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VERY NAPA VALLEY TA S T E

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FRENCH INFLUENCERS Supplement to Modern Luxury

WINE COUNTRY PICNICS • SUSTAINABILITY WINE & WEED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BEYOND CABERNET • VALLEY’S BEST BURGERS

REDISCOVER ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY You know our name—it’s synonymous with wines that stand among the world’s finest. For over 50 years, we’ve been delighting visitors with an inspired mix of award-winning wines, fine cuisine and the best in music and the arts.

WHAT’S NEW ON THE MENU? Sample our hand-crafted, winery-only Spotlight wines from the stunning Vineyard Tasting Room, or linger on our patios, where beautiful views of the famous To Kalon Vineyard invite you to sip, savor and connect with family and friends. Visit the To Kalon Room for reserve wines and personal service in a luxurious, intimate setting. Follow the journey from grape to glass with our Signature Tour, or indulge in our leisurely Harvests of Joy wine-pairing lunch. Whether your passion is cheese or chocolate, Chardonnay or Cabernet, we’re waiting to share it with you.

• VINEYARD TASTING ROOM • PATIO SEATING • WINERY TOURS • TO KALON TASTING ROOM • ART COLLECTION • WINE & FOOD PROGRAMS • SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Tours and tastings 10:00am-4:45pm daily.

Le Marche retail store 10:00am-6:00pm daily.

RESERVATIONS:

robertmondaviwinery.com or call 1-888-766-6328, option 2.

ENJOY OUR NEW EXPERIENCES! BICYCLE TOUR OF THE TO KALON VINEYARD See the famous To Kalon Vineyard on two wheels! Led by an expert guide, you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride in the cool morning, stopping to admire some

For reservations or additional information, please visit our website at www.robertmondaviwinery.com or call 1-888-766-6328, Option 2

of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in North America as well as other iconic spots. We’ll taste 2 wines from this renowned vineyard on our 2-hour journey. Bike and helmet provided.

PICCOLO GARDEN PICNIC LUNCH Planted on a small (piccolo) piece of the To Kalon Vineyard, our culinary garden contains an array of edible flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit trees.

After a walk through our vineyards and the To Kalon Cellar, enjoy a casual lunch paired with our signature Napa Valley wines in this idyllic setting shaded by ancient olive trees.

OPEN DAILY 10:00AM-5:00PM

7801 St. Helena Highway Oakville, CA 94562 888-766-6328 www.robertmondaviwinery.com

See What’s New at Peju!

Rutherford Dust Cabernet Tasting

The Art of Seeing

Enjoy an informal, light-hearted exploration of Cabernet Sauvignon with Peju’s certified Somellier, Ryan Avila.

Your adventure begins in the vineyards and forests of Napa Valley where master photographers Janna Waldinger or Lowell Downey will guide you through landscapes inaccessible to the general public.

Available by reservation only, Tuesday – Friday at 10:30am & 1:30pm.

Available by reservation only, Monday – Thursday at 9:00am-2:00pm.

PEJU PROVINCE WINERY | OPEN DAILY, 10AM  6PM

Wine & Culinary Exploration Learn about the art of pairing food with ďŹ ne wine through an intimate wine and culinary exploration experience.

Available by reservation only, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm

We welcome you to join us daily for our Classic and Reserve Tastings, no reservations required.

8466 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573 | 707.963.3600 | peju.com

CATHRYN MARTINDALE, CHANDRA GRANT, ROSEANN TRZESNIEWSKI, CATHI WASTAL AND GINA BOSTIAN ENJOYING THE RIVERFRONT IN DOWNTOWN NAPA

Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of

VERY NAPA VALLEY On Groundhog Day this past February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil could not find his shadow. And, as the legend goes, this means we are in for an early spring. Fabulous news for the Napa Valley and visiting our glorious Valley!

Hard to believe this is our ninth issue of VERY NAPA VALLEY, our exclusive magazine for all things in the Napa Valley Wine Country. First, we visit some of the “other” red wine varietals in the valley that might be of interest to learn of and taste the likes of Charbono to Zinfandel.

With spring coming early this year, it will soon be time to explore the valley and all its splendor. You might want to take break from your wine tasting on a sunny day and pack a picnic. Many wineries allow picnicking. Some of our favorite options are listed in this issue. If you venture in another direction, make sure the winery you choose allows picnics.

Next, we go a new direction for us exploring “Wine & Weed” in the Napa Valley. We start by comparing the two side by side and what makes them similar.

California is one of the most environmentally conscious states in the country and this holds true for Napa Valley and the wine industry. It might surprise you what some of the green practices are and how they are used.

Our feature story in this issue is one that connects French & American winemaking and the influencers that have emerged in the Napa Valley since the beginning.

With time comes innovation and we look at the art of the label and the new innovations of packaging. There are some interesting twists here and fun options.

Checkout both downtown Calistoga and Napa next! Followed by the best burgers in the valley. These look delicious and a great find at the end of a day and wine tasting! Enjoy!

– Cathi, RoseAnn, Chandra and staff

The team at VERY NAPA VALLEY (and Wine Country This Week)

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Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

DAY TRIPS VERY NAPA VALLEY VERY NAPA VALLEY

THIS WINE COUNTRY MONTH

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SPECIALTY SWEEPSTAKE WINNER and BEST OF CLASS PRAGER WINERY & PORT WORKS Noble Companion – Napa Valley, CA

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1979 • OPEN DAILY 10:30-4:30

1281 Lewelling Lane, St. Helena • 1-800-969-PORT • www.pragerport.com

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FEATURES 11 | Beyond Cabernet A look at a few of Napa Valley’s other favorite red wines 16| Planning a Picnic in Wine Country Tips on what to pack and where to go for the best outdoor eating adventures 22 | Elevating the Human Experience The intersection of wine & weed in Northern California 26 | Sustainability & Green Practices Abound Taking a look at Napa Valley environmentally conscious wineries 46 | Vive Le Vin! French contributions since the ‘revolution’ 54 | Crafting Art Inside & Outside of the Bottle Innovative wine packaging and the industry’s newest obsession: Canned wines 62 | Downtown Calistoga The best spot to relax, restore and escape 66 | Downtown Napa More to offer than ever before!

68 | The Valley’s Best Burgers We picked our top 5!

REGULARS 70 | Napa Valley Dining Culinary deliciousness 74 | Wine Country Calendar Wine-related events 80 | Map of Napa Valley Find wineries, tasting rooms and appellations

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ON THE COVER Courtesy of Visit Calistoga 8

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VERY NAPA VALLEY SPRING/SUMMER 2019 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: Cathi Wastal Direct 707-938-3734 | Mobile 707-815-4070 | cathiw@winecountrythisweek.com

Ta ste. E xplore. Shop.

EDITOR: Chandra Grant Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674 | Email chandra@winecountrythisweek.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ronda Giangreco, Tanya Seibold, Don Sonderling, Melissa Vogt

Weelcome to a Ne w Concept of Wine Tasting a that Pairs Small Production Wines with Woorld-Class Home Décor.

SALES: Cathi Wastal Direct 707-938-3734 | Mobile 707-815-4070 | cathiw@winecountrythisweek.com SALES : RoseAnn Trzesniewski 707-334-1930 | rmtrue@comcast.net

Silver Trident r Winer i y furnished with Ralph Lauren Home

OFFICE MANAGER: Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 | Fax 707-938-3674 | Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com

6495 Waashington Street | Yoountville, California TastingR a o oom@S ilverTridentW r i y..com | 707.945.0311 iner

JU UL LY 20 & 21, 2019

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TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 707.257 7.5782 / ETUDEWINES.COM 1250 CUTTINGS WHARF ROAD, NAPA enjoy responsibly. ©2019 etude wines, napa, ca

Beyond Cabernet A Look at a few of Napa Valley’s Other Favorite Red Wines Napa Valley has always been the Cabernet King and for good reason. The winegrowing region’s terroir—the total environment that contributes to a wine’s characteristics, including soil, climate and topography—is well-suited to this late-ripening, thickskinned grape variety. But many Napa Valley winemakers and wine lovers also know that this highly acclaimed winegrowing region is diverse in its terroir, and consequently, produces more than just Cabernet Sauvignon.

Napa Valley’s 16 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are comprised of more than 100 soil variations, with primarily volcanic soils against the eastern Vaca Range and alluvial soils against western Mayacamas Mountains. Marine fog from the San Pablo Bay and Pacific Ocean provides the valley’s much-needed cooling influence, and tempers the California heat. Temperature across the valley ranges greatly, and the further you get from the San Pablo Bay, the hotter the climate. Elevation also offers a diverse terrain, from valley floor (0 feet) to the top of Mount St. Helena (4,000 feet).

This incredibly complex terroir is what makes Napa Valley so special as a winegrowing region, and why so many talented winemakers focus on making “other” red wines from Napa Valley. Here are some of our favorites…

By Melissa Vogt

Zinfandel grapes, photo by Erin Malone, courtesy of California Wine Institute

Robert Biale Backporch Black Chicken, photo by Suzanne Karp

Robert Biale Vineyards: Zinfandel Robert Biale Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic “other” red wine producers. Winemaker Trester Goetting specializes in crafting limited-production bottles of primarily heritage Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Without a doubt, the muchloved Black Chicken Zinfandel proves how well-suited Napa Valley is for growing Zinfandel vines.

In the Oak Knoll District, where the estate vines that contribute to Black Chicken are planted, an excellent diurnal temperature range of 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for Zinfandel grapes. The heat of the day allows for ripening of this thickskinned grape variety, but the clay-based soils and cool nights keep the grapes from over-ripening, the acidity fresh and the alcohol levels at bay.

The 2016 Black Chicken Zinfandel is simply a divine expres=sion of this grape variety. It is altogether balanced and expressive at the same time, with rich red fruit characteristics, fresh acidity and a brilliantly long finish. Ripe pomegranate, dried fig and baked black cherries dance on the palate; hints of violet and warm baking spices bring a desired savoriness that balances the rich fruit. A medium body and smooth tannins make this wine a delectable Napa Valley Zinfandel.

“A dozen eggs, some zucchini, prunes, walnuts and a Black Chicken...”

Following the repeal of Prohibition, Aldo Biale produced and sold “under the radar” Zinfandel while regulations on alcohol were still strict. The wine’s popularity grew and Biale needed a code name for phone conversations when friends called to place orders of it. The family farm grew fruits and vegetables, in addition to raising hens. So Biale chose the code name Black Chicken, paying homage to his own hens, as well his Italian roots by lifting the Chianti region’s folkloric symbol of the Gallo Nero (black rooster).

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Charbono grapes from August Briggs SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Castello di Amorosa: Sangiovese

Courtesy of Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa has a wonderfully diverse wine collection. This Italian-family winery produces everything from the not-often-seen Gewürztraminer to classic Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course, “other” red wines, such as the Italian varietal, Sangiovese.

Director of Winemaking Brooks Painter has crafted a lovely expression of Sangiovese. It has a composed demeanor and thoughtful balance that comes from the composition of its fruit, which is sourced from three unique terroirs. Grapes are sourced from Castello di Amorosa’s estate vineyard in Diamond Mountain District, as well as as well as from select sites in Napa Valley. There’s also a splash (7%) of Napa Valley Merlot to soften the acidity just a little and provide that extra plushness that Merlot always brings.

The 2014 Sangiovese is crafted in classic Italian fashion, showcasing the varietal’s bright acidity, red fruit flavors and foodfriendliness. Delightful red fruit aromas—reminiscent of strawberry rhubarb pie—leap from the glass. On the palate, your senses are overtaken by dried strawberry and ripe red cherry with toasted baking spices, a touch of vanilla and bright acidity. This is classic Sangiovese in fine form.

Charbono At Summers Estate Wines, you will fall in love with their “other” red wines. Producing not just Cabernet Sauvignon, but also Petite Sirah, Malbec and Charbono, your palate will thank you for the refreshing sips of these artfully crafted, unique varietal wines.

Charbono is a wine you don’t see often, but Napa Valley is actually one of the top three regions for growing this varietal, alongside Argentina and Eastern France. At Summers Estate Wines, Charbono finds a home in one of their Calistoga vineyard sites. The hot climate, marine influence and volcanic soils make this the ideal Napa Valley AVA for growing Charbono. Summers Estate Wines currently holds the record for highest case production of Charbono in all of California, at 900 cases.

The 2016 Charbono has a voluptuous mouthfeel in its medium to full-bodied style. Fruit aromas of blueberry, plum and violets emanate from the glass. Blueberry, dried strawberry and plum mingle with savory notes of earth and spice on the palate. Lively acidity give this wine lift and energy. Winemaker Ignacio Blancas does a beautiful job crafting this exclusive, unique varietal wine.

Another top producer of the unique Charbono varietal is August Briggs, located in Napa Valley’s quaint mountain of Calistoga. The August Briggs wine collection offers up plenty of “other reds” in addition to their much-loved Charbono, such as Petite Sirah, Syrah and Pinot Meunier, making this a fun stop for those looking to taste wines outside of Cabernet.

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Merlot grapes, photo by Erin Malone, courtesy of California Wine Institute

Artesa Vineyards & Winery: Merlot Merlot is Cabernet’s partner in crime, most often seen blended together to craft a Bordeauxstyle blend. While many producers in Napa Valley grow Merlot grapes to craft this style of wine, not everyone makes a single-varietal wine out of from this grape. At Artesa Vineyards & Winery, Merlot is honored as a single varietal.

Artesa Vineyard & Winery’s Merlot grapes are grown in two distinct terroirs: Oak Knoll District and Atlas Peak. Both regions are cooler than other Napa Valley AVAs, and offer a long hang time on the vine, allowing for maximum phenolic ripeness.

Winemaker Ana Diogo Draper has crafted a lovely 2013 Limited Release Merlot. Red fruit aromas of cherry and ripe raspberries abound, while flavors of red cherry, cassis and baking spice flourish on the palate. The cool terroir provides just the right amount of acidity to balance out the luscious mouthfeel. Although Merlot tends to be a soft-textured wine, this representation finds just the right combination of softness and grip from its tannins.

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Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Rombauer Vineyards produces a noteworthy Merlot and although the estate is most widely known for their Chardonnay, that shouldn’t keep you from indulging in their 2016 Napa Valley Merlot.

The grapes for this wine are grown in Carneros’ clay soils, mimicking that of its Bordeaux hometown, and produce a highly aromatic and fruit-forward wine.

This Merlot has lots of structure and texture, with flavors of ripe plum and blueberries, as well as hints of vanilla and cedar.

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Extraordinary Estate Wines | Exquisite Food Pairings | Exclusive Private Experiences 1373 LINCOLN AVENUE, CALISTOGA CA | 707-341-3391 | KNIGHTSBRIDGEWINERY.COM

Planning a Picnic in Wine Country TIPS ON WHAT TO PACK AND WHERE TO GO FOR THE BEST OUTDOOR EATING ADVENTURES There’s nothing more relaxing than taking in the scenic beauty of Napa Valley with a leisurely picnic amongst vineyards. To make your afternoon in the sunshine stress-free and delicious, we’ve gathered up our favorite picnic places and supply essentials to make planning your next picnic in wine country easy and effortless.

First thing to do is choose a spot. There are many wineries and parks to visit in Napa Valley but it’s a short list when it comes to those wineries who are allowed to offer picnicking for their guests.

Visit the Napa Valley Vintners Association website [napavintners.com/wineries] and use their “Features” search tool to get an up-to-date listing of wineries approved for picnics. Next, the food. Depending on your length of stay and time of day you’ll be eating, a hearty lunch complete with easy-to-serve items such as charcuterie, cheeses, nuts, fruits, bread or crackers and something sweet to finish off the meal with is plenty to keep you going for a full day of wine tasting – and won’t spoil your appetite for the gourmet dinner you’ll be enjoying that evening.

By Tanya Seibold

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When it comes to outdoor eating in the land of grapes, don’t get too hung up on the wine pairing aspects. Picnics are a casual way to explore the region’s artisan food producers in a relaxed setting where the focus is more about the vistas and great company rather than perfecting each pairing in the basket. In general, red wines will pair nicely with most all meats and charcuterie, and fruity white wines will match up well with many of the local cheeses. Try a savory soft goat

cheese like this Rainbow Peppercorn Goat Cheese from SkyHill Farms with a bright Sauvignon Blanc, or an Italian Prosciutto and spicy salami with a full-bodied red such as a Napa Syrah or Cabernet. The options are endless.

