, HaLo Late Harvest Riesling. In addition, small lot wines comprised of Sauvignon Blanc, Quandary, SIN (Sumer in Napa) Rosé, Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and Malbec are produced. 58
HAILEY, JOHN, JANET AND LOREN TREFETHEN WITH PUPPY TENAYA
VILLA TREFETHEN IS LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF KATIE TREFETHEN'S ACCLAIMED GARDENS
Their historic wooden winery building, built in 1886, stands sentinel over the surrounding vineyards. This landmark building was severely damaged in the 2014 South Napa earthquake. The family has almost completed a thorough restoration and is excited to be reopening the building to guests in the VERY NAPA VALLEY
spring of 2017. In the interim, guests are being welcomed in the Villa, a former family residence built in the 1920s. Surrounded by an exquisite garden with mature redwoods and oak trees, the home features elegant woodwork, of a quality rarely seen today, and provides the perfect setting for a tasting of their diverse portfolio. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
EXPERIENCE ANDRETTI WINERY Introducing New Food and Wine Experiences for All Occasions in the Heart of Napa Valley
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acecar legend Mario Andretti and Joe Antonini met over 30 years ago and became good friends over their love of wine, delicious food and Italian heritage. Mario and Joe founded Andretti Winery in 1996 to bring old world charm and Italian winemaking processes to the Napa Valley. Since that time, the winemaking team has created award-winning wines including the very popular Montona Reserve Series. Today, visitors to Andretti Winery experience world-class food and wine experiences ranging from Tuscan-style picnics in the vineyards, intimate dinner parties in the villa, casual family fêtes on the lawn and sunrise weekend brunches while taking in the beautiful sunrise emerging over the Stags Leap mountains. Andretti’s in-house chef, Adam Clark, works with the hospitality team to create unique group and private experiences, while also providing customized menus such as wood-burning oven pizza parties, lobster boils, gourmet BBQs, tapas and paella in conjunction with regional caterers. This iconic winery has become an international destination as well as a regular meeting place for friends and family throughout the nation. Be sure to book your online reservation for an elevated experience at Andretti Winery the next time you visit Napa. Food & Wine Experiences start at $45 per person with more than 12 options to choose from. Walk-in tastings are also available at the tasting room bar without a reservation. Interested in scheduling a group event or private party? Contact Christina Andrews at (707) 259-6777 ext. 229 or email: christina@andrettiwinery.com. Questions about visiting Andretti Winery? Contact (707) 259-6777 or visit the event website at www.andrettiwineryevents.com.
TOM CELANI | CELANI FAMILY VINEYARDS
Celani Family Vineyards Located at the base of the Vaca Mountain Range, Celani Family Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, a proprietary blend called “Tenacious,” and a Burgundian style Chardonnay. From the beginning, owners Tom and Vicki Celani have been driven to create wines that pay homage to the family’s Italian heritage while weaving in the beauty of Napa’s unique fruit. They always knew that these wines had to have character, depth and intensity. Who better to help them achieve that goal than talented winemaker, Mark Herold? A scientist by training, Mark has become an artist with wine as his medium. His old-world winemaking style, combined with some of Napa’s cooler regions gives us extracted layers of flavor. With those components Mark blends the wine the way an artist layers paint on a canvas. With every vintage, Celani strives to create wines that will withstand the test of time, but that will also be ready for Sunday dinner with friends when decanted.
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Black Stallion Winery Located on the historic Silverado Trail in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, Black Stallion Estate Winery pays homage to the rich history of the 32-acre estate which was once home to the Silverado Equestrian Center. The property was purchased in 2010 by Delicato Family Vineyards, a fourth generation familyowned company founded in 1924. The winery sources from the most prestigious vineyards with a commitment to making the most expressive wines possible. The flagship varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery is most well-known for its small-production and limited-release wines that include the highly rated Napa Valley Cabernets like Transcendent – the pinnacle of the Black Stallion Estate Winery portfolio produced from Mountain Top Vineyards – Gaspare Estate Single Vineyard and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that is available in most markets throughout the U.S.
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BLACK STALLION WINERY
VISIT TO
BIALE
VINEYARDS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE.
Only at Robert Biale Vineyards in Napa Valley can you taste such a stunning selection of acclaimed wines from California’s heritage varieties. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by appointment only
4038 Big Ranch Road, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 257-7555 | Biale.com
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Hagafen Cellars Hagafen Cellars was founded in 1979 by winemaker Ernie Weir and his wife, Irit. Originally from Los Angeles, Ernie enrolled in UC Davis and worked for twenty-four years as a viticulturist at Domaine Chandon, while running Hagafen for much of that time. Even in the nascent stages of California premium market development, the Weirs felt that the premium segment was underserved and pursued it with gusto. Their portfolio is vast, 8,000-case-strong ranging from sparkling to a wide spectrum of white and red varieties (with emphasis on Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon), to sweet wines. The wines are marketed under three labels, Hagafen, Prix and the more affordable Don Ernesto. Most of the fruit comes from their two estates in Napa, with some supplements from Lake County and Lodi. The wines are made in an approachable style and are food-friendly, the characteristics that have produced an avid following over the years. Since 1981, at official State dinners, the initial one hosted by Ronald Reagan in honor of Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, the wines have regularly found their way into the White House. The latest occasion involved Obama’s Hanukkah celebration in 2016.
ERNIE WEIR | HAGAFEN CELLARS
The winery moved into new digs in 1999, retaining a homey look and feel while welcoming guests with the same warm hospitality that started it all.
O’Brien Estate
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT | BOB MCCLENAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Bart O’Brien, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and his wife, Barbara, fell in love with Napa on a romantic date. They ended up buying the former Costello Vineyards and renamed it. Through the ups and downs of the stock market and agonizing nights, perseverance paid off – these days Bart is the happiest guy around. The winery dates to 1978. It includes an indoor/outdoor tasting facility. The O’Brien’s encourage guests to walk through some of their vast vineyards. Their wines reflect the spirit of Napa. Traditional winemaking techniques and aging regimes allow the wines to express the distinctions of the terroir. Only a handful barrels of most wines are made. Based on their wine’s labeling, they certainly qualify for the Napa stop for runaway romance! Their 2013 “Passion of Soul” Cabernet Sauvignon recently earned 95 points from the esteemed wine critic, Robert Parker, who referred to it as a “stunner.” Their proprietary Red, “Seduction” scored 94. “Romance of the Heart,” at 93 points, is sexy and complex as is their Merlot. They also make an exquisite Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc called “Fascination” and a rosé, glowingly named “Flirtation.” VERY NAPA VALLEY
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Coombsvil e Just about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, tucked away in the southeastern hills of Napa Valley, awaits a well-hidden gem. Minutes away from the Napa Valley and a stone’s throw from Yountville’s exciting food and entertainment scene, Coombsville a fantastic stop for an afternoon of wine tasting. You will enjoy its understated charm and authentic, nuanced, balanced wines. The Coombsville Appellation, a roughly one-thousand-acre area with several hundred feet elevation above sea level, received its designate in 2011. It’s nestled against foothills of the Vaca mountains, edged by the city of Napa and the Napa River. Its proximity to Mt. George accounts for rocky volcanic soils and gravely loams, as well as its great capacity for water retention – particularly useful during the recent drought. The climate is moderate, regulated in part by the San Pablo Bay, that eases fog and frost as well as the heat spike influences of the summer. Coombsville is known for early bud break and late harvests. Varied soil types and micro-climates ensure that grapes ripen fully and evenly, holding onto acid and elongated, supple tannins. Many of Napa Valley’s prominent producers prize and purchase fruit from the area. It is predominantly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, as well as Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir. The wines feature big tannins and intense minerality. They can often be earthy, assertive, and layered; yet showing a sophisticated mouthfeel. There are several small family-owned wineries in the area that make stellar wines. They are perhaps lesser known, but as worthy as their well-recognized Napa neighbors. The wines from this area are recognized for their finesse, elegance and structure, making them infinitely age-worthy.
