Napa Valley Life Magazine - Summer 2025

PHILANTHROPY

COVER STORY

JEAN-CHARLES

BOISSET:

A Force for Good

PLUS+

Mendocino: Wild Coast, Cultured Taste

Rutherford: Rooted in Dust

Jane Seymour, actress and Open Heart Foundation founder, and Jean-Charles Boisset

With Merrill, the bull always has your back.

We’re bullish on your future. When we work together, you get personalized guidance, insights and financial planning — all designed to connect your life with your finances and to help make the path toward your goals even clearer.

Let’s have a conversation.

The Gonzales Group

Eric F. Gonzales

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Senior Vice President

Senior Resident Director-Wealth Management Advisor

707.254.4606

eric_gonzales@ml.com fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

MODERN COMFORT STYLISH LIVING

Experience modern comfort and stylish living The Watermark at Napa Valley. With upscale residences, gourmet dining venues, customized care, and unrivaled amenities such as concierge service and an on-site spa and salon, here you’ll find a host of opportunities to enjoy an exceptional lifestyle. The Watermark at Napa Valley stands as the premier choice for Active Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care in Napa, offering a lifestyle that blends comfort, sophistication, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

SUMMER

A Time for Giving

Summer is here — a time when we focus on celebrating the community, the remarkable people, and the generous organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the less fortunate. Now in its sixth year, our annual summer Philanthropy issue recognizes these forces in our community to thank them, bring awareness to their causes, and perhaps inspire others to find ways to make a difference themselves.

Our cover story features Jean-Charles Boisset, one of Napa Valley's most dynamic forces—a prolific vintner, visionary, historian, and entrepreneur. While he is best known for his high-spirited, resplendent style and deep reverence for history and tradition, Boisset has quietly become a force for good, channeling his passion for service into a lifelong philanthropic mission that he has developed into five pillars: combating hunger, supporting healthcare, building community, and promoting the arts and historic preservation.

For wine lovers, our AVA series features Rutherford, known for its rich history and some of the region's best Cabernet Sauvignon. Surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountains, the soil is rich with gravel, loam, and clay, giving the wines produced here a distinctive texture and structure. It showcases two of Napa's oldest wineries, Inglenook and BV, and the famed Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, the source of Beaulieu Vineyard's legendary Georges de Latour wine.

For a cool weekend getaway, don't miss our side-trip story on Mendocino. Just a three-hour drive from Napa Valley, this coastal enclave offers refreshing white wines and cool-climate varietals set against the backdrop of the Pacific Coast and Redwood forests. Between the local wineries and the foodie-centric town of Mendocino, it's a perfect summer getaway.

There is much to do in Napa Valley in the summer months. Whether you are interested in the best places to catch a summer concert, where to find select wineries to book or pack a picnic, or where to find the best public golf courses for a day on the greens, we've got you covered.

Whatever delights you, Napa Valley in the summertime offers a wealth of experiences ready for you to embrace, making it an ideal time to discover and explore.

Cheers!

Laura Larson Editor

Photo by Lowell Downey

Napa Valley’s strength lies in its people—the dedicated farmers, artisans, chefs, lodging professionals, and business owners who help our community flourish. This summer, we invite you to take in the beauty, flavor, and soul of Napa Valley. Every glass poured, meal enjoyed, and overnight stay supports the 16,000 hospitality workers who bring our valley to life. From vineyard vistas to shared tables, these are the moments that linger. Let’s honor our traditions, embrace connection, and celebrate the joy of being together—right here at home.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Derek Wright

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Nicole Branning

EDITOR

Laura Larson

laura.larson@napavalleylife.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Erin Hayden Seal

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Heather Voorhis

ADVERTISING SALES

Lydia Hall lydia.hall@napavalleylife.com

EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT/PARTNER

Kevin Evans

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Fran Miller

Layne Randolph

Jillian Dara

Melissa Vogt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Art & Clarity – Lowell Downey

ABOUT THE COVER

Jane Seymour, actress and Open Heart Foundation

Founder and Jean-Charles Boisset

Photo by Dylan Elliott Napa Valley Life Magazine is published six times a year.

We have four quarterly publications and two annual publications. Copyright 2025 by Napa Valley Life Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $12/year by visiting napavalleylife.com and clicking on subscriptions at the top.

1370 Trancas Street #770, Napa, CA 94558

Corporate Headquarters: 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Suite 125, Austin, TX 78752

/NVLife @napavalleylifemag

GET TO KNOW YOUR WINERY NEIGHBORS

Napa County neighbors enjoy special o ers from select local Napa Valley wineries — just for living here! No membership needed, simply show your driver’s license and enjoy.

Scan to view current Napa Neighbor o ers.

NV Scene

What’s Been Happening Around Town

TASTE OF YOUNTVILLE 2025

# PHOTOS BY AMY

LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Yountville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chandon and the tasting rooms and wineries of Yountville, hosted the return of the popular Taste of Yountville on April 27, 2025, at the newly renovated Chandon. Guests were invited to taste some of Napa’s finest wines and vintages from several of Yountville’s renowned wineries and tasting rooms, perfectly paired with farm-to-table bites created by the Chandon culinary team and Graze Provisions. Participating wineries include Bell Wines, Chandon, Cornerstone Cellars, Elyse Winery, Goosecross Cellars, Handwritten Wines, Hill Family Estate, Hoopes Vineyard, Hope & Grace, JCB, Jessup Cellars, Priest Ranch, Silver Trident and Stewart Cellars. // www.yountville.com/tasteofyountville/

SONGWRITERS IN PARADISE NAPA

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF SONGWRITERS IN PARADISE

The 6th annual Songwriters in Paradise Napa made its yearly spring return to Napa Valley from April 9th–13th, 2025. This one-of-a-kind, ultra-exclusive multi-day experience is known for its close and personal performances from over a dozen of music’s most talented & accomplished songwriters, artists & musicians while complemented by local cuisine paired with a carefully curated selection of Northern California’s most respected & sought-after wines. A few of this year’s performers included Chris Sills, Seth Walker, Kim Richey, Shawn Mullens (plus many more). Featured wineries and partners included Alpha Omega, Brasswood Cellars, Whitehall Lane, Mondavi Sisters Collection, Allora Vineyards, St. Helena Winery, Gargiulo Vineyards, Charles Krug, Crocker & Starr & more. // www.songwritersinparadise.com

L-R Kristian Bush, Django Walker, Gretchen Peters, Barry Walsh, Lauren Jenkins, Shawn Mullins, Patrick Davis, Seth Walker

L-R Chris Stills, Shawn Mullins, Kristian Bush, Chris Gelbuda, Michelle Baggett, Django Walker, Kim Richey, Robin Baggett, David Duncan, Patrick Davis, Lauren Jenkins, James Otto, Gretchen Peters, Seth Walker

L-R Patrick Davis, Chris Stills, Kristian Bush

Brasswood-Artist Round // L-R Kim Richey, Seth Walker, Shawn Mullins

Harvest Inn-Artist Round

L-R Patrick Davis, Lauren Jenkins, Seth Walker

Alpha Omega-Artist Round

L-R Shawn Mullins, Kim Richey, Kristian Bush

Pine Ridge Vineyards shows off the details on their auction lot.

VIP lunch and performance at Brasswood

LIVE IN THE VINEYARD

GOES COUNTRY

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIVE IN THE VINEYARD GOES COUNTRY

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, presented by Visit Napa Valley®, wrapped up another unforgettable year in the heart of Napa Valley April 22- 24, 2025, bringing together top-tier wineries, sought-after country artists, and breathtaking scenery. This highly anticipated event delivered an exclusive and immersive experience, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance. Attendees were treated to intimate performances by Jordan Davis, Brett Young, RaeLynn, Katharine McPhee, and more, exclusive wine tastings, and curated dining experiences across some of Napa Valley’s most renowned wineries and venues. // www.liveinthevineyard.com/litvgc

Adam Doleac performs // Photo by Izzi Valencia

Morgan Myles performs during the Signature FD Lunch at Whetstone Wine Cellars // Photo by Izzi Valencia

John Cominsky

L to R: Canaan Cox, Kalsey Kulyk, and Timmy McKeever perform during the Music Industry Lunch

Photo by Will Bucquoy

L to R: Braden Hull, Shane Stevens, and Katharine McPhee perform in-the-round during the Music Industry Dinner // Photo by Will Bucquoy

James Barker Band performs during the Music Industry Lunch // Photo by Will Bucquoy

Brett Young Performs Photo by Will Bucquoy

Laci Kaye Booth performs with Morgan Evans during the Midday Tailgate at Louis Martini Winery // Photo by Izzi Valencia

Kashus Culpepper, Jake Worthington, Owen Riegling, and Ashley Cooke // Photo by Will Bucquoy

Harper Grace brings out Franklin Jonas to perform their newly released single during the Send-Off Brunch // Photo by Izzi Valencia

APPELLATION ST. HELENA’S bASH

# PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA GANDOLFO

Back in its 14th year, Appellation St. Helena’s 2025 bASH was another huge success. Over 200 people attended the popular event at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone in St. Helena. The wine and food pairing competition showcased wines from nineteen ASH member wineries paired with savory bites prepared by teams of ‘rising star’ students at the CIA. Judges included respected professional chefs, such as Ken Frank. Attendees voted for their favorites in several categories. First-place winners selected by the professional chefs were CIA Chefs Adriel Maravilla, Brenda Mendina Ruiz, and Emma Rosinski, who prepared Braised Oxtail with Curtido and Tomato Caviar paired with Young Inglewood’s 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. // www.appellationsthelena.com

First Place winner Chefs Adriel Maravilla and Brenda Mendina Ruiz

Second Place winning chefs Valeria Leon, Sophia Faucett and Jose Avilla

Third place winning chef team Matthew Keyes, Anna-Jiminez Nava and Ayden O-Brien

MC Theya Fossett- Dir of Food, Beverage and Dining at CIA with CIA Chef Lars Kronmark

STAGS LEAP DISTRICT’S VINEYARD TO VINTNER WEEKEND

Around for over two decades, this year’s Vineyard to Vintner event hosted by the Stags Leap AVA, is a vibrant gathering and celebration of the exceptional wines and spirit of innovation and camaraderie. Hosted at iconic wineries in the AVA over three days (4/2527), guests were invited to experience some of Napa’s most acclaimed wines complemented by thoughtful pairings from standout local restaurants. Highlights included the Wine and Dine with the Vintners event that served seasonal menus crafted by top culinary partners paired with rare vintages, a walk-around tasting and luncheon at a new event, the Taste of the Neighborhood, and private, curated tasting experiences not available to the public at 10 different wineries. // www.stagsleapdistrict.com

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Emma Kruch, Emma K Creative

Photo by Rocco Ceselin

Discover the finest and most unique wine storage facility serving Napa, Sonoma, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Rutherford Wine Vault is located in the historic Beaulieu Vineyard champagne department - a meticulously transformed 110 year-old space. The vault features storage solutions for individual wine collectors and small vintners. Each locker is equipped with custom designed seismically independent racking systems, lockable private steel storage enclosures, redundant temperature and humidity controls, and more than five layers of state-of-the-art security systems.

NV Calendar

Upcoming Parties, Concerts, Celebrations and Events

Event dates subject to change. Please check event websites for current schedules.

July 11 – 20

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

Festival Napa Valley returns for its 19th season to Napa Valley, offering music lovers a wide variety of performances hosted in wine country settings alongside awardwinning food and wine. Focusing on youth and education, the Festival provides inspiring programs for students of all backgrounds, tuitionfree academies for young artists, and scholarships that nurture the next generation.  Headlined by Jon Batiste, who will perform at the Arts for All Gala on July 13, more than 60 concerts and events will be hosted at iconic venues. // www.festivalnapavalley.org

July 12

TASTE OF NAPA AT THE MERITAGE RESORT

The Festival Napa Valley’s signature event, the Taste of Napa, celebrates Napa Valley’s renowned food and wine

scene with best-in-class wines and bites prepared by local chefs. Taking place in the central piazza of The Meritage Resort, guests will have an opportunity to taste the best of Napa in a relaxed and elegant setting surrounded by vineyards. Over 70 wineries, breweries, craft beverages, restaurants, and culinary artisans participate. // www. festivalnapavalley.org

July

19

YOUNTVILLE TABLE

The town of Yountville is pleased to announce it will host their first Yountville Table event— an extraordinary evening of culinary and community elegance via a one-of-a-kind luxury long-table event in the heart of Napa Valley. Presented by the Napa Valley Education Foundation in partnership with the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, this event promises an unforgettable experience, joining together as a community to support Napa Valley youth while celebrating

the legendary food and wine synonymous with Napa Valley. The venue includes a wine reception, a 4-course meal, and live and silent auctions. // www.yountvilletable.com

July 26 • 4 – 7PM

CRUSH MS

Reid Family Vineyards is back to host the 11th annual Crush MS Summer Celebration. The popular local event raises funds and awareness for a world free of multiple sclerosis. At this multi-winery wine tasting, you’ll enjoy great wine, food, music, and an auction - all for a great cause! // www.crushms.org

July 27

SOFI BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The SOFI (South of First) District will host its annual Battle of the Bands event in lieu of Porchfest, which will not happen this year. Second Street will be closed from Randolph to School streets, and Franklin Street will be

Photo courtesy of Music in the Vineyards

Taste of Napa // Photo by David Ortega, courtesy of Festival Napa Valley

closed from Second to Third Streets, where three stages will be set up for 20+ “Porchfest- famed” local bands to play throughout the day. Food trucks, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Additional bands will be playing at The Uptown, Folklore, and other locations throughout downtown. // @napasofidistrict // www.donapa.com/events

Aug 1 – 24

MUSIC IN THE VINEYARDS

The Music in the Vineyards Chamber Music Festival is back in Napa to present its 31st Season of Chamber Music throughout the stunning backdrop of Napa Valley. Since 1995, its mission has been “to enrich people’s lives through the power of music.” The Festival will explore how music can be adapted: hear how changes in instrumentation or style can shed new light on the original and reveal hidden nuances and emotional depth. This fresh perspective breathes new life into familiar works. // www.musicinthevineyards.org