So get on out there to the wineries and parks and spend a lazy afternoon taking in the beautiful scenery of Napa Valley, just enjoying your time with friends and family and sharing whatever’s in your basket over a glass a glass of cheer.

PICNIC SPOTS NAPA CELLARS A fragrant lavender field, ancient olive trees and Insta-worthy views of their estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard await. Bring all your favorite picnic foods to enjoy with the purchase of a bottle of Napa Cellars wine.

Shade umbrellas are provided and a game of ladder ball or cornhole on the lawn keeps kids of all ages entertained. For dog lovers, your well-behaved/on-leash Fido or Fifi will be welcomed in high-style with their very own complimentary water service, presented on a silver tray. A dog bowl, bottled water and a few doggie treats will keep your fourlegged friend happy and hydrated. You’ll even receive a Napa Cellars crested bandana for your pup to wear home.

RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY The winery’s Oak Grove picnic area high above the valley floor offers one of the best views of Napa Valley.

Picnic tables are available on a seasonal basis for guests to bring their own picnic foods while they enjoy Rutherford Hill wines.

A table fee of $75 is waived with equal or greater valued wine purchases and is complimentary for club members.

By reservation only … contact GuestServices@RutherfordHill.com to book.

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V. SATTUI WINERY This landmark winery is Napa Valley’s destination for picnic-goers and wine tasters alike. Gather all your picnicking supplies here as their deli is a delight for the senses with local and imported cheese, house-cured olives, sandwiches featuring Italian-style charcuterie from their own salumeria, sweet and savory condiments, breads and crackers, sweets and more. Grab a bottle of their award-winning Cabernet and red blends, rosés and sparklings, and specialty dessert wines, then head out to your picnic destination.

Or, stay and enjoy your feast at one of their many picnic tables with a glass of wine. No outside foods or wines beverages permitted.

POPE VALLEY WINERY Looking for spectacular views? A scenic drive up Howell Mountain will offer incredible vistas of the entire Napa Valley as you make your way up and over the mountain to a special gem called Pope Valley Winery. Bring your picnic so you can enjoy a wine country lunch at a quiet, unpretentious and historic winery.

Specializing in estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, rosé, Chenin Blanc and some pretty amazing old-vine Zinfandel, visitors can play some bocce and sip and share a wine as any of their limited releases are available by-theglass or bottle.Well-behaved (leashed) dogs are welcome, so bring your four-legged friends along, too!

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BALE GRIST MILL STATE HISTORIC PARK Located between St. Helena and Calistoga, this California Historic State Park is the site of a waterpowered grist mill that was built in 1846 by Edward Turner Bale. It’s one of only two that is still in operation west of the Mississippi River. The mill and its 36-foot water wheel are protected as a state historic landmark and the tree-filled area surrounding the mill offers a nice shady spot for a picnic before or after your mill tour. There is also a trail which connects the historic park to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and the site includes the first church in the Napa Valley.

Offering all organic and stone-ground flours milled on-site, visitors can for a small donation pick up a bag of polenta, cornmeal, spelt, buckwheat, rye and whole-wheat flours, along with gifts in the historic granary gift shop. Milling demonstrations and historic tours are offered on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday holidays during the summer. Admission to the mill is $5 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 17, and children under 6 are free.

OAKVILLE GROCERY The longest operating grocery store in California (opened in 1881), Oakville Grocery is an iconic destination for gourmands. Located in the heart of Napa Valley hungry patrons can choose from their famous Muffuletta Sandwich, Veggie Wraps, Cold Fried Chicken Sandwich, along with a variety of gourmet salads, imported and local cheeses, a pantry full of condiments, baked goods, sweets, coffee drinks and more. A top-notch selection of local wines is curated by their in-house sommelier so pick up a bottle to enjoy with lunch. Tip: This is a busy stop for many visitors so get there ahead of the lunch crowd with your order ready to go. This will get you in and out quickly, and back on the road for more adventures in wine country. View menu online at oakvillegrocery.com.

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WHAT TO PACK Whether you’ll be coming for the day from the greater Bay Area or a longer stay from out of state, our handy list of picnic essentials will ensure a pleasurable outdoor lunching experience for adults and any children in tow.

PICNIC TOTE You’re going to need a sturdy bag, tote or cooler to load up all your picnic supplies like plates, napkins, cutlery, glassware, foods and alike. If traveling to wine country by car, then by all means go then by all means go oldschool and load in a traditional wicker picnic basket or basket or hamper. They are y (and sturdy (and very retro) and will will hold all the staples for a simple outdoor lunch.

A small ice chest/cooler will do the trick for perishables and you can purchase bagged ice at any gas station or supermarket in the valley. If coming to the area by plane, then make room in your suitcase for a large canvas tote bag.

Plan ahead and pick up this natural canvas Vintage Napa Valley Lined Pocket Tote on-line from Napa retailer Mercantile 12 [$52, takehomewinecountry.com]. The handy front pocket will hold a wine opener and pocket knife for slicing salami, cheeses and fruit — just make sure the knife stays in your checked luggage until your final destination to avoid losing it to TSA!

BLANKETS/CLOTHS Pack a light-weight blanket or cloth that you can use for setting up your spread on the lawn or table in the winery’s designated picnic grounds. Toss in a few cloth napkins (eco-friendly!) and individually wrapped hand-sanitizing cloths for easy clean-up after snacking.

SMALL CUTTING BOARD Hands down, one of the most essential tools for a successful picnic. Use it for cutting hard meats and cheeses, slicing fruit and as a serving plate for all of the above. Pick one up during your winery travels in Napa in the gift section of many tasting rooms or plan ahead and order online for this Deluxe Acacia Cheese Board Set complete with three cheese tools that slide inside for easy storage. {$22.95, picnictime.com]

GLASSWARE

TRAVEL BOARD GAMES

Most wineries will provide the stemware and take care of opening the bottle you purchased, but if glassware is a concern with the kiddos when sipping al fresco, then look for Govino®, the on-the-go stemless wine glasses.

Shatterproof, reusable, dishwasher safe and BPA/BPS-free.

Available in Napa Valley at Oakville Grocery, Dean and Deluca, and Sunshine Market.

If you’re traveling with children who need a diversion from all the winery visits (and their electronic device) then a family picnic amongst the vines will be enhanced with an old-fashioned board game or two. There are several travel-size games like checkers, chess, backgammon that can be found online and won’t take up much room in a bag. Also look for travel size cornhole/bean toss sets for a physical activity the whole family will want to do.

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The Intersection of Wine & Weed in Northern California

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So, how do we define quality?

A great wine is defined by its typicity (does it taste, look and smell like it should), aroma, flavor, structure, and overall balance. Balance being one of the most prized attributes of exceptional wine.

Cannabis quality is determined by similar attributes – with the awesome addition of effect or how it makes you feel.

Beyond cannabinoid content (the most prominent being THC and CBD), the effect of a particular strain depends a great deal on its terpene profile, or the aromatic compounds. The corresponding aromatic elements in wine are called phenols.

Unlike phenols, terpenes actually offer their own, often profound, therapeutic effect. Limonene, for example, offers increased mental and physical energy, and is most often found in Sativa-dominant cultivars. Whereas Linalool (also found in lavender) offers calming effects and is usually associated with more relaxing, body-based or stoney feel.

Exceptional wine and exceptional cannabis are both defined with nearly identical attributes including absolute attention to detail in every aspect of farming and production.

While the actual plants (and products) obviously differ, the ultimate expression of quality for both is defined by terroir, plant selection (clones, rootstock and strain), hand-tended cultivation practices, mindful harvesting methods and handson craft production – where passion, love, art and science converge to create a delicious, finely balanced product.

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Beyond its feel-good effect, we’re now just beginning to understand the powerful medicinal and therapeutic value that cannabis has to offer. With more than 45 proven therapeutic applications, cannabis can assuage many of the ailments brought about by our fast-paced modern culture ranging from anxiety and stress, insomnia, physical pain, inflammatory and autoimmune dysfunction, and even cancer.

The question is… how on earth does this seemingly miracle plant work on so many things?

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The answer becomes easier to understand when you look at the human Endo-Cannabinoid System. One of the most important physiological systems in the human body, it’s responsible for maintaining health by regulating and balancing all the other biological systems of the body including the regulation of all our major organs.

Cannabinoids and the receptor sites within our body systems facilitate communication and coordination between all our different cell types and tissues, with the singular goal of creating a greater state of homeostasis or balance.

Once we understand how cannabis works, the question of quality becomes an even more important discussion. In the simplest of terms, a product we’re using to support health and balance should be grown and processed with purity and balance at the forefront.

California’s food and farm pioneers have demonstrated, time and again, that sustainable practices improve the quality of food, environment and community. Every consumer knows an organic tomato from a farmer’s market tastes better than one grown in a greenhouse, out of season.

When it comes to cannabis, the cultivation methods are even more important. The greatest overall, balanced effect will always come from plants grown in soil, under the sun, and allowed to develop their full spectrum potential throughout the entire growing season, free from fertilizers and pesticides.

Farming methods that force plants to flower three to six times per year, including indoor and light-deprivation greenhouse, are wholly unnatural. In comparison, imagine the quality of a wine produced from a grapevine was forced to produce grapes three to six times per year.

Pioneering the Biodynamic cannabis movement, premium holistic cannabis companies like HerbaBuena are redefining the perception of quality. No longer informed by an illegal black market which was forced to grow plants indoors, and motivated solely by the highest THC content, quality cannabis is now being defined by its ability to provide the full spectrum of therapeutic potential, offering a balanced effect (no more paranoia or couch lock) and pure, delicious flavor.

The full benefits of cannabis are realized when you rely on, rather than attempt to recreate, the plants’ natural lifecycle and inherent complexities.

Coming next… Elevated Pairings, Combining Wine, Food & Cannabis Alicia Rose founded HerbaBuena in 2015 as lifestyle company focused on improving health, harmony and higher consciousness of people and planet. Informed by a 17-year career working with dozens of ultra-premium wine brands, and a handful of 100-point winemakers, Alicia is committed to elevating the human experience through cannabis, holistic health and pleasure. A founding Board Member of the Napa Valley Cannabis Association, the Mendocino Cannabis Industry Association and the Wine & Weed Symposium, she’s committed to educating people about the therapeutic value of cannabis.

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Sustainability & Green Practices Abound Taking a Look at Napa Valley Environmentally Conscious Wineries Sustainability has become a buzzword in the California wine industry, and for good reason. In a state that saw one of the worst drought spells between 2012-2017, and historic, record-breaking fire seasons in 2017-2018, it’s no wonder local winegrowers and winemakers are concerned with the environment.

“I don’t think there is an option to not be environmentally conscious these days,” states Will Drayton, Director of Technical Viticulture & Research Winemaking at Beringer Vineyards. As an industry that relies on a healthy and stable environment to grow grapes and make wine, producers would be remiss to not jump on the environmentally conscious bandwagon. And, although global climate change is out of any one winery’s control, making realistic efforts toward growing grapes and making wine in a more sustainable way has proven to have a significantly positive impact on the industry as a whole, as well as the greater environment upon which the industry relies.

By Melissa Vogt

Dollarhide Ranch, Courtesy of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

Courtesy of Beringer Vineyards

For wineries, environmental consciousness is about preserving the land. “As stewards of the land, preservation is our responsibility and through our commitment to sustainable winery and farming operations, we are protecting our land and environment for future generations,” says Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery.

In doing so, environmentally conscious wineries in Napa Valley are ensuring the strength of the industry and their community.

As a response to the desire for more environmental consciousness among wineries, the Napa Green program was developed for vineyards in the early 2000s, and grew to include wineries in 2008. As an all-encompassing sustainability certification program, vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley work to earn certification by helping protect and restore the Napa River; reduce energy, water usage and waste; adhere to ethical employment practices, and respect and support the community in which they live. The number of vineyards and wineries who have achieved this certification is incredible. Across Napa Valley, 80,000 vineyard acres are Napa Green Land certified, and more than 80 wineries are Napa Green Winery certified.

In 2018, Napa Valley Vintners and the Napa Green program received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). This highly esteemed award is given to organizations that make significant efforts toward conserving California’s resources, sustaining the environment and boosting the economy.

Napa Valley wine lovers all around the world will be pleased to learn that this world-class winegrowing region is committed to crafting the same high-quality wines they have 28

always been known to produce, but now with the intent to preserve and protect the environment at the same time.

Beringer Vineyards Wine lovers will not be surprised to learn that one of Napa Valley’s most historic wineries, Beringer Vineyards, leads the way in sustainability and green practices. Founded in 1876, Beringer is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. Today, the estate is making impactful decisions towards building a more sustainable future for the wine industry as a whole. All of Beringer’s Napa vineyards, and the winery itself, are certified sustainable as part of the Napa Green program.

The aim is to trial state-of-the-art equipment that helps to significantly reduce energy and water usage in the winery, as well as decrease CO2 emissions, then make these technologies available to other wineries around the world.

“We are one of the most technologically advanced wineries in California,” states Will Drayton, Director of Technical Viticulture & Research Winemaking at Beringer Vineyards.

“We have implemented new technologies from throughout the world, but close to home, UC Davis has been a wonderful partner in pioneering new approaches with us.”

Drayton and his winemaking teams are working alongside two UC Davis PhD candidates to test, implement and perfect a variety of innovations all designed to improve sustainability in the winegrowing and winemaking regimen.

“One of the most energy intensive processes in the winery is cold stabilization, a necessary step in assuring quality in wines prior to bottling. We're developing a system that cools down only a small portion of wine at a time, saving a significant amount of water and reducing the

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energy needed. We are the first company in the world to explore this step in the winemaking process, and how we can achieve the same quality goals at a lesser impact, and we are working with Davis [PhD candidate Ben Gaviki and Professor Ron Runnenbaum] to perfect and prove the concepts," Drayton says. Once successful, the insights and innovations gained will be shared with the broader winemaking community.

In the vineyards, “We work on restoring soil health, bringing the vineyard into a naturally healthy state that promotes healthy vines. In the same way, we’re working to help restore the health of the Napa River,” Drayton states.

“For example, to improve the habitat for salmon, we restricted farming in areas close to the river, where in the past, we might have farmed far closer. We work with the Napa Resource Conservation District (RCD) to get a pulse on the health of the river, and our efforts have resulted in our designation as certified for Fish Friendly Farming.”

We follow no till protocols to improve biodiversity within the soil, reducing erosion, looking at all vineyard practices to assure a holistic view of how we treat the land, today, with an eye to the future,” says Drayton.

Between the work in their vineyards and winery, Beringer Vineyards is committed to advancing sustainability practices industry-wide. And their admirable commitment speaks clearly in their wines.

Charles Krug Winery At the iconic Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena, Peter Mondavi Junior takes being environmentally conscious seriously. He grew up in Napa Valley and is determined to make sure it remains for generations to come. “If you abuse the land and take from it, and don’t give back or sustain it, then the land won’t be there for the next generation—for family and the community as well,” Mondavi states.

When it comes to the vineyards, “there are two overarching factors that we look at,” Mondavi says, “we minimize applications—so if we apply anything to the vineyards, we only apply as much as need, and we use organic as much as possible. We also practice erosion control, because many of our vineyards are near the Napa River.” Laying down straw and planting cover crops between the vines helps manage the vineyard soil and keep it out of the river. In doing this, the riparian habitat remains healthy and able to sustain local wildlife, fish and plant life. “We’ve grown up here," Mondavi says, "and seen the Napa River deteriorating as kids. We can see it being reinvigorated again. We can directly see the benefits of our collective practices.” In addition, “vines that fend for themselves—not going in aggressively with chemicals to care for pests or mildew or whatever—will produce higher quality grapes,”

Reducing water usage and solar energy are just the beginning at Alpha Omega Winery. “It’s important for wineries to be environmentally conscious, because when you use nature for your job and revenue, you are ethically obliged to respect it and make sure it is sustainable,” Winemaker Jean Hoefliger states.

Photo courtesy of Alpha Omega Winery SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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Courtesy of HALL Wines

Mondavi says. It’s a win-win for the wine and the environment.

In the winery, the estate’s efforts “really give us an insight into our usage application of energy and water,” Mondavi states. “Part of the program has rigorous documentation and it brings our attention and awareness to the inputs there—then we focus on how to minimize our inputs.” The implementation of solar panels has reduced the estate’s electricity usage by 40%, and a more efficient lighting and refrigeration system has decreased usage all around.

With these kinds of practices in place, wine quality is at its peak. This is clearly evident in the 2014 Limited Release Voltz—a 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon so pure in its varietal expression, you can almost taste the vineyard from which it comes. The intense dark fruit aromas unfold with layers of cassis, blueberry, black tea leaves and wet forest.