WWW.COOMBSVILLENAPA.ORG
WWW.COOMBSVILLENAPA.ORG
COOMBSVILLE WINEMAKERS: JOHN CALDWELL (Caldwell Vineyard) MASSIMO DI COSTANZO (Di Costanzo Wines) BULMARO MONTES (Maritas Vineyard) TRACEY REICHOW (Black Cat Vineyard)
PORTER FAMILY VINEYARDS CAVE
Porter Family Vineyards Former IBM executive, Tom Porter, and his wife, Beverly, purchased a picturesque hillside Coombsville property with the intent to produce world-class wines. The views are spectacular – in the absence of fog one can see all the way to Mt. St.Helena. Fourteen acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. The seventeen-thousandThe Sandpiper name comes from the five-million-year-old fossil of sandpiper footprints foot, state-of-the-art, underground cave facility houses hundreds of barrels in its found while digging the impressive underground cave. four large tunnels. The yields are capped at two to three tons per acre and wines are made in small lots. These include three Cabernet Sauvignons, Napa and Atlas Peak designates, and a special bottling called Time. They also make a Cabernet/Syrah blend, “Cave Dwellers,” a Chardonnay, the Cabernet/Merlot Sandpiper blend, Sandpiper Rosé, along with a Syrah.
Black Cat Vineyard Originally from the Midwest, Tracey Reichow began visiting Napa Valley in the early ’80s. Eventually, she and her husband, Rick, purchased a small piece of property in Coombsville. It wasn’t long before she enrolled in UC Davis winemaking classes as well as viticulture classes with Dr. Krebs at Napa Valley College). Most of her viticultural knowledge came from hands-on experience, as the lion’s share of her time was spent tending to her land. They planted a four-acre vineyard, and named the winery Black Cat (after a cat they adopted who became Tracey’s constant vineyard companion). In 1996 and 1999, she made the first of her wines. Although she hadn’t missed a vintage since, it was only in 2004 that she felt her wine’s quality was commercially sound. Tracey is an intuitive winemaker who is deeply connected to her land and the ensuing gifts that it delivers. She is a philosopher, a steward and a permanent student of her vines. To add to her portfolio of small lots of carefully crafted wines, she sources fruit from Rutherford AVA and Howell Mountain AVA as well. Tracey is as hands-on as it gets. She uses gentle techniques, fermenting a ton of fruit at a time in open-top fermenters and doing hand punch-downs. The characteristics of the wines include grace, poise, supple mouthfeel and well-integrated tannins. TRACEY REICHOW | BLACK CAT VINEYARD
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Tulocay Winery Before the “Judgment of Paris” wine tasting put the Napa Valley on a worldwide stage, there were a handful of relatively unknown wineries. Tulocay was founded in 1975 by Bill Cadman and remains one of the oldest Coombsville-area wineries. Bill’s early employers were the likes of Charles Krug and Joe Heitz. He spent twenty years at Mondavi Winery working as a tour guide, which at the time meant “hanging” with Robert himself, who was a hands-on host. Bill’s fruit comes from handshake deals; long-standing relationships he has formed over the years. He makes several well-priced wines – a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Zinfandel and Syrah, all produced in tiny quantities. Sitting down with Bill for a tasting is akin to visiting with Bacchus. His wit, wisdom, charm and engaging nature are quite
TULOCAY WINERY
irresistible. His philosophy is simple – enjoy wine with your loved ones and friends, don’t worry about all the hoopla surrounding wine these days.
Palmaz Vineyards Technologically speaking, Palmaz is one of the area’s most impressive state-ofthe-art wineries. The Palmaz family purchased the property, previously owned by Henry Hagen during the nineteenth century, in the 1990s with the idea of bringing back and enhancing its former glory. Julio and Amalia Palmaz, along with their kids, Florencia and Christian Gastón set out to create a winery that synergistically combines timeless tradition with cutting edge technology. A herculean effort and investment commenced. Their 64 acres of
vineyards had become a kaleidoscope of trials and triumphs in hot pursuit of superlative viticulture. Two generations of the Palmaz family have sought to bring innovation and invention to the ancient art of making wine. Their backgrounds in sciences, passion for life and years of hard work have paid off. The result is an inimitable facility, located inside an eighteen-story cave where trailblazing technology is fused with long-standing winemaking traditions. Producing great wine starts in the
vineyard, so tending to the grapevines at Palmaz is done by a full-time vineyard crew. Lead by viticulturist Mike Wolf, the viticultural team is a tight-knit group of passionate farmers dedicated to the craft of growing exceptional grapes. Winemaker Tina Mitchell, a UC Davis graduate, joined the brand in 2003. Her previous stints include Louis Martini and Neibaum Coppola, where she worked under legendary Andre Tchelistcheff. Mia Klein, one of the most sought-after Napa Valley winemakers, is a winemaking n consultant.
PALMAZ VINEYARDS
The Road Less Traveled
Wines as Breathtaking as the Views Napa Valley’s oldest family-owned winery is now six generations strong. Take a scenic drive, come reminisce with us, and taste the difference 127 years make.
2950 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574 www.nicheliniwinery.com 707-963-0717
Tours & Tastings Welcomed Daily by Appointment 707.963.3816 tastings@viader.com Viader.com 1120 Deer Park Road ◆ Deer Park ◆ CA 94576
©2017 Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena, CA
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th
AN NI VERSARY
VISIT THE ICONIC RHINE HOUSE OPEN DAILY
10:00AM - 5:00PM
2000 MAIN STREET, ST. HELENA, CA 94574 • 707. 257. 5771
www.beringer.com
Host a Blind Tasting Invite your Friends and Create Your Own Wine Tasting Experience at Home – BY TANYA SEIBOLD – Truth be told, there is a bit of an art to presenting wines properly to ensure you receive the most enjoyment from them. But nothing so elaborate that you can’t pull a few bottles from your collection, invite your friends to do the same and create your own wine tasting experience at home—one that rivals even the top professionals. Here are seven tips from Napa’s best to help you host a fun and informative wine tasting party sure to impress even the fussiest of wine connoisseurs. Follow these simple steps and your friends will think you’re a trained Sommelier.
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Aromas, Flavors & Other Descriptors Use This List of Words as Triggers to Identifying What You Smell, Taste and Feel FRUITY • Apple • Pear • Apricot • Peach • Orange • Tangerine • Pineapple • Coconut • Melon • Strawberry • Plum • Prune • Raisin • Tropical Fruit • Red Cherry • Black Cherry • Blackberry • Blueberry • Raspberry • Black Currant/Cassis VEGETAL • Bell Pepper • Asparagus • Green Olive • Black Olive • Green Bean • Sweet Corn FLOWERY • Rose • Violet • Jasmine • Lavender • Honeysuckle HERBAL • Mint • Tea • Dill (oak) • Tobacco (oak) • Sage • Basil • Oregano • Thyme • Green Grass • Bay Leaf SPICY • Clove (oak) • Cinnamon (oak) • Vanilla (oak)
• Black Pepper (oak) • Licorice (oak) • Nutmeg (oak) • Ginger • Exotic Spice OTHER FOODS • Mushroom • Truffle • Toast (oak) • Nutty, roasted (oak) • Caramel (oak) • Cocoa (oak) • Coffee (oak) • Jam • Honey • Butterscotch EARTHY • Minerals • Tree Bark (oak) • Pine Trees • Rain-dampened leaves • Oak (oak) • Cedar (oak) • Fresh Soil GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS • Clarity • Color density • Sweetness: fully dry or sweet? • Light, medium or full bodied • Smooth, coarse or normal texture • Acidity: OK or too Tart • Bitterness: OK or excessive? • Tannic (Astringent; mouthpuckering effect) • Acidic (salivating effect) • Short, medium or lingering finish • Buttery • Oily, synthetic, plastic, petroleum • Crisp, refreshing • Complex and layered or one-dimensional (oak) = indicates that this aroma or flavor most likely is contributed by oak barrel, either from fermenting in oak or aging or both
© Copyright 2017 “Nose, Legs, Body!” by Len Napolitano 70
Choose a Theme As the host, you’ll decide what wines your guests will bring for the tasting. Will it be Napa Cabernet Sauvignon or California Chardonnay? Once you’ve established the varietal and general growing region, then select a sub-region or appellation, say Stags Leap perhaps? The idea is to learn about a wine’s terroir so don’t skip this step otherwise you’ll be comparing apples to oranges. You want to compare grapes to grapes, so keep all wines from the same growing area.
