JANUARY 11, 2019 WEEKLY SINCE 1981
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VJB CELLARS OFFERING OFFSITE CATERING WITH RED ROOSTER PIZZA TRUCK The Sonoma Wine Country offers a multitude of excellent culinary offerings —from winery chefs’ curated pairings and five star restaurants to unique fusions and unrivaled taco trucks, one does not go hungry in Sonoma. While there are many worthy options to choose from, sometimes you just want a simple and classic pizza to enjoy with good wine and great friends. Locals know they can find the best authentic wood-fired pizza at VJB Cellars in Kenwood. Their Red Rooster Pizza Co. serves up incomparable crisp Neapolitan-style pizzas, calzones and flatbreads to enjoy with one of VJB’s many wines available by the glass or bottle. Sip and discover Italian varietals, such as the Sagrantino, a rare, bold, red wine, as well as their Sangiovese, Barbera, and Nebbiolo. The estategrown Montepulciano is the perfect pairing for Italian dishes and strikes a similar note to Cabernet Sauvignon in its body and dark fruit. This family owned and operated winery also offers traditional Italian dishes to nibble on while exploring their portfolio of wines, including cheeses and salumi, paninis, frittatas and fresh deli salads. Their appetizing selection of food and wines can be enjoyed al-fresco in the charming piazza adjacent to the tasting room. But when you’re craving a truly delicious pizza, this is the place to indulge. Nothing pairs with a beautiful red wine like fresh pizza from a wood-fired oven. Critics and locals agree -- in fact, the Robert Parker Wine Journal says “VJB Cellars is without a doubt one of the finest purveyors of pizza in Sonoma County.” When you can’t visit VJB Cellars, their pizza can now come to you! VJB is excited to debut their brand-new Red Rooster Pizza Truck
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available for private events! Impress your guests with this fun and festive vintage 1951 Ford Pick Up truck featuring a full wood-fired oven, 4 taps for beer and wine as well as a catering kitchen. The Red Rooster Pizza Truck will handle all the work so you and your guests can relax and have fun. Embrace the spirit of Italian hospitality by gathering loved ones together to celebrate with good food and good wine. Choose from Margherita with fresh tomato sauce and homemade mozzarella, Quattro Formaggi, Pepperoni, Meat Lovers with marinara sauce, assorted cured meats & four cheeses, Vegetariana with fresh seasonal vegetables, Natalia’s Pizza with four cheeses & bacon, Smoked Salmon with olive oil, gorgonzola & caramelized onions, and Artichoke Heart Pizza with homemade mozzarella & Prosciutto Cotto. While many wineries offer food and wine pairings, few actually capture the convivial spirit and genuine hospitality of VJB Cellars. Pairing good food and wine with beloved friends and family is the foundation of their philosophy and is extended through all they do, including their new catering business. Red Rooster Pizza Truck is a delicious way to experience not just the flavors of Italy but also the joy of sharing memorable meals in the company of those who matter most. The Red Rooster Pizza Truck is available for your next Sonoma County event! Call 707.833.2300 for more information or to make your reservation. Good wine, food, and friends are always the best pairing. >> JILLIAN BAKER
Open daiy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 60 Shaw Avenue, Kenwood, CA 95452 (707) 833-2300 | vjbcellars.com 11
CONTENTS
JANUARY 11, 2019 ISSUE 2 VOLUME 38
FEATURES ON THE COVER 10 | VJB CELLARS Offering Red Rooster Pizza Truck 8 | ROBERT YOUNG ESTATE Opens Luxury Hospitality House 12 | WINTER IN THE WINERIES PASSPORT 14 | POPE VALLEY WINERY Original Napa Valley 16 | KENWOOD VINEYARDS Five Unique Collections 24 | ZD WINES OPENS RENOVATED TASTING ROOM Big Views and Deck 26 | TAMBER BEY VINEYARDS A Place to Savor and Explore 28 | SEBASTIANI WINERY Deeply Rooted in Sonoma Valley 30 | CELEBRATE CABERNET SEASON IN NAPA VALLEY 34 | NAPA TRUFFLE FESTIVAL RETURNS January 19-21 42 | BALLETTO VINEYARDS A True Family Affair 44 | SONOMAWOOD 2019 46 | ERIC ROSE WINERY Glen Ellen Treasure 47 | WALT INTRODUCES MILE MARKER SERIES 49 | NEW CRAB FEAST MENDOCINO with County Wide Events 51 | TWISTED ROOTS Custom Labeling Program
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Pope Valley Winery Back in the pioneer days, before the new Napa Valley came along with its glossy, high-tech wineries and sophisticatedly styled tasting rooms, there was what the old locals like to call, the “original” Napa Valley. Otherwise known as Pope Valley. For those wishing to journey back in time to experience the original Napa Valley at a small, family-run winery tucked away from the crowds, then take a beautiful drive up Howell Mountain to this high-altitude hillside valley to visit Pope Valley Winery.
10ON THE COVER VJB Cellars Offering Red Rooster Pizza Truck Locals know they can find the best authentic wood-fired pizza at VJB Cellars in Kenwood. Their Red Rooster Pizza Co. serves up incomparable crisp Neapolitan-style pizzas, calzones and flatbreads to enjoy with one of VJB’s many wines available by the glass or bottle. Sip and discover Italian varietals, such as the Sagrantino, a rare, bold, red wine, as well as their Sangiovese, Barbera, and Nebbiolo and more.
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REGULARS 19 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS 54 | WINERY TASTING ROOM LISTINGS Napa Valley, 54 Sonoma County, 59 Monterey, Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties, 66 Lake & Mendocino Counties, 67 Suisun Valley, 68 | Yolo County, 68 Bay Area/Livermore, 68 Alameda/ Contra Costa, 69 69 | TOP CAVE TOURS
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