On the palate, elegant but grippy tannins envelop flavors of cassis and blueberry, with vanilla and baking spice on the long finish. The full-bodied texture fills your mouth. This wine has a very clean and defined style, and truly speaks to the vineyard practices that help produce such impeccable grapes.

Alpha Omega Winery Located just south of downtown St. Helena, Alpha Omega Winery shines as a beacon for sustainability and green practices. “It’s important for wineries to be environmentally conscious, because when you use nature for your job and revenue, you are ethically obliged to respect it and make sure it is sustainable,” Winemaker Jean Hoefliger states.

In California, water usage is a hot topic, and at Alpha Omega, they are committed to using as little water as possible. “Water is such a precious commodity, and we wanted to find ways to use less of it,” Hoefliger says. “We 30

control irrigation using satellite data. We attach sap flow sensors made by Fruition Sciences to remotely measure vine transpiration, and use Tule evapotranspiration sensors to determine how much water is necessary for the plants to grow.” These technologies and practices have made it possible for Alpha Omega to cut their water usage down by 25%, and subsequently help them produce higher quality grapes at the same time.

In addition to their close attention to water usage, energy usage is also under scrutiny. “We operate almost completely on solar when it’s not harvest season,” Hoefliger says. And, it’s easy to see that Alpha Omega takes solar power very seriously, with their five solar polar arrays that frame the backside of the estate. In the tasting room and winery, “we always try to use recyclable, environmentally friendly materials,” Hoefliger states. “Consumers have so many choices these days, not just with Napa Valley wineries, but with everything. They want to patronize businesses that are good stewards of the earth, which we are committed to being.”

In the vineyards, the team combats pests with birdhouses and natural resources, limits their water usage, and harvests at night to eliminate the use of refrigeration once the grapes are picked; these are just a handful of the sustainable vineyard practices that work preserve resources to increase the quality of the grapes. This heightened quality is evident in the 2016 Sunshine Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Hailing from the Oak Knoll District, this 100% varietal Cabernet has a dark royal purple color in the glass, with exuberant aromas of cedar wood, baking spice, forest floor and cassis. The palate is clean, fresh and powerful with rich black cherry fruit, cassis and plum. As the wine sits in the glass, it unfolds with layers of structure, tannin and complexity. This is exceptional Cabernet for the ages.

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Rose bushes are often seen as vineyard row heads and fenceline dividers. Like mustards, their bright colors help with pollinators and beneficial insects, but equally as importantly, roses are susceptible to two very common irrigation and trellis prunning issues: powdery and downey mildews.

Photo courtesy of Robert Mondavi Winery

Hall Wines Located on the southern end of St. Helena, Hall Wines is committed to sustainability and green practices in their vineyards and winery. In addition to being Napa Green certified, their estate vineyards are also certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) program and all 11 of their vineyards are certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA).

Through these rigorous programs, Hall Wines adheres to irrigation standards, environmentally friendly farming practices and natural plant treatments.

In the vineyards, cover crops minimize erosion and owl boxes act as rodent control. In addition, vines are monitored with modern equipment such as neutron probes, stem water potentials, flow meters and weather stations to asses moisture level in the soil, vine stress and vine water usage.

Hall practices regulated deficit drop irrigation with recycled processed wastewater, so that the vines are only watered as much as necessary. These practices keep water usage at a minimum.

Their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification program attests to the winery’s strong commitment to protecting the environment. This award honors Hall Wines for their high-tech, sustainable production facility and tasting room, making the estate is a 32

benchmark for its construction, design and operations of green buildings.

The close attention to detail in terms of their water usage with the vines helps to maximize grape quality, and it shows in their 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This lovely wine shows savory aromas of cassis, wet earth and cedar, with flavors of cassis, blackberry and cocoa on the palate. A full-bodied wine with a lot of varietal expression, this Cabernet speaks to the testament of only giving the vines as much hydration as they need. This helps keep the berries compact and intensely flavorful.

Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville’s renowned Robert Mondavi Winery has always been a leader when it comes to environmentally conscious practices. For nearly 50 years, the estate has grown their grapes as naturally as possible, using sustainable vineyards practices with a commitment to conservation. Preserving the health of their vines is a top priority, which is why their “environmentally friendly practices include conserving soils and water, managing pests, and recycling water and materials,” states Genevieve Janssens, Chief Winemaker.

Robert Mondavi Winery manages an impressive 1,000+ sustainably farmed acres in Napa Valley. These vines are maintained using leaf and canopy removal, integrated pest

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EXPERIENCE OUR PRIVATE TASTINGS IN THE HISTORIC R HINE HOUSE OFFERED DAILY. R ESERVATIONS R EQUIRED. WWW.BERINGER .COM/VISIT R ECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR R HINE HOUSE PRIVATE SEATED TASTING

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2000 main street, st. helena, ca 94574 | 707. 257. 5771 Enjoy Responsibly ©2019 Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena, CA

management and raptor roosts to keep away mildew, pests and rodents; and application of grape pomace compost and cover crops increases biodiversity and soil fertility, while decreasing erosion. All of this aids in water conservation.

Janssens says that these practices create “the basis for sustained production and fine quality wine.”

The estate recycles both materials and water in the winery—with more than one million gallons of waste-water going back into their vineyards every year. In addition, grape pomace is composted back into the vineyard to increase the health and sustainability of the vines and soil. At their Carneros Vista Vineyard, which sits beside the Huichica Creek watershed, they practice hillside erosion control to

protect the creek as a habitat for endangered California freshwater shrimp.

With so many impressive practices being used in the vineyards, it’s no wonder the wines are of utmost highquality. Take for example the 2015 To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Franc, which is pure and beautiful in its expression of the prestigious To Kalon Vineyard terroir. Layers of blackberry, plum and sweet tobacco leaf unfold on the. On the palate, grippy but soft tannins envelop flavors of blackberry, black cherry cola, purple flowers and graphite.

The texture reveals a layered style, with a full body that fills your mouth from the first sip to the long finish. Clean and varietally precise, this Cabernet Franc speaks to the vineyard practices that help produce such impeccable grapes.

ZD Wines Like many of the other longtime families in Napa Valley, the deLeuze family of ZD Wines feels strongly about making sure that the earth and industry are preserved for future generations. “Our commitment to being environmentally conscious is core to our family values,” says Robert deLeuze, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Winemaking. “This is the only earth we have, and we all have a responsibility to take care of it,” deLeuze states.

At ZD Wines, being environmentally conscious in the vineyards is a commitment that began in the late 1990s, when the family organic certified their vineyards in Rutherford and Carneros. At these vineyard sites, “we encourage biodiversity and resilient ecosystems, where beneficial birds and insects can thrive,” says deLeuze. This

“We encourage biodiversity and resilient ecosystems, where beneficial birds and insects can thrive,” says deLeuze. This helps keep the soil healthy and vital, which is critical to producing great wines. In addition, energy use in the vineyards comes from solar panels and their tractors run on biodiesel. “All of this comes together for a healthier vineyard,” Robert deLeuze proudly states.

Photos courtesy of ZD Wines 34

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Visit Bennett Lane Winery – Home of 60 90+ Point Wines from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Come visit the friendliest tasting room in the Napa Valley.

Choose from Three Tasting Flights, a Private Wine Blending or Private Seated Tasting Ask about our wedding proposal packages!

Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

3340 Hwy 128, Calistoga, CA 94515 707-942-6684 | www.bennettlane.com

helps keep the soil healthy and vital, which is critical to producing great wines. In addition, energy use in the vineyards comes from solar panels and their tractors run on biodiesel. “All of this comes together for a healthier vineyard,” deLeuze proudly states.

It’s all about reducing usage of energy and water in the winery. “We’re as vigilant inside the winery as we are in the vineyards, mitigating our use of natural resources,” deLeuze says. To do this, the family relies on solar panels for electricity and recycling water used during production for vineyard irrigation. “We strive to be environmentally sound in all of our practices.”

It comes as no surprise that the family’s commitment to these practices shows in their wines, because “great wines reflect their origins,” as deLeuze says. This is no more evident than in the 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, made with 100% organic grapes primarily from their Rutherford estate. Barrel-aged for a total of three years, this deeply complex and seductive Cabernet exudes quality. It has a highly aromatic nose of cassis, kirsch, sweet tobacco leaf and vanilla. With time in the glass, the palate unfolds with layers of fruit and savory notes: black cherry mingles with vanilla, baking spice and cedar. This wine is balanced and fullbodied, with a silky texture and long finish. This is a gorgeous, complex Cabernet build for the long term.

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery Located in the heart of Rutherford, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is an icon of sustainability and green

practices in Napa Valley—and they always push themselves to innovate further when it comes to being environmentally conscious. Their “Green Team,” CEO Emma Swain says, “is responsible for educating and assisting each department in developing and adhering to the Green initiatives established companywide. We meet at least monthly together and with other wineries to find ways to continuously improve.” The enormous energy and effort the estate gives to continuously improving their environmentally conscious practices is admirable, and they have become a model for sustainability throughout Napa Valley.

Inside the luxurious tasting room and throughout the winery property, efforts have been made to reduce energy and water usage, in addition to upholding a rigorous composting and recycling program. Swain says, “In 2015, we installed a rooftop solar array that offsets roughly 80% of our energy bill.” Even though this reduction of energy usage is incredible, the estate is ready to push themselves further and install new solar arrays over the winery crush pad, to “bring our energy offset to 100% or more,” Swain states. To reduce waste, everyone participates in reusing organic matter through composting, eliminating bathroom paper hand towels, using paper products with 30% or more postconsumer waste, and recycling all recyclable materials through their onsite bottling line and reusing them.

St. Supéry composts all of their grape pomace and returns it to their vineyard soil, in addition to using 100% reclaimed water—from their rain-filled lakes—at their stunning Dollarhide Estate Vineyard. The moisture of the vines are

Dollarhide Estate Vineyards, Courtesy of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery 36

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monitored using aerial imagery to determine irrigation needs and biodiversity is promoted to maintain a balanced ecosystem. The biodiverse practices include using sheep to graze the cover crops and assist in reducing herbicides, and reducing tractor passes in the vineyards. They also practice integrated pest management, which makes the “least possible impact to agro-ecosystems,” Swain says.

All of this is helping to improve the quality of the vines, fruit set and ultimately the wines. The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect example: aromas of black cherry cola, cocoa, tobacco leaf, wet leaves and graphite leap from the glass. The medium-bodied palate shows refined tannins and flavors of spiced black cherry cola, plum and Christmas cake. This is a classy, well-made Napa Valley Cabernet with esteemed vineyard pedigree.

Cakebread Cellars Cakebread Cellars is an iconic Napa Valley winery, located in the middle of Rutherford and Oakville. The Cakebread family has made incredible efforts at the estate to make Cakebread an environmentally conscious winery.

The winery has made extensive efforts to recycle their waste, growing from recycling 72% of their waste in 2008 to now 93% by 2018. In addition, they have installed a unique parking lot feature to help give back ground water. Bruce Cakebread states, “Our green parking lot has permeable pavers, gravel pave and grass pave in our driveway and parking areas. All water from the parking lot drains though the pavers, a gravel bed and then into a bio swale, where the water goes back to ground water.” This is a unique feature that not only eliminates water waste, but replenishes the earth with this precious resource.

When it comes to the vineyards, they practice biodiversity with their 60 oak trees and almond and olive orchards, as well as onsite beehives— which encouraged the estate to become certified bee-friendly in 2018.

Beginning in 2018 and into 2019, Cakebread says, “We are trialing a pilot project from Bio Filtro, to determine if we can treat our winery waste water using sawdust and worms that will result in using less energy to operate.” This new project would result in energy savings while also producing compost to use in their vineyards.

The estate’s commitment to sustainability and green practices shows in their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, with boysenberry, black cherry and garrigue aromas. This is a concentrated and structured Cabernet with firm tannins and bright acidity. The palate shows black cherry and cassis fruit with baking spice and mineral undertones; complex and structured, this clean Cabernet is precise, delicious and absolutely age-worthy.

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Marshall’s Farm Natural Honey Wine isn’t the only Napa Valley product produced with an effort to preserve and give back to the environment. At Marshall’s Farm, the family crafts gourmet honey that is as natural as it gets—raw, pure, unheated, uncooked, unfiltered and organic.

Beekeeper Spencer Marshall only harvests in small quantities in order to craft high-quality, gourmet honey. This practice also keeps the bees thriving in their hives. The honey is derived from distinct microclimates in and around the Bay Area, and each location supports only a few bee hives. The “terroir” of these microclimates—just like wine— influences the flavors in the honey. Diverse flora and fauna, along with the changing seasonal blooms, create unique flavors, texture and colors in each honey.

Marshall’s Farm helps keep the Northern California bee population thriving. In addition, the practice of keeping bees also helps maintain plant species diversity, because bees are key to pollination for many plants that would otherwise not survive.

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The Road Less Traveled

Estate grown and produced wines… perfectly balanced, pure expressions of Howell Mountain fruit with all the glorious concentration, intensity and length of the AVA.

Napa Valley’s oldest family-owned winery is now six generations strong. Take a scenic drive, come reminisce with us, and taste the difference 128 years make.

Tours are personal and very limited – always educational, fun and a bit different than other tasting room experiences.

TOURS & TASTING BY APOINTMENT ONLY

2950 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574 www.nicheliniwinery.com 707-963-0717

300 Stone Ridge Road, Angwin (707) 965-2552 www.bravantevineyards.com

Turn left & go back 100 years 5 Million Years in the Making

Open Daily 10am-5pm Picnic Grounds – Hand Dug Cave – Bocce – Tours Come Enjoy an Authentic Napa Valley Experience

Family owned and operated boutique vineyard and in-cave winery producing outstanding Bordeaux varietals

6613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley Ca 94567 www.popevalleywinery.com – (707) 965-1246

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1189 Green Valley Road, Coombsville, Napa, CA 94559

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. (707) 927-0765

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A Vineyard

A Wine

A Family

A Legacy

Wines as Breathtaking as the Views Tours & Tastings Welcomed Daily by Appointment 707•963•3816 x103 tastings@viader.com viader.com 1120 Deer Park Road Deer Park CA 94576

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POPE VALLEY WINERY A Hidden Treasure in Napa Valley Wine Country Take a left as you turn off the Silverado trail away from the hustle and bustle of main stream Napa Valley. Along a winding country road, you’ll see buildings dissipate and give way to undulating rows of vineyards dotted with farmhouses. As you drive past Gus, the friendly chocolate lab, you’ll find one of the most unpretentious, down-to-earth tasting rooms in Napa. This hidden treasure is home of the Pope Valley Winery. The serene, bucolic setting offers a wine tasting experience far away from the ostentatious fare to be found at some of the other wine country destinations. You will be treated less like a visitor and more like an old friend.

To reach the Pope Valley Winery requires a short leisurely drive that sets the stage for the winery experience. Winding through picturesque fields, rolling vineyards and oakstudded hills, one gets the feeling of being transported back to old Napa.

While the winery’s roots go back before the 1800s, the next generation of the Eakle family, brother and sister team David Eakle and Diana Eakle Hawkins, takes pride in producing award-winning, twenty-first-century wines while preserving the winery’s authenticity and heritage.

Pope Valley Winery gives wine lovers the ability to step back in time and take in 40 acres of history. Let them transport you to an era of days gone by as you tour the historic cave and take in its unique craftmanship with the hand-hewn beams and tall shale walls. The century-old blacksmith shop and the original farmhouse tell a story of the history of Pope Valley.

Laugh, sip and unwind … bring a picnic lunch or play a game of bocce while you enjoy our wines and hospitality at this dog- and family-friendly winery. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.

Open Daily 10am-5pm | 6613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley, CA 94567 | (707) 965-1246 | www.popevalleywinery.com 40

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A 39-Year Legacy of Fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon New! Joy of Cabernet Experience Explore a collection of single-vineyard and appellation-driven Cabernet Sauvignons … learn the influences of AVAs, vineyards, climates, growing conditions and winemaking techniques … all in an intimate setting. Available by appointment only.