Set limits on bottles Unless you’re a rock star winemaker who can taste 50 wines in a sitting, the maximum number of bottles to taste is eight; four to six is ideal. Couples should be instructed to bring one bottle between them and those not bringing wine can pitch in by providing water crackers (cleanses the palate between sips) or heartier nibbles for after the tasting when the real drinking begins. Tip: Each 750ml bottle holds approximately 25-ounces. You’ll easily have enough wine for 10-12 tasters if pouring tastes at 1.52.0 ounces per person, per wine.
Taste “Blind” If you want to taste like a pro, then blind it is. By hiding the bottle’s identity during the tasting, you’ll be scoring on the merits of color, aroma, palate and finish rather than producer or price. You can purchase fancy numbered cloth bottle bags, but honestly, everyone has a roll of aluminum foil or brown paper lunch bags in their kitchen so opt for the simple and inexpensive DIY method. Once all the bottles have arrived, the host should wrap them away from the tasters, numbering each with a marker pen. Tip: Keep a master legend noting each producer’s bottle number for when you reveal the winner. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Matching Wine Glasses Wineries pay close attention to their stemware to ensure their wine is showcased at its very best, so follow their lead by providing all tasters with the same shaped glass. Mismatched glassware will adversely affect the aromatics and flavor profiles. A large, balloon shaped bowl (red wine glass) is preferred and will work for most all varietals. Plus the larger bowl allows for
proper aeration (breathing) when you swirl. Kick it up a notch by investing in crystal stemware like Riedel or Spiegelau. Their lines of varietal-specific stemware will get you hooked on having the right glass for the right wine. Don’t let your lack of wine glasses deter you … check with a local event rental company. Simple wine glasses can rent for as little as 75¢ each.
The Accessories: Dump Bucket, Spit Cups and Beverage Napkins Every tasting room recommends spitting between tastes to prevent palate fatigue and to keep everyone sober and safe, so it’s a smart habit to start. Two to three small sips (not gulps) is all you really need to decide if a wine is right for you. Discard the balance into your personal spit cup (those red plastic beverage cups are ideal) and then pour that into the main dump bucket. Inexpensive paper beverage napkins come in handy for overzealous swirlers!
What Not to Wear: Scents. Ask guests to come perfume- and cologne-free so you can properly evaluate a wine’s aromas. Also, the odor of cigarettes and cigars lingers, so avoid smoking before tasting. And ladies, ditch the lipstick. The petroleum found in most lipsticks and glosses will impede your tasting, so take it off before sipping. 72
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STAGS LEAP DISTRICT NAPA VALLEY
Visit our Stags Leap District estate to experience an intimate seated tasting, exclusive behind the scenes tour, our award-winning Cape Dutch architecture, delicious wines and breathtaking views of the Palisades.
OPEN 10-5 DAILY Call 800-257-2641 to make your appointment. 5350 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
WWW.CHIMNEYROCK.COM s A TERLATO FAMILY WINERY s
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Wine Aroma Wheel The Wine Aroma Wheel is an incredible tool to learn about wines and enhance one’s ability to describe the complexity of flavor in red and white wines. Initially, most people can’t recognize or describe aromas so the purpose of the wheel is to provide terms to describe wine aromas. The wheel has very general terms located in the center (e.g. fruity or spicy), going to the most specific terms in the outer tier (such as strawberry or clove). These terms are NOT the only words that can be used to describe wines, but represent ones that are most often encountered. Easy to use and understand, it will enhance your whole wine experience.
Basic aroma and flavor descriptors of some of the major varietals • Chardonnay: Green apple, pear, melon; medium to full body; round and buttery or crisp and sharp, depending on winemaker’s style • Sauvignon Blanc: fresh grass aroma, herbal, vegetal, citrusy • Pinot Noir: Floral, red cherry, mushrooms, earthy; velvety texture • Merlot: Floral, blackberry, plum; soft, silky on palate • Zinfandel: Jammy, blackberry, black pepper • Cabernet Sauvignon: Blackcurrant, cassis, bell pepper, cedar, tobacco; dry on palate © Copyright 2017 “Nose, Legs, Body!” by Len Napolitano
© Copyright 2002 A C Noble www.winearomawheel.com 74
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Glossary of Terms
Blind Tasting Score Sheet WINE
#1 Notes:
LOOK
Rate the following from 1 to 5, 5 being the best. SMELL FEEL TASTE
FINISH
Clear, brilliant or cloudy
Pleasant, different aromas Smooth texture, Many layers balanced or flat, little aroma weight of mouthfeel or sharp, offensive taste
Smooth, lingering or bitter, lacking
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
TOTAL ____
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#2 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#3 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
____
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#4 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
____
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#5 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
____
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#6 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
____
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#7 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
____
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
#8 Notes:
••••• ••••• ••••• ••••• •••••
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________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
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• Acidity: The level of natural acids in a wine that give it freshness and crispness on the palate. • Aged-on-the-lees: Dead yeast cells that settle at the bottom of a wine barrel, or tank, as the wine ages. They are manually stirred every other week while aging to mix better with the wine and create a creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel. • Alcohol content: The percentage of alcohol measured by volume (mg/liter). • American Viticultural Area (AVA): A government-approved, demarcated geographic wine-growing region whose geological and climatic conditions create wines of distinction. A specific appellation of origin. • Barrel-fermented: A wine whose primary fermentation (or a portion of it) occurs in an oak barrel, typically to add body or oak aroma, or both. • Body: A term used to describe the weight of a wine on the palate. • Bouquet: A term for the fragrance of a wine developed after it has been aged. Sometimes used interchangeably with “aroma,” which is technically the fragrance of a wine before aging. • Brix: A grape ripeness scale, used primarily in the U.S., that measures solids (sugars) inside the juice of a grape. • Cap: The top surface of the must, where solids accumulate and are then pushed back down (punched down) into the juice to increase skin contact. • Carbon Dioxide: One of the byproducts of fermentation. As sugar converts to alcohol, carbon dioxide (and heat) is released. Carbonic maceration: A closed-container, anaerobic, winemaking process (without yeast inoculation) used to produce the light and fruity red wines of Beaujolais Nouveau. • Charmat: A method of making sparkling wine that produces the second fermentation in tank, not bottle. Also called the “Tank Method.” • Cold Stabilization: A step in the winemaking process that chills wine to remove tartrate crystals. • Corkage: A fee charged by restaurants to patrons who choose to bring their own wine to consume at the restaurant. • Crush: Harvest season that starts with picking grapes and ends months later with the transfer of wine to barrel for aging. • Crusher-destemmer: A machine that separates grapes from stems and breaks open the skins to release juice, (also known as destemmer-crusher). • Cultured yeast: Manufactured yeast designed either for fermenting specific grape varieties or a specific style of wine. • Cuvée: A Champagne house’s best offering, usually made from the first pressing of grapes. • Decant: The process of transferring wine from its bottle into a separate container to either remove sediment or aerate the wine. • Dessert Wine: Wine with more than 14% alcohol and noticeable sweetness. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
