081117 swithoutnorcal

AUGUST 11, 2017 WEEKLY SINCE 1981

Char Vale Winery

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LAKE SONOMA WINERY The mission at Lake Sonoma Winery and Wine Bar is clear.

Provide wine lovers the ultimate sensory experience, leading them through a journey of discovery as they taste the best that Sonoma County has to offer. Renowned varietals from the most prestigious sub-appellations are featured here. Enjoy a portfolio of 26 different wines by the glass from two historic wineries, expressed by one winemaking family in the heart of Sonoma.

Just steps from Sonoma’s historic downtown plaza, explore wines at the Lake Sonoma Wine Bar from regions with some of the most diverse terroirs and micro-climates in the world.

• Alexander Valley AVA – the place for cabernet sauvignon • Dry Creek Valley AVA – the place for zinfandel • Sonoma Coast AVA – the place for pinot noir • Russian River Valley AVA – The place for chardonnay • Sonoma Valley AVA – The place for sauvignon blanc Lake Sonoma Winery is owned by the Stewart Family, thirdgeneration, pioneering West Coast winemakers who have assembled a portfolio of prestigious wine brands, including Madrone Estate and Valley of the Moon Winery, both in Sonoma Valley, Lake Sonoma Winery (Sonoma County), and Quails’ Gate Okanagan Valley (British Columbia).

Winemaker Kat Doescher graduated with a chemistry degree from California’s Humboldt State University in 1999. Originally interested in environmental sciences, her early career was not spent in the wine industry. Fortunately, a vintner friend eventually inspired her to explore a career in winemaking, and she started down the path by securing a wine analyst position at Gallo Winery’s Sonoma facility. In 2006, Kat joined Lake Sonoma and sister winery, Valley of the Moon, as the Enologist. Kat was promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2013, where she leveraged her considerable understanding of the science of fermentation, as well as familiarity with the winery’s grapes over the years to bring out her true art as a winemaker. In 2014, Kat was promoted to senior winemaker to lead Lake Sonoma and Valley of the Moon and their wines into the future.

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Chef Sam Badolato

Tasting Opportunities Select from Lake Sonoma Wine Bar’s expanded tasting opportunities and relax in the lounge area, furnished with comfy leather sofas and chairs. The tasting room also includes a seated wine bar, where guests may choose wine-tasting flights from Lake Sonoma Winery, as well as those from its sister winery, Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estate. Kick off your shoes in the newly renovated outdoor patio, where fire pits, umbrella tables and landscaping create the perfect ambience at the end of a long hard day.

The best wine bars create an atmosphere of intimacy merged with a degree of modern style and taste for a truly relaxing evening, and Lake Sonoma Wine Bar does just that.

Winemaker Kat Doescher

Culinary Offerings The tasting room, lounge area, and outdoor patio are open daily from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing a showcase both for wine tasting and Lake Sonoma Winery’s new culinary program.

Led by estate Chef Sam Badolato, the program offers food and wine pairings, including cheese and charcuterie, decadent chocolate and other nibbles. The extended tasting room hours allow visitors to add Lake Sonoma Wine Bar to their evening out, as either a before- or after-dinner tasting opportunity.

New this summer, experience one of the latest culinary delights, Chef Sam’s Pop-Up Dinners. This is a three-course seasonal treat, limited seating and no reservations required. Check website for upcoming dates.

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Open daily from 1 pm to 8 pm 134 Church Street | Sonoma, CA 95476 Just off the Sonoma Plaza Visitors may access the tasting room from First Street West, between the Sign of the Bear culinary shop & the Fairmont Gallery (707) 721-1979 | www.sfewine.com Follow Lake Sonoma Winery on Facebook 23

CONTENTS TABLE OF

AUGUST 11, 2017 ISSUE 27, VOLUME 36

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FEATURES 22 22 >> ON THE COVER: LAKE SONOMA WINERY

Just Steps from Sonoma’s Downtown Plaza

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SODA ROCK WINERY Steeped in History, Artistry and Award Winning Wines

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COLE’S CHOP HOUSE Steaks and Whiskeys and much more

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CHAR VALE WINERY A Welcome Retreat

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FOLEY JOHNSON Napa History in the Making

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NAPA VALLEY NIGHT LIFE Hot Spots

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EARTH & SKY The Art of Chocolate Inspired by Nature

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TASTE OF SONOMA One of the Country’s Top Wine and Food Festivals

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SIMPLY SUMMER CELEBRATION A Zinfandel Tradition

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THE ZINA LOUNGE Announces their New Wine and Food Pairing Menu

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CHATEAU ADORÉ Come Try the Difference

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SONOMA COUNTRY ANTIQUES New Container Arrives from Europe

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33RD ANNUAL WINESONG EVENT A Spectacular Weekend

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WENTE VINEYARDS’ 2017 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES Top Name Headliners in a Beautiful Vineyard Setting

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Trinchero Napa Valley Stunning New Tasting Room Speaks Loudly A seismic shift is happening in Napa Valley, or so it would seem.