Coming soon: Joy of Chardonnay, Joy of Zinfandel

ROMBAUER VINEYARDS shares their Passion for Good Food, Fine Wine and Family Traditions AWARD-WINNING LEGACY WINES: CABERNET, ZINFANDEL, ICONIC CHARDONNAY, MERLOT, SAUVIGNON BLANC Majestic Views : : Underground Caves : : Hospitality Like No Other Spectacular Flower Gardens with 100 varieties of plants and flowers plus original artworks

Open by appointment 10am-5 pm. Groups 6+ please call the winery. 3522 Silverado Trail N, St. Helena CA 94574 | (707) 963-5170 | www.rombauer.com

ZD WINES A Must-Visit Napa Valley Experience Quality, consistency, and style. These words are the driving force that have led to 50 years of successful winemaking by three generations of the deLeuze family of ZD Wines. Founded in 1969 with a passion for producing world-class wines, today they are continuing the celebration of their 50th harvest anniversary by unveiling their newly renovated hospitality center designed by the family and Wayne Leong of Leong Architects. Britt Hull with The Tide Design put the finishing touches together with décor selections that tie the modern design with the welcoming hospitality of ZD Wines.

Located in the heart of Rutherford in the Napa Valley, guests of ZD Wines will be greeted with a welcome splash of wine in the brand-new reception lounge. On the far side are glass windows that showcase their cold barrel fermentation room, providing a transparent glimpse into their sustainable winemaking practices. Magnificent 13-foot glass doors made in Portugal enclose a private tasting space that leads to the outdoor Pearl’s Garden patio. Photos line the walls that give a glimpse into 50 years of winemaking at ZD Wines.

Guests will be led into ZD’s newly renovated Vineyard View Room and Deck, which offers breathtaking views overlooking the vineyards of the Rutherford valley floor all the way across to the Mayacamas Mountains – a backdrop to a memorable photo no doubt. In the sleek and modern

hospitality room, guests will be delighted with tastes of ZD’s award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines during the seated Vineyard View Tasting experience.

To accompany the new space, ZD is offering elevated tasting and tour options in which guests may choose between limited offerings of Library or Reserve wines that demonstrate the elegance and ageability of their wines, and are complemented with cheese and charcuterie selections.

To fully capture the best of ZD Wines, opt for the immersive “Abacus In-Depth” behind-the-scenes tour and tasting where your group will learn about ZD’s pinnacle wine. Abacus, a multi-vintage wine that expresses the complexity of a well-aged wine with the intensity of a younger wine, is a solera-style blend consisting of every vintage of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that they’ve ever produced since 1992. Upon conclusion of the tour, you will be seated in the Vineyard View Room and enjoy tastes of their current release Reserve wines along with a bottle of Abacus while relaxing in the chic tasting room.

To enjoy the best that Napa Valley has to offer with an experience at ZD Wines, visit zdwines.com to book your tasting or call 800-487-7757. Reservations for the Vineyard View Tasting are highly recommended and required for all enhanced tours and tastings or parties of eight or more.

Open daily 10am-4pm, appointments preferred | 8383 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558 | 800-487-7757 | info@zdwines.com | www.zdwines.com 42

...born out of a passion for the Italian lifestyle.

Like Andretti Winery, the finest things in life are often hidden away.

Nestled alongside a quiet country lane in the heart of the legendary Napa Valley, Andretti Winery exudes old world charm as it whisks wine lovers back in time to a slower pace of life. Modeled after a rambling Italian village, the winery conjures up the boyhood home of its namesake, Mario Andretti, the finest race car driver of all time. He and Joe Antonini, former Chairman and CEO of Kmart Corporation, purchased the Property in 1996 and built a winery fashioned after an Italian Tuscan Villa.

Mario and Joe have been honored by the Italian Government by receiving the Commendatore dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana – the highest honor a civilian can receive!

Visit the 42-acre estate in the esteemed Oak Knoll appellation • Award-winning wines • Barrel tasting • Vineyard stroll • Ultimate dinners • Private events

Racing legend, Mario Andretti

OPEN DAILY 10:30-5:00 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 259-6777 | andrettiwinery.com

SCHWEIGER VINEYARDS & WINERY Family Farming Rooted on Spring Mountain Many businesses say they are all about family. To Fred and Sally Schweiger, it is important to make everyone feel part of their family and be certain every visitor is treated to “a once-in-alifetime experience, every time.”

Family, farming and grape growing is part of Fred Schweiger’s genetic makeup. His parents had a farm in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Fred worked summers on his grandparents’ vineyard property in the Santa Cruz Mountains, purchased by his greatgrandparents around 1910. Little did they know this would be the start of a legacy. As a boy, Fred didn’t imagine himself as a winery owner -- but the road of life takes unexpected turns.

Fred studied forestry, building and technology, subsequently starting his own construction company. When mortgage interest rates climbed during the “Great Inflation” of the late 1970s, Fred’s company had very little business. What he did have were four loyal employees, and he was determined to take care of them.

Fred had an idea: His parents had purchased property on Spring Mountain in the 1950s, and in 1961 Fred had purchased the adjacent property. So, he thought: Why not keep his team working, clear the land, and plant a vineyard. Crazy? An impossible dream? Maybe…but why not! Land was cleared in 1979, vines planted in 1981, and the first harvest was in 1984.

With a vision, hard work and ambition, Fred and his wife Sally became vintners.

Fred knew they grew some pretty good fruit, and began selling it to well-respected wineries such as ZD, Stags Leap and Newton. During that time, Fred’s son Andy was attending UC Davis, majoring in Fermentation Science. As the saying goes, “the rest is history.” Andy eventually began making wine, and Schweiger Vineyards started its own label with the initial 1994 release.

Fred still works the land (and loves giving tours). Andy makes the wine, and his wife Paula is involved in the tasting room, meeting, greeting and helping to pass on the Schweiger “family feel” to all who visit.

Schweiger Vineyards is a boutique winery specializing in high quality Bordeaux wines from grapes grown on the estate.

Sitting atop Spring Mountain Road, overlooking the vineyards and valley below, sipping your wine, you may think you have found Shangri-La, as you become part of Fred’s dream.

Fred’s great-grandparents hardly could have imagined that, five generations after they purchased their Santa Cruz vineyard property, their legacy would be a premium family winery in the Napa Valley.

By Donald Sonderling

Schweiger Vineyards | | 4015 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94575 | | www.schweigervineyards.com | | (707) 963-4882 44

WINETR AIN.COM | 80 0.427.4124 | NAPA , CA

Vive Le Vin!

French Contributions Since the ‘Revolution’ W

ith the so-called “revolution” over forty years in the past, it’s time to take a good look at the remarkable reverberations of what, according to Barbara Ensrud of the Wall Street Journal, was a “shot heard round the world.”

Without question the adversarial nature of the French and American wine industry connections have softened. In fact, an influx of French winemakers to the Napa Valley has, to the benefit of wine lovers everywhere, created a synergetic blending of old world knowledge and new world innovation. The competition’s unlikely outcome actually stimulated an exchange of ideas and technology between French and American vintners, incorporating the talents, passion and tradition of both regions.

But, perhaps most notably, the attention garnered by this remarkable turn of events placed the wines of the Napa Valley indisputably in the esteem, and in the cellars, of some of the most discerning collectors in the

world. Many argue that it was the turning point for the Napa Valley wine industry.

If you missed the movie “Bottleshock” you may not be aware that on May 24, 1976, a prestigious wine tasting took place in Paris that shook the foundations of a very rarified group of oenophiles. British wine enthusiast Steve Spurrier was the owner of a small wine shop and as well as a noted wine school in Paris.

Spurrier dreamed up this idea of a Napa Valley vs.

France wine tasting competition in order to introduce the American wines to the world. While his intentions might have been honorable, and he did take care to select some of the best contenders from the promising new wine region of Napa Valley, he certainly never expected the upstarts from California to outshine the venerable French wines to which they were pitted against. Had he known beforehand of the outcome, it is doubtful he would have risked his reputation and his friendships on such a chancy endeavor.

By Ronda Giangreco

over the newcomers from the Napa Valley is a vast understatement. But when the victorious wines were revealed, it was shockingly a 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon that came out on top, as well as a 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. Sacre Bleu!

Once feathers unruffled, however, many French winemakers decided to take a long, hard look at what these crazy Americans were doing in their vineyards and cellars, with many venturing over the sea to participate in this viticulture revolution. Four decades later, The Napa Valley now boasts a number of French-owned wineries, as well as many extremely gifted and celebrated French winemakers. To read the list of French-owned wineries and French winemakers is to recognize some of the most renown and celebrated of the region. Clearly, the mollifying of tensions was a benefit to both countries.

John Goelet, Clos Du Val – Selecting the right winemaker, Bernard Portet Winemaker, Bernard Portet, Clos Du Val

The blind tasting positioned the newly created California Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays against their revered and seasoned French counterparts, red Bordeaux and white Burgundies. To everyone assembled it appeared as a decidedly unfair match. The nine judges were all French, including representatives from the AOC regulatory board, the Institut Oenologique de France, as well as some of the top Parisian restaurant owners and sommeliers of the day. To say they were each utterly confident their highly refined palates would be able to recognize the superior French wines, including the renowned first growths of Mouton Rothschild and Haut Brion,

One of the first to venture out to the wilds of the Napa Valley was a young Frenchman with a very notable pedigree.

The winery he would create, Clos Du Val, was the dream of John Goelet and his wife, Henrietta. The two founded the winery in 1972 and never imagined the astounding effect their efforts would have on their homeland. John was a descendant of Bordeaux’s famed wine merchant, Barton & Guestier. When he began his winery, he knew that selecting the right winemaker would be the essential element in helping him to create the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that he envisioned could be produced from the rich volcanic soil of the Napa Valley floor. In the shadow of the dormant Mount St. Helena, John planted his vineyard. He had tapped French winemaker Bernard Portet to assist him in finding the right property and together they founded the Stags Leap District vineyard now

“Clos Du Val’s new tasting room, Hirondelle House, is both a reflection of its over 45 years of family ownership as well as an expression of what we believe the quintessential wine country experience should be. The expectations and desires of guests visiting the Napa Valley have changed over the years. Clos Du Val’s family ownership and team believed that it was incredibly appropriate to evolve with those desires and ensure that we provided a thoughtful, personable and welcoming experience for our guests. One that seamlessly connected our history with today and allows our guests to discover our wines in a way that isn’t pretentious or rushed. Over the last couple of years we have continued to elevate our farming practices and winemaking to maintain the high quality of wines we’ve historically been known for – the immense effort that we put into creating world-class wines needs to be mirrored by the experiences that we provide guests here at the winery. For us, one simply doesn’t make sense without the other.”

George de Latour, Beaulieu Vineyard

George de Latour, Beaulieu Vineyard

known as Hirondelle Vineyard. From these renown vineyards, the very wine that created all the stir at the Paris tasting would be produced.

Says grandson and now owner, Olav Goelet, “My grandfather, John Goelet, and founding winemaker, Bernard Portet, brought a distinct philosophy and vision to their wine.

First, they wanted to make wines that would complement the meals we enjoy. Second, they believed it was important for a wine to reflect the terroir from which the grapes were grown.

Blending of varietals was a natural approach. They looked for a balanced, complex wine that was a complete reflection of our own vineyards. This approach was different from the Napa Valley philosophy at the time. Clos Du Val’s participation in the 1976 Judgement of Paris, and claiming first place in the subsequent 1986 rematch, solidified their winemaking philosophy, helped to elevate Napa Valley’s presence as a premier wine making region.”

A new generation is at the helm of Clos Du Val today. Four decades later, Clos Du Val now has an array of international influences. Their current winemaker, Ted Henry, received guidance from the late, great winemaker Dimitri Tchelistcheff from France (who passed away last year), as well as current assistant winemaker Mabel Ojeda from Chile.

As Shannon Muracchioli, the director of marketing relates,

Beaulieu Vineyard, the home of the renowned visionary Georges de Latour, celebrates a historic milestone this year, its 118th anniversary. In 1900, when Georges de Latour’s wife, Fernande, first laid eyes on the land that would become their original Rutherford vineyard, she named it “beau lieu,” or “beautiful place.” Shortly thereafter, de Latour bought the fouracre ranch and founded Beaulieu Vineyard with the vision of making Napa Valley wines that would rival those of his native France. De Latour quickly made a name for himself by importing Phylloxeraresistant rootstock from Europe to the recently-ravaged fledgling California wine industry. He also began selling wine to the Catholic Church, establishing a strong relationship that would allow Beaulieu Vineyard to become the only Napa Valley winery to remain in business during Prohibition. In fact, during Prohibition the winery increased its business. After the repeal in 1933, de Latour began searching for someone who could contribute European winemaking expertise. In 1938, he traveled to France and returned with André Tchelistcheff, the famed viticulturist and innovative enologist. Tchelistcheff introduced cold fermentation for white wines, malolactic fermentation for reds and aging red wines in small, French oak barrels. He also insisted that the de Latour family’s private Cabernet-based wine – what they called “Private Reserve” – be bottled and sold as the winery’s flagship offering. The result was the inaugural 1936 vintage of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that was destined to become Napa Valley’s first “cult” Cabernet.

Jean Noel Fourmeaux, Chateau Potelle Jean Noel Fourmeaux was another one of the early French “pioneers,” landing in the Napa Valley in 1980 to create his winery Chateau Potelle.

Says Jean Noel, “I’m a non-conformist. The laws and rules

Jean Noel Fourmeaux, Chateau Potelle

Elan & Julien Fayard, Azur

of France were too rigid for me. I think the traditions there may have become an excuse to avoid innovation. Here in America we can make wine with more freedom. I currently produce a couple of blends that my customers love. In France they’d put me in jail for making them!”

But as Jean Noel points out, “The fruit here is very different from France. It is exuberant. There is a generosity to the grapes.” Coaxing great wine from them proved to be easier than assimilating to his new surroundings, though.

“In America you work to make money. In France we work to spend it. The approach to life’s pleasures is different. Not wrong, just different. The “terroir” of my body and soul is French but I’ve adopted America as my home. I can’t help but make wine with my own ‘terroir’ and I’m certain it has had a positive role in my winemaking success. This may be my 35th harvest here, but I’ve never forgotten my roots in France.”

development and tasting room design through her consulting company, Elan Fayard Consulting and Julien overseeing the production of Azur as well as producing wines as a consulting winemaker for some of the most coveted Cabernet Sauvignon wines of the valley with his consulting company Fayard Winemaking. They have just opened a state of the art, winemaking facility off of North Kelly Road to add to the quality of their winemaking and to offer a wholistic A-Z winemaking offering to their winery clients.

They have just opened the Azur tasting lounge in this new hip urban setting with an aim to redefine the wine country experience for those who enjoy seeing behind the scenes, this will provide it. The tasting room is named the Green Room with a glass wall to showcase the production facility in action while guests enjoy the wines. To schedule a visit, call (707) 812-4203.

After completing his MBA from top ranking Davis University in Entrepreneurship and Business, Julien Fayard combined his knowledge of wine production, business management, winery development with his French roots to bring Azur into a place of prominence and garner accolades throughout the wine world.

Julien attributes the essence of his winemaking style to his years at Lafitte Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte in France.

Here in the Napa Valley he’s been able to team up with another famous French winemaker, Philippe Melka to produce some of the most highly acclaimed wines the valley offers.

He, too, has enjoyed the freedom of winemaking in America. Says Julien, “Producing wine in France is a lot more restrictive. This is based on a long history of winemaking that have created tighter regulations based on how wine should be made from certain regions, defining everything from varietals, to aging and blending based on a geographic location in order to protect the “style” and character of that area. Napa, in comparison to France, is still quite young. There is the ability

Julien Fayard, Azur Soon other ambitious and determined young men and women would set their sights on this budding wine region where innovation was welcomed and the land was fertile.

It wasn’t just the promise of magnificent grapes that enticed one young man from France to make the move across the Atlantic. For Julien Fayard it was the love of an American woman, and her passion for French wine that provided the motivation. The two oenophiles met in France where Elan had landed to further her study of wine in Bordeaux and Provence, after living in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, and studying in the Loire Valley in France. They bonded over their passion for exceptional wines. With Elan’s early years being spent in San Francisco Bay Area, it is no surprise the pair landed in the Napa Valley. And much to the benefit of the region, both are now contributing to the advancement of Napa Valley’s most coveted wines with Elan working with wineries to build their direct to consumer sales and marketing, wine club

to grow and innovate here without oppressive rules and regulations that provide an opening ability to produce some of the best wines in the world.”

As Fayard says, “Napa provides a winemaker more creativity and the ability to explore what will make incredible wines based on experimentation, not regulated by rules of what one can and can't do. For example, I produce our Empreinte Grenache from Napa vineyards. Napa is typically known for growing stellar Cabernet Sauvignon varietals. If we were in St. Emilion in Bordeaux and were to produce a Grenache from this Cabernet Sauvignon area, we could not identify it as coming from this area, as the AVA dictates what can be made from that area, not the integrity of the wine itself.”