• Dosage: A high-sugar content wine added to still, base wine in order to start a second fermentation inside either a bottle or tank (from which carbon dioxide gas is captured to create bubbles in a sparkling wine). • Estate-bottled: This term indicates the wine was under the control of the producer from start to finish. • Estate-grown: This term indicates grapes were grown on the producer’s own property. • Fermented in The Bottle: A term on labels of sparkling wines that indicates the traditional method (méthode champenoise) was used to make the wine. • Fermentation: The transformation of grape juice into wine as sugar plus yeast convert to alcohol and carbon dioxide (and heat). • Filtering: A process that clears wine of solids, from microscopic in size to larger visible particles. • Fining: A process that removes the most microscopic particles from wine for the purpose of clarification and stabilization. • Finish: The impression a wine leaves on the palate after swallowing or spitting. • Full-bodied: Wine having noticeable weight and presence on the palate. Also used to describe wines with high-alcohol content. • Late Harvest: Wine made from extra-ripe grapes picked late in the harvest season. • Lees: Dead yeast cells from fermentation that settle at the bottom of a barrel or tank. When stirred in the wine, as done during the aging of Chardonnay, lees add body and creaminess. • Legs: Streams of wine that run down the inside wall of a wine glass. Narrow, fast-moving legs generally indicate low alcohol content and light body, while wide, slow legs usually mean richness and higher alcohol. • Light-bodied: Wine that gives an impression of lightness of weight on the palate. This term typically applies to wines with low alcohol content. • Maceration: A time period that allows grape skins to make contact with grape juice, usually before fermentation begins, in order to develop deeper color in the finished wine. • Malolactic Fermentation: The secondary fermentation occurring in red wine, and some white wines, that converts tart, apple-like acid into softer, milk-like acid. • Medium-bodied: Wine with a weightiness on the palate that falls in between light-bodied (like the weight of water) and full-bodied (like the weight of cream). Also used to describe a wine with moderate alcohol content • Meritage: The unique American term for a Bordeaux-style blended red wine made in the U.S. from two or more of the five classic red grapes of Bordeaux. Not more than 90% of a single grape can make up a wine labeled as Meritage. • Méthode Champenoise: Also known as the traditional method of making the highest quality sparkling wine from Champagne, France. The second fermentation is done inside the bottle, as opposed to in a tank as in the Charmat (Tank) Method. SPRING/SUMMER 2017
• Microclimate: The climate immediately surrounding a small and precise geographic area, such as a vineyard or section of a vineyard. • Mouthfeel: The overall texture and weight of a wine on the palate, influenced by alcohol, tannin and acidity in the wine. • Must: The mixture of unfermented grape juice with the solids from skins, stems and seeds of the grapes. • Natural Yeast (wild yeast): A microscopic, airborne, living organism that coats grape skins and can begin the fermentation process when grape skins are broken and yeast makes contact with sugar in the juice of the grape. • Noble Rot: A fungus also known as Botrytis that forms on grapes as they hang on the vine and causes the grapes to lose water, shrivel and become almost raisin-like. It leaves a more sugar-concentrated juice in the grapes, typically used for making high-alcohol dessert wines. • Nose: A term to describe how a wine smells, sometimes used in place of “aroma.” • Opening up: Term used to describe the release of aromatics form a after exposure to oxygen for a period of time. • Photosynthesis: The process in which a grapevine combines sunlight, water and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to grow and produce sugar in the grapes. • Phylloxera: A root-destroying insect that can devastate vineyards. It was responsible for the loss of the majority of European vineyards in the late 1800s, which led to the discovery of the American rootstock’s natural resistance to the disease and the grafting of European grapevines to American roostock, still in practice today. • Pomace: The solids of skins and seeds that remain after a wine is pressed. It can be used to make grappa or brandy but is usually mixed back into the vineyard soil. • Pressing: The process of mechanically squeezing wine out of the skins leftover after fermentation is complete. Pressing produces a wine of intense color and tannic structure • Pump-Over: The movement of lightly-colored, fermenting red wine from the bottom of a tank to the top in order to mix it with the cap of skins to deepen the wine’s color and structure. • Punch-Down: The manual pushing down of the cap of skins at the surface of red wine fermentation in order to increase contact of juice with skins and extract more color. • Racking: The transfer of wine from one barrel or tank to another in order to clarify by separating it from sediment. • Reserve: Term used by a producer that usually indicates a wine ranked among their highest tier of quality. • Residual Sugar: The amount of sugar that remains in wine after fermentation is complete. Wines that taste dry might contain as much as 4 grams per liter of residual sugar. • Rootstock: The root and lower part of a grapevine’s trunk. Vitis vinfera grapes are usually grafted onto American roostock for better resistance to disease. VERY NAPA VALLEY
• Saignée: The process of extracting some light-colored maceration juice either to make rosé wine or to create a more intense color in the juice left behind. • Secondary Fermentation: A fermentation also known as malolactic fermentation that converts tart acids to soft acids. • Sediment: Residue accumulated during extended aging of a bottle of wine. Red wine sediment is formed by color pigments, tannin molecules and tartrates. White wine can sometimes show sediment of tartrates that appear as crystals. • Sommelier: A wine expert whose knowledge and expertise is available to restaurant patrons at finer restaurants. May also choose the wines that appear on a restaurant wine list. • Sorting: The process of removing material other than grapes after freshly harvested fruit is dumped onto a conveyor and before it reaches the crusher. • Sulfites: Chemical compounds of sulfur that act as a preservative in wine. • Table Wine: Wine with no more than 14% alcohol, by U.S. law. • Tank Method: The non-traditional method of producing sparkling wine. It is less expensive than traditional Méthode Champenoise and does not create as fine a stream of bubbles. Also known as the Tank Method because the second fermentation that captures carbon dioxide occurs in a tank instead of the bottle. • Tannin: A primary component in red wine, it is a chemical compound (phenolic) developed in wine when fermenting juice makes extended contact with skins, seeds and stems; also added to wine as it ages in contact with oak. At an elevated level, tannin gives wine a dryness on the palate and causes the mouth to pucker (astringency), but when balanced with other components it provides the necessary structure that gives texture and grip. • Terroir: The accumulation of all conditions surrounding a grape-growing site, including soil, sunlight, daytime and nighttime temperatures, rainfall, drainage, elevation, etc., all contributing to each wine’s uniqueness. • Toasted Oak: The formation of caramelized sugars in oak when it is exposed to heat, either by an open flame or oven. • True Varietal Character: The fundamental aroma and flavor profile of a grape variety that defines its style and individuality. • Vineyard Block: A defined section within a vineyard differentiated by its grape variety, clone (made from a cutting from another grapevine), rootstock, elevation, irrigation or other characteristic. Grapes from a vineyard block are usually fermented separately. • Vintage: The year in which grapes are harvested • Vitis Vinifera: The dominant species of grapes grown around the world, with its origin generally thought to be in Europe. It is the species responsible for all of the finest wines from around the world. • Wild Yeast: (See Natural Yeast) © Copyright 2017 “Nose, Legs, Body!” by Len Napolitano 77
Stags Leap District’s Vineyard to Vintner Weekend April 28-30, 2017 Each year, member wineries of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers open their doors for one weekend to give visitors exclusive access to their wines, their vineyards and the people behind this iconic wine region. “Vineyard to Vintner” is a weekend of intimate opportunities to taste world renowned Cabernets while mingling with winery owners and winemakers. Visitors are given personal and backstage access to private homes and historic wineries, with private tours, barrel tastings and food pairings, all set amongst the glorious vineyards and billowing Palisades of the Stags Leap District. Simply put, this annual weekend is packed with experiences that visitors can’t find anywhere else. Vineyard to Vintner commences Friday night with four distinct dinners. Each 45-person dinner is co-hosted by several vintners and is prepared by a famed Napa Valley culinary talent. The 2017 Friday dinner venues include Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards and Stags’ Leap Winery. Co-hosts dig deep into their cellars to share their most cherished library wines for this food and wine experience. On Saturday, individual winery open houses provide the ultimate backstage pass to the association’s member wineries. Guests spend the day “up close and personal” with vintners, visiting private homes and historic wineries alike, while enjoying special access to wines and food pairings that are not available to the general public. The Vineyard to Vintner weekend concludes Sunday with a fabulous, vintner-hosted farm-to-table buffet lunch amid the sprawling acres of majestic views at Regusci Winery Ranch. Guests also taste a “sneak preview” of the not-yet-released 2014 Stags Leap District Appellation Collection. Vineyard to Vintner hosts include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. Packages are available for one, two or three days allowing guests to experience the entire weekend or to enjoy one glorious day. Vineyard to Vintner is truly an exclusive opportunity to taste and discover the Stags Leap District’s distinctive and iconic wines, as well as to meet the talent behind these wines. It’s a weekend that Cabernet lovers and appellation loyalists look forward to year after year. You can find more information and purchase tickets, at www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V.