There have been many stunning new tasting rooms developed recently, but none more notable than the recently opened Trinchero Napa Valley, the culmination of a family’s dream that dates to 1948.

Make no mistake, a statement is being made here, and no detail has been left to chance. When your name is finally the prominent feature, everything matters.

This, you set aside time for. This, you’ll be telling your friends about.

A Familiar Location Creating Its Own History For many who have visited Napa over a longer period of time, memories of an old farm house in an open stretch of northern Napa where you tasted wines in the kitchen or on the back porch linger.

Beginning in 2007, Napans have watched as the Trinchero family first built a winery at this site near St. Helena, specifically where winemaker Mario Monticelli handcrafts a variety of single-vineyard wines from more than 100 estate acres in top appellations including 22

Calistoga, Mt.Veeder, Atlas Peak and St. Helena. Some of Napa’s oldest wine caves are here, and a refurbishment of these historic spaces was completed just after a private Hospitality Center joined the winery. Still, through many years, it was possible to see that something special was happening.

A gentle road approaches the complex through Mario’s Vineyard, with notable Cabernet Sauvignon framed by mature oaks along the roadway. There are 12 acres of estate vineyards setting the stage.

A new/old appearing agrarian complex doesn’t begin to hint at what lies ahead through the tasting room doors. A traditional large round Italianate fountain is rimmed by extensive gardens with tall Canary Island palms, California-native valley oaks, live and cork oaks alongside ornamental trees such as Dogwoods, Pistache and Japanese Maple. Drought-tolerant plant selections create restful spaces where teak benches are artistic statements by themselves.

The tasting room is well set back from Highway 29, and its elevated positioning allows for dramatic views of surrounding vineyards.

Both Tesla and universal charging stations are provided, and there’s likely no better place to plug in and recharge both your transport and yourself.

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What To Expect, What Not To Miss

Open The Door and Prepare to Linger The wines, of course—but a visit here is a feast for all the senses. You’ll find an array of wines worthy of taking their place among Napa’s finest, and these are top tier wines, a true top shelf experience. You may find this level of quality at other stops – this is Napa, after all – but you won’t so quickly find the realization of a family’s dream, so neatly envisioned. Trinchero Napa Valley is an homage of sorts to founders Mario and Mary Trinchero, and the estate has been shaped by Bobby Torres, third-generation, architectural degree in hand, and paired with local designer Erin Martin.

Together, they have inspired a warm and inviting stopover, luxury at the highest level yet rooted in the family’s Italian ancestry and both Napa and New York sensibilities.

Your eyes won’t quite know where to look first. The ceilings in this generously sized 5,000-square-foot space are high, moving from 16 to 22 feet. Aspirations taking flight are symbolized with a dramatic array of pheasants (three different types) taking flight across the top of a wall. An impressive and imposing wooden carving from Sierra Leone dominates one corner, a statue Bobby Torres says symbolizes a sense of community. There are a variety of seated spaces, with each setting a work of practical art that functions as both a place to relax and experience the best that Napa has to offer, while at the same time, becoming as much as a part of the experience as the wine itself.

The Legacy Room, which may be immediately apparent or viewed through a speakeasy portal, offers Legacy Wine Club members even more dramatic spaces with large windows framing the vineyard views. For this alone, membership should be carefully considered. All tastings and experiences are offered at a Legacy club rate more advantageous than the visitors rate.

>> BY JAMES CAUDIL

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In addition to the Heritage Wine Tasting which is $30 per person, consider special tasting experiences like these: The Art of Oak ($95 per person) — Available periodically (check the website or call), this special tasting takes place in the wine caves and features barrel tasting of a single vineyard wine from different barrels sourced from varying forests and featuring different toast levels.

A Taste of Terroir ($75 per person) — This 90-minute tour and tasting of four distinct Cabernets from different appellations includes a cheese plate and winery tour.

Wine and Food Pairing ($85 per person)-Offered Friday and Saturday at 11:00am by reservation for up to 6 guests. Enjoy seasonally inspired small bites prepared by our culinary team and expertly paired with a selection of Single Vineyard wines.

Single Vineyard Tasting ($40 per person) — A tasting showcasing four wines, each a specific estate vineyard produced in limited quantity, with each just 12 barrels or less each vintage.

Good to Know Tastings range from $30 to $95.

Seminars and special experiences are available only by appointment.

No picnics or pets.

Featured wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Bordeaux-style blends

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3070 N St. Helena Highway 29, St. Helena CA 94574 (707) 963-1160 | www.trincheronapavalley.com 23

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HOURS DAILY 10AM-6PM