To these renegades of the French wine world, the American wine drinker is a refreshingly receptive consumer.

“Wine drinkers here are open to tasting and coming to their own conclusions, not just basing it on the region to determine if the wine is good or not,” reports Fayard. His philosophy is to produce wines that express pure, terroir-driven specificities and characteristics. He believes that as a winemaker, one doesn’t control the wine but rather wine style is the result of a combination of soil, climate and vineyard management.

But it wasn’t just the prospect of producing outstanding Cabernets that attracted the French to the Napa Valley. The Champagne region of France also had its share of dreamers looking for new horizons and new opportunities in this California valley.

early movement toward inspired pairing before its closure in 2014 to allow for expansion of the winery and tasting room.

Today, Domaine Chandon is in the hands of a remarkable young woman. Having grown up in the Champagne region of France, Pauline Lhote realized when she was a young teenager that her obsession was bubbles. She never veered from her dream of becoming a world-class winemaker, specializing in sparkling wines.

“Growing up in France gave me the sense of love for wine, says Pauline. “This is where my passion for vine growing and winemaking came from. In France, you get exposed to wine at an early age. I remember my Dad giving me a drop of wine during Sunday lunch. This is part of the culture and French gastronomy. Wine has always been very intriguing to me and I began to have an interest and desire to be a winemaker when I was 14 years old.”

She began her quest for greatness in the field by obtaining a National Diploma of winemaking in Reims, then mastering her trade at Moët & Chandon. In 2006, as a young woman, Lhote traveled to the Napa Valley with a mere three-monthlong contract in hand. Now, at the ripe age of 34, she is working on her 13th harvest for Domaine Chandon, a stunning winery that offers that ubiquitous French experience of a glass of outstanding bubbly, a breathtaking view and

Robert-Jean de Vogue, John Wright and Pauline Lhote, Domaine Chandon Domaine Chandon became the first French-owned sparkling winery in California when, in 1971, Robert-Jean de Vogue of Moet et Chandon met John Wright, a passionate business man with a keen interest in California. De Vogue and Wright brought de Vogue’s expertise in the sparkling wine field to the town of Yountville in 1973. For a noted Champagne house to make the move across the Atlantic, and attempt to match the distinction of that eminent French region, was a sign of the promise that the Napa Valley offered.

Purchasing and planting vineyards throughout the valley with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the traditional grape variety used in the making of French Champagne, Domaine Chandon has become an icon of elegance and prominence in the Napa Valley. Utilizing the traditional champenoise method in the production of their awardwinning wines, Domaine Chandon sparkling wine collection has found its way to the tables of some of the most discerning wine lovers, as well as prestigious dining establishments in the world. The winery now also produces a range of still wines as well. Domaine Chandon was also one of the first wineries to recognize the importance of marrying great wine with great food. Their restaurant, Etoile, was the embodiment of the

Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf, Picayune Cellars, photo by Robb McDonough

architectural splendor.

“Being French but living in the US has definitely shaped my philosophy. For me, it is about combining the French tradition and know how, using all the techniques and tricks that I have learned over the years that are passed down from generation to generation. I also embrace the California forward thinking which opens the doors to innovation and creativity,” reports Pauline.

Pauline has risen to become a celebrity in the wine world, with feature stories about her in numerous magazines. She also made the list of Wine Enthusiast’s 2017 40 Under 40. A highly sought-after speaker, Pauline represents a success story that continues to inspire young women interested in joining the growing ranks of female winemakers.

Guy Devaux, Mumm Napa Another visionary from the Champagne region who saw potential in this little California valley was Guy Devaux. In the late 1970s Devaux came to the valley from the famed GH Mumm Champagne house and produced his first label under the name Domaine Mumm. The lineage of the house can be traced all the way back to 1827 when Jacobus, Gottlieb and Philipp Mumm began their quest for prominence in Rheims, France and introduced their signature cordon rouge sash that continues to grace each bottle of Mumm Napa sparkling wine today in honor of their French heritage.

It takes patience and perseverance to create a world-class sparkling wine. It wasn’t until 1983 that Devaux was finally able to celebrate the first harvest for what was then called Domaine Mumm, and it was with great pride that he was able to steer the winery to greatness in the years to follow by utilizing the traditional French methods of production. In 1989, Mumm Napa produced a tête de cuvée named DVX Origins in honor of Mr. Devaux’s enormous contribution to the winery.

Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf, Picayune Cellars Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf is yet another remarkable transplant from France. Claire grew up in Auvergne, but then began an international level of training in order to understand wine from a worldwide prospective. She earned her wine degree in Chile, returning to France to work harvest in St. Emilion and the Côte du Rhône. But it was her chapter in South America that would truly shape her career.

It was there that she met Paul Hobbs, who hired her to work at his award-winning winery in Argentina, Vina Cobos, and then coaxed her to come to California in 2006.

In addition to Picayune, Claire started a consulting company in 2010 that focuses on helping wineries like Matthiasson Wines, Anomaly Vineyards, Morlet Family Estate, Cowhorn Winery and more to grow their businesses.

As Claire relates, “Where you grow up defines your palate.

The new generation of Taittingers: Vitalie, Clovis and Pierre-Emmanuel

From my childhood in France I learned to appreciate wine as a lifestyle. Wine is very much like music, it is personal and emotional. When I am blending, I want to make a wine that has personality a wine that has something to say yet I want it to be balanced and subtle. My own personal choice is for aromatic wine that isn’t overly extracted, a wine with balance and nuances. As a winemaker, it is important for me to make wines I want to drink.”

She, too, has come to appreciate the generosity and unpretentiousness of the American palate. “In France, many winemakers are often trying to make wines that are going to last decades. I think the winemaking in the US is more realistic and focus on wine drinkable in a much shorter time understanding not all of us own a wine cellar. I want people to drink my wines and I embrace the more pragmatic American style. That said, a few of my wines will bonified with a few years in and they can be aged for a decade but probably not three!

Claude Taittinger, Domaine Carneros Claude Taittinger was also to arrive in the 1970s with those early pioneers in the budding wine business of the Napa Valley, intent on recreating the Taittinger Champagne House style in America. He was drawn to the most southern region of the valley, an area that had been home to sheep ranches for centuries. Carneros, in fact, is the Spanish word for rams (male sheep). Claude saw potential in the rolling hills, cooled by the morning sea breezes and selected a 138-acre parcel on which to plant his grapes. He also saw great promise in a young woman winemaker. Eileen Crane was another woman who was to learn at an early age that sparkling wine production was her path in life. When Claude tapped the young graduate of Davis to oversee the development of the winery and vineyards, the two of them teamed up to create one of the most magnificent and celebrated sparkling wine producers in the world.

It has been three decades since Eileen Crane got her start at

Christian Moueix, courtesy of Dominus Winery

Domaine Carneros in 1987. The years have been marked with many successes and awards. She has become one of the most distinguished names in the Napa Valley wine industry and a muse for scores of talented young women who would follow her lead.

Domaine Carneros opened its grand doors in 1989. The meticulously manicured grounds and towering stone estate look out over miles of vineyards, transporting visitors to a vision of a French countryside. Domaine Carneros offers distinctive styles of sparkling and still wines from which to sample, ranging from the classic vintage-dated Brut cuvée to their uber-luxurious Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs, as well as a Pinot Noir, the wine that has become synonymous with the Carneros wine region.

Christian Moueix, Dominus Winery About the time that Eileen was first realizing her dream, another young man was setting his sights on a life in the Napa Valley. As a young college student in Southern California, as many are apt to do, Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. That would not necessarily be an event of note, except this young man was the son of JeanPierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and wine producer from France. Christian dutifully returned to his homeland in order to take up the mantel of managing the family vineyards.

But his dreams of the Napa Valley did not go away. In 1981, he purchased a 124-acre vineyard just west of Yountville. The Napanook Vineyards had been producing grapes since 1838, but it took the expert hand of Moueix, in partnership with others, to coax it once again to greatness. In 1995, Christian

took over sole ownership and realized his vision of owning a California winery with the creation of Dominus Winery. He is now one of the most respected wine producers in the world.

His journey from Bordeaux to Napa has inspired many to reach for perfection in both grape growing and winemaking.

Perhaps no other winery represents the marriage of cultures and countries like Raymond and JCB. The Raymond family was one of the first of a pioneering group of visionaries to arrive in the Napa Valley in the 1930s. At a time when much of the valley was planted in prunes, the Raymonds married into a winemaking family named Beringer and history was in the making. The Beringers had brought their winemaking skills from their native Germany, and were generous with the knowledge they garnered there. Roy Raymond begin working as a winemaker for them in 1933 and passed to his sons a love of the art. In 1970, he and his boys purchased their own estate in Rutherford. Their first wine was released in 1974, with the boys and their father laboring side-by-side in the vineyards and cellar. Five generations of Raymonds have earned their status as royalty in the Napa Valley.

But the journey of Raymond was not finished. It would return to its European roots when Jean-Charles Boisset took over the helm and entwined the Raymond name with Burgundy’s esteemed Boisset Collection. Yet another French winemaking genius was to put his mark on the Napa Valley.

In the four decades since the upshot winemakers of the Napa Valley forced their French counterparts to recognize their contributions to the world of exalted wines, there has been a tremendous amount of “cross pollination” between the two cultures to the benefit of wine lovers everywhere. While the rivalry is now more good-natured, there is still a sense of competitiveness that drives winemakers of both countries to reach for brilliance in every bottle they produce. They just do it in a slightly more collaborative manner.

As Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf reflects, “These days there is a lot of mutual respect between France and the US.” Those judges in Paris might not have envisioned such a consequence to the awkward outcome of their infamous tasting competition, but as the French say, “Une bonne bouteille de vin n’a pas besoin d’un bouchon (a good bottle of wine never needs a cork).” The wine being produced by these daring and innovative French winemakers of the Napa Valley definitely inspires you to savor every drop of every bottle.

And, no Frenchman can ever resist a good bottle of wine, in spite of where it may have originated.

Furthermore, three decades after the famous Paris tasting, the event was recreated in the hopes of evening the score.

Alas, the Napa Valley wines, once again, captured the top prizes. But this time, some very talented French winemakers who had joined with their American counterparts were able to claim their role in the victories and celebrate a truly delicious detente!

more than a century of napa valley excellence.

Enjoy $1O OFF * the Cabernet Collector Tasting featuring our iconic wines and exclusive library vintages Use code VNV10 when booking online at www.bvwines.com/visit or mention this offer. Advanced reservations recommended.

*

Offer expires May 31, 2019.

www.bvwines.com Open Daily | 1960 St. Helena Highway | Rutherford, CA 94573 Enjoy Responsibly

Š2019 Beaulieu Vineyard, Rutherford, CA

Crafting Art Inside & Outside of the Bottle 54

Innovative wine packaging and the industry’s newest obsession: Canned wines Competition is fierce among wineries with each producer vying for your palate and ultimately, your loyalty to their brand from first sip. With so many choices in styles, price-points and varietals, how does one even begin to explore the plethora of wines available. Ratings, scores and reviews are for many the most solid indicators of a wine’s pedigree. However, vintners are now paying greater attention to what’s on the outside of the bottle too.

Consumer purchasing data shows standout packaging is what's needed to be a disrupter, to compete for a consumer’s attention and win the coveted first impression rosé. Greater emphasis on design and visual quality of a wine label is more important than ever with today’s wine drinker, fueling an expectations of clever, eye-catching artwork to be indicative of equally as impressive liquid inside.

We sat down with a few of Napa Valley’s vintners who shared with us how they design a wine label, and what its artistic story means to them. We wanted to know what inspires their bottle and label aesthetics to learn just how important a label really is when it comes to the business of promoting wine in today’s very crowded marketplace.

By Tanya Seibold VERY NAPA VALLEY

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Looking for connections between several of the most well-known conspiracy theories like Area 51, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Paramount Studios, the coordinates of each site infiltrated the algorithm and from there, the art took on a life of itself.

Anarchist Wine Co. “When it came to the look of our label, we knew we wanted to do something different, and definitely something related to the tech world we all live in today,” says Steve Ryan, General Manager of The Wine Foundry and Anarchist Wine Co. in south Napa. “We brainstormed a list of our favorite thinkers, shakers and idea makers. Then, we were tasked with researching details and dates from their lives.

These could be a date of a publication, a speech given or the release of an invention, etc. Our graphic designer had been exploring generative art for some time. From this vehicle, we found a way to fuse these details into a graphic expression of consequence against the landscape of the status quo.”

Borrowing heavily from modernism and pop art through geometric patterns, this type of tech-art allows the artwork to become a collaboration between the computer and the artist. Shop the collection at anarchistwineco.com.

“We collaborated with an HTML engineer to bring the images to life. The reception to the labels has been extremely positive and we now have wine club members eager to submit the names of their favorite thinkers.”

– Steve Ryan, Anarchist Wine Co.

• • •

The Prisoner Wine Company One of the most innovative wine brands in the marketplace today. Edgy label graphics of avant-garde paintings or sculptures reinforce the brand’s provocative nature. Intentionally designed as an extension of their thought-provoking, bold winemaking style, look for bottlings such as ERASED, a blanc de blancs sparkling wine; Syndrome Rosé; No. 39007, a blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier; and of course, their namesake The Prisoner, a red blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbono.

“Our very reason for being is to blend lesser-known, hard-to-find grapes together to create new wines and offer them exclusively at the new winery” – Chrissy Wittman, Director of Winemaking Dérangé – pronounced “derange,” this Cabernet-forward blend includes Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. It’s their flagship offering [$100/bottle] and only the lots showing the best character, concentration and fruit-intensity make the cut. The off-center wax seal, distressed metal charm and repeating graphic of 5-tally marks etched into the bottle reflect the winery’s unorthodox approach to winemaking and label design.

• • •

Whitehall Lane The family-owned winery uses their labels to help tell a visual story of each bottle’s origin, reinforcing a sense of place from where the fruit is grown in one of their eight estate-owned vineyards.

“The Leonardini Cabernet [2015/$125] comes from our most prized vineyards and carries the family

55

name, so we knew we wanted to do something very special with the bottle design,” says General Manager Mike McLoughlin. “For the front metal emblem, we borrowed the concept of a hallmark, just as one would find on a piece of fine silver. Each symbol was debossed to keep it understated and elegant. The lions are from the family’s crest, the vintage date was centered, and the vineyard’s initials (‘LV” for Leonardini Vineyard) placed on the right. Simplicity guides everything we do – from how we farm the vineyards, to the minimalist winemaking approach in the cellar, to how we package and present the finished wines to our guests. The entire process reflects our grape-to-glass philosophy of letting the vineyard’s expression shine through in each wine.”

For their Petit Verdot, Syrah and Zinfandel wines, a black and white landscape image of the actual vineyard from where the fruit hails is placed horizontally on the bottle.

“This atypical coloration and placement of the label starts a conversation between our guest and the winery host,” says McLoughlin, “allowing for even more discussion about our estate wine program and how each vineyard plays an integral role in our winemaking.”

For something a bit more on the whimsical side, Whitehall Lane created Co-Pilot. A brainchild of founder Tom Leonardini Sr., this label allows the winery to connect with consumers in a fun and relatable way. An image of someone’s special co-pilot in life is dropped into the red Stella Vespa’s Rocket Scooter sidecar and voila!, a bespoke label has been created. The concept reflects a less serious side of the winery but rest assured, the Napa Valley Cabernet used for this bottling is all business on the inside using the same highquality fruit as of all their other winess. To get your Frank, Francine or Fido on a label, email your photo to copilot@whitehalllane.com or call the winery and they’ll walk you through the steps.

FAMIL LY Y OWNED WITH W A FAMIL LY AT ATMOSP HE ERE

TASTING ROOM OPEN DAIL TA LY Y 10AM - 5:30PM 1563 St. Helena Hwy S. • Napa V Vaalley - St. t Helena, California 94574 • (707) 963-9454 • whitehalllan ne.com 56

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Huge Bear Wines has made its home in the historic Calistoga Na onal Bank Building.

We are open daily for walk-in tas ngs from 10-5, or call to book our new BEAR BITES wine and food experience!

Tas ngs at the Bank: A visit to Huge Bear Wines is a refreshing mix of current wines from both Sonoma County and Napa Valley.