PASSES ON SALE NOW!
JULY 14–23, 2017
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY Joshua Bel| Angel Blue Stéphane Denève Gloria Estefan Festival Orchestra NAPA Havana Chamber Orchestra Jiji Aldo López-Gavilán Wei Luo Lester Lynch Larisa Martínez Lucas Meachem Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends Nikolay Khozyainov Napa Regional Dance Company Napafest Academy Orchestra Danielle de Niese Joel Revzen San Francisco Ballet Volti Chorus André Watts Martin West
Music, dance and theater perfectly paired with Napa’s fine wine and cuisine. It’s an experience like none other. This is Festival Napa Valley. festivalnapavalley.org | 888.337.6272 | #napafest17
Wine Country Events ONGOING Napa Valley Wine Train • Mar 18: Pride Ride • Mar 25: Private Reserve Train – Charles Krug • Apr 22: Private Reserve Train – Laird Family Estate • May 13: Private Reserve Train – Chappellet Winery • June 24: Private Reserve Train – Honig • July 15: Private Reserve Train – Palmaz Vineyards
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ONGOING Napa Valley Museum Yountville, www.NapaValleyMuseum.org, 707-944-0500 • Mar 15: Tour with the Curator • Mar 25: Museum Magic • Apr 8: Slow Art Day with YogaNV • Apr 8: Free Family Fun Activity, Let There Be Light – Revealing Nature’s Beauty • Apr 15: Hand-built Tea Cups with NBC Pottery
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ONGOING Wine Tasting at Back Room Wines Napa, www.backroomwines.com, 707-226-1378 • Mar 9: The Great Grape Study – Pinot Noir • Mar 10: Taste Tour of Italy • Mar 16: Taste 2014 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumes • Mar 17: Willamette Valley Tasting • Mar 23: The Great Grape Study – Zinfandel • Mar 24: Under Twelve Bucks a Bottle Tasting • Mar 30: Rhone Wine Fan Club of Napa Valley • Mar 31: Back Room Blow Out LXXI
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ONGOING Live at Uptown Theatre Napa, 707-259-0123, www.uptowntheatrenapa.com • Mar 11: The Beach Boys • Mar 18: Los Lobos • Apr 1: Rufus Wainwright • Apr 22: Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood • Apr 28: David Crosby & Friends • Apr 30: Dweezil Zappa, 50 Years of Frank • June 3: Los Lonely Boys
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ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS Ca’Momi Osteria – Latin Nights Napa, 10pm-1am, free www.camomi.com, 707-224-6664
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ONGOING SUNDAYS Live Music for Sunday Brunch Carneros Resort & Spa, Napa, 10am-2pm www.carnerosresort.com, 707-299-4880
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ONGOING Fried Chicken Sunday’s & Monday Magnum Madness Two Birds One Stone, St. Helena www.twobirdsonestonenapa.com, 707-302-3777
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MARCH 11 Jessup Cellars – Art House Film Series Yountville, 7pm, www.jessupcellars.com, 888-537-7879
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MARCH 9 Mumm Napa – Cheese & Cheers Wine & cheese pairing class with cheese educator, Janet Fletcher & Mumm Napa winemaker, Tamra Lotz. Rutherford, 5-7pm, $60/members, $75 www.mummnapa.com, 800-686-6272, RSVP
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MARCH 10 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Quintessa, Flowers, Illumination & Faust Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
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MARCH 11 Rombauer Vineyards – Spring Release Party Third annual celebration of the newest vintage of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and other new releases. Enjoy small bites including their popular oyster bar Rombauer Winery Crushpad, St. Helena, 4-7pm www.rombauervineyards, 800-622-2206
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MARCH 11-12
BEAULIEU VINEYARD Spring Cellar Sale Stock up and save! Shop early for best selection. Enjoy extraordinary savings on your favorite Maestro, Napa Valley, Reserve & Large Format Wines. St. Helena, www.bvwines.com, 707-967-520010am-5pm
......................................................................................... MARCH 12 A Taste of Hall Series: March On Chef Chris Aken & 2014 Hall Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150 www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
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MARCH 15
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesdays Enjoy views on the patio while sipping wine & enjoying food trucks. Rutherford, 5pm www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
ONGOING
LIVE MUSIC AT BLUE NOTE NAPA
Napa, www.bluenotenapa.com, 707-880-2300 • Mar 1: Steffen Kuehn • Mar 2-3: Yellowjackets • Mar 9-12: Syro Gyra • Mar 14-15: Davina and The Vagabounds • Mar 16-19: Pat Martino Trio • Mar 22: Tommy Igoe Band • Mar 23-24: The Roy Obiedo Group • Mar 25: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn • Mar 26-28: Kenny G. • Mar 29: Davy Knowles • Mar 31-Apr 2: Diane Schur • Apr 4-6: Laith Al-Saadi of The Voice • Apr 7-9: Ravi Coltrane • Apr 13-16: Stanley Jordan Trio • Apr 19-21: Bill Charlap Trio • Apr 26: Tommy Igoe Band • Apr 27-30: Keiko Matsui • June 12-14: Fred Hersch • June 22-25: Larry Coryell’s New 11th House Band • July 21-23: Andy McKee
......................................................................................... MARCH 19
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Annual Oyster Festival St. Helena, $35/members, $45/guests www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3200
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FIRST TASTE NAPA A Downtown Social Downtown Napa Association, 6-8pm, CIA at Copia, Napa, www.flavornapavalley.com
......................................................................................... MARCH 22-26
FLAVOR! NAPA VALLEY Five day food & wine festival in Napa Valley. Check website for details, www.FlavorNapaValley.com
......................................................................................... MARCH 25
BERINGER VINEYARDS Hudson House Cooking Series, Class II St. Helena, 11:30am-2:30pm
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JAZZ CLUB & RESTAURANT
MARCH 16-19
YOUNTVILLE LIVE The ultimate luxury getaway event featuring exquisite cuisines from world-class restaurants & award-winning rock star chefs, exclusive intimate performances from some of today’s hottest recording artists & a unique variety of celebrated Napa Valley wineries and finest beers & spirits. Check website for details, www.yountvillelive.com
............................................................................................................. MARCH 17-18
TASTE OF YOUNTVILLE Features world-class foods & wines that make Yountville the Culinary Capital of Napa Valley in 4 exclusive tasting pavilions throughout the town. There is also an exclusive beer garden, live chef demonstrations & live musical performances. www.yountville.com, Check website for details.