July 31 – Aug 3

V FOUNDATION

WINE CELEBRATION

The Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration is back for its threeday event, which drives awareness of cancer research. The exciting schedule includes intimate vintner experiences, a spirited live auction, a festival of music, and a cancer research symposium. Hosted by legendary Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, former Head Coach of Duke University Men’s Basketball, event highlights include the Founders Luncheon at Hall, Dinner with Docs at Inglenook, and the “Rock the V” Party with headliner Maggie Rose at The Pavillion at Estate Yountville, and the Gala Dinner & Auction held at Nickel & Nickel Estate Winery. Since 1999, the Wine Celebration has raised nearly $160 million, benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research. // www.winecelebration.v.org

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing

The Restaurant at North Block “Shaken and Stacked”

For Locals Only: On Sundays and Mondays, Napa residents can head to the restaurant’s bar for “Shaken & Stacked,” a Burger and Martini pairing featuring Executive Chef Juan Cabrera’s new Short Rib Stuffed Burger and a chilled martini. For $35, patrons can indulge in Chef’s decadent burger prepared with prime beef, confit onions, pickled fennel, short rib sauce, a spicy sauce on a housemade bun, a side of fries, and a classic martini. Sunday and Monday, 3 – 9pm. // 6757 WASHINGTON ST., YOUNTVILLE

WWW.NORTHBLOCKYOUNTVILLE.COM

Downtown Napa

First Thursdays

From May 1 through Oct. 2, Downtown Napa will be hosting First Thursdays at Oxbow Commons. These family-focused, walk-around events welcome the local community to gather, socialize, and enjoy Napa’s best. Food trucks, beer & wine, purveyors and growers from the Napa Farmers’ Market, kid-friendly games, and live music performed by local bands will be on hand to feed and entertain. It occurs on the first Thursday from May through Oct. from 5 – 9pm. // WWW.DONAPA.COM

Gary’s Chickens

Napa locals get the best eggs in town at the best price in town from Gary’s Chickens. Farm fresh eggs are available at Jessel Gallery for $8 a dozen. Delivered fresh daily from Jessel and Gary’s farm, egg lovers can pick up their eggs at the side dock in the brown refrigerator. It is recommended to call ahead to reserve requested quantities. Bring empty egg cartons to drop off for recycling. // 11019 ATLAS PEAK RD., NAPA

707-257-2350

AZUR Wine Lounge Sip and Paint Workshops

Relax and enjoy some Azur Wines while learning to use watercolors at AZUR Wine Lounge’s Sip & Paint Sunday Series, which runs through August. Local Napa artist Erin Genow leads this 3-hour class on watercolor painting. The $85 price includes a glass of Rose and all materials. June 1, July 13, August 3 from 2 – 5pm // 1014 CLINTON ST., NAPA WWW.AZURWINES.COM

Kingpin Cinnamon Rolls

Since 1985, Raymond Naeyaert, working with his father, introduced and mastered the craft of creating delectable cinnamon rolls. Today, he and his brother carry on the family tradition at their original East location and now through Kingpin Cinnamon Rolls in Napa Valley. The mobile concession emphasizes local ingredients and partnerships with companies such as Straus Dairy Farms and Barnhouse Brews Coffee. Kingpin can be found at three Napa locations on different days of the week. // WWW.KINGPINROLLS.COM

Photo courtesy of AZUR Wine Lounge

Photo by Nicola Parisi

Painting by Susan Loomis

Open Public Golf Courses

BY LAURA LARSON



Not a member? No worries. Napa Valley offers golf enthusiasts an excellent backdrop for a day on the greens and a formidable selection of exceptional public golf courses that offer challenging play with an added bonus: Napa’s stunning landscapes. Whether one wishes to enjoy a round of golf, hit a bucket of balls, or spend the afternoon on the driving range, the options for play at these local golf facilities are more than par for the course.

NAPA GOLF COURSE AT KENNEDY PARK

Situated in the heart of Napa, the Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park is a favorite among both locals and visitors. This 18-hole par-72 course spans 6,704 yards, offering a mix of challenging holes suitable for various skill levels. The course is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, featuring mature trees, water hazards, and well-maintained greens.

The course boasts extensive practice facilities, including a 24-stall driving range, a short game practice green, and a 10,000 square foot putting green and chipping area, allowing golfers to hone their skills before hitting the main course. Stop by the fully stocked pro shop to rent clubs and equipment, apparel, and accessories, or book time with on-site PGA Golf Pro David Knox, who is available for lessons and pointers.

The on-site Taproom offers breakfast items, sandwiches, and light appetizers in a relaxed atmosphere for post-round meals and refreshments.

Tee times can be reserved online through the course’s website or by calling the pro shop. Green fees vary based on the day and time, ranging from $39 to $59 on weekdays and $49-$69 on weekends.

2295 Streblow Dr, Napa; www.playnapa.com

EAGLE VINES VINEYARDS & GOLF CLUB

Eagle Vines seamlessly integrates the beauty of Napa Valley’s vineyards with a challenging golf layout. Designed in part by the World Golf Hall of Famer, Johnny Miller, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 7,297 yards and is known for its rolling hills, serene lakes, and mature oak trees. Notably, the course is free from surrounding residential developments, offering an immersive natural

experience. The club has practice facilities where golfers can utilize the driving range, putting green, and short game area to warm up or practice, or stop by the pro shop, which provides golf equipment, apparel, and accessories for purchase.

Eagle Vines’ on-site restaurant, the Eagle Grill, is one of the best-kept secrets in Napa Valley. It’s a great place to relax after a round of golf on the outdoor patio or inside, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the golf course, lakes, vineyards, and waterfalls. Eagle Vines also produces a private wine label exclusive to the Eagle Vines Vineyards and Golf Club estate-grown Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Whether seeking a challenging championship course, a relaxing round among vineyards, or a quick game at a nine-hole course, Napa Valley has something for every golfer.

Tee times can be booked online or by contacting the club directly. Green fees fluctuate based on the season and time of day. Standard rates are approximately $69$89 during the week and $89 on weekends.

580 South Kelly Road, Napa; www.eaglevinesgolfclub.com

CHARDONNAY GOLF CLUB & VINEYARDS

Chardonnay Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience, with its 18-hole, par-72 course winding through over 150 acres of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir vineyards. The course measures 6,985 yards and features numerous lakes and creek crossings, providing both beauty and challenge. The club offers a comprehensive practice area that includes a driving range, putting green, and chipping area, as well as

VINTNER’S GOLF CLUB

Located in Yountville, Vintner’s Golf Club is a premier nine-hole resort course offering three different sets of tees, allowing golfers to play 18 holes with varied challenges. Designed by Casey O’Callaghan and later redesigned by PGA superintendent Bob Boldt, the course provides a meticulously maintained layout suitable for all skill levels. The club offers practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and a pro shop for golf merchandise and equipment for rental or purchase.

The club also touts a popular restaurant, The Lakeside Grill, which provides a delightful dining experience with views of the course and surrounding landscapes. On Sundays, book ahead as the brunch is well-known among locals.

a pro shop where golfers can find a variety of equipment and apparel to suit their needs.

The Club’s restaurant, the View Bar & Grill, is a compelling location for any type of social gathering, with sweeping views of the magnificent Vineyards Course, the Napa River Estuary, and the Southern Mayacamas Mountain Range. The menu offers a full range of sandwiches, salads, and entrées, perfect for a meal before or after a round.

Tee times can be booked online. Standard weekday rates average $54- $64, and weekends average $74. Twilight and senior rates will vary. Clubs can be rented for $74 a set.

2555 Jameson Canyon Road, American Canyon; www.chardonnaygolfclub.com

Tee times can be booked online and range in price from nine holes $28 to $33 and 18 holes $43-$48. Golf carts, buckets of balls, and rental clubs are also available.

7901 Solano Ave, Yountville; www.vintnersgolfclub.com

Whether seeking a challenging championship course, a relaxing round among vineyards, or a quick game at a nine-hole course, Napa Valley has something for every golfer. Each course offers unique landscapes, excellent amenities, and flexible booking options, making it easy for both locals and visitors to enjoy the sport.

For the best experience, it’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Hole #6 courtesy of Chardonnay Golf Club

SUMMER SOUNDS

Napa Valley’s 2025 Summer Concerts and Music Festivals



WRITTEN BY LAURA LARSON

Allison, Photo by Lowell Downey

Pump up the Jam! Napa Valley has become one of the Bay Area’s top destinations when it comes to live music. Every year, this small valley becomes home to an incredible lineup of summer festivals and events that celebrate the region’s culture, food, wine, and music. Whether looking for an elegant evening of wine tasting and classical music under the stars, dancing elbow to elbow with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in front of the JaM Cellars stage, or enjoying a local band on a lawn chair with neighbors, Napa’s music scene bursts into action during the summer months. Here’s a guide to the best outdoor summer concerts and music festivals in Napa Valley.

BottleRock Napa Valley

WHEN: Memorial Day Weekend

WHERE: Napa Valley Expo, Napa

BottleRock Napa Valley is the region’s most famous music festival, drawing top-tier artists and thousands of visitors every year. Known for its blend of music, wine, craft beer, and gourmet food, BottleRock is an unforgettable kickoff to summer. Now in its 12th year, this year’s headliners included Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan. Past headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, and Foo Fighters have graced the stages in the past. In addition to the music program, the culinary scene is unmatched, with a wide selection of local chefs and restaurants serving special menus. Its highly entertaining Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage is as big an attraction as some of the biggest bands. // www.bottlerocknapavalley.com

Festival La Onda by BottleRock

WHEN: Late May

WHERE: Napa Valley Expo, Napa

The La Onda Latin music festival is back for its second year at downtown Napa’s Napa Valley Expo—the weekend following BottleRock. This year’s headliners included Marco Antonio Solis, Banda MS, Pepe Aguilar, Carin Leon, and Grupo Firme, along with two full days of the hottest Latin musical acts spanning several genres. In addition to the live acts, the weekend

includes DJ sets, local and regional Latin cuisine, dance parties, and much more. // www.laondafest.com

Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

WHEN: June

WHERE: Various venues throughout Napa Valley

Created by jazz saxophonist Dave Koz and hosted by Brian Culbertson, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway is a multi-day celebration of smooth jazz, fine wine, and luxurious experiences. The event features performances by renowned jazz musicians, exclusive wine tastings, and elegant dining experiences. This year’s lineup includes Brian Culbertson and the BC Band, Sheila E., Boney James, Stokley, and Damien Escobar, to name a few. Whether one is a jazz enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing way to enjoy Napa’s summer evenings, this festival is a mustattend. // www.jazzgetaway.com

Calistoga Concerts in the Park

WHEN: Thursday evenings, June–August WHERE: Pioneer Park, Calistoga

For a more laid-back summer experience, the Calistoga Concerts in the Park series offers free live music performances every Thursday evening. Locals and visitors gather in Pioneer Park with picnic blankets, wine, and snacks to enjoy live music ranging from rock to jazz to blues. It’s a great way to experience Napa’s local community while enjoying a warm summer night under the stars. // www.visitcalistoga.com

Festival Napa Valley

WHEN: July

WHERE: Various wineries and venues

Festival Napa Valley is a premier cultural event that combines music, dance, theater, and culinary experiences. Attendees can enjoy live performances from worldclass musicians and dancers, often held in stunning winery settings. This year’s performances include the Versailles Royal Opera in a production of Donizetti’s comedic masterpiece, The Daughter of the Regiment; Uytengsu Family Opening Night with soloists Joyce DiDonato and Tessa Lark; a tribute to Ennio Morricone as part of Maria Manetti Celebrates La Dolce Vita!; An Evening of Dance produced by Adrian Mitchell featuring some of the world’s most renowned ballet dancers, a screening of Walt Disney’s iconic animated masterpiece,

Photo courtesy of BottleRock Napa Valley

Festival Napa Valley Bouchaine Young Artist Concert with Steven Banks at CIA Copia

Photo by John Kly

Fantasia, with live orchestra, an evening of hot jazz and swing under the stars at CIA at Copia, to name a few. The festival also includes gourmet dinners prepared by top chefs and paired with Napa’s finest wines. It’s an immersive experience that highlights the region’s commitment to the arts. // www.festivalnapavalley.org

Napa Fridays in the Park

WHEN: July

WHERE: Veteran’s Park

Friday night community concerts will be hosted in Veterans Park from July 11–Aug 1. Fun for the entire family, this popular local event attracts locals who gather on the hill and grass of downtown Napa’s Veteran’s Park to listen to local bands (two per event) and share picnics, beverages and camaraderie. Bring a lawn chair and blanket, sit back, and enjoy a relaxed evening among members of the community. // www.donapa.com

Music in the Vineyards

WHEN: August

WHERE: Various wineries throughout Napa Valley

Classical music lovers will appreciate Music in the Vineyards, a unique festival that brings world-class chamber music performances to Napa’s most beautiful winery settings. This year’s performances include string quartets like the Pavone, Borromeo, and Pacifica Quartets, as well as soloists and ensembles such as Julie Albers (cello), Clarice Assad (piano/composer/ vocalist), Daniel Belcher (baritone), and many others. The combination of intimate performances, breathtaking vineyard views, and exceptional wines makes this festival a truly magical experience. // www.musicinthevineyards.org

Yountville Summer Concert Series

WHEN: July

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, Yountville

This Summer Concert Series in Yountville’s Veterans Memorial Park is a community favorite. Bring your friends, family, favorite beverages, and a blanket to enjoy Sunday evenings in the park, filled with live music and featured food trucks. Friendly, well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Chairs and blankets are recommended. // www.townofyountville.com

St. Helena Summer Concert Series

WHEN: Fridays, June–August

WHERE: Lyman Park, St. Helena

This free summer concert series in St. Helena features live bands performing everything from classic rock to country. Guests can bring a picnic or enjoy food from local vendors while sipping Napa Valley wines. It’s a fun and casual way to enjoy live music in one of Napa’s most charming towns. // www.cityofsthelena.com

Blue Note Black Radio Experience

WHEN: Labor Day Weekend

WHERE: Meritage Resort & Spa

The Blue Note Jazz Festival’s Black Radio Experience celebrates the rich tapestry of Black culture. It’s the power of music transcending boundaries and forging new bonds, with Napa Valley as its canvas. Last year’s headliners were Andre 3000, Jill Scott, and John Legend, to name a few. With renowned GRAMMY®-winning musician Robert Glasper at the helm, The Black Radio Experience exclusive weekend getaway is an unparalleled celebration of artistry, highlighting signature culinary events, wine tastings, and artist-led experiences. // www.bluenotejazz.com

Tips for Attending Summer Concerts in Napa Valley

Book in Advance: Many of Napa’s summer festivals and events sell out quickly, so booking tickets early is best.