Downtown Calistoga Tas ng Room: 1373 Lincoln Avenue • hugebearwines.com • (707) 341-3414

Canned Wines

‘IT’S ALL ABOUT CONVENIENCE’ The newest sensation to hit the wine market since the screwcap, canned wines are experiencing close to a 300% growth in sales as compared to their same varietal counterparts bottled in glass. Why the explosion of sales in canned wines? Insiders with Napa Valley’s canned wine

producers say it’s all about the convenience, without sacrificing the quality of a wine. Each of the producers we spoke with are excited to see innovation and out-of-the-box ideas invigorate the wine business. They all whole-heartedly agreed that at the end of the day, whether the consumer is buying wines in a bottle or a can, the “juice” inside has to be great. Period. Packaging aside, the quality of the wine is paramount, and key to all wine producers—canned or bottled – succeeding together.

Sans Wine Company in St. Helena shared why their choice to “bottle” in can was an easy one. “We had been wanting to start our own wine label for a while, says Jake Stover, Sans winemaker and vineyard manager. “Back in 2015, the time was right for us start this project and it was Gina who came up with idea for us to use cans. It definitely makes it us stand out in the marketplace.”

“We knew the packaging would grab people’s attention but not just because it was can,” says Gina Schober. “We put just as much thought and attention into our artwork and brand design as any other winery does in order to create the

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Above: Butternut Rosé, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Look for a sparkling wine to be added to the collection in 2019.

best expression of who we are, and what our vineyards can offer. Since day one, we’ve always focused on making the highest quality wines possible – sourcing from singlevineyard lots and crafting small-production, ultra-premium wines. We’re putting 30-year-old prime Napa Valley Cabernet into our wines, so we want that to be the headline of story … cans just happen to be the vessel were using,” Gina said. Sans wines produces varietal wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé of Carignan, Zinfandel, a Carbonic Carignan and a knock-your-socks-off Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon worth every penny of its $25 per can price tag. Available locally at wine merchants in Napa or sans-wine-co.myshopify.com.

“This all started out as a whim after spending the day at the beach with my wife. We wanted a chilled glass of wine but didn’t have glasses and openers with us. We thought why couldn’t wine be offered in cans? They’d fit in an ice chest better than a bottle, stay chilled longer and require no gear to drink it. We knew this could be big, but we had no idea of how huge it would become,” says Tony Leonardini, President of Operations and Winemaking of BNA Group. Leonardini has turned Butternut canned wines into a full-scale premium wine operation using cans to offer consumers SPRING/SUMMER 2019

something new to reach for when at the cold box other than beer. “Our first production runs were small and we were selling out at a record pace. Since first releasing Butternut canned wines in fall of 2017, we’ve increased our production 10-fold and still can’t keep up with consumer demand.”

Tony attributes the success of canned wines as a forwardthinking way of servicing an untapped segment of wine drinkers who want an alternative way to enjoy fine wines without sacrificing taste. “When it comes to the convenience of enjoying wine when sitting by the pool, boating, at the ballpark or simply at a backyard barbecue, cans are the perfect vessel,” Tony says. “Based on our growth projections, we see canned wines not as trend or craze but rather as something new that’s here to stay, and poised to grow rapidly … just like the screwcap all those years ago.” Available locally in Napa or at their website, bnawinegroup.com.

It’s a gamechanger,” says Rob McDonald of St. Mayhem Wines in Napa. “Cans are light weight – no heavy glass to lug around; the can cools down more quickly, stays colder longer, and it’s the perfect glass and a half portion, eliminating a lot of half drunken bottles that will ultimately spoil. Most importantly, no more corked wines is why it’s so VERY NAPA VALLEY

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New…WineSociety.com – Following the extremely popular subscription model that most wineries employ today with wine club and allocation lists, WineSociety offers their consumers an endless supply of premium canned wine shipped to their doorstep every three months. One-time online purchases can also be made.

Sourcing fruit from around California, the brand uses catchy wine names like Fate™ (white blend), Chance™ (rosé) and Tempt™ (red blend) along with the rosycolored graphics on the cans to target a feminine Millennial buyer who’s looking for something different from the more traditional world of wine. WineSociety intentionally set out to disrupt the serious side of things by putting a refreshing and playful twist on how wine is packaged and marketed. They designed an on-the-go, cork-free experience with great tasting wine at the core of their brand. Creator Angela Allison’s titles include entrepreneur, CEO and Co-Founder of WineSociety, designer, wine-lover and wife. Her intentions: Create a simple and beautiful experience from the minute your delivery arrives. Every label, box, color option and even their logo is meant to embody their goal of connecting people through great wine and community. Looking for an alternative to glass which was approachable, affordable and portable, Angela landed on the 500-ml, eco-friendly cans which felt familiar to the other canned beverages that Midwesterners like herself and millennialdrinkers have become accustomed to. Their social media presence fuels the product’s demand, and the on-trend life-style imagery in their feeds showcases their innovative packaging – further playing into the trends of today’s young, hip wine consumers.

Shop their store at winesociety.com. popular,” says McDonald. “The beauty of a can though, is the wine will taste exactly the same as the day you sealed it. White wines stay brighter, fresher. With our reds, we pay special attention on making them drinkable at the time of canning. Unlike bottled reds, the inert environment doesn’t allow for oxygen to penetrate or “age” reds over time. So they have to be “finished” or rather as you would want to drink them at the time we put them in the can.” St. Mayhem has chosen a nonconformist approach not only with their packaging, but with their innovative flavors for each wine. The “Sangria Chingon” was born out of inspiration taken from an aqua fresca drink at music festival. Loaded with black tea, pineapples and fresh basil, the flavor combination gave Rob and his wife Kat the idea to use the same flavors, combined with red wine and raspberries, to create a truly unique wine profile. St. Mayhem produces a range of canned wines, along with bottled as well. Look for their 250ml cans at local Napa wine merchants or purchase online at their website artfarmwine.com.

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Downtown Calistoga

T

he historic town of Calistoga draws millions of people to the north end of the Napa Valley every year for the ideal getaway. Famous for its iconic wineries, five-star restaurants, wild west vibe, geothermal hot springs, boutique hotels, mud baths and spas, Calistoga is undeniably the best spot to relax, restore and retreat from the noisy rat race. With its worldclass offerings, travelers can spend the day tasting wines, strolling art galleries or shopping for that special gift to take back home. For the more adventurous, incredible views can be enjoyed of the Mayacamas Mountains from up high in a colorful hot air balloon. For foodies, watch cutting-edge chefs cook up culinary creations in some of the top-rated restaurants in the region. Nature lovers can marvel at The Old Faithful Geyser of California as it erupts at regular intervals. Without a doubt, Calistoga is a visitor’s dream destination that celebrates being different and authentically themselves.

Photo courtesy of Visit Calistoga

CASA DESIGN CASA carries a unique and eclectic mix of fine artwork, cutting-edge jewelery and custom home furnishings made by an array of local artists as well as pieces from France, Italy, Tunisia, etc. CASA was voted best furniture in Napa and Sonoma counties in The Bohemian 7 times! The most memorable thing about CASA DESIGN is the positive and welcoming vibe that makes it unlike any other store.

Since 1998.

1419 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga | (707) 942-2228

HUGE BEAR WINES

Stop inside the historic Calistoga National Bank building and taste two varietals that are not very common in Napa Valley: 100 percent Cabernet Franc and 100 percent Petit Verdot.

Visitors to the tasting room can try these and other big wines in the old bank building. Tasting fees are $20 per person and includes four wines.

No appointment needed.

1373 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga | (707) 341-3414

CA’ TOGA ART GALLERY For those looking to enjoy a cultural experience in Calistoga, Ca’ Toga Art Gallery is a fantastic place to visit. This unique art gallery features the work of Carlo Marchiori—an Italian-born artists who studied in Padua and Venice. His work, which blends Renaissance, Baroque and NeoClassic styles of painting, architecture and sculptures, has received world-wide acclaim. In Calistoga, his Palladin-style home offers an indepth look at the blending of reality and fantasy.

1206 Cedar Street, Calistoga | (707) 942-3900 SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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BATHS AT ROMAN SPA

Relax, renew and rejuvenate your spirit at Baths at Roman Spa. World-renowned for its natural healing geothermal water and mud bath traditions, this spa offers guests complete serenity to unwind and allow the restorative properties to take over. Immerse yourself in authentic Calistoga treatments including private mudrooms for two, perfect for couples or a girl’s weekend away, massages, facials and deluxe spa treatments.

Baths at Roman Spa offers a unique blend of services designed to elevate your senses for the ultimate Wine Country experience.

Receive complimentary aromatherapy by providing the code Aroma19 when booking treatments.

1300 Washington Street, Calistoga 707-942-2122 | info@bathsatromanspa.com

E Experience Calist C toga’s ’ Fa amous M Mud Baths t

Specializing in n Co ouple’s Trea r tment t ts Rooted in France, yet under a strong California spell, Picayune wines strive to offer outstanding quality at a reasonable price. Visit us to enjoy a delicious glass of wine while lounging in the terrasse or shopping our eclectic artisan gift store.

1458 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 9 | 707-888-9885 64

Massage

Fa acials c

Lodgin ng

www.goldenha av ven.com | 707-942-8000 1713 Lake Street | Calistoga | Napa Va Valley

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Change the way you relax.

visitCalistoga a.com

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Downtown Napa More to Offer than Ever Before

I

f you haven’t been to Downtown Napa recently, the district is a particularly exciting place to visit right now. After a 6.1 magnitude earthquake fractured much of the area in 2014, the cultural core of Napa Valley has been experiencing a swanky Wine Country resurgence.

Surrounded by stylish new hotels, restaurants, bars and wine tasting rooms, it’s remarkable how upscale this urban center has become. Simple things done beautifully while tailoring to laid-back chic. Modern structures accentuate more historical architecture. Even the Napa River shoreline has transformed into a vibrant venue for galleries, music and theater. With plenty of pitstops for coffee and cake to cute, little boutiques, the area is manageable, the streets quaint. No need for a car, you can easily stroll to everything in this flourishing six-square-block neighborhood.Tradition, romance and timeless renaissance, inspiration is everywhere, which makes Downtown Napa an irresistible backdrop for a dazzling slice of Wine Country Americana.

Oxbow Public Market By David Collier, Courtesy Of VisitNapaValley.Com

Vermeil Wines If you are familiar with football, you know the name Dick Vermeil, one of the most respected and successful football coaches of all time. As wine played an important part in his life growing up, it was a natural segue for Coach to return to his Napa roots. With production at less than 3000 cases a year, Vermeil wines are highly regarded and sought after, being mostly available in the tasting room or through the wine club. Inside the Napa tasting room, you will see a comfortable sipping bar and several conversation lounge areas, it’s like walking into best friend’s living room with family pictures on the wall, and mementos of Coach’s career, including a (replica) Super Bowl XXXIV trophy!

1018 First Street, Napa | (707) 254-9881 | www.vermeilwines.com

Rooted Fork Rooted Fork Foodie Tours offers guests walking food tours in Napa Valley. Whether you’re visiting Napa for a weekend or a week-long retreat, it can be hard to fit in all the wonderful places you want to eat and drink during your stay. Guests get the chance to taste through downtown Napa in one afternoon, hitting all the culinary hot spots that have helped to put Napa on the map as a foodie destination. You will taste delicious bites, complimented by drink pairings, and a side of Napa history to top off your experience. A perfect addition to your wine country visit!

Rooted Fork Foodie Tours | info@rootedforkfoodietours.com rootedforkfoodietours.com | (707) 492-5696

Ca’ Momi Osteria Ca’ Momi Osteria is Downtown Napa’s Obsessively Authentic Italian eatery, featuring a bountiful menu that celebrates the purity of local & organic ingredients from small producers melded expertly with hundreds, if not thousands of years of Italian culinary history.

Our wine & spirits offerings reflect these values; acknowledging craft distillers, the Napa Valley’s most ecoconscious vintners, Italy’s esteemed wine-growing families and the bittersweet passions of our old world home.

Ca’ Momi brings you these experiences in the heart of downtown Napa, along with splashes of live music, lively conversation, friendship and community; all collected within our historic 19th century home.

1141 1st Street, Napa | (707) 224-6664 | camomi.com SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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THE VALLEY’S

TOP 5

BURGERS

After a day of wine tasting, one needs to replenish the well with a hearty meal after all that fine wine – and there’s nothing quite like a classic American burger to get the job done. In Napa Valley, however, enjoying a burger isn’t just an ordinary experience. Like everything else in this iconic wine country, you can expect more. Be sure to seek out one of these five restaurants and enjoy one of the best gourmet burgers you’ve ever tasted.

1

Goose & Gander 1245 Spring Street | St. Helena When it comes to fancy burgers in Napa Valley, Goose & Gander hits the spot. Made with grass-fed beef, Gruyere cheese, bacon, remoulade and Manhattan pickles, this burger is anything but ordinary. It comes with a side of duck fat fries, so plan on skipping a couple meals before you chow down, because it’s a hearty serving and you won’t want to leave any of those fries behind! If you’re feeling the need to go over the top, you can choose upscale add-ons like bone marrow, foie gras or fried duck egg. How’s that for gourmet?

Kitchen Door in the Oxbow, 610 1st Street #24 | Napa This ½ pound Niman Ranch beef burger is topped with wine-stewed onions, Swiss cheese, house-made pickles and secret sauce. The addition of wine-stewed onions gives this burger an extra layer of flavor that you just aren’t initially expecting. And, of course, it’s a hearty serving size that is sure to leave you satisfied every time. Thin, crispy and full of flavor fries round out the meal just right.

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2

Gott’s Roadside 933 Main Street | St. Helena 644 1st Street | Napa There are two great locations in Napa Valley to get your Gott’s Roadside fix and that’s a good thing, because this is the kind of place you go when you just have to get your hands on a classic burger. You won’t be disappointed by the good old-fashioned cheeseburger, served with the classic lineup of American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and Gott’s delicious secret sauce on a toasted egg bun. Pair that with a side of garlic fries and your craving will be satisfied in no time. If you’re feeling gourmet, choose one of the burgers served with a fried egg, bacon, beer-battered onions rings, Point Reyes blue cheese, avocado or grilled mushrooms.

3 Farmstead

4

at Long Meadow Ranch, 738 Main Street | St. Helena At Farmstead, it’s hard to deny the temptation of their grass-fed cheeseburger on a potato bun with local Vella cheddar cheese and arugula, served with a side of crispy potatoes. Cooked to mediumrare perfection, this burger is always juicy. The arugula in lieu of lettuce gives this burger a peppery bite that complements the burger spices. And like any good Napa Valley burger, it comes with the option to add a farm-fresh fried egg, bacon or avocado. Delicious!

Napkins Bar & Grill 1001 2nd Street | Napa Napkins Bar & Grill utilizes fresh ingredients that elevate American cuisine, making such classics like a burger downright delicious. Their loaded Niman Ranch burger is served on a fluffy brioche bun and topped with unique fixings like pickled vegetable relish, arugula and crispy onions, with house-made BBQ sauce and choice of blue or white cheddar cheeses. Top it off with a bacon add-on and you've got yourself one decadent burger that's full of flavor and texture.