APRIL 1
BERINGER VINEYARDS Wine & Cheese Pairing with Janet Fletcher
BLUE NOTE NAPA LOCATED IN THE HEART OF NAPA VALLEY GREAT ARTISTS AND WINE COUNTRY COMFORT CUISINE
St. Helena, 11:30am-2:30pm, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771 ........................................................................................................................ APRIL 1-2 Farm to Table Boot Camp Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, St. Helena www.ciachef.edu, 888-858-2560, 9am-3:30pm
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APRIL 8 Jessup Cellars – Art House Film Series Yountville, 7pm, www.jesssupcellars.com, 888-537-7879
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APRIL 9 A Taste of Hall Series: Spring Fever Chef Sarah Scott & 2014 Hall Bergfeld Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150, www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
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ONGOING
NAPA VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT LINCOLN THEATER Yountville, www.lincolntheater.org, 707-944-9900 • Mar 9: Lunafest • Mar 12: HipPOPS! Concerts, New Series for Elementary Age Children • Mar 24 – Apr 2: Sister Act • Apr 4: The Naked Magicians • Apr 8: Symphony Napa Valley Gala & Concert • Apr 11: Semi-Toned presents Sing Theory • Apr 22: Diablo Ballet • Apr 30: Dweezil Zappa, 50 Years of Frank • May 4: Nonsense and Verse • May 6: Voena, Voices of Now • May 14: LolliPOPS! A Free Concert Series • May 20: Messages • June 25: Symphony Napa Valley, Mostly Mozart SPRING/SUMMER 2017
FEATURING: NEW ARTISTS EVERY WEEK SPECIAL LOCAL’S NIGHTS WEEKLY BRUNCHES AN EXTENSIVE WINE LISTING MUCH MORE !
&
VISIT BLUENOTENAPA.COM FOR MORE INFO VERY NAPA VALLEY
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Wine Country Events APRIL 19
APRIL 22
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Blending Seminar
Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine & noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
Be a winemaker for a day immersed in viticulture & winemaking education. Enjoy blending & bottling 2 of your own bottles. St. Helena, 1-3:30pm, $75/members, $100 www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3227
............................................................................................. APRIL 19-21 Wine Country Cuisine Boot Camp Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, St. Helena www.ciachef.edu, 888-858-2560, 9am-3:30pm
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............................................................................................. V. SATTUI WINERY 2017 Lobster Fest Exclusive Members Only event. Lobster, wine, live music! St. Helena, www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774
APRIL 30
APRIL 22
............................................................................................. BERINGER VINEYARDS Hudson House Cooking Series, Class III St. Helena, 11:30am-2:30pm, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771
............................................................................................. APRIL 22
ART, SIP AND STROLL CHLOE JACKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
CALISTOGA FOOD & WINE EVENT • Apr 21: Winemaker Dinner at Fairwinds Estates, 6-9pm, $95 • Apr 22: Grand Tasting Event, Solage Calistoga, 2-6pm, $95 • Apr 23: Chef & Sommelier Brunch www.calistogafoodandwine.com
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APRIL 29 8th Annual Cabernet Cookoff This competition partners professional chefs & local charities in a culinary challenge to pair Hall Cabernet with creative & delicious dishes. Hall St. Helena, 11am-2pm, www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
APRIL 22
APRIL 21-23
APRIL 29 14th Annual Red Gala Napa Valley Youth Symphony’s annual fundraising event, an evening of friends, food, wine & world-class music. Concert goers will be transported to A Night in Havana with international rising star Aldo López-Gavilán. www.nvyso.org, 707-227-9997
5th Annual premier art festival in Yountville featuring over 40 local & regional artists. 11am-5pm www.townofyountville.com, 707-944-8851, $20
............................................................................................. APRIL 22
CHIMNEY ROCK BLENDING PARTY Blend & bottle your own wine with Winemaker Elizabeth Vianna. Afterwards enjoy a traditional wine country feast. Napa, 10am-2pm, $189 www.chimneyrock.com, 800-257-2641
............................................................................................. BEAULIEU VINEYARD Annual Lobster Feast One of their most popular events of the year! St. Helena, www.bvwines.com, 707-967-5200, 1-3pm
............................................................................................. MAY 5
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA The Grand Barrel Party Join Winemaker of the Year, Brooks Painter, and taste your way through new releases & future vintages. Music, dancing, classic Italian foods & more! Calistoga, 6:30-10pm, $95/member, $125/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274, RSVP
............................................................................................. MAY 12
V. SATTUI WINERY Winemaker’s Dinner Exclusive Members Only event. $95/members, $190/guests St. Helena, www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774, RSVP, 7pm
............................................................................................. ............................................................................................. APRIL 22 Earth Day Napa Oxbow Commons, Napa, 11am-4pm, free www.napaenvironmentaled.org/earth-day/
MAY 12-14 Mother’s Day Weekend with Veuve Clicquot Includes Winemaker Dinner & Brunch, Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
APRIL 22 Sip and Paint Seminar Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871
MAY 13
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APRIL 28-29
20th Anniversary Kitchens in the Vineyards APRIL 28-30
VINEYARD TO VINTNER Each year, member wineries of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers open their doors for this one weekend, giving visitors exclusive access to the wines, vineyards and people behind this iconic wine region. Visitors receive personal, backstage access to vintner homes and historic wineries alike, with private tours, barrel tastings and food pairings, all set amongst the glorious vineyards and towering Palisades of the Stags Leap District. www.stagsleapdistrict.com • Exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 28, 6:30-10pm • Back-Stage Open Houses: Saturday, April 29, 10am-4pm • Vintner-Hosted Lunch and Appellation Collection Tasting: Sunday, April 30, 11:30am-2pm Prices range from $690 for a three-day pass, to $545 for a two-day pass (Friday/Saturday), $340 for a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday), and $195 for a Saturday single-day pass. ‘Signature Wine Weekends for Two’ packages are available for $3,399 and include two passes for all three days of the event, the limited 2014 Appellation Collection of 17 handcrafted 2014 SLD designated Cabernet Sauvignons each signed exclusively by the vintners, and one Solle two-bottle jacquard and leather embossed wine tote.