Dress Comfortably: Napa summer days can be warm, but evenings can be cool. Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Stay Hydrated: With warm temperatures and wine tasting, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential.

Plan for Transportation: Many festivals and events involve wine tasting, so consider booking a car service or using local transportation options to get around safely.

Arrive Early: Popular events like BottleRock and Festival Napa Valley can get crowded, so arriving early ensures a good spot.

Music in the Vineyards

The Coop

The Coop is a collaborative project with Hoopes Vineyard, the town of Yountville, and The Yountville Farmstand, bringing local produce, local vendors, and local people together. The new “hangout” offers a casual menu of pastries, coffee, wine, soups, sandwiches, and weekly specials made with ingredients from Hoopes Vineyard’s The Oasis and other local farmstand gardens. Fresh produce, eggs, preserves, and other locally made goods are available to purchase and take home. Upcoming will be kids’ activities, rotating guest chefs, and concession stand specialties for families to enjoy during Little League games at the adjacent field. Residents of Yountville enjoy 50% off produce and eggs and 20% off all coffee and hot food. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00am – 5:00pm and 9:00am – 6:00pm Friday–Sunday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 6554 Yount Street, Yountville // @hoopesvineyard

Rutherford Slice House & Deli

Napa Food City’s popular Rutherford Pizza has opened downtown! Best known for their giant-sized New York-style fold-worthy slices of pizza, the new location which took over First & Franklin’s Deli, will be serving pizza and pizza by the slice with a great selection of toppings during daytime hours (11am – 4pm) Mon–Wed, Thursday, 11am – midnight and until 2am (or until they run out) on Friday and Saturday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1331 First St., Napa // www.rutherfordpizza.com

Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture “the MAC”

The Napa Valley Museum opened its much-anticipated new flagship location, The Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture (The “MAC”), to much acclaim with its first installment, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, an exhibition exploring the life and career of the famous chef, author and television personality who made French cuisine accessible to American audiences. Located in the former Dean & Deluca building in St. Helena, The MAC presents major exhibitions by iconic artists and explorations of significant historical and cultural movements, including the entertaining original exhibitions for which the museum has gained international acclaim. The new museum will share a portion of the building with Under-Study, culinary marketplace, and counter-service café created by the PRESS Restaurant team. Open 7 days a week from 10-5.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 607 St. Helena Hwy., St Helena www.napavalleymuseum.org

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Summer Savings with Wine & Beer Passports

Discover the Heart of Napa Valley this summer with various Wine & Beer Passports. From April 1 to August 31, Yountville’s Wine & Beer Passport holders can access over $800 in savings on wine, beer, and tasting experiences at 15 Yountville wineries and breweries. ($95) With Uncorked Napa Valley’s Summer Wine Passport , holders get VIP Access to 12 premiere Napa Valley wineries offering wine and food pairings and estate tours. Good May 1 through August 31. ($95) Calistoga Summer in the Vineyards Passport holders enjoy 50% off tastings at some of Calistoga’s top wineries from June 12 through August 17. ($45)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.yountville.com/experience-pass/ www.StHelena.com // www.visitcalistoga.com

The Grove Café

Located inside the Redwood Credit Union administrative buildings in Napa, the Grove Café brings a fresh, healthy, and affordable menu to South Napa. Chef Cesar Orozco uses local, seasonal ingredients (some harvested from his own farms) on his breakfast and lunch menus, which can be made to order or picked up to grab and go. Breakfast items include traditional breakfast, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos, and lunch choices include fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizza, and sides. The Café is open to RCU members as well as the local community for breakfast from 9–11am and lunch from 11am–2pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 480 Devlin Rd., Napa // www.thegrovecafe.org

Ella’s Cathouse & Adoption Center

Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch’s beloved cat café, Ella’s Cathouse, has reopened at its new location in South Napa Food City Shopping Center. The café was created to serve the Napa Community by providing a cage-free, safe sanctuary for unwanted, healthy cats to find their forever homes by inviting prospective adopters to spend playtime with adoptable feline friends. The center also serves as an education center for responsible pet guardianship. Open Fri-Sun from 12- 5 pm. Reservations recommended.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1855 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/our-work/echcb

Photo courtesy of Oke Poke

Photo by Loren Hansen, Redwood Credit Union

RAISON D’ÊTRE

Boisset’s Lifelong Philosophy on Philanthropy

 BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOISSET COLLECTION

It’s virtually impossible to be a part of the Napa Valley wine world without knowing about French-born Jean Charles Boisset, a prolific vintner, hospitality visionary, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for his dynamic presence. He owns The Boisset Collection, a group of wineries in France and California, including historic wine estates like Sonoma’s Buena Vista.

Boisset has quietly become a force for good, not only in the vineyards of Burgundy, where his family’s roots run deep, but right here in Napa Valley. Known for his elegant wines and deep reverence for tradition, Boisset has channeled his passion for service into a lifelong philanthropic mission that began during his childhood in Vougeot, France.

“I was born in a small village,” he said, “where everyone knew each other. We helped each other. You’d carry groceries for older people or tend someone else’s garden without being asked. It wasn’t charity—it was just life.”

That ethos, planted early like the vines he would come to master, has become the foundation of his worldview. Whether in his gardens as a child or in the vineyards as a young man, he learned the rhythms of nature and the responsibility of caretaking—not just for the land but for the people around it. “My parents lived off Mother Nature,” he recalled. “So, you had to respect her. We had plenty of food in the garden. I couldn’t imagine others going without.”

From this early sense of abundance came an enduring passion for environmentalism, one of the foundational principles supporting Boisset’s five pillars of philanthropy: combating hunger, supporting healthcare, building community, and promoting the arts and historic preservation.

PILLAR ONE: THE ENVIRONMENT

Even before the term ‘sustainability’ became a rallying cry, he practiced water conservation and zero-waste living—lessons passed down from grandparents who had no hot water or indoor plumbing until later in life. “We never threw anything away,” he said with pride. You used every crumb of bread, saved them for the birds—it was just how we lived.”

This philosophy extended to his work in wine. He embraced organic and biodynamic farming long before it became fashionable, viewing vineyard management as part of a greater ecological cycle. His understanding of nature and its interplay with agriculture led him to advocate for sustainable practices early, restoring historic vineyards using age-old methods.

Today, all of Boisset’s estate vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic. Boisset uses solar power at every winery in California and France except Buena Vista, a historic winery unsuitable for modernization. Napa Greencertified wines and lightweight glass debut this year, and Boisset has been a pioneer of sustainable packaging since 2004.

PILLAR TWO: COMMUNITY

His philanthropic efforts extend to those around him. He engages customers, team members, and even shareholders in his causes. By integrating charitable giving into some of the company’s wine sales, where a portion of certain bottles sold supports diversity, heritage preservation, or health initiatives, he creates opportunities for everyone to contribute.

One standout campaign is Boisset’s JCB Unity wine, which has raised over $300,000 for the Association of African American Vintners. The model proved so effective that major retailers like Sam’s Club and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) in

preservation—all areas where his impact is deeply personal. His diverse philanthropic work reflects his commitment to making a broad difference in many aspects of society.

PILLAR THREE: HEALTH

Through partnerships with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the American Heart Association, OLE Health, and breast cancer awareness organizations, he has helped raise millions of dollars for medical research and support services. “We haven’t built a hospital,” he said, “but we’ve helped fund the work that keeps them running.”

Boisset is the V Foundation’s exclusive sparkling wine sponsor, providing wine,

Canada embraced the project, making it an international success. His Joy & Serenity Cabernet Sauvignon and auction lots he creates typically raise $50,000 yearly for Jane Seymour’s Open Hearts Foundation, which empowers emerging nonprofits through consumer purchases.

Boisset supports VineTrail, donating over $100,000 to fund a Napa Valley Vine Trail shelter for the walking and biking path connecting Calistoga and St. Helena. He also donates to and works with the Napa Valley Vintners’ Collective Napa Valley Barrel Auction to support Napa’s children’s charities, helping raise $1.5 million for children’s health.

Although environmentalism and community form two pillars of his philanthropy, over the years, his causes have expanded to health care, hunger relief, the arts, and historic

auction lots, venues, and more to support their cancer research mission, which has raised more than $1,500,000 in several auctions.

One of his proudest moments? Partnering with John Legend at Auction Napa Valley to raise over $1 million for cancer research. “Napa showed up in full force,” he said, smiling. “It was one of those nights where you could feel the power of this place—its generosity, its unity.”

One organization especially close to his heart is the Salvation Army in Napa Valley, whose lesser-known work in addiction recovery has received his time and resources. “They bring people in for 12-week cycles,” he explained. “They teach cooking, offer structure, and allow people to rebuild through employment.”

Jean-Charles with his mother Claudine Boisset

With John Legend, Co-Founder of LVE Wines

In Support of the Napa Fire Department and the National First Responder’s Fund

PILLAR FOUR: FIGHTING HUNGER

Boisset’s support is more than financial. He’s known for getting directly involved— packing meals for food banks and delivering them to families. “It’s one thing to write a check,” he said. “It’s another to stand in line and hand someone a meal.”

One of his most cherished initiatives was a cause-related campaign in which wine sales directly funded millions of meals. “That one was special,” he recalled. You could see the impact. It was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make.”

This direct engagement is part of what makes his philanthropic work so authentic. “It’s not a movement,” he said. “It’s part of the rhythm of life. You help because it’s who you are. It’s our raison d’etre.”

That rhythm—small, steady acts of care—defines his approach to philanthropy. He credits his consistency—year after year, initiative after initiative—as one of his most meaningful contributions. Organizations know they can count on him for big gestures and steady, unwavering support.

In one particularly memorable moment, he helped raise $6 million for fire relief after the devastating California wildfires in 2017. “It wasn’t even a question,” he said. “We had to help.” Teaming up with local partners, chefs, Festival Napa Valley, and many community leaders, he helped raise funds for housing, replanting, and community services in the months following the devastation.

PILLAR FIVE: THE ARTS and HISTORIC PRESERVATION

His care extends beyond soil and vine. Boisset’s reverence for history has made

“I was born in a small village where everyone knew each other. We helped each other. You’d carry groceries for older people or tend someone else’s garden without being asked. It wasn’t charity— it was just life.”

- Jean-Charles Boisset

him one of the region’s most passionate preservationists. Born in a 16th-century home once occupied by a monk from the famed Château du Clos de Vougeot, he grew up surrounded by architectural heritage. Today, he’s the steward of multiple historic sites, which he lovingly restores to tell the stories of those who came before.

“These buildings have meaning,” he said. “They teach us about the past. They

shape future generations’ understanding of culture, style, and purpose. When a building is preserved, it invites questions. It opens conversations.”

But for all the headline-grabbing numbers, it’s the quieter work that he values most. His support of the arts comes from the belief that “art makes us better humans,” as he said. “It opens us. Whether painting, music, or design—it shapes who we are.”

Through partnerships with institutions like the renowned Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy, and the Nimbus Arts Academy in St. Helena, he has helped emerging artists find footing through scholarships, auctions, and exhibitions. In Calistoga, where he’s helped sponsor art programs and community dinners, he often speaks about the wine/art intersection. “Art and wine have the same goal,” he said. “They bring people together.”

Unsurprisingly, he has even more ambitious projects on the horizon. “We’re working on something new,” he said. “A way to invite guests to create; a space to inspire others to be creative.”

What drives it all, he says, is the desire to restore that village spirit—the unspoken social contract that lifts one another not for applause but because it’s what neighbors do.

“I remember, as a child, walking with an elderly woman, helping her use her cane,” he said. “It wasn’t something we talked about—it was just what you did. That’s the kind of world I want to build again.”

Through wine, architecture, acts of quiet service, and bold generosity, he’s already doing just that.

The actress Jane Seymour co-founded Open Hearts Foundation in 2010, inspired by her mother, Mieke Frankenberg, a WWII internment camp survivor. The Foundation champions the “Open Hearts Philosophy”— giving back through resilience and compassion. Through its grantmaking and volunteer programs, it supports nonprofits aiding vulnerable communities across the U.S., with a focus on women and children. Its Young Hearts Program connects youth with service projects, and annual galas raise significant funds and honor impactful philanthropists. The Foundation has awarded over $1.79 million in grants to date. The 2023 gala raised nearly $500,000 and honored Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo-Boisset for their humanitarian efforts. Seymour described them as “a couple whose love for winemaking is only matched by their boundless compassion for others.”

Inducting Jane Seymour into the Confrererie de Chevaliers du Tastevin at the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, Burgundy

The Sixth Annual

PHILANTHROPY ISSUE

“ Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” –Brian Solis

Each summer, Napa Valley Life proudly shines a spotlight on the individuals and organizations across our region making a meaningful difference through financial support, volunteer efforts, or passionate advocacy. Philanthropy is more than just generosity; it's a driving force that strengthens our community and shapes a more hopeful tomorrow.

By recognizing those who devote their time, energy, and resources to causes greater than themselves, we do more than celebrate goodwill—we help sustain it. Honoring their efforts reinforces the impact of their contributions, many of which require remarkable dedication and sparks inspiration for others to follow their lead.

It's through these stories of selflessness and service that we see the true heart of Napa Valley. With great appreciation, we present the 2025 edition of our local philanthropist organizations, the people behind them, and the causes they champion. Join us in celebrating their extraordinary commitment to making our community stronger, kinder, and more connected.