By Melissa Vogt

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Culinary Deliciousness NAPA ANGÉLE RESTAURANT & BAR French, full bar, on the Napa Riverfront Lunch & dinner; $$$ 540 Main Street, 707 252-8115

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BISTRO DON GIOVANNI Hand-crafted Italian; signature cocktails Lunch & dinner; $$$ 4110 Howard Lane, 707 224-3300

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BOON FLY CAFE American; signature donuts, nightly specials Breakfast, lunch & dinner; $$ 4048 Sonoma Hwy, 707 299-4870

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BOUNTY HUNTER Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ; 400+ wine list Lunch & dinner; $$ 975 First Street, 707 226-3976

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CA’MOMI OSTERIA Obsessively authentic Italian, full bar wood-burning pizza oven, live music Lunch & dinner; $$ 1411 First Street, 707 224-6664

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CARPE DIEM American Wine Bar; seasonal, surprising, family share-plate style; dinner only; $$ 1001 2nd Street, Napa, 707 224-0800

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CELADON Award-winning global comfort food; courtyard seating, signature cocktails, Napa Riverfront; lunch & dinner; $$$ 500 Main Street, 707 254-9690

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CHARLIE PALMER STEAK Modern American steakhouse, full bar Outdoor seating; breakfast, lunch & dinner; $$$ 1260 1st Street, 707 819-2500

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COLE’S CHOP HOUSE Classic American steakhouse, seafood, intriguing bourbon and whiskey selections, classic cocktails Dinner only; $$$, 1122 Main Street, 707 224-6328

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CA’MOMI OSTERIA

CORDEIROS BAR & GRILL

COLE'S CHOP HOUSE

Farm-to-table steakhouse, full bar Dinner only; $$$ 2025 Monticello Road, 707 224-1960

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EIKO’S Modern Japanese, nitrogen cocktails and lollipops! Outdoor seating; full bar Lunch & dinner, closed mid-day; $$ 1882 Town Center, 707 501-4444

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FARM AT CARNEROS INN Contemporary American, elegant food, locally sourced, full bar, outdoor seating; Dinner, Sunday brunch; $$$ 4048 Sonoma Hwy, 707 299-4880

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FORGE Pizza, craft brews & cocktails, outdoor seating with firepit; lunch & dinner; $$ 155 Gasser Drive, 707 927-3394

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FUMÉ BISTRO Contemporary American, locally sourced Changing art display, patio; $$ 4050 Byway East, 707 257-1999

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GALPAO GAUCHO - NAPA Brazilian steakhouse, buffet, full bar Lunch & dinner; $$$ 1990 Trower Avenue, 707 255-5121

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GOTT’S ROADSIDE Burgers, sandwiches, vegan options Local favorite; beer & wine, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$ 644 1st Street, 707 224-6900

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GRACE’S TABLE Local favorite, “Global Kitchen” Breakfast, lunch & dinner, $$ 1400 Second Street, 707 226-6200

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GRAN ELECTRICA Authentic Mexican, locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails with unique spirits; $$ 1313 Main Street, 707 258-1313

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO.

NAPA PALISADES SALOON

Seafood, local favorite located inside the bustling Oxbow Market; beer & wine, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$, <None>610 1st Street, 707 251-8113

Sports bar, brew pub, vegetarian options; Full bar, outdoor seating; lunch & dinner; $$ 1000 Main Street, 707 296-1552

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KENZO NAPA Excellence in Japanese Cuisine Reservations required, dinner only; $$$$ 1339 Pearl St, Napa, 707 294-2049

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KITCHEN DOOR Multi-ethnic comfort food, locally sourced Lunch & dinner; $$ 610 1st Street #24, Napa, 707 226-1560

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LA TABERNA Spanish, tapas, full bar Dinner only; $$ 815 Main Street, 707 224-5551

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LA TOQUE Michelin-star French cuisine Dinner only; $$$$; reservations needed 1314 McKinstry Street, 707 257-5157

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MORIMOTO NAPA Contemporary Japanese, full bar, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$$$ 610 Main Street, 707 252-1600

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MUSTARDS GRILL Modern American, full bar, gardens, Lunch & dinner; $$$ 7399 St Helena Highway, 707 944-2424

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NAPA VALLEY BISTRO Modern American, wine & beer, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$ 975 Clinton Street, 707 666-2383

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NAPASPORT American sports bar, steakhouse; full bar Outdoor seating; lunch & dinner; $$ 145 Gasser Drive, 707 927-5956

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NAPKINS BAR + GRILL A Modern American Bistro Brunch, lunch & dinner; happy hour & late-night bites; Lunch & dinner, $$ 1001 2nd Street, Napa, 707 927- 5333

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NORMAN ROSE TAVERN American, full bar Outdoor seating; lunch & dinner, late night; $$ 1401 1st Street, 707 258-1516

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OENOTRI Southern Italian Cuisine; menu changes daily, Large selection of house-made salumi Dinner, weekend lunch; $$$ 1425 First St, 707 252-1022

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PASTA PREGO Italian, local favorite, beer & wine; dinner only; $$ 1502 Main Street, 707 343-0344

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RISTORANTE ALLEGRIA Italian, full bar, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$ 1026 1st Street, 707 254-8006

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SKY & VINE Rooftop bar, fire pits, games; lunch & dinner; $$ Late night happy hour, bottomless mimosa brunch 1230 1st Street, Archer Hotel, 707 690-9800

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A MODERN AMERICAN BISTRO In the Heart of Downtown Napa

1001 Second Street Downtown Napa, CA (707) 927-5333 | info@napkinsnapa.com

delicious food

BEST CATERING We We support support our our local local

community community with with choosing choosing

Local Local fresh fresh Fruits Fruits and and

Vegetables.

Vegetables.

Culinary Deliciousness ST. HELENA ACACIA HOUSE BY CHRIS COSENTINO American; full bar, outdoor seating; $$$ 1915 Main Street, 707 963-9004

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ARCHETYPE American; full bar, outdoor seating Breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner; $$ 1429 Main Street, 707 968-9200

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BRASSWOOD BAR + KITCHEN American, farm-to-table comfort food Full bar, outdoor seating; lunch & dinner; $$ 3111 St. Helena Highway, 707 302-5101

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THE CHARTER OAK NAPKINS RESTAURANT & BAR

American, full bar; outdoor seating Dinner only; $$$ 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, 707 302-6996

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COOK ST. HELENA TARLA Mediterranean, Greek, Turkish, vegan options Full bar, outdoor seating; lunch & dinner; $$ 1480 1st Street, 707 255-5599

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TORC Farm-To-Table; high energy, unique wine, cocktail and beer offerings; dinner only; $$$ 1140 Main St, Napa, 707 252-3292

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ZUZU California Tapas, Spanish & Mediterranean Lunch & dinner; $$ 829 Main Street, 707 224-0695

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YOUNTVILLE AD HOC Contemporary American comfort food, full bar Four-course family-style menu that changes daily, Dinner, brunch on Sundays, closed Tue/Wed; $$$$ 6476 Washington Street, 707 944-2487

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ADDENDUM Gourmet Southern-inspired boxed fare Lunch; $$ 6476 Washington Street, 707 944-2487

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BISTRO JEANTY French country fare; outdoor patio Lunch & dinner; $$$ 6510 Washington Street, 707 944-0103

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BOTTEGA Rustic Italian/Californian; outside patio, two stone fireplaces, warm and comfortable Dinner daily, lunch Tuesday-Sunday; $$$ 6525 Washington Street, 707 945-1050

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BOUCHON BISTRO French bistro, raw bar; outdoor seating; cocktails Lunch & dinner; $$$ 6534 Washington Street, 707 944-8037

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BRIX RESTAURANT • GARDENS • WINE SHOP

Italian; beer & wine; $$ 1310 Main Street, 707 963-7088

French inspired wine country farm to-table cuisine; 16 acres of gardens, vineyards Lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch; $$$ 7377 Highway 29, 707 944-2749

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LUCY @ BARDESSONO Contemporary American, garden-inspired Breakfast, lunch & dinner; $$$ 6526 Yount Street, 707 204-6000

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MUSTARDS GRILL Contemporary American; farm-to-table, local favorite; lunch & dinner, $$$ 7399 St. Helena Highway, 707 944-2424

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R+D KITCHEN American/Sushi; stunning vineyard views, comfortable outdoor seating with firepits Lunch & dinner; $$ 6795 Washington Street, 707 945-0920

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RH | YOUNTVILLE (Restoration Hardware) Food, Wine, Art & Design Brunch & dinner; $$$ 6725 Washington Street, 707 339-4654

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RUTHERFORD

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COOK TAVERN & PIZZERIA Italian, American, pizza, pub Lunch & dinner, outdoor seating; $$ 1304 Main Street, 707 963-8082

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FARMSTEAD AT LONG MEADOW RANCH American, Farm-to-table; full bar, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$ 738 Main Street, 707 963-4555

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GATEHOUSE RESTAURANT-at the Culinary Institute Contemporary American/worldwide foods Full bar, lunch & dinner; $$$ 2555 Main Street, 1-888-995-1699

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GOOSE & GANDER Modern American; full bar, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner, late nights; $$ 1245 Spring Street, 707 967-8779

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GOTT’S ROADSIDE Burgers, sandwiches, vegan options Local favorite; beer & wine, outdoor seating Lunch & dinner; $$ 933 Main Street, 707 963-3486

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THE GRILL AT MEADOWOOD Modern American; full bar, outdoor seating Breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner; $$$ 900 Meadowood Lane, 707 531-4788

AUBERGE DU SOLEIL Contemporary American, upscale, full bar, outdoor seating; breakfast, lunch & dinner; $$$$ 180 Rutherford Hill Road, 707 963-1211

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RUTHERFORD GRILL Contemporary/Traditional American; Outdoor dining, full bar; lunch & dinner; $$ 1180 Rutherford Road, 707 963-1792

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HARVEST TABLE Modern American; full bar, outdoor seating Gardens; lunch & dinner; $$$ 1 Main Street, 707 967-4695

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MARKET Traditional American; lunch & dinner, full bar; $$ 1347 Main Street, 707-963-3799

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VALLEY VERY VERY NAPANAPA VALLEY

PIZZERIA TRA VIGNE Italian, vegan options; full bar, outdoor seating Local favorte; lunch & dinner; $$ 1016 Main Street, 707 967-9999

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PRESS Steakhouse, full bar; outdoor seating Dinner only; $$$$ 587 St. Helena Highway, 707 967-0550

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ROADHOUSE 29 Smoked meats, barbecue, full bar outdoor seating, lunch & dinner $$$; 3020 St Helena Highway, 707 302-3777

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ST. HELENA BISTRO Italian/American Bistro, beer & wine Outdoor seating; lunch & dinner; $$ 1146 Main Street, St. Helena; 707 963-3371

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ST. HELENA SHERPA KITCHEN Himalayan/Nepalese, Indian, vegetarian options Beer & wine, outdoor seating; lunch & dinner; $$ 1148 Main Street, 707 963-4439

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CALISTOGA ALL SEASONS Classic to Contemporary Bistro, lunch & dinner, $$ 1400 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9111

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BOSKO’S TRATTORIA Italian, pizza; beer & wine; $$ 1364 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9088

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CALISTOGA INN & BREWERY Traditional American 1250 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4101

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EVANGELINE Cajun, Creole, French; full bar, outdoor seating Dinner, weekend brunch/lunch; $$ 1226 Washington Street, 707 341-3131

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HYDRO BAR & GRILL Traditional American, 1403 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9777

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JOHNNY’S RESTAURANT & BAR American sports bar, full bar, outdoor seating Dinner; breakfast, lunch, brunch on weekends; $$ 1457 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-5938

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LOVINA Modern American, beer & wine, outdoor seating Lunch, dinner, brunch weekends; $$ 1107 Cedar Street, 707 942-6500

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SAM’S SOCIAL CLUB Contemporary American 1712 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4969

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SOLBAR – @ SOLAGE Contemporary American 755 Silverado Trail, 707 226-0850NAPA

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VERAISON French, full bar, dinner only; $$$ 1457 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-5938

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SPRING/SUMMER SPRING/SUMMER 2019 2019

Wine Country Events .................................................................

ONGOING Food, Arts & Entertainment The CIA at Copia, Napa www.ciaatcopia.com, 707-967-2500

ONGOING Napa Valley Wine Train Grgich Hills Estate Saturday Evening Winery Tour Experience an after-hours tour and a little VIP treatment with an intimate group of fellow wine lovers.

• 1-hour Tour of Grgich Hills Estate • 2-hour evening rail tour of Napa Valley • 3-course gourmet dinner Napa, www.winetrain.com. 800-427-4124

ONGOING Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater Yountville www.lincolntheater.org, 707-944-9900 • Mar 2: Fiesta Mexicana – A Spectacular Southof-the-Border Fiesta • Mar 3: A Eurythmy Recital • June 1: New Songs of World War II

ONGOING di Rosa Napa, www.dirosart.org, 707-226-5991

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ONGOING Napa Valley Wine Train Napa, www.winetrain.com. 800-427-4124 • Mar 23: Romance on the Rails • Apr 20: Romance on the Rails • May 18: Romance on the Rails • June 16: Romance on the Rails • July 18: Romance on the Rails • Aug 15: Romance on the Rails • Sept 13: Romance on the Rails • Oct 12: Romance on the Rails • Nov 9: Romance on the Rails .................................................................

ONGOING Live at Uptown Theatre Napa www.uptowntheatrenapa.com, 707-259-0123

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ONGOING Blue Note Napa & JaM Cellars Ballroom Napa, www.bluenotenapa.com, 707-358-6926

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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 Mumm Napa Ansel Adams Exhibit - Poetry of Light This collection of Ansel Adams’ twenty-seven gelatin silver prints includes many of his most famous photographs. 10am-6pm Daily www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7770

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ONGOING Mumm Napa Wayne Levin Exhibit - Through a Liquid Mirror Wayne Levin’s photographs made beneath the surface of the waves have captivated viewers for decades. 10am-6pm, Daily www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7770

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ONGOING Cooking Classes at The Village Vista Collina Resort, Napa www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3067 • Mar 8, 15, 22, 29: Couple’s Cooking Class

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ONGOING Yountville Wine Walk Sip, savor, and stroll Yountville's tasting locations and earn prizes along the way. In less than one strolling mile, you can choose from nineteen tasting rooms. yountville.com

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MARCH 2 Winemaker Dinner in the Caves Join Winemaker Michael Beaulac Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa, 6-9:30pm www.pineridgevineyards.com, 707-252-9777

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MARCH 2 Spring Wines Celebration Robert Biale Vineyards, Napa, $40/members $55, 1-4pm, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555

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VERY NAPA VALLEY

MARCH 9 Sterling Vineyards Artisanal Cheese Course Calistoga, 800-726-6136 www.sterlingvineyards.com

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MARCH 9 Frank Family Vineyards Wine Tasting Seminar with Todd Graff Calistoga, 10am-12pm, $120/members, $145 www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

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MARCH 9 Art House Film Series Jessup Cellars, Yountville 7pm, $45, $35/members www.jessupcellars.com, 707-944-5620

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MARCH 16 V. Sattui Winery Wine & Food Pairings St. Helena, 11am-1pm, $65/member, $75 www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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MARCH 16 Taste of Yountville Intimate pairing of food, wine & music, 11am-5pm www.yountvillelive.com/taste-of-yountville-2019

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MARCH 16 Spring Fling– Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 11am-2pm $100/members, $125/guests www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Passes On Sale Now

888.337.6272 | #napafest19 | festivalnapavalley.org/vnv

Wine Country Events MARCH 16 Speakeasy Music Session St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery, Napa $10, $5/members, 9pm-12am www.stclairbrown.com, 707-255-5591

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MARCH 16 Bosché Winemaker Dinner Freemark Abbey Winery, St. Helena, 5-8pm www.freemarkabbey.com, 800-963-9698

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MARCH 21-24 Sip Napa Songwriters Silver Oak, Alpha Omega, Gargiulo, Brasswood Host Resort – Harvest Inn www.songwritersinparadise.com

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MARCH 22 Sip & Cinema-Film Series: Julie & Julia 6:30-8:30pm, $65, $50/members Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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MARCH 23 Rombauer Vineyards 2019 Spring Release Party A celebration of Rombauer’s newest vintage of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc as well as other new releases. Enjoy live music, delicious wines, small bites and the return of our popular oyster bar!

4-7pm, $125,$106.25 club members www.rombauer.com/visit/events

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MARCH 23 Starmont Pinot Noir & Terroir Dinner Starmont Winery, Napa www.merryvale.com, 707-968-3429

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MARCH 23 Stroll Down Penny Lane Tribute to Paul McCartney JaM Cellars Ballroom, Napa, 8pm www.jamcellarsballroom.com, 707-880-2300

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MARCH 24 Spring Fest! Food Truck Sunday Rutherford Ranch, St. Helena, 11am www.rutherfordranch.com, 707-968-3200

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MARCH 24 Napa Chocolate & Wine Meritage Spa & Resort, Napa, 3-6pm www.napachocolatewndwine.com

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MARCH 28 Mumm Napa Cheese & Cheers Rutherford, 5:30-7:30pm, $60/members, $75 www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7700

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1ST & 3RD FRIDAYS APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER Friday Music on the Terrace Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena, 5-7pm www.merryvale.com, 707-963-7777

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APRIL 1-30 Arts in April Napa Valley Various events & locations.

Check website, www.artsinapril.com

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APRIL 4-7 Arts in April Sarafornia | California Art, music, food, wine A four-day grassroots celebration of Calistoga’s bohemian spirit. visitcalistoga.com/arts-in-april

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APRIL 13 V. Sattui Winery 2019 Lobster Fest St. Helena, Members Only Event, 6-9pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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APRIL 13 Tamber Bey Vineyards Spring Release Party & Open House Sundance Ranch, Calistoga, 1-5pm www.tamberbey.com, 707-942-2100

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APRIL 13 Art House Film Series Jessup Cellars, Yountville, $45, $35/members 7pm, www.jessupcellars.com, 707-944-5620

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APRIL 13-14 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Release This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé was achieved through the saignée method, which involved bleeding off a little of the free run juice after less than a day of being crushed.