Preview party on Friday at 3:30pm at Robert Mondavi Winery, $250 Visit five stunning houses in St. Helena at the Home Tour Saturday, 9:30am, $70/adv, $75 www.musicinthevineyards.org, 707-258-5559
............................................................................................. APRIL 29 Frank Family Vineyards – Casino Night Craps, black jack, roulette, prizes, food & fun! Calistoga, 6-9pm, $100/members, $125/guests www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859
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APRIL 29
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Awww Shucks! SB and Oysters Rutherford, 1-4pm, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
............................................................................................. APRIL 29
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Spring Wines Celebration AKA “Spring Chicken Day” this is the traditional official release of new vintage Biale wines. Come to enjoy the chance to taste & purchase the new wines along with New Orleans inspired bites and hob nob with the Biale founders, families and Biale growers. 1:30-4pm,$30/members, $45, RSVP Napa, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Spring Lunch at the R.W. Moore Vineyard Enjoy an afternoon at Bill Moore’s legendary & historic R.W. Vineyard in Coombsville, Napa Valley! An exclusive & rare chance to visit personally with Bill at his home ranch among some of the oldest & treasured vines in Napa Valley. Following the vineyard visit and tasting, sit down to a gourmet catered lunch & Biale wines alongside Bill’s iconic big red barn. Napa, 12-3pm, $95/members, $110 RSVP, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555,
............................................................................................. MAY 14
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Spring Pairing Party A formal tasting of 4 wines paired with culinary creations. St. Helena, Seatings at 10am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 2:30pm & 3:45pm www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3227, members/free, $45
............................................................................................. MAY 14 Domaine Carneros – Mother’s Day Brunch Napa, Wine Club Member Event, 10am-12pm www.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101, RSVP
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MAY 14 A Taste of Hall Series: Mum’s the Word Chef Kara Lind & 2014 Hall Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Hall St. Helena St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150, www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
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MAY 17
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine and noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com707-968-3633
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SPRING/SUMMER 2017
MAY 21 Judd’s Hill Winery – Annual Springtime Bonanza Benefits Napa Valley Youth Symphony Napa, 12-2:30pm, $55, members/free, guests/$35 www.juddshill.com, 707-255-2332
JUNE 2 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Peter Michael Winery Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
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MAY 26-28
BottleRock Napa Valley
JUNE 3
BERINGER VINEYARDS Hudson House Cooking Series, Class IV St. Helena, 11:30am-2:30pm, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771
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Music, Food, Wine & Brew – First Taste of Summer Foofighters, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Maroon 5 Napa, www.bottlerocknapavalley.com
JUNE 16
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CASTELLO DI AMOROSA Midsummer Medieval Festival Cheer on your favorite knight at the Jousting Tournament, enjoy a traditional Medieval Feast & more fun! Calistoga, RSVP, $145/member, $175/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274, 7-10pm
JUNE 17 Summer Solstice Party on the Lawn Solstice Sparkling wine, oysters & live music. Merryvale Vineyards St. Helena, 1-4pm, www.merryvale.com, 707-963-7777
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JUNE 18 27th Annual Father’s Day Invitational Car Show Celebrate the art of the driving machine. V Marketplace, Yountville 10am-3pm, free, www.vmarketplace.com, 707-944-2451
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JUNE 18 A Taste of Hall Series: Steak’s Are High Chef Ken Frank & 2014 Hall Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150 www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
............................................................................................. ............................................................................................. JUNE 20
ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY Summer Solstice Yoga Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a rejuvenating yoga practice amidst the beautiful To Kalon vineyard backdrop of the Mayacamas mountains St. Helena, 6:30, $35, $30/member www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328
............................................................................................. JUNE 21
JUNE 1-4
Auction Napa Valley JUNE 17
There will be An Intimate Evening at Rombauer Vineyards, Crystal & Cabaret Soirée at Raymond Vineyards and a Scavenger Hunt: The Art of Cabernet at Hall Napa Valley. www.auctionnapavalley.org, Check website for details.
22nd Annual Taste of Howell Mountain Wine tasting, food pairings, live music & auctions. Charles Krug Winery St. Helena, $150, www.howellmountain.org, 707-965-2665
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine & noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
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Small Family Owned Winery in the Heart of Napa Valley
ELEVATE YOUR WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE! Wine & Charcuterie Pairings and Library Tastings Available
VOTED “BEST TASTING ROOM” IN NAPA VALLEY 2016 Winner - Napa Valley Life Magazine
AWARD WINNING WINES Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Merlot ~ Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc ~ Chardonnay ~ Dessert Wines
TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5:30PM 1563 St. Helena Hwy S. • St. Helena, California 94574 • (800) 963-9454 • whitehalllane.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
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Wine Country Events JULY 29 Crush MS Reid Family Vineyards, Napa, www.crushms.org
ONGOING THIS SUMMER
ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY Summer Concert Series
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For nearly five decades, Robert Mondavi Winery has hosted legendary artists for its annual Summer Concert Series. This next series of not-to-be-missed musical events will begin with a kick-off concert in July 2017. Join the email list in order to be notified when of the 2017 lineup! www.robertmondaviwinery.com JUNE 24 Mumm Napa Lobster Dinner on the Vineyard Green Annual Lobster Dinner paired with Mumm Napa sparkling wines. Rutherford, 7-10pm, $175/members, $210 www.mummnapa.com, 800-686-6272, RSVP
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JUNE 24 Frank Family Vineyards – Pig Roast Summer celebration pig roast. Calistoga,$50/members, $75/guests 6-9pm, www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 942-0859
AUGUST 4-27 Music in the Vineyards 2017 August 12 will be a special gala evening celebrating La Belle Epoque with gourmet French dining & a live auction. Enjoy music ensembles including Pacifica Quartet, Chiara Quartet & Escher Quartet. www.musicinthevineyards.org, 707-258-5559
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JULY 1
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Black Chicken Society Lounge Opens A new feature when you visit Biale on weekends with friends – they have created a relaxing and idyllic spot on the winery property where you can taste the wines and learn about them from one of the gracious hosts and perhaps a surprise visit from one of the founders or winemaker. Napa, 10am-3pm, RSVP www.biale.com, 707-257-7555
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JUNE 24 1886 Winemaker Dinner Ehlers Estate, St. Helena, 7-10pm, $195 www.ehlersestate.com, 707-963-5972, RSVP
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JULY 15
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Lobster Fest Feast on lobster, sausage, corn, artichokes & potatoes while sipping on Rutherford Ranch wines. St. Helena, 5-8:30pm, $100/members, $125 www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3227
............................................................................................. JULY 15 Mumm Napa Lobster Dinner on the Vineyard Green Annual Lobster Dinner paired with Mumm Napa sparkling wines. Rutherford, 7-10pm, $175/members, $210 www.mummnapa.com, 800-686-6272, RSVP
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AUGUST 12 Frank Family Vineyards – Dungeness Crab Fest Chardonnay, lobster & fun! Calistoga, $130/members, $165/guests 6-9pm, www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 942-0859
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AUGUST 13 A Taste of Hall Series: Bountiful Harvest Chef Jeff Larson & 2014 Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150 www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
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AUGUST 13 Harvest Party Celebrate the harvest and sample new fall releases. Judd’s Hill, Napa, members/free, $35/guests, $55/general www.juddshill.com, 707-255-2332, 12pm
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AUGUST 16
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine and noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com 707-968-3633
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JULY 15 The Maine Event – Lobster Feed Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871
AUGUST 25 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Schramsberg Vineyards & J. Davies Estate Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
JULY 16 A Taste of Hall Series: Red, White & BBQ Chef Laura Fox & Gardener Shelly Kusch 2014 Hall Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon, 12-2pm, $150 Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
SEPTEMBER 3 A Taste of Hall Series: Kathryn Hall Y’All Chef Victor Scargle & 2014 Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150 www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
JULY 19
SEPTEMBER 8, 15, 22, 29
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............................................................................................. ............................................................................................. PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Harvest Tours
Ejoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine and noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
Take a deep dive into the Biale harvest & winemaking action, taste grapes, juice & peer into the press! The tour is followed with a tasting and discussion of new wines. Napa, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555 9:30am, free/members, $65, RSVP
............................................................................................. JULY 14-23
FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY 10 Days. 100 Wineries. Over 60 Events. Stars of Music, Dance and Theater. FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY: Joshua Bel|, Angel Blue, Stéphane Denève, Gloria Estefan, Festival Orchestra NAPA, Havana Chamber Orchestra, Jiji, Aldo López-Gavilán, Wei Luo, Lester Lynch, Larisa Martínez, Lucas Meachem, Bill Murray with Jan Vogler & Friends, Nikolay Khozyainov, Napa Regional Dance Company, Napafest Academy Orchestra, Danielle de Niese, Joel Revzen, San Francisco Ballet, Volti Chorus, André Watts, Martin West Music, dance and theater perfectly paired with Napa’s fine wine and cuisine. It’s an experience like no other. Check website for details! www.festivalnapavalley.org, 888-337-6272