PROFILES BY FRAN MILLER

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our list of people and organizations featured in the Philanthropy feature evolves from nominations submitted to the Editors Desk. To nominate an individual or organization for consideration in the 2026 issue, please send an email with the subject line "Philanthropy Nomination 2026" to info@napavalleylife.com

AUCTION NAPA VALLEY

MICHELLE AND ROBIN BAGGETT, HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

According to Michelle Baggett, “Giving begins here at home in the Napa Valley Community.” She and her husband, Robin Baggett founded the Alpha Omega winery in Rutherford nearly 20 years ago, and serve as honorary co-chairs for Auction Napa Valley 2025. They are deeply committed to to Napa Valley philanthropy and are honored to be selected to these roles by past Auction Napa Valley co-chairs. The duo hopes to inspire others to come together to celebrate Napa Valley Vintners giving back to the Napa Valley community. One of the world’s premier charity wine auctions, attracting oenophiles from around the globe, Auction Napa Valley is a grand celebration of Napa Valley’s rich

winemaking heritage. It is always a highly anticipated event and a valued platform for community giving. Under the Collective Napa Valley umbrella for the past few years, the auction, with the support of NVV members, is re-emerging in its original format. The event has raised millions of dollars over the years via its auction of exclusive, rare, and often one-of-a-kind wines and wine-related experiences. Funds are distributed to local health and education nonprofit organizations and community services. “We are excited to celebrate 45 years of giving back to our community through this world-renowned wine event, which supports the health, wellness, and education of children and teens in Napa Valley,” said Michelle.

“Our goal is not only to build a strong foundation for youth to succeed but also to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture, tourism, and other fields vital to Napa Valley’s future. With Auction Napa Valley 2025, we are committed to focusing on the reinvention of our community auction, finding a new path and a new rhythm. We gather to raise the necessary funds for the tools and resources to give our youth a strong foundation so that one day, they will choose to live a full life as a vessel within our incredible community. This opportunity to engage with our fellow vintners, to support programs that enhance the lives of our Napa youth, fills our hearts.” www.auctionnapavalley.org

Photo courtesy of Michelle & Robin Baggett

FEEDING IT FORWARD

MARGARET PERRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Feeding it Forward is dedicated to fighting hunger, addressing food insecurity, and reducing food waste in the local community. The simple mission is to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger in Napa County through collaborative efforts. With a focus on rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, the organization ensures that nutritious food reaches vulnerable individuals, families, and anyone experiencing food insecurity in Napa Valley. Working with local businesses, restaurants, and food distributors, Feeding it Forward’s dedicated volunteer network collects unused food that would otherwise go to waste. The food is sorted, packaged, and distributed to a wide range of individuals. Since its founding in 2018, Feeding It Forward has rescued more than 775,000 pounds of food. The group’s efforts create a more compassionate and resilient community where no one goes hungry, and food resources are used responsibly. Efforts also contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing food waste. In 2024, Feeding It Forward removed the equivalent of 40 vehicles off the road. The Greenhouse Gas benefit equates to 453,433 miles driven by a passenger vehicle. Margaret Perry has served as executive director for the past year; she is the first ED in its seven-year history. She had always wondered why excess food could not be saved and used to help feed people in need, and she loves that Feeding It Forward understands that helping feed the hungry is a solvable problem. “We have developed a program to rescue perishable food from donors and deliver it to organizations fighting hunger in our community,” said Perry, who acknowledged that there is no shortage of food in the Napa Valley. “We work with more than 70 food generators and more than 45 community-based organizations. With three staff members and a strong board of directors, we pride ourselves in the ability to be flexible and nimble.” www.fifnv.org

Photo courtesy of Margaret Perry

SOLANO - NAPA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

DEANNA MOTT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity (SNHfH) was founded in 1991 as the local affiliate of the global nonprofit organization dedicated to building and improving homes for families in need. With the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live and that decent housing is a foundation for a better life, SNHfH’s mission is to provide affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals and families in Solano and Napa Counties, helping them build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. SNHfH offers qualified firsttime home buyers who earn between 50% and 80% Area Median Income the opportunity to purchase homes with zero-interest loans. Since its founding, SNHfH has built or repaired more than 50 homes in Solano and Napa Counties with the help of volunteers, donors, and local businesses. Deanna Mott, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, experienced her first “dedication ceremony” last fall, officially handing over the keys to three new homeowners. “It was so emotional,” said Mott. “Habitat for Humanity is more than just an organization that builds homes; it’s an organization that builds hope, dignity, and opportunity. We foster a sense of collaboration and support where everyone contributes to a brighter future. We have an amazing staff and a group of volunteers who show up consistently to give their time. The dedicated construction crew is definitely the heart of our organization, and the amount of thoughtfulness they put into every detail is inspiring.  It’s heartwarming to see how everyone’s efforts come together to make a tangible difference.” Selected families must agree to give 500 hours of sweat equity toward their home. This means they show up at the construction site to help hammer nails, paint, lay flooring, or whatever their skillset allows. Some people help tidy up and keep things organized at the worksite.  “The work we do empowers individuals, strengthens families, and builds community; that is what makes my work fulfilling,” added Mott. “It’s about transforming lives—not just for the families we serve, but for the volunteers, donors, and supporters who are part of this incredible mission.”

www.solanonapahabitat.org

Photo courtesy of Deanna Mott

IF GIVEN A CHANCE

ANGELA COOPER, DIRECTOR OF GROWTH

If Given a Chance (IGAC) helps students who have faced significant challenges yet are determined to pursue higher education. The organization’s support goes beyond financial aid; it provides mentorship, guidance, and a strong sense of community, ensuring students don’t have to navigate their academic journey alone. “What sets IGAC apart is our longterm commitment,” said Angela Cooper, who has supported the organization for several years and is now director of growth. “We don’t just help students get into college or technical programs—we stay with them for the full four to five years, offering ongoing support to help them adjust to college life, navigate challenges, and stay on track to graduation. We have partnered with Students Rising Above (SRA) to continue academic advice, access to mental health resources, and financial aid assistance; we ensure our students have what they need to graduate.” One of the most impactful aspects of the IGAC program is the personalized guidance that helps students find colleges or technical schools that align with their aspirations. IGAC also plays a crucial role in securing financial aid opportunities and ensuring students can achieve their goals. Just last year, IGAC students were awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships. “It’s not just about financial assistance—it’s about building a sense of community,” added Cooper. “IGAC bridges critical gaps that might otherwise leave students without the support they need and helps them regain their sense of self-worth. Our students are some of the most resilient, driven individuals you will ever meet. Many have overcome immense obstacles, yet their determination to create a better future is unstoppable. If Given a Chance provides them with the opportunities, tools, and encouragement to turn their dreams into reality. I’m continually inspired by our students. Their drive and perseverance are nothing short of amazing, and I’m honored to be part of an organization that helps them turn their dreams into reality.”

www.ifgivenachance.org

Photo courtesy of Angela Cooper

MUSIC IN THE VINEYARDS

REBECCA BLUM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Featuring a unique blend of the region’s world-class wineries and exceptional performances by renowned classical musicians, Music in the Vineyards provides a platform for the performing arts while showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of Napa Valley. Held each August at varying wineries, the concerts offer captivating experiences for wine and music lovers.

Established in 1995, the festival presents toptier classical music performances in intimate and picturesque winery settings, connecting audiences with world-class musicians while fostering the growth of emerging artists.

Performers have included renowned artists, including members of the San Francisco Symphony, local acts, and young emerging talent. The festival also contributes to the cultural landscape by offering educational programs and outreach opportunities for youth and senior community groups, ensuring the future of classical music in the region.

Rebecca Blum is the new executive director of Music in the Vineyards. Prior, she was with the San Francisco Symphony for 20 years, where she held posts as Director of Orchestra Personnel and, most recently, Senior Director, Orchestra Personnel and Education Planning. “I love that Music in the Vineyards brings exceptional classical music to Napa’s beautiful landscape - but it’s more than that,” said Blum. “The intimate setting of our concerts allows audiences to experience something profoundly human together. Being so close to these remarkable artists—and even speaking with them at intermission—creates a deeper emotional connection for everyone. These kinds of personal experiences are becoming rare, but they are some of life’s most special moments. It’s also important to ensure we can share this incredible music with residents who may not be able to attend public performances, like Napa’s senior citizens in assisted living communities. The joy that music brings them is immeasurable, and in turn, their enthusiasm and life stories inspire the musicians who perform for them. We also bring music to children at our local Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. For many young people, this is their first up-close encounter with string instruments and live classical music. It’s a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bridge generations, offer comfort, and lift our spirits.”  www.musicinthevineyards.org

by Nick Otto

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NAPA COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

LUCAS PATZEK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Simply put, Napa County Resource Conservation District (Napa RCD) is Napa County’s go-to hub for conservation. The organization, which celebrates 80 years this year, promotes sustainable land management practices, environmental stewardship, and ecological resilience by empowering landowners, farmers, ranchers, and the public to achieve shared goals such as climate resilience, water security, thriving ecosystems, and environmental literacy. The approach is rooted in practical, science-based support and a broad ecosystem perspective. Lucas Patzek has served as Napa RCD’s executive director since 2018. “Collaboration is at the core of our work,” said Patzek, who previously served as County Director and Agriculture & Natural Resource faculty member with the Cooperative Extension Service in Washington and as the Associate Executive Director of the Sonoma County-based non-profit Ag Innovations. He has also been involved in agricultural development efforts in Algeria, Cambodia, Mexico, and the European Union. “We offer technical assistance, environmental monitoring, education, collaboration, and funding guidance across diverse programs—from forest health and water conservation to habitat restoration, regenerative agriculture, and youth environmental education. We actively partner with local and regional organizations to foster innovative, community-driven solutions. We’re also committed to expanding outreach, ensuring underserved communities have the resources and support needed to participate in, and benefit from, conservation efforts.” Napa RCD collaborates with local government agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders to implement large-scale conservation initiatives and programs, and they often work with the Napa County government to align conservation efforts with broader regional planning. They also offer volunteer opportunities for those who wish to make a difference within the community. Patzek enjoys the privilege of working with diverse sectors and communities across Napa County, supporting conservation goals in ways that are inclusive and accessible. “The challenges we face, like water security, climate adaptability, wildfire resilience, and biodiversity loss, are complex and daunting. But our work focuses on local, practical solutions that empower our community to make a real, positive impact. It’s inspiring to collaborate with people who care deeply about the future of our natural resources and are committed to creating lasting change.” www.naparcd.org

NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

MICHAEL BALDACCI, FUNDRAISING CHAIR, PHASE 2

The Napa Valley College Foundation supports Napa Valley College by providing financial resources, scholarships, and community engagement to enhance the educational experience for students. Founded in 1983, the Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the college’s mission of offering accessible, high-quality education to local residents. It serves as a bridge between the college and the community, ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their academic and career goals. The Foundation raises funds through private donations, grants, and fundraising events. These funds are used to provide financial assistance to students to alleviate educational costs and promote academic success.

Funds are also used for initiatives that enhance teaching effectiveness and student success, thereby improving the overall learning environment at NVC. And funds are utilized for capital improvements, such as a proposed Wine Education Complex that will provide students with modern learning spaces and equipment. This project aims to transform NVC’s existing wine education facilities into a world-class center that will inspire students and prepare them for successful careers in the wine industry. Michael Baldacci, winemaker at his family’s Baldacci Vineyards, currently serves as the Foundation’s fundraising chair for Phase 2 of the Wine Education Center Complex. He has been involved with the Foundation for 6 years. “The Napa Valley College Foundation is deeply committed to supporting students,”

said Baldacci. “We provide annual scholarships and strive to understand and meet the needs of our students, offering them opportunities to succeed. The Wine Education Center Complex will be a crowning achievement for the college, providing students with all the tools they need to thrive.” The Foundation also facilitates partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to create opportunities for internships, career development, and student success. ”What I enjoy most about my work with the Foundation is witnessing the direct impact of our efforts,” added Baldacci. “We have the privilege of interacting with students, awarding scholarships, and seeing firsthand how our support benefits them every day.”

www.napavalleycollegefoundation.org

Photo by Haley Warnock

NAPA VALLEY GRAPEGROWERS

CALEB MOSELY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) is dedicated to preserving the region’s vineyards and the bounty they provide for the Napa Valley while supporting growers and the community. Members include grape growers, vineyard owners, and industry partners, each of whom plays a crucial role in preserving the region’s agricultural heritage while promoting highquality, responsible viticulture. NVG not only supports vineyard health and ultimately improves the quality of Napa Valley wines, but also benefits the broader community by promoting environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience. Caleb Mosely has led NVG as executive director for more than a year, working alongside the organization’s members and dedicated staff to advance sustainable farming practices and ensure the long-term success of the region’s grape-growing heritage. He has been actively involved with NVG since he began farming in Napa in 2011. “Having first-hand experience with the organization while also tending to Napa’s iconic vineyards allows me to better understand the needs of our grower community,” said Mosely, who has managed some of the region’s most esteemed estate vineyards. His innate ability to lead, coupled with an insatiable curiosity related to vine cultivation, is invaluable to the organization as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Mosely enjoys collaboration with Napa Valley’s growers—many of whom are multi-generational stewards of the land. “Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring,” added Mosely. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support their efforts through advocacy, education, and sustainability initiatives that protect our vineyards for future generations. No two days are the same - and it keeps me on my toes in a similar way to my days in the vineyards. I can’t say that returning emails and leading meetings are the same as pruning vines, but there is a diversity to the work that I enjoy. I often remind myself that if I didn’t miss day-to-day farming so much, I would not be the right person to lead this organization that has championed growers and our vineyards for 50 years.”

www.napagrowers.org

Photo by Chester Cooley

NAPA VALLEY HOSPITALITY FORUM

The Napa Valley Hospitality Forum (NVHF) is dedicated to fostering collaboration amongst hospitality and direct-to-consumer (DTC) professionals in Napa. Membership consists of Napa wine professionals whose purview includes hospitality and DTC. NVHF’s mission is to strengthen the community by facilitating connections, sharing resources, supporting local initiatives, and providing a platform for education and advocacy. NVHF seeks to remove all barriers to professional development. “Our membership represents a true cross-section of Napa Valley, ranging from small independent businesses to some of the largest corporations in the industry,” said NVHF executive director Galen Becker Drace, who provides strategic direction to board members, and guides the organization

toward its goals, ensuring that NVHF members have access to valuable resources that benefit both them and the broader Napa community. NVHF achieves its mission by hosting monthly meetings at member wineries; these gatherings provide an open-forum-based platform for members to network, explore industryspecific topics, problem-solve, and collaborate on best practices. In addition, NVHF maintains a “Community Corner” on its website, and a local nonprofit or volunteer opportunity is highlighted each month. This resource serves as a directory for individuals seeking ways to contribute to the community and organizations looking to connect with potential volunteers or partners. Through these initiatives, NVHF plays a vital role in building a more connected and supportive community, leveraging the collective

efforts of local businesses, nonprofits, and residents to address shared challenges and enhance the quality of life in the Napa Valley area. What is most formidable about the NVHF is the incredible dedication of its members and board directors. “The energy and time they invest helps foster a truly collaborative environment,” Drace added. “In the last few years, we have grown from 60 member properties to over 140, a testament to the value of this collective effort. I am incredibly proud to lead a group that prioritizes collective success over competition. The more we invest in sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and elevating industry standards, the stronger Napa Valley’s hospitality community becomes. Hospitality is not a zero-sum game—when one of us improves, we all benefit.”

www.nvhf.net

NVHF Board Members from L-R: Jim Foster, Stags’ Leap Winery; Patrick Volner, Amizetta Vineyards; Erin Scally, Mending Wall Winery; Galen Becker Drace, Turnkey DTC Consulting; Helene Weiss, Caymus Winery; Jake Hajer, Maison Fayard; George Blanckensee, Chateau Montelena // Not Pictured: Bill Farmer, Boisset Collection

Photo by Woodhouse Visual Marketing

NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS

DONNA WALKER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER

Representing nearly 550 Napa Valley wineries, Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) is a key voice for the Napa Valley wine industry. Through varied programming, advocacy, and educational initiatives, NVV helps sustain Napa Valley’s world-class reputation by inspiring rigorous quality standards, providing environmental leadership, and promoting its wines locally and internationally. Additionally, it supports community-based initiatives such as children’s education, community health and wellness, and environmental stewardship through its charitable investments and flagship fundraising event, Auction Napa Valley, ensuring that the prosperity of the wine industry translates into benefits for the entire Napa Valley. Over the past 40 years, the NVV—powered by the generosity of donors and vintner members—has invested more than $230 million into the community. Donna Walker is a second-term NVV’s Board of Directors member and immediate past NVV Grant Review Committee chair. She is proud to be part of a leadership organization that drives impact on multiple fronts, and the role has deepened her understanding of the community’s needs and has strengthened her belief in the power of strategic philanthropy. “NVV is a champion for meaningful investments in our community where our collective efforts create lasting impact,” said Walker, proprietor of Pulido~Walker Estate Vineyards and Winery. “NVV fosters a culture of excellence that encourages members not only to craft exceptional wines but also to lead with integrity, prioritize sustainability, and protect the land we all cherish. I’m continually inspired by the resilience of this community and the camaraderie among fellow vintners. Our vintner members don’t just make wine here—they live here. Their devotion to the land extends to the people who call this valley home. Contributing to the important work of NVV has been both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience.”

www.napavintners.com

Photo courtesy of Donna Walker

NIMBUS ARTS

JAMIE GRAFF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nimbus Arts seeks to foster creativity and enrich lives by providing creative arts programs for children, adults, seniors, and underserved communities. Nimbus is renowned for its creative and inventive array of art classes, camps, and community events led by professional artists, educators, and volunteers. In its 20 years, the organization has engaged dozens of community service organizations throughout Napa County in free public art-making projects. Nimbus enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Napa Valley Unified School District, building rich and consistent art programming for at-risk teens, both in alternative schools and at Napa’s Juvenile Hall. And the Nim+BUS mobile Art studio creates community-based public art projects and installations through its Hundreds of Hands™ initiatives. For two decades, Jamie Graff has served as Nimbus’ executive director. In her role, Graff strives to encourage and promote both curiosity and commitment to the arts and to create and support a collective of creatives and artists that continues to evolve and transform along with the organization, “Much like the very nature of our namesake cloud” said Graff, who is continually inspired by the talented artists with whom the organization collaborates, her staff, and Nimbus’ board members. “Each day, I witness people of all ages experiencing the joy, curiosity, calm, wonder, creative “ah ha” moments, and transformation that making and beholding art can bring. Our students inspire us with their enthusiasm and talents, and we cherish the unique human connections that are made through this process of working together.

I love working here in the Nim-buzz of activity, whether we are brainstorming magical NIMBASH plans, designing collaborative grant-worthy projects, or conducting one of our loud family-style, sky-is-the-limit interdisciplinary lunch/planning sessions for camps and classes. Components key to our success include our team’s skills, imagination, and connections to one another, our culture of a no-holds-barred interest in the natural world around us, and our artists’ deep knowledge and passion for the fine arts. The Nimbus team embraces it all—the ultimate arty-pentathlon of creativity—I feel lucky every day to be a part of it.”

www.nimbusarts.org

Photo courtesy of Jamie Graff

OUR TOWN ST. HELENA

JENNIFER LA LIBERTE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our Town St. Helena (OTSH), was founded by a group of longtime residents whose goal is to make small-town living accessible to a diverse group of people. Recognizing that St. Helena is no longer affordable for families, for those who work in the vineyards and retail sector, for first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers, the organization addresses a lack of low and moderately priced housing in St. Helena. It facilitates activity to provide rental, home ownership, and nontraditional housing opportunities for those priced out of the housing market. The group is committed to utilizing innovative strategies to create a range of housing opportunities while striving to meet and exceed resource conservation requirements. Executive Director Jennifer

La Liberte has overseen OTSH for the past five years. With a career history that includes economic development positions with the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, City of Napa, and her own consulting practice, she oversees and participates in all aspects of the organization’s operation: finance, fundraising, marketing, board guidance and meetings, project management, strategic planning, property management, and team recruitment and development. OTSH relies on philanthropic donations, grants, and strategic partnerships to operate. Currently, the organization has 60 affordable rental homes in the pipeline at varying stages of development. Nine new apartments on Pope Street will be completed and ready for occupancy in

early 2026, which will provide homes to low- and moderate-income households earning from approximately $51,000 to $155,000 annually. “Combined with the Brenkle Court project completed in 2021 (eight ownership townhomes) and the six rentals OTSH has acquired and preserved at affordable rents, we are just 30 units shy of meeting our “105 by 2035” goal,” said La Liberte, who enjoys working with her dedicated board of directors and strategic partners to make a real impact on the lives of the people who benefit from living in homes that are affordable in St. Helena. “Housing that is affordable is an essential component of a healthy and thriving community’s infrastructure.”

www.ourtownsthelena.org

Photo courtesy of Jennifer La Liberte

THE ROGER J. TRINCHERO FAMILY FOUNDATION

ROGER J. TRINCHERO, FOUNDER

Established in 2017 by Roger J. Trinchero, Chairman of Trinchero Family Estates, The Roger J. Trinchero Family Foundation is a philanthropic cornerstone in Napa Valley. With an initial multi-million-dollar contribution from his personal estate, Trinchero set a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable giving. His dedication to the organization has been unwavering, and he continues to invest in the Foundation’s growth, expanding its reach to meet the community’s evolving needs. In a gesture of lasting generosity, Trinchero has committed his entire remaining estate to the Foundation, ensuring that his legacy of giving will endure for generations. Trichero’s philanthropic journey began long before the Foundation’s creation. He has quietly supported various causes in Napa Valley for decades alongside his siblings, Bob and Vera. Recognizing the need for a more structured approach, he founded the Foundation to continue the family’s tradition of local giving in a lasting and impactful way. The Foundation initially focused on children’s education, health, and physical activity, partnering with local organizations such as St. Helena Cooperative Nursery School and Carpy Gang to support early childhood development.

As Napa Valley faced new challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation expanded its mission to address emerging needs, such as food insecurity. Partnering with the Community Action Napa Valley (CANV) Food Bank, the Foundation ensured that vulnerable families had access to nutritious food. Recognizing that supporting a child’s success goes beyond education, the Foundation also focused on mental health, home stability, and access to resources, forming new partnerships with organizations like Ten Thousand Degrees of Napa Valley, Howell Mountain Elementary, and Voices Napa. From 2018 to 2024, the Foundation distributed millions of dollars in grants, each dollar carefully allocated to ensure it creates a lasting impact. Through its thoughtful approach to philanthropy, the Foundation continues to uplift children and families in Napa Valley, embodying a legacy of care, responsibility, and transformation.

SENIORS HELPING SENIORS

KATIE HOLMAN O’NEILL, PROPRIETOR, NAPA, SONOMA, SOLANO BRANCH

To age in place with dignity and respect is a desire for many seniors. Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS) is an organization that helps the region’s older population do just that. Offering personalized care plans tailored to individual needs, SHS’s mission is to enable seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle in their own homes by matching them with compassionate, active, senior caregivers who share similar life experiences, thus fostering meaningful connections that promote a sense of community. SHS’s services include companionship and socialization; personal care and daily living assistance; memory, dementia and Alzheimer’s care; respite and specialized care; meal preparation and shopping; light housekeeping; transportation; medication reminders; and yard work and pet care. Caregivers are active seniors over age 50, an approach that not only provides employment opportunities for older adults but also fosters peer relationships and ensures that care caregivers can relate to the experiences and needs of their clients. Katie Holman O’Neill is the owner of wine country’s branch of the organization, serving seniors in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. Her work is very personal as she navigates her own challenges with aging family members. A background in hospitality inspires her quest for excellence in all facets of the business, and she is proud of the services that allow seniors to age with dignity and independence in their home of choice. She is equally proud to be able to provide older adults with meaningful professional opportunities. “We only employ active seniors as our caregivers, and we are really trying to provide a relatable caregiving experience,” said O’Neill. “Quality care and service is deeply important to us. We believe that older adults can help each other age more happily and gracefully, and we feel extremely fortunate to offer opportunities for connection to all participants in our model. I’d like Seniors Helping Seniors to be known as THE place for mature workers to find purposeful work.”

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com

Photo courtesy of Katie Holman O'Neill

SONG FOR CHARLIE

CHRISTINA JULIAN, OUTREACH PARTNER & PROJECT MANAGER

Founded in memory of Charlie, a young man who tragically died after unknowingly ingesting a counterfeit pill containing fentanyl, Song for Charlie seeks to raise awareness of and promote safety around the increasing prevalence of fake prescription pills laced with the synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin or morphine. Fentanyl is a leading cause of accidental overdoses, many of which occur when individuals unknowingly consume pills that appear to be legitimate prescription medications, such as oxycodone or Xanax but are actually counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. These fake pills, often sold on the black market, have contributed to the alarming surge in opioid-related

deaths across the U.S. Song for Charlie’s primary goal is to combat the rising number of accidental overdoses via several educational and advocacy initiatives. Song for Charlie emphasizes the importance of open communication, urging families to talk about the risks of fentanyl with their children and loved ones. Christina Julian is the organization’s outreach partner and project manager. She lost a niece to a fentanyl-laced pill, and in her role, she shares her niece’s story when speaking to young people. “When presenting at schools, there is always a moment when I can see them click in and become fully engaged, often right after I share my niece’s tragic story—it all becomes very real for them.”  Julian works tirelessly to spread awareness

through community outreach, social media campaigns, and youth-led initiatives aimed at informing about the risks of taking prescription pills from unreliable sources.

“We stick to the facts, avoid scare tactics, and remain focused on spreading awareness and taking action to save lives,” said Julian.

“We support communities here locally and across the Bay Area and country with a suite of free resources, including the New Drug Talk family resource portal, our new student outreach film, Real Talk About Fake Pills, and our Peer-to-Peer program, all of which were made possible through our partnership with the California Department of Health Care Service. We operate from a place of hope instead of fear.”

www.songforcharlie.org

Photo courtesy of Christina Julian

SPIRITHORSE EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES

CHARLOTTE DOUGHERTY, FOUNDER

Equine-assisted learning, or horse therapy, leverages the natural qualities of horses to assist in healing and personal growth. Horses are highly sensitive to human emotion, and interaction with these majestic animals can be especially helpful for people dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression. At SpiritHorse, located in American Canyon, horse-centric programming, such as therapeutic horseback riding lessons, summer camps, and enrichment classes, is designed to enhance the lives of children and adults facing a range of challenges. The organization was founded in 2010 by Charlotte Dougherty, a trauma survivor. She started the program with one horse and one free lesson, supporting her efforts by cleaning houses. Today, her programs, led by highly trained and passionate volunteers, cater to individuals of all abilities. SpiritHorse partners with the Napa Office of Education, working with kids and adults. Dougherty also runs weekly veteran programs and a weekly program for Camille Creek Community School, helping disenfranchised youth. For those with physical disabilities or mobility issues, horseback riding can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. The horse’s movement helps with posture and can encourage muscle development through the natural rhythms of riding. Working with horses can help to build trust; the process can help individuals improve their self-confidence and learn skills such as patience, responsibility, and effective communication. Interaction with a horse encourages mindfulness, assisting individuals to focus on the present moment and develop a sense of calm and relaxation. “I love seeing people gain trust and confidence through interaction with the horses,” said Dougherty, who leads the program from her heart. “SpiritHorse is about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can benefit from the bond with horses and experience personal growth, regardless of their background or challenges. SpiritHorse builds community by fostering connections between participants, their families, and the larger community. It’s not just about the therapy but about creating a supportive network. I am so thankful that I can share my story with the public to help inspire others to change their lives and give back to the community.”

www.spirithorsebayarea.org

Photo by Lauren Ann Photography

A PARTNER IN CARING How One Woman Turned Caregiving into a Life’s Mission

F BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS COURTESY

or Kim Geis, the founder of A Partner in Caring, caregiving isn’t just a career—it’s a calling that began with a straightforward piece of advice: “Find something you love and then figure out how to make a living doing it.”

Geis discovered her passion for caregiving at a young age, fresh out of high school and expecting her first child. “Caring for others gave me a sense of connection, purpose, and fulfillment,” she said. This personal connection has become a business that touches lives across Napa Valley.

One of the most meaningful parts of that growth was caring for both of her grandmothers in their final years, an experience that continues to inspire everything she does.

Geis has been serving Napa Valley seniors for almost three decades. In 1997, she opened her first company, Hearts That Matter, however, in 2018, California introduced new licensing requirements for in-home care providers. She took that opportunity to grow and adapt with the launch of A Partner in Caring. Today, A Partner in Caring is a trusted concierge in-home care provider helping older adults recover gracefully after illness, surgery, or age in the comfort of their homes.

“In Napa Valley, there’s a growing need for highly personalized, consistent care that goes beyond traditional models,” she explained. That means grocery shopping,

“Every interaction is guided by the understanding that one day, we too will rely on others’ kindness and respect.”

–Kim Geis, Founder

meal planning, or assistance with bathing-personal care with a concierge-level service. With customized plans and aroundthe-clock support, the team doesn’t just offer assistance—they offer peace of mind.

At the core of their philosophy is a commitment to dignity. “Aging with dignity means never losing your voice or your right to be heard,” Geis said. “It’s about asking: How are you feeling? What would you like to do? Where do you feel most at home?”

The team at A Partner in Caring, described as four “wonderful ladies,” supports clients and their families with open hearts. Whether it’s help with errands, bathing, or just someone to answer a late-night question, they provide comfort and care.

“It takes a village,” she said, “and at A Partner in Caring, no one has to face aging alone.”

Some stories stay with Geis forever. She’ll never forget when she cared for a World War II veteran on his 80th birthday. He shared a vivid, minute-byminute account of Pearl Harbor as they looked through a leather-bound photo album. Later that evening, he passed away peacefully in her arms.

“That was the moment I knew I was meant to do this work,” she recalled. “Every elder carries a library of experiences within them.”

While the pandemic brought its challenges, the agency emerged stronger than ever. Today, the focus is on growing with intention and empowering the community to ask questions, plan, and make informed choices.

At A Partner in Caring, they never forget that elders built the foundations of our communities. “They deserve to be seen, respected, and given real choices as they age.” Geis summarized her company’s philosophy: “Every interaction is guided by the understanding that one day, we too will rely on others’ kindness and respect. Aging with dignity is a right and a mirror reflecting how we hope to be treated when our time comes.”

OF A PARTNER IN CARING

NA Partnership for the Planet

Frank Family Vineyards Works with 4ocean to Clean the Napa River

apa Valley’s Frank Family Vineyards is excited to kick off its second year as a certified cleanup partner of 4ocean, supporting big cleanups abroad while also taking action in communities across the country. 4ocean has been leading the clean ocean movement since 2017, with more than 40 million pounds of plastic waste and other man-made debris recovered through the company’s efforts. With 100% of its profits supporting its mission,

4ocean is committed to raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution, reducing the need for virgin plastics in the future, and funding its global ocean cleanup operations. From coastal shores to inland rivers and waterways, Frank Family is on a mission to unite our fans nationwide and bring a wave of change.

FRANK FAMILY X 4OCEAN CLEANUP EVENTS

Coming together nationwide to make a wave of change

Frank Family Vineyards has been working closely with 4ocean’s cleanup specialists and local partners to identify areas

FRANK FAMILY X 4OCEAN CLEANUP EVENTS

Coming together nationwide to make a wave of change

where they can make the most significant impact and reduce waste sent to landfills. Their first cleanup of 2025 took place earlier this spring, right in our own backyards in Napa, California. The Frank Family Vineyards team joined the 4ocean crew for a morning of action, removing 771.11 pounds of trash and debris from the Napa Riverfront at Kennedy Park. This effort helps prevent waste and microplastics from entering the water, eventually reaching the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

“This is more than just a number. Every pound removed helps protect the delicate ecosystems that rely on a clean, thriving river system—impacting everything from local wildlife to the health of the broader watershed and, ultimately, the ocean. It’s proof that when mission-driven partners come together, meaningful change is not only possible—it’s measurable,” shared 4ocean’s Director of Cleanups, Tony Ernst.

The Napa River Cleanup kicks off this year’s initiatives, and Frank Family is thrilled to announce more cleanup events planned nationwide. Frank Family will be traveling from coast to coast, with stops in Chicago, Rhode Island, New York, Boston, Seattle, Lake Tahoe, and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/ philanthropy/4ocean

Napa County Landmarks

Preserving the Region’s Heritage

 BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAPA

At its core, Napa County Landmarks (Landmarks) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Through education, community programs, and preservation advocacy, the organization ensures that Napa’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and sites remain a vibrant part of the landscape. “Napa County Landmarks focuses on ‘big picture’ preservation buoyed by community partnerships throughout the region,” said Executive Director and architectural historian Christine Madrid French. “We elevate the stories and the people behind our landmarks, from world-class wineries to small businesses and historic homes, to support the vitality of our built landscape.” The organization owns the historic First National Bank (built in 1916) in downtown Napa, home to the popular eatery Ristorante Allegria for over twenty years. It offers everything from walking tours and architecture exhibits to youth outreach initiatives. Its bilingual  My Napa Coloring Book reached more than 14,500 students. The group also awards $1,000 scholarships annually to 15 local students pursuing higher education, totaling more than $44,000 since 2019. Landmarks plays a critical

“Our goal is to make Napa County’s past feel accessible and alive for everyone.”

– Christine Madrid French, Executive Director

role in preservation efforts countywide, offering guidance to property owners and helping them navigate economic incentive programs like the Mills Act. Advocacy for adaptive reuse—blending historic preservation with forward-thinking solutions that support cultural tourism and economic opportunity—is central to their mission. Through collaborations with organizations like the Napa County Historical Society and the City of Napa Economic Development Division, Landmarks amplifies the stories of the people and buildings that shaped the region. The newly launched “Est. 20” program, which honors long-standing local businesses as living landmarks, exemplifies this broader commitment.

“Our goal is to make Napa County’s past feel accessible and alive for everyone,” said French. “When we care for historic places, we support the region’s identity, economy, and the people who live, work, and visit here. We want people to engage with the history of the buildings around them in meaningful and memorable ways. A community that honors its past is better prepared for the future—and we’re here to help make that future possible.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.napacountylandmarks.org

COUNTY LANDMARKS

NAPA HUMANE Keeping Furry Friends Healthy and Out of Shelters

 BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS BY SEYMOUR McINTOSH COURTESY OF NAPA HUMANE

In the heart of California’s wine country, Napa Humane is making a big impact— not by rescuing animals or facilitating adoptions—but by helping pets stay safe and healthy in the first place. The organization’s programs focus on preventing pet homelessness, suffering, and overcrowded shelters.

Unlike the National Humane Society of the United States, local humane societies like Napa Humane are fully independent grassroots organizations. This means every dollar donated stays local, directly supporting programs that serve Napa, Lake, and Solano Counties.

Many assume Napa Humane operates as a rescue, but Executive Director Wendi Piscia explained, “100 percent of our programming is geared at keeping pets healthy, out of shelters or rescue groups.” Instead of managing kennels or hosting adoption fairs, Napa Humane focuses on proactive services to prevent the need for rescue in the first place.

The organization’s shift to a preventionfirst model began in 2001 after both Napa County Animal Shelter and Napa Humane lost their outdated shelter buildings due to a flood-control project. Faced with a critical question: Should we build new

cages or stop animals from needing them? Community leaders prioritized prevention. That decision led to a model that is not only sustainable but deeply reliant on community support.

Today, about 40 percent of Napa Humane’s income comes from service fees, with 60 percent from donations and grants. Of that 60 percent, only 10 percent is from grants, the majority of which are local. “It’s a community problem that’s communityfunded,” said Wendi. Through programs offering affordable access to vaccines, surgeries, and training, Napa Humane works to prevent issues before they become crises.

Spay and neuter surgeries are among the organization’s most in-demand services. While the nonprofit pays more than $600 for a female dog spay, Napa Humane charges the public just $300. For community cats, the gap is even wider: while the surgery costs about $350, Napa Humane charges just $55. These services are crucial to controlling overpopulation and are funded primarily by local donors and supporters.

As veterinary care costs rise, Napa Humane is seeing a growing demand for its services. While the organization strives to keep these services affordable, the financial

strain on the nonprofit and its clients is significant. “Without these contributions, we simply couldn’t continue offering these critical services,” Wendi said. One client shared, “The cost to spay/neuter has become quite expensive. With our income, my family is considered ‘middle class,’ but it would still be a challenge to pay for these services at our regular vet’s office.”

Napa Humane’s reliance on community support extends beyond donations. Local businesses like CEG, DESIGNTHIS!, and Napa Printing help reduce operational costs through generous contributions of time and service. Additionally, businesses like Gott’s in St. Helena, Napa Yard, and Materra Cunat Family Vineyard host dogfriendly mixers, drawing crowds of animal lovers who support Napa Humane’s efforts.

Napa Humane’s prevention-first approach prevents countless animals from needing rescue by providing access to essential resources like spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines. Through compassionate care, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to education, Napa Humane works tirelessly to keep pets healthy, families whole, and shelters empty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.napahumane.org

A CURE IN SIGHT

Offers Hope for Ocular Melanoma Patients

Founded with compassion at its core, A Cure in Sight (ACIS) is dedicated to providing clarity, support, and hope to individuals diagnosed with ocular melanoma. This rare but aggressive cancer affects only a small fraction of the population, but its impact is profound and often isolating. That’s where A Cure in Sight steps in, ensuring that no patient ever has to face their diagnosis alone.

The organization’s mission is simple: to make the journey less frightening and to empower patients with the tools they need—emotionally, educationally, and financially—to fight back. Through patient education, advocacy, community outreach, and research support, ACIS has become a beacon for hundreds navigating the condition.

“Through public and private partnerships, we provide clear and reliable educational information that provides a support community to patients and their caregivers,” said ACIS president Melody Burchett. “We educate the public about ocular melanoma, the treatment options, and clinical trials that may improve their prognosis, making it less overwhelming. And we are dedicated to ongoing research. We know we can accelerate viable research

projects that otherwise would stall and not be completed, missing opportunities to advance research for effective treatments and possibly a cure.

Education lies at the heart of the group’s work. Newly diagnosed patients often find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to find reliable information. ACIS offers tailored educational materials, webinars, and personal consultations that break down complex medical language into clear, actionable understanding. Patients and their families are guided through treatment options, potential outcomes, and strategies for living well during and aftercare. Support is another cornerstone of the organization’s approach. From the moment of diagnosis onward, patients are invited into a compassionate community. Online support groups, survivor mentorship programs, and caregiver resources create a network where individuals can share their experiences, ask questions, and find reassurance. Recognizing the financial burdens that often accompany medical treatment, ACIS also provides grant programs to help cover travel expenses, treatment costs, and other critical needs. Funds are raised at the organization’s annual golf tournament held each April at

Silverado Resort’s PGA course, bringing more than 140 attendees to town for golf and wine tasting. The event raises $60,000 annually with the help of sponsorships from the Bay Area construction industry. The next golf tournament is April 26, 2026. By easing financial worries, the organization enables patients to focus on what matters most: their health and healing.

Beyond individual care, ACIS is actively involved in advancing research efforts to better understand ocular melanoma and pursue new treatments. Through partnerships with leading medical institutions and advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels, the organization is helping to drive real change.

From its Napa Valley roots, ACIS has grown into a national force for good, yet it remains firmly connected to the values that inspired its creation: community, compassion, and hope. For those facing the unimaginable, ACIS is more than a nonprofit—it is a lifeline and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light ahead.

L to R: Suzanne Lescure, ACIS secretary, Melody Burchett, ACIS president, and Loren Seaman, ACIS vice president

Mark Your Summertime Calendar for Al Fresco Luncheons

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience with its Estate Luncheon Series. This unique series invites guests to indulge in chef-driven, interactive luncheons set amidst the winery’s serene arbor from June to October. The series is a celebration of the art of grilling, with each month unveiling a new theme, from the seafood-centric Blue Foods Sea Fare to the lavish summer grilling of Sakura Wagyu beef, perfectly paired with the latest St. Supéry wine releases.

“When we say that we’re doing everything on the grill, we’re doing everything on the grill,” Estate Chef Vincent Sanchez explained. He focuses each luncheon on a different meat, seafood, or poultry paired with the latest St. Supéry wine releases. Each event includes wine pairings, lunch, grilling demonstrations, and a Big Green Egg gift bag.

The luncheons are interactive affairs, with cooking demonstrations with the Big Green Egg grill as part of the experience. “It’s a smoker, a grill, a rotisserie, and an oven for pizzas, desserts, and bread; most people only know a portion of its capabilities.”

As for the guests, “They get cooking tips and tricks, like brining seafood and drying it out for a few days to create a protein that will not stick to a grill,” Chef Vince said. “Guests go home as experts on their grill;

they can look like pros to their friends and then teach them these things. We always have a representative on hand from Big Green Egg to talk with guests, too.”

As for the luncheons, in June, the Blue Foods Sea Fare luncheon highlights seafood and local produce. In July, it’s summer grilling featuring Sakura Wagyu with wine and beef pairings. To finish out the summer, August’s Estate Garden Bounty will share a cornucopia of St. Supéry’s fruit

orchard and estate garden products—fish will be included, as will vegetarian options.

The luncheon series offers guests a delightful, educational experience, but the real star is the St. Supéry wine. The winery’s range of white offerings for summer sippers, including the exclusive Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blancs, are a treat for the palate. And then there’s the Virtu Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that can be enjoyed now or savored over the next 5-6 years as it evolves into a white wine with incredible dimensions.

The winery’s Muscat Canelli bottling is equally interesting and quite delicious as an aperitif. Incredibly fragrant from the moment the bottle is opened, this refreshing, lower-alcohol white wine pairs with a wide variety of foods, from spicy Thai curry, Mexican food, and cheese plates, especially blue cheese, to summer fruit tarts for dessert.

With live cooking demonstrations at each luncheon and wine experts leading guests through curated tastings and pairings, the summer series promises to be a relaxed, delicious, and informative day well spent in glorious wine country.

Reserve your seat at the table. FOR

www.stsupery.com

 BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER RUBIN COURTESY OF ST. SUPÉRY ESTATE VINEYARDS & WINERY

the WILD ONES

Napa’s Natural, Low-Intervention Winemakers

BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

Natural wine is having a moment. While hard numbers for natural wine are elusive, sales of organic wine—a broader, often overlapping category—are projected to reach USD 25 billion by 2030, nearly tripling a 2021 valuation of USD 9 billion.*

Younger wine drinkers increasingly prioritize high-quality, mindful alcohol consumption. According to Le Figaro Vin, around 30 percent of wine consumers aged 25 to 40 * regard organic wines as superior in quality.

Natural wine, while related to organic, is currently uncertified and nearly impossible to segment. There’s a group of small, scrappy winemakers—No Love Lost, Benevolent Neglect, and Gamling & McDuck—in downtown Napa, who each identify differently with the “natural wine” movement. Still, their philosophies converge around a central tenet: let the vineyard speak, and don’t get in the way.

WHAT IS NATURAL WINE, EXACTLY?

While France recently introduced an official designation—”vin méthode nature”—there’s no universal certification for natural wine elsewhere, and in the U.S., natural wine doesn’t have an agreed-upon definition. Unlike “organic,” which can be certified, or “biodynamic,” which follows specific principles, “natural” is more of a mindset than a rulebook.

Still, it follows two guiding principles:

1. In the vineyard, the grapes are farmed organically or biodynamically, usually without synthetic pesticides or herbicides.

2. In the winery, the winemaking process is low intervention, generally using native yeasts, no added enzymes or tannins, and little to no sulfites. Wines are often unfined and unfiltered, with wine allowed to ferment with the yeast that naturally exists on the grape skins and in the air, called spontaneous fermentation.

consistency, shelf stability, and marketability, sometimes at the expense of the wine’s character and connection to the land.

In some ways, the “natural” wine movement responds to that loss. It attempts to rediscover wine’s original identity, reviving ancient methods with a modern understanding of ecology, microbiology, and craftsmanship. In that sense, “natural” wine isn’t a new trend at all—it’s the original way of winemaking.

Across Europe, especially in France and Italy, a new generation of winemakers is re-embracing ancestral methods— not only to distinguish themselves in a saturated market but also as a practical response to climate change, rising costs, and a growing demand for authenticity. In Napa, where polished Cabernet still dominates the narrative, a handful of producers

“ We use the term minimal intervention. It’s about making wines that are an actual expression of the vineyards they come from and keeping a purity of flavor, not obscured by manipulations.”

–Ben Brenner, co-founder of Benevolent Neglect

Many consumers may not know that over 50 additives are legally permitted in conventional winemaking in the U.S. and Europe, including tannins, enzymes, fining agents (like egg whites or fish bladder), synthetic yeasts, and even oak flavoring. Natural wine avoids that. It’s fermented grape juice—and that’s it. In theory.

“We use the term minimal intervention,” said Ben Brenner, co-founder of Benevolent Neglect. “It’s about making wines that are an actual expression of the vineyards they come from and keeping a purity of flavor, not obscured by manipulations.”

A RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL

While the phrase “natural wine” might sound like a trend, the methods it references are ancient. Humans have been making wine with wild yeast, native fermentation, and no additives for thousands of years—from Georgia’s clay qvevris to the old cellars of rural France.

That started to change in the last century, particularly after World War II, when industrial agriculture, chemical fertilizers, and advances in enology introduced new ways to control and standardize wine production. Mass production prioritized

are embracing this ethos in their own way. Despite varying approaches, they share a commitment to authenticity and low intervention.

GAMLING & MCDUCK: THOUGHTFUL, NOT DOGMATIC

“We’re very low interventionist; philosophically, when we start intervening, we start moving away from all that hard work farming and all of the potential of that vineyard and the vintage,” said winemaker and owner Adam McClury.

They make only two varietals: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, in 10–15 styles per year, producing around 2,000 cases annually.

“It’s all native fermentations. It’s very low SO2 (sulfur dioxide). There are a lot of things that I have in common with whatever the current manifesto is for ‘natural’ wine, but I’ve never been willing to say that we were natural.” Why not? “If somebody says my wine’s natural, we all know there’s no real thing. It’s either delicious or it’s not. If we had to intervene, we would do it. We want to make good wine at the end of the day; we don’t want faults in our wine.”

Photo courtesy of Benevolent Neglect

That delicious philosophy is apparent in wines like the 2022 Pickberry Vineyard Cabernet Franc from a site planted in 1982 in Napa’s cooler zone. “It was a long, cool growing season, and it’s just a very old-world style Cabernet Franc,” Adam said. “It’s my favorite thing.” // www.gamlingandmcduck.com

NO LOVE LOST: ACCIDENTS AND UNDERDOGS

At No Love Lost, located in a downtown Napa tasting room, founder and winemaker Jay Nuñez tells a story that echoes the journey of many natural winemakers. “I never set out to make natural wine,” he said. “But I also didn’t want to make wine the way everyone else was doing it.”

Instead, he works with small, familyowned vineyards, all herbicide and pesticidefree, and many organically farmed. He added that some are so small they don’t pursue certification “because the family’s doing the farming, and it’s only an acre.”

Jay’s philosophy is simple: don’t add what doesn’t belong. “We don’t have to add the FDA-approved additives, most of which are carcinogenic, and then, in turn, the wines are lighter in alcohol. So, you’re, by default, consuming more responsibly because the alcohol levels are lower. We make Cabernet from Napa that is 13 percent alcohol, super-bright, foodfriendly, and approachable stylistically, but we also make wines like Vermentino and Ribolla Gialla. We have a lot in common with the new wave of natural producers and thinkers interested in artistic expression and making wines that are not what their fathers drank. We’re also focused on building community.” Still, he’s frank about some less knowledgeable consumers’ perceptions. “We’re fighting against the stigma that natural wines are variable. That only happens when people are careless in the vinifications.”

Their flagship sparkling wine, California Sparkling Riesling ‘Seeing Stars,’ was, fittingly, a mistake. “We call it Seeing Stars because it was a happy accident, and it’s become our number one seller in the tasting room. We produce about 300 cases of it, and it sells out every year.” // www.nolovelost.wine

avoiding manipulation. The name says it all.

“We use the term minimal intervention,” Ben said. “It’s about making wines that are an actual expression of the vineyards they come from.”

Both Ben and Matt have pedigrees in traditional Napa winemaking. Matt worked for winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, known for high-end Cabernet Sauvignon, and later, both he and Ben worked for Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines, a pioneer in organic and sustainable viticulture.

“In my opinion, you know, if your wines are tasting good, leave them alone. We will make sure they will be microbially stable throughout the process, bottling, the next 10/15/20 years, whatever. But beyond that, if we think the wines taste great, then let’s not do more. It’s kind of our philosophy.”

Ben noted the cultural shift around them. “More and more, everywhere you go, there’s like a pizza place with natural wine popping off—not just in New York and LA or Chicago—there’s natural wine in Iowa now.”

The tasting room on Second Street welcomes curious drinkers and offers a wide range of varieties, including lesserknown ones, like Counoise, a tasting room favorite. “The Counoise is an off-the-beatentrail French variety that we really love.” // www.bnwines.com; www.matthiasson.com

THE CULTURAL SHIFT IN A GLASS

Natural wine offers an antidote to a wine industry that, by some metrics, is struggling. Overall, U.S. wine consumption is flattening, and younger consumers are more selective. Yet the natural wine movement keeps growing because it speaks

to values that resonate: transparency, sustainability, and community.

Jay added, “Our network has grown over the last five to seven years to the point where people who are farming the right way are reaching out to us because we’ve become the champion of the underdog.” This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of organic and ‘natural’ winemaking as more than a trend—it’s a return to authenticity, community, and craftsmanship in an industry ripe for change.

*Source: Wine Intelligence Trends Data Report- Jan. 22, 2025

BENEVOLENT NEGLECT: THE ART OF LETTING GO

Just a few blocks away, Benevolent Neglect is helmed by Ben Brenner, Matt Nagy, and Jeff Warren, who found their style by

No Love Lost wines

Photo courtesy of No Love Lost

Gamling McDuck Cabernet Franc

Photo courtesy of Gamling McDuck

ROOTED IN DUST

Rutherford’s Timeless Allure in Napa Valley

BY MELISSA VOGT



There’s something quietly noble about Rutherford. Here, history hums from the vines, the terroir shapes wines with unmistakable character, and time moves at the gentle pace of tradition. In the glass, Rutherford speaks volumes— and in the vineyards, it whispers stories of legacy deep within the soil.

WHERE LEGACY LIVES IN THE LOAM

In Napa Valley, few places embody the region’s viticultural history quite like Rutherford. Home to iconic estates and generational growers, its past is inseparable from the evolution of American fine wine.

Rutherford’s legacy dates to 1836, when Napa Valley pioneer George C. Yount received the Rancho Caymus land grant. In 1864, Yount gifted 1,040 acres of this land to his granddaughter Elizabeth and her husband, Thomas Rutherford, marking the beginning of the region’s association with the Rutherford name. The area quickly became

a hub for early Napa winemakers, with the Rutherford’s planting vineyards into the late 1880s. While Phylloxera devastated much of Napa Valley, some Rutherford vineyards were spared, allowing the region to maintain winemaking traditions during this time.

At the heart of this history are estates like Inglenook and Beaulieu Vineyard, founded in 1879 and 1900 respectively. Inglenook, now recognized as one of Napa Valley’s most historic and sustainably minded wineries, is one of vision and revival. After enjoying global renown from 1879 to 1964 under Gustav Niebaum’s and his descendants’ ownership, the estate

Hilltop Vineyard, courtesy of Rutherford Hill

found new life in 1975 when Francis Ford Coppola and his late wife Eleanor purchased part of the original property.

Georges de Latour significantly shaped the region in the early 20th century when he purchased land near Rutherford in 1900 and established Beaulieu Vineyards. De Latour introduced Phylloxera-resistant rootstock to the region, and it remained one of the few Napa wineries that survived Prohibition by producing sacramental wines. Post-Prohibition, the winery rose to prominence in the 1950s and ‘60s, thanks in large part to the efforts of André Tchelistcheff, the pioneering winemaker behind the first vintage of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in 1940. This wine would go on to be considered Napa Valley’s first “cult” Cabernet, cementing Rutherford’s central role in California wine history. Tchelistcheff’s winemaking innovations and internationally recognized wines helped solidify Rutherford’s reputation as a world-class wine region.

MODERN STEWARDS OF A STORIED LAND

Not far from Inglenook and Beaulieu lies Rutherford Hill Winery, where the Terlato family has honored the region’s legacy since 1996. Their Merlot program—pioneered in 1972—remains one of the AVA’s most enduring contributions to California wine. Stephanie Jacobs, winemaker at Rutherford Hill, reflects, “The founders of Rutherford Hill believed that the climate and soil of the valley, similar to those of Pomerol, were well-suited for Merlot.”

And, of course, one cannot speak of Rutherford’s history without invoking Andy Beckstoffer, Napa’s most influential grape grower. His Georges III Vineyard, initially planted in 1896 and once the source of Beaulieu Vineyard’s legendary Georges de Latour wine, is a Rutherford cornerstone. Beckstoffer purchased the vineyard from Beaulieu in 1988, making it a foundational piece of his renowned vineyard portfolio. “The whole historic center of the Cabernet business here in Napa is Rutherford,” he said. “It’s not flashy, it’s just solid stuff.”

The AVA was officially recognized in 1993, and Andy Beckstoffer was an integral founding member of the Rutherford Dust Society. Today, Rutherford remains home to some of Napa Valley’s most renowned vineyards and wineries, with a rich history that continues to inspire generations of winemakers.

DUST IN THE DNA: TERROIR WITH A SIGNATURE TEXTURE

Talk to anyone about Rutherford Cabernet, and a singular phrase surfaces: Rutherford dust.

Coined by legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, “Rutherford dust” describes the region’s distinctive tactile quality—a combination of texture, structure, and mouthfeel that transcends flavor. Beckstoffer elaborates: “Andre talked about Rutherford having flesh. The feel of the wine in your mouth. The texture of the wine—rather than any particular flavor characteristic.”

The soil that defines this experience is a confluence of deep, well-draining alluvial fans—rich with gravel, loam, and clay—that descend from the Mayacamas Mountains. Stephanie Jacobs describes the region’s soils as “mineral-rich,” lending a fine, dusty structure to Rutherford Hill’s wines.

Climate plays an equally vital role. “Rutherford has a warm Mediterranean climate,” Jacobs explained, “with foggy mornings, warm days, and cooler nights.” This wide diurnal swing helps preserve acidity while promoting ripeness—a key to the balanced, age-worthy wines for which the AVA is known.

Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, added: “Rutherford

wines have fine grain tannins; they’re elegant, with a long finish and texture.” And Kirk Venge of Eleven Eleven echoes this, praising the region’s “complexity of deep and semi-fertile soils” and its capacity to grow old-vine Sauvignon Blanc with astounding nuance—a testament to Andy Beckstoffer’s Melrose Vineyard, from which Eleven Eleven sources their Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

BEYOND THE BENCH: WINES AND WINERIES TO KNOW

Cabernet Sauvignon is Rutherford’s headline act, and for good reason. It thrives in the benchland soils, showing boldness, structure, and that inimitable dusty texture. But Cabernet is far from the only varietal with star power in Rutherford.

Swain pointed to Sauvignon Blanc as another regional standout. “While known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford is also known for Sauvignon Blanc,” she said. “The wine from our Estate Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard is expressive and fresh with depth and finesse.” Cabernet Franc and Merlot also shine in Rutherford, achieving ripeness with layered texture and complexity.

Venge highlights the old Clone #1 Sauvignon Blanc vines he sources from Beckstoffer’s Melrose Vineyard, planted

more than 45 years ago. “They have determined roots that pull substance, water, and character from stratified layers down 15 feet below the surface,” he explained. “They are incredibly well tended and provide Eleven Eleven with the truest representation of the Rutherford AVA terroir.”

Rutherford Hill continues to innovate with fermentation trials and tailored techniques by vineyard block. Jacobs says this level of precision “allows us to craft wines that stand out for their exceptional quality, flavor, and distinction.”

Standouts like the Inglenook 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon show off aromas of black currant and wild strawberry with

vines tell stories, and every glass of wine is a lesson in history and terroir.

St. Supéry offers a polished yet approachable tasting experience, where Sauvignon Blanc and estate-grown reds speak to the region’s range. Inglenook’s estate feels like a historic European chateau transported to California—its grounds are as elegant as its wines. And at Rutherford Hill, visitors enjoy tranquil sophistication and rustic charm with wine educators who offer insights into the estate’s pioneering legacy. At Beaulieu Vineyard, the roots of Napa Valley’s Cabernet culture run deep. From the preserved winery to the iconic Georges de Latour Private Reserve, visitors can taste

wafts of vanilla and clove. Ripe red fruit mingles with soft, earthy undertones and bright acidity on the palate. The texture and tannin profile give off an almost powdery sensation, with Rutherford dust lingering on the palate after the final sip

St. Supéry’s 2019 Merlot highlights the varietal in its finest light: the wine leads with enticing aromas of fresh plum, black raspberry, and a touch of vanilla, followed by a silky palate with notes of dark chocolate, ripe cherries, baking spice, and finetextured tannins.

SIP & SAVOR: EXPERIENCING RUTHERFORD

Visiting Rutherford feels like stepping into a different pace of life—slower, deeper, and grounded in heritage. It’s a place where the

history in every glass—a rare experience bridges Napa’s past with its present.

Andy Beckstoffer summed it up best: “It just feels stable, historic. You feel like you are somewhere that’s been here for a while.”

That feeling is part of what makes Rutherford such a compelling destination—not only for wine but for a deeper understanding of what makes Napa Valley tick.

Whether it’s the textured wines, the grounded sense of place, or the people committed to keeping it all thriving, Rutherford remains one of Napa Valley’s most essential chapters. In an ever-changing wine world, this AVA is a reminder that some things only get better with time.

Photo by Meg Smith, courtesy of St. Supéry

Andy Beckstoffer in Vineyard Georges III Rutherford

NVL wine

Photo courtesy of Inglenook

WHITEHALL LANE WINERY

A Rutherford Gem Off the Mainstream Radar

Homegrown and humble, Whitehall Lane has existed as a hidden gem in plain sight on Highway 29 in Rutherford since 1979. Katie Leonardini’s father purchased the winery and encompassing vineyards of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in 1993. Leonardini and her brother Tom Jr. have helmed the winery as vice president of operations and vice president of distribution, respectively, but the winery’s already greeted the third generation. “My brother’s son, Tom III, is cellar master, and my son, William Melancon, works at the winery as needed in between harvest internships— from Napa to Paso Robles to South Africa to New Zealand—as he trains to become a winemaker,” shared Leonardini.

The steadfast family-owned operations have attracted a loyal client base over the years that Leonardini credits to remaining off the mainstream radar. They have enjoyed an enduring following through their Wine Club since the early 1990s; limited-release Malbec and Petit Verdot sell out within days.

Their trusted clients inspire Leonardini to grow and offer more—like their Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine they greet each guest with—but also remain loyal to those who’ve been with them since the early days. This includes offering their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from fruit grown on their Rutherford estate vineyard and five additional estate vineyards in Napa Valley, for $60 per bottle. And despite the ever-rising

prices of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, they haven’t considered keeping up with the Joneses.

“It’s almost unheard of in Rutherford, but that’s just our style,” said Leonardini. “We are value-driven with our wine pricing and over-deliver on quality in all aspects of our winery, from the tasting room to the winemaking process.”

Jason Moulton, Whitehall’s winemaker of the past nine years, agreed: “There are options for all the wine consumer palates out there,” he added. “Whether someone prefers the native barrel-fermented Semillon or Chardonnay against the sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc, there are options for white wine fans, whereas the Cabernet blends, single vineyard Cabernets, and single varietal Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot stress the importance of typicity and balance while using the art of blending to create a wine complete and texturally approachable to any consumer.”

Tasting flights of Whitehall’s portfolio begin at $40 for a current release tasting of red and white wines; their highest priced offering is $90 per person for a tasting of five of their Cabernets that always include a vineyard designate and library offering. “We have the old school, walk-in tasting room that people love for abbreviated tastings,” said Leonardini. The winery also has a newly remodeled Club Room overlooking the Mayacamas mountains and a new Garden Pavilion for al fresco tastings among the estate Merlot vines.

Outside of traditional tastings, Whitehall’s events schedule is ever-rotating as the family infused their hobbies into the winery’s offerings. “That resonates with clients as they get to know how we enjoy wine together with family and friends,” she said, exemplifying live music, themed interactive social events as well as events to support organizations like Napa Valley Vine Trail (a project of which the winery was one of the main sponsors).

“We love welcoming our members as friends to the winery,” said Leonardini, adding they always like to greet new faces, too. “I often meet people who tell me they’ve heard of Whitehall Lane or have tried our wines over the years, but they haven’t experienced a visit to our winery,” she said. So, why wait? Whitehall Lane is open for a visit.

 BY JILLIAN DARA | PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER RUBIN COURTESY OF WHITEHALL LANE WINERY

Katie Leonardini, Jason Moulton, Tom Leonardini Jr.

Whitehall Lane's newly remodeled Club Room

Kartlis Deda // Photo by M Claushallmann

Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) stands tall over Tbilisi, her imposing statue sending what some might call a dual message. In one hand, she grips a mighty sword, ready to defend against foes; in the other, she offers a bowl of wine, symbolizing the warmth of Georgian hospitality. In this land steeped in legend and history, both objects have served their purpose—but in modern times, the bowl of wine rules.

Widely known for its ancient winemaking traditions, Georgia is often considered wine’s birthplace. Though many places claim this title, scientists have confirmed that wine residue on pieces of pottery discovered in Georgia dates back over 8,000 years—evidence of grape cultivation and fermentation in the region for millennia.

Buried below the earth, the vessels naturally maintain a stable, cool temperature, revealing the brilliance of Georgian winemaking long before modern tools existed.

Pirandello. The comedic movie tells the story of a man building a qvevri (modern spelling) who accidentally closes himself into it and can’t escape through the small opening. Rusudan Tchumbadze, WineCast Co-Founder and CEO of the Tbilisi Wine Museum, described the classic film as embodying “the essence of Georgian culture– that celebrates wine and its deep roots in Georgian tradition.”

The qvevri lies at the heart of Georgia’s ancient winemaking tradition. The large egg-shaped clay fermentation tank holds grapes, skins, and stems to ferment and age for months. Buried below the earth, the vessels naturally maintain a stable, cool temperature, revealing the brilliance of Georgian winemaking long before modern tools existed.

Georgia, once a Soviet republic until it claimed sovereignty in 1991, sits at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Powerful neighbors frame it—Russia to the north, Turkey to the southwest, Armenia and Azerbaijan to the south, and the Black Sea to the west.

GEORGIA’S TRADITIONAL WINEMAKING IN QVEVRI

To introduce current visitors to Georgia’s modern influence, the WineCast Wine and Film Festival recently held its opening inside Tbilisi’s Wine Museum. The WineCast Festival is a celebration of both wine and film cultures. It started with a screening of the black-and-white film Kvevri , based on the novel The Oil Plot by Nobel Prize-winning author Luigi

After the wine is transferred into barrels or bottles, a (hopefully) smallish human squeezes into the underground vessel to clean the inside with an arched tool of twigs called a tagvisara. The tagvisara removes residue from the sides before the person inside coats the interior with beeswax to reseal the vessel.

It’s not the easiest way to make wine, but Georgians feel traditional qvevri winemaking is the only way to taste the true terroir and variety.

“I don’t like factory wine,” said Guram Alapishvili, a Georgian Mountain Guides

Qvevri Above Ground Photo courtesy of Mazur Travel

An open qvevri at Vakho Oqruashvili's wine cellar

Sign in Velistsikhe

Association trekking guide. “It’s not our wine.” When pressed for the definition of “factory wine,” he replied, “filtered”— shorthand for the commercial style used elsewhere in the world and even in parts of Georgia today. “Their wine” is the traditional qvevri method that UNESCO recognizes as an intangible cultural heritage, symbolizing how deeply this practice is woven into the fabric of Georgian life.

KAKHETI WINE REGION AND PRODUCERS

Although Kakheti is only one of the country’s wine regions, it is the epicenter of its winemaking heritage. Located along the Caucasus Mountains in eastern Georgia, Kakheti produces three-fourths of Georgia’s over 500 indigenous grape varieties. The country’s vineyards include endangered vines found nowhere else on earth.

The fertile region’s continental climate and sandy, red, calcareous clay soils produce mainly white grapes—75 percent of Kakheti’s production—used for amber wine, created by allowing the white grapes an extended time on their skins.

Commonly called orange wine in the U.S., these dark-gold wines have a fuller, more tannic body than white wines made using modern methods. They also have deep, earthy flavors that one might mistake for red wine if not for their appearance.

Take the 2020 Kardanakhi 1888 Estate Rkatsiteli Tsarapi, which won a Gold Medal in the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition, scoring 97 out of 100. It received praise for “golden raisins and freshly baked pastries on the nose” and a “velvet palate with a complex yet silky structure.” It was fermented and aged on skins in qvevri for six months.

Shumi Winery is a Kakheti producer and preservationist with hundreds of varieties

An unknown variety in the Shumi vineyard

Shumi Tasting Room Staff

Vakho's Wine Saperavi

Historic image provided by WineCast

in its vineyards. Shumi’s name comes from the ancient Georgian word for undiluted wine, and the winery’s griffin logo is based on a mythical creature, Phaskunji, who gave the first bunch of grapes to the world.

Shumi’s Uberiuli Ubakluri Qvevri Amber is a prime example of traditional qvevri wine: bold, tannic, and redolent of dried fruit and spice. But Shumi is also forward-looking, crafting rare sparkling wines like Shobili Begotten Brut Nature.

Shumi’s vineyards include grape varieties that were once considered lost during the Soviet occupation when Georgians were forced to remove indigenous vines and replace them with international varieties for mass production. Post-independence, Shumi’s owner began recovering vines and seeds still growing in Georgian backyards. Hundreds have undergone DNA testing and been replanted—even those that can’t be matched to any known variety.

Through this type of wine history preservation, the country not only maintains its title as the Cradle of Wine but also solidifies its importance today and in the future.

Rkatsiteli is one of the country’s most popular and versatile white grapes. It produces crisp, light wines or rich, fullbodied ones, depending on the production method. Mtsvane is another sought-after variety known for elegant, aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes. The 2021 Château Mukhrani Goruli Mtsvane blends 85% Goruli Mtsvane and 15% Chinuri for a wine with pronounced minerality, stone fruit, and a green apple and pear bouquet.

According to Georgia Today, in 2024, Georgia exported a recordbreaking $565 million in wine and spirits. That included 95 million liters of wine shipped to 72 countries, with wine alone accounting for $276.1 million.

techniques. One example is Pat’ra Marani’s Kisi (Qisi Qvevri), fermented in qvevri with skins but no stems for four months, then aged in qvevri without skins or stems for ten more months before being filtered.

The 2019 Telavi Old Cellar’s Archil’s Wine Saperavi showcases Georgia’s most famous red grape, full-bodied with bold flavors and high tannin content. It’s traditionally made using skins and stems but aged in French oak, exemplifying the practice of blending past and present.

A COUNTRY ON THE RISE

Whatever they are doing, they’re doing it right. According to Georgia Today, in 2024, Georgia exported a record-breaking $565 million in wine and spirits. That included 95 million liters of wine shipped to 72

countries, with wine alone accounting for $276.1 million. But Georgia’s rise isn’t just in numbers—the wine scene feels alive, too. Grape varieties thought to be lost are coming back. Young winemakers are mixing ancient methods with bold ideas. International sommeliers are showing up, wondering why they hadn’t discovered this place sooner.

As seen with the WineCast Festival, Georgia is a destination not just for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers but also for filmmakers searching for the rare and the real. Tamta Gabrichidze, WineCast Co-Founder, Film Director, and Sundance Award-winning filmmaker, said, “You can shoot a film here, enjoy the best wine, and still feel like you’ve discovered something unknown.”

Kartlis Deda’s sword may still be there, but the bowl of wine comes first.

Other Things to Experience Beyond Georgia’s Ancient Wine World

CUISINE

The vibrant wine culture is celebrated throughout the country alongside the rich flavors of Georgian cuisine, where walnuts play a starring role in many traditional dishes. Breakfast might begin with black bread baked with walnuts, and every supra (feast) includes dishes like:

• Pkhali, a vegetable-walnut pâté, served as a condiment or side dish. It consists of chopped and cooked vegetables like spinach or beets with a rich walnut paste seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices.

• Badrijani Nigvzit, roasted eggplant wrapped around spiced walnut paste.

• Satsivi, chicken, or turkey stewed in a creamy walnut sauce.

CABLE CAR TO NARIKALA FORTRESS (TBILISI)

Glide over the city on a scenic gondola ride to the 4th-century Narikala Fortress. Once a strategic defense post, the fortress now offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi’s red-roofed Old Town, the Kura River, and the eclectic architecture that defines Georgia’s capital.

MTSKHETA

Just 20 minutes from Tbilisi lies Mtskheta, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the hilltop Jvari Monastery, an early Christian masterpiece overlooking the confluence of rivers, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

ALAVERDI MONASTERY

And the country’s winemakers aren’t resting on their laurels with their fascinating history; they are reinterpreting the heritage, blending ancient methods with contemporary

As is often the case with food from a wine region, the earthy richness of these dishes pairs beautifully with Georgia’s amber wines.

The Alaverdi Monastery dates to the 6th century and still houses monks who produce wine using ancient qvevri techniques.

WINERIES + PICNICS

Longer days and warmer afternoons call for wine enthusiasts to pack a picnic and enjoy their favorite estate in bloom.

 BY JILLIAN DARA

Picnics are one of life’s simple pleasures — whether a casual outing with a plaid blanket or an all-afternoon affair with a packed-to-the-brim basket, spending time in the sunshine underneath Napa oaks or among the verdant vines is a moment worth cherishing. Luckily, some of Napa Valley’s winery properties invite visitors to ample opportunities to enjoy wine-ing and dining outdoors.

Picnic at V. Sattui

Photo by Joanna Salazar

V. SATTUI WINERY

This St. Helena-based