Nichelini Family Winery, St. Helena www.nicheliniwinery.com, 707-963-0717

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APRIL 14 Spring Bud Break Festival Celebrate the beginning of spring and wine growing season in Napa Valley! The Spring Bud Break Festival is fun for the whole family, featuring our annual Easter Egg Hunt, 11am-3pm

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APRIL 17 Spring Yoga Session Robert Biale Vineyards, Napa, 5:30-7:30pm, free/members, $20 www.biale.com, 707-257-7555

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APRIL 18 Mumm Napa Cheese & Cheers Rutherford, 5:30-7:30pm, $60/members, $75 www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7700

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APRIL 21 Easter Brunch Buffet & Egg Hunt The Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa 10:30am-2:30pm, $88, $35/ages 4-13 www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060

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APRIL 26 Comedy Series: Phil Kopcynski Charles Krug, St. Helena, 7:30pm, $20 www.charleskrug.com, 707-967-2229

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APRIL 26-28 3rd Annual CampoVelo Various events & locations in Napa Valley.

Check website for details. www.campovelo.com

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APRIL 27 Sip & Paint 10:30am-1:30pm, $55, $50/members Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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APRIL 27 ERA Extravaganza – Wine Club Events Alpha Omega Winery, St. Helena, 10:30am12:30pm & 2-4pm, $120/members, $150/guests www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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APRIL 27 Wine Club Pickup Party Come enjoy the party & pick-up your wine club!

Wine tastings & food pairings.

Nichelini Family Winery, St. Helena www.nicheliniwinery.com, 707-963-0717

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APRIL 27 Aww Shucks! Oysters & Sauvignon Blanc Provenance Vineyards, Rutherford www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633

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APRIL 28 Beringer Vineyards Founder’s Day Celebration Festivities include tastings, incredible food & wine, seminars, live music & special guests.

St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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APRIL 28 Sauvignon Blanc Release & Spring Celebration Join their family as they celebrate bud break, sunshine & the return of their Sauvignon Blanc!

11am-2pm, $35. Schweiger Vineyards, St. Helena www.schweigervineyards.com, 707-963-4882

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APRIL 28 Earth Day Festival Oxbow Commons, Napa, 11am-4pm www.napaenvironmentaled.org

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MAY 3 V. Sattui Winery 2019 Winemaker’s Dinner St. Helena, Wine Club Members Event www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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MAY 3 Castello di Amorosa The Grand Barrel Party Taste your way through our newest releases & future vintages. Calistoga, 6:30-10pm $115/member, $145/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6272

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APRIL 26-28 30th Anniversary Weekend at Vineyard to Vintner Stags Leap District Wineries www.stagsleapdistrict.com, 707-255-1720

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MAY 4 Whitehall Lane Winery Spring 2019 Wine Club Open House Release Party Rutherford, 11am-3pm www.whitehalllane.com, 707-963-9454

APRIL 27 Arts in April – Art, Sip & Stroll Yountville Napa Valley's largest visual arts event 45 high quality- juried artists, live music, gallery exhibits, tasting stops, restaurants and more Free to attend, www.artsipstroll.com

MAY 4 Profile Blending & Burgers Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena 10:30am-12:30pm www.merryvale.com, 707-968-3429

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APRIL 27 HALL Cabernet Cookoff - Cheers to 10 Years!

Napa’s most exciting food & wine pairing challenge that benefits local non-profits.

Help give back in a big way for the 10th anniversary celebration. www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626

VERY NAPA VALLEY

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SPRING/SUMMER 2019

V. SATTUI WINERY NAPA VALLEY

MAY 4 Beringer Vineyards Kentucky Derby Party Celebrate this American sporting classic!

Guests are encouraged to wear festive attire.

Join them in the Rhine House at 3:46pm as they watch the race - the winner will determine what special wine we will open for all to taste & all guests will able to purchase a bottle at a special Derby Day discount price. 10am-5pm St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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MAY 4 Hike in the Vineyards Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa, 9am-1pm, $75, $60/members www.pineridgevineyards.com, 800-575-9777

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MAY 11 Beringer Vineyards Vineyard Outing & Lunch An exclusive opportunity to tour the St. Helena Home Vineyard, as established in 1876, directed

by Vineyard Manager Jim Burgess. After the tour of the vineyard, you will enjoy a lunch in the Historic Hudson House Redwood Grove, prepared

by Executive Chef Jacob Benavides & perfectly paired with Beringer Reserve Wines.

St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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MAY 11 Calistoga Food & Wine Festival Solage Resort, Calistoga, 2-5:30pm www.calistogafoodandwine.com, $125

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MAY 11-12 2018 Muscadelle Release Muscadelle (Sauvignon Vert) is a white Bordeaux varietal that comes from a small vineyard block planted 72 years ago, named for Rose, the 6th Nichelini Child.

Nichelini Family Winery, St. Helena www.nicheliniwinery.com, 707-963-0717

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MAY 12 Domaine Carneros Mother’s Day Brunch Napa, 10am-12pm, $115/members, $130/guests www.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101x135

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MAY 17 Gardens in the Vineyards An exclusive, guided presentation of four stunning gardens in the Napa Valley, including a gourmet dinner and silent auction Robert Mondavi Winery, 4pm, $275 www.musicinthevineyards.org, 707-258-5559

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MAY 18 Beringer Vineyards Silent Disco Under the Redwoods St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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MAY 18 Robert Mondavi Winery I Block Release & Lobster Feed Oakville, 6-9:30pm, $155, $140/members www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328

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MAY 18 Spring Release Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena www.merryvale.com, 707-963-7777

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MAY 18 Seafood Soirée – Wine Club Events Alpha Omega Winery, 11am-2pm St. Helena, $100/members, $125/guests www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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SPRING/SUMMER 2019

MAY 19 Annual Springtime Bonanza Judd’s Hill Winery, Napa, 12-2:30pm www.juddshill.com, 707255-2332

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MAY 24-26 7th Annual BottleRock Napa Valley www.BottleRockNapaValley.com Fri: Imagine Dragons & Logic Sat: Neil Young + Promise of the Real and Pharrell Williams Sun: Mumford & Sons and Santana

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JUNE 8 Sterling Vineyards 3rd Annual Napa Valley RoséFest Enjoy your favorite rosés while taking in sweeping views from Sterling Vineyard’s hilltop winery.

Featuring 30+ wineries & several of Bay Area’s best restaurants, Roséfest provides rosé lovers an opportunity to sample the best the Wine Country has to offer while supporting one of the most important causes of our time: breast cancer education, research funding & patient support. 12-4pm, Calistoga, www.sterlingvineyards.com, 800-726-6136

TASTINGS | AR TISAN DELI | TOURS PAIRINGS | PICNIC GR OUNDS | E VENT S

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JUNE 8 A 5-Year Affair to Remember – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 7-10pm, free/members www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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JUNE 8-9 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Release This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué. The grapes came from a small vineyard block named for Virginia, the 4th Nichelini child.

Nichelini Family Winery, St. Helena www.nicheliniwinery.com, 707-963-0717

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JUNE 15 Domaine Carneros Father’s Day Golf & Reception at Eagle Vines Golf Club Napa, 11:30am-5pm, $155/members, $165/guests www.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101x135

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#1 of the e 10 Best Napa Valley Wineries to visit.

- California Winer y Advisor

WINES SOLD ONLY AT THE WINERY

JUNE 15-16 Beringer Vineyards Dads & Grads BBQ Come celebrate your Dad & Grad with a fun filled BBQ in the Beringer backyard! There will be delicious BBQ food for purchase, prepared by Hudson House Chef. Enjoy special pricing on the iconic Private Reserve Cabernet & Knights Valley Reserve. 11am-2:30pm St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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JUNE 16 Artisan Market The Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa 11am-2pm, free www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060

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JUNE 18 Mumm Napa Lobster Dinner on the Vineyard Green Rutherford, 7-10pm, $180/members, $215 www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7700

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JULY 20-21 Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon www.motivrunning.com

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VERY NAPA VALLEY

Open daily 9-6 ( Winter 9-5) 1111 White Lane, St. Helena 707.963.7774 | vsattui.com 77

Wine Country Events JUNE 21 Castello di Amorosa Steak. Wine. Cigars.

Calistoga, 7-11pm, $195/member, $225/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6724

AUGUST 9 Domaine Carneros A Sea of Bubbles Napa, 5:30-7pm, $110/members, $120/guests www.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101x135

SEPTEMBER 15 Artisan Market Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa, 11am-2pm www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060, free

JUNE 21 Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Solstice Yoga Oakville, 6-8:30pm, $35, $30/members www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328

AUGUST 17 Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay & Lobster Dinner Calistoga, 6-9pm, $150/members, $175 www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

SEPTEMBER 15 8th Annual Barn Bash Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford 11am-2pm, $85, $70/members www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

JUNE 22 Whitehall Lane Annual Lobster Feed Rutherford, 6-10pm www.whitehalllane.com, 707-963-9454x32

AUGUST 17 Domaine Carneros di Rosa Tour & Picnic Napa, 10:30am-1:30pm $55/members, $65/guests www.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101x135

SEPTEMBER 21 Robert Mondavi Winery Autumn Fête Oakville, 6:45-10pm, $155, $140/members www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328

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JUNE 22 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Cookout Calistoga, 6-9pm, $175/members, $200 www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

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SEPTEMBER 21 Fall Release Starmont Winery, Napa www.merryvale.com, 707-968-3429

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AUGUST 17 Robert Mondavi Winery Dinner Under the Stars Oakville, 6:45-10pm, $155, $140/members www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328

JUNE 22 Summer Solstice Release Party Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena, 3-5pm www.merryvale.com, 707-968-3429

AUGUST 18 Artisan Market The Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa, 11am-2pm www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060, free

SEPTEMBER 21 Crush Fête #2 – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 10am-2pm, $100/members, $125 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

JULY 13-14 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine reflects the concentrated depth of flavor and smoothness that 36-year-old vines can produce.

Nichelini Family Winery, St. Helena www.nicheliniwinery.com, 707-963-0717

AUGUST 24 Tedeschi Family Winery Lobster Feast in the Vineyard Calistoga, 5:30-8:30pm, $125/members www.tedeschifamilywinery.com, 707-501-0668

SEPTEMBER 28 Crush Fête #3 – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 10am-2pm, $100/members, $125 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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JULY 12-21 Festival Napa Valley www.festivalnapavalley.org

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JULY 20 Sizzling Summer BBQ – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 7-10pm, $150/members, $200 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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JULY 21 Artisan Market The Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa 11am-2pm, free www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060

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JULY 27 Frank Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner Calistoga, 7-10pm www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

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JULY 27 V. Sattui Winery 2019 Festa Italiana – A Mid-Summer Italian Festival Great food, spectacular wine, live music, dancing under the stars.

St. Helena, 6-9:30pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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AUGUST 3 Lobster Feed The Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa, 6-9pm www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060, $165

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AUGUST 3 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet Release Day Silver Oak, Oakville www.silveroak.com, 707-942-7022

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AUGUST 24 Annual Lobster Feast Schweiger Vineyards, St. Helena www.schweigervineyards.com, 707-963-4882

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SEPTEMBER 6 Annual Grape Stomp Schweiger Vineyards, St. Helena www.schweigervineyards.com, 707-963-4882

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SEPTEMBER 8 6th Annual Calistoga Harvest Table Approximately a dozen local restaurants & 40plus wineries will welcome visitors & locals to 1,000 feet of tables in the center of the city’s picturesque downtown. Calistoga AVA wines will be the focus of a 4:30pm social hour open to the public. Once the dinner bell rings at 6pm, those holding a ticket will take their seat at the table for an unparalleled culinary experience.

4:30-9pm, www.visitcalistoga.com

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SEPTEMBER 13, 20, 27 Harvest Tours Robert Biale Vineyards,$30/members, $60 Napa, 9:30am, www.biale.com, 707-257-7555

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SEPTEMBER 14 V. Sattui Winery Harvest Ball An evening full of amazing food, wine, music & dancing. St. Helena, 5:30-11pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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OCTOBER 4 Harvest Tours $30/members, $60, Robert Biale Vineyards Napa, 9:30am www.biale.com, 707-257-7555

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OCTOBER 5 V. Sattui Winery Crush Party Live music, Tuscan food stations, barrel tasting, grape stomp & more! St. Helena, 6-10pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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OCTOBER 51 Tamber Bey Vineyards Fall Release Party Sundance Ranch, Calistoga, 12-5pm www.tamberbey.com, 707-942-2100

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OCTOBER 5 Sequoia Grove Winery Lobster Feed & Harvest Party Rutherford, 707-944-2945 www.sequoiagrove.com

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OCTOBER 5 #MerlotMe Portfolio Tasting Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford $60, $10/members www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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SEPTEMBER 14 Crush Fête #1 – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 10am-2pm, $100/members, $125 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

OCTOBER 12 ZD Wines Crush Challenge The Food, Wine & Cycling Experience of a Lifetime The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation benefitting The deLeuze Family Endowed Professorship for the Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma, The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Napa Valley, www.crushchallenge.net

SEPTEMBER 14 Fall Wines Celebration Robert Biale Vineyards, Napa 1-4pm, $40/members, $55 www.biale.com, 707-257-7555

OCTOBER 12 Harvest Dinner Robert Biale Vineyards, Napa 6:30pm, $105/members, $125 www.biale.com, 707-257-7555

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VERY NAPA VALLEY

OCTOBER 19 Harvest Wine Pairing Showcase – Wine Club Event Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 7-10pm, $250/members, $300 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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OCTOBER 20 Artisan Market Village at Vista Collina Resort, Napa, 11am-2pm www.villagenapavalley.com, 707-251-3060, free

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OCTOBER 25 Castello di Amorosa The Pagan Ball Calistoga, 8pm-12am, $150/member, $180/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6724

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OCTOBER 26 Halloween on the Hill Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford 7-10pm, $90, $80/members www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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OCTOBER 27 Harvest Party Schweiger Vineyards, St. Helena www.schweigervineyards.com, 707-963-4882

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NOVEMBER 2 Robert Mondavi Winery Pinot & Paella Oakville, 5:30-8:30pm, $145, $135/members www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328

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NOVEMBER 9 Single Vineyard Release Celebration – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 11am-2pm, $125/members, $150 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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DECEMBER 7 Robert Mondavi Winery 9th Annual Tree Lighting & Celebration Oakville, 3-5pm, $25 www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 888-766-6328

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DECEMBER 8 Annual Holiday on the Hill Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford 11am-2pm, $40, $20/members www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871,

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DECEMBER 8 13th Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny Judd’s Hill Winery, Napa, 12-2:30pm www.juddshill.com, 707255-2332

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DECEMBER 14 Frank Family Vineyards Member Holiday Dinner Calistoga, 6-9pm www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

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DECEMBER 15 Holiday Giving Spree – Wine Club Events Vineyard Terrace, Alpha Omega Winery St. Helena, 11am-2pm, free/members, $75 www.aowinery.com, 707-963-9999

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DECEMBER 31 Castello di Amorosa New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Calistoga, 7pm-1am, $345/member, $395/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6724

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SPRING/SUMMER 2019

DEFIANTLY DIFFERENT.

DEFIANTLY DIFFERENT.

THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY TASTING LOUNGE & THE MAKERY

NOW POURING

RESERVE YOUR EXPERIENCE TODAY

WWW.THEPRISONERWINECOMPANY.COM/UNLOCK

PLEASE DRINK OUR WINES RESPONSIBLY. ©2018 THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY. RUTHERFORD, CA.

Napa Valley Wineries and To Clear Lake LA WL EY TOLL

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NAPA VALLEY Y, ELEVATED AERIAL TRAM, TOURS & TASTINGS DAIL LY Y

SPECIAL OF FFER: SAVE 15% ON YOUR EXPERIENCE E* *Redeem online at www.sterling gvineyards.com/v /visit i with promo code: WINECOUNTRY19 at che eckout or present thiss at the winery.

1111 DUNAWEAL LANE | CAL LISTOGA, CA 94515 1.800.726.6136 sterlingv vineyards.com

Promotion does not combine with other offers & subject to availability. Applies only to g group of 8 or less.

Expires August 31, 2019.

2 Enjoy Responsibly. ©2019 Sterling Vin neyards, Calistoga, CA