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JULY 21 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Paul Hobbs Winery Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
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JULY 28
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA Hot Havana Nights Enjoy great wine, sultry Cuban food, music & cigars. Calistoga, 6:30-10:30pm, $135/member, $165/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274, RSVP
............................................................................................. SEPTEMBER 9
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Paella & Petite Sirah Al Fresco Dinner Biale is becoming recognized as the Napa Valley’s leader in this varietal that is becoming re-discovered for its hedonistic pleasures. What better pairing than the paella of Northern California’s Chef Gerard who specializes in this classic Spanish rice dish and became an instant food star when he bested a certain television chef in a paella “throw down.” Perfect Paella & Petite. 7pm, $100/members, $125, RSVP Napa, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555
............................................................................................. ............................................................................................. JULY 29
V. SATTUI WINERY Festa Italiana – A Mid-Summer Italian Festival Outdoor evening of food, music & dancing under the stars. St. Helena, www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774, 6-10pm
SEPTEMBER 16 Frank Family Vineyards – Day on the Bay Sunset sail on the San Francisco Bay. Calistoga, 6pm, $160/members, $185/guests www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 942-0859
............................................................................................. ............................................................................................. VERY NAPA VALLEY
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
SEPTEMBER 16
V. SATTUI WINERY Harvest Ball Celebrate harvest with a gourmet dinner & be transported to a Roaring ’20s speakeasy in the cellars after dinner. St. Helena www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774, $225/member, $250
........................................................................................................................................ SEPTEMBER 17 6th Annual Barn Bash Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford, www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871
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SEPTEMBER 20
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine & noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm, Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
........................................................................................................................................ SEPTEMBER 22
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA Harvest Celebration & Stomp Grape stomp competition, food & wine stations, live music, harvest & winemaking demonstrations & more! RSVP. Calistoga, 7-10pm, $95/member, $125/guest, www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274
........................................................................................................................................ SEPTEMBER 22 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Staglin Family Vineyard Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
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SEPTEMBER 23 Annual Harvest Party Toast the 2017 vintage with an Italian fest. Dance the night away with Jimmy Duvet and the Comforters Ehlers Estate, St. Helena, 5:30-8:30pm, $75/member, $95, www.ehlersestate.com, 707-963-5972, RSVP
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SEPTEMBER 30
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Harvest BBQ Enjoy a pig roast, Rutherford Ranch wines,live music & entertainment in the Olive Grove. St. Helena, 4-7pm, $50/members, $75, www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3227
........................................................................................................................................ OCTOBER 7
V. SATTUI WINERY Crush Party Exclusive Members Only event. 6-10pm, St. Helena, www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774
........................................................................................................................................ OCTOBER 7
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Fall Wines BBQ Celebration Fall wines will be featured along with delicious bites among the smells (and sounds) of freshly harvested Zinfandel. The last best chance of the year to taste and purchase some of their most limited & coveted wines, including the legendary old vine estate Aldo’s Vineyard Zinfandel, paired alongside all things barbecue! Napa, 1-4pm, $30/members, $45, RSVP, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555
........................................................................................................................................ OCTOBER 8 A Taste of Hall Series: Ode to Fall Chef Lars Kronmark & 2014 Hall Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150, www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
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OCTOBER 18
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine & noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm, Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
........................................................................................................................................ OCTOBER 21
Masters Winemaker Dinner with Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
........................................................................................................................................ OCTOBER 27
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA 9th Annual Pagan Ball A traditional Halloween costume party with lots of tricks and treats including Haunted Chamber tours, live music, Paranormal Activity Exhibit, food & wine stations and more! Calistoga, 8pm-12am, $135/member, $165/guest, www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274
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VERY NAPA VALLEY
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Wine Country Events OCTOBER 28 Halloween on the Hill Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871
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NOVEMBER 4 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Release Dinner Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871
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NOVEMBER 8-12 7th Annual Napa Valley Film Festival Various locations in Napa Valley, www.nvff.org, 707-226-7500
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NOVEMBER 11
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Blending Seminar Be a winemaker for a day immersed in viticulture & winemaking education. Enjoy blending & bottling 2 of your own bottles. St. Helena, 1-3:30pm, $75/members, $100 www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3227
......................................................................................... NOVEMBER 11
NOVEMBER 12 A Taste of Hall Series: Full Table, Full Glass Chef Levi Mezick & 2014 Walt Clos Pepe Pinot Noir Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150 www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
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NOVEMBER 15
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine & noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633
......................................................................................... NOVEMBER 18 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Palmaz Vineyards Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
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DECEMBER 20
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS Wine Down Wednesday Enjoy panoramic views on the patio while sipping wine and noshing on the Bay Area’s hottest food trucks. 5-7pm Rutherford, www.provenancevineyards.com 707-968-3633
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......................................................................................... DECEMBER 31
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA Holiday Wreaths for Charity
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Enjoy the decorated castle, sample fresh bread from the bread oven & enjoy live music. Calistoga, 11am-4pm, Included with general admission. www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274
Join Winemaker of the Year, Brooks Painter, and taste your way through Decadent 5 course dinner, live music & much more! Calistoga, 7pm-1am, RSVP www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274
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The traditional in-the-cellar celebration of Christmas and the Holidays where they delve into the library for some rare treasures. Among the candlelight, and decked out finery, enjoy perfectly-aged Biale wines, and a few newer ones with a specially designed chef’s dinner.Napa, 6:30pm, $135/members, $155 www.biale.com, 707-257-7555, RSVP
DECEMBER 3
10
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DECEMBER 17 A Taste of Hall Series: Home for the Holidays Chef Polly Lappetito & 2014 Hall T Bar T Cabernet Sauvignon Hall St. Helena, St. Helena, 12-2pm, $150 www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626
DECEMBER 2
ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Cellar Treasures Holiday Dinner
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DECEMBER 10 3rd Annual Holiday on the Hill Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871
RUTHERFORD RANCH WINERY Winter Pairing Party A formal tasting of 4 wines paired with culinary creations. St. Helena, Seatings at 10am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 2:30pm & 3:45pm www.rutherfordwine.com, 707-968-3227, members/free, $45
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th
......................................................................................... DECEMBER 31 Masters Winemaker Dinner with Trinitas Cellars Ballroom Dinner followed by an After Party Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa www.MeritageResort.com, 855-318-1768
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“Undeniably Impressive”
Anniversary
–Fodor’s Travel
the Castle ❖ 5 Towers, Courtyard & Stables
107 Rooms – All Different ❖ Drawbridge & Moat ❖ 8 Levels – 4 Below Ground ❖ Dungeon & Torture Chamber ❖ Wine Aging Cellars ❖
96 points
R the Wines
Taste from over a Dozen 90+ Wines, including: 2014 Morisoli-Borges Cabernet Sauvignon 96 points – Robert Parker 2015 Gewürztraminer Sweepstakes Award Top White Wine 2017 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
top white wine
Overlooking legendary Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a mere 5 miles North of St. Helena on the left. Tours | Tastings | Pairings & Events V 707-967-6272 V castellodiamorosa.com
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VERY NAPA VALLEY
WINES SOLD ONLY AT WINERY
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
VERY NAPA VALLEY
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Napa Valley Wineries and TO CLEAR LAKE
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EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF PROVENANCE Situated in Rutherford, Napa Valley’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon
appellation, Provenance specializes in small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc wines that showcase the unique personalities of their respective vineyards.
Enjoy wine tasting flights, artisan gourmet small bite pairings, and wine by the glass inside our tasting room or while taking in
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O U R TASTIN G RO O M S NAPA VALLEY
SONOMA COUNTY
Silver Oak
Twomey
Silver Oak
Twomey
915 Oakville Cross Road Oakville, CA 94562
1183 Dunaweal Lane Calistoga, CA 94515
24625 Chianti Road Geyserville, CA 95441
3000 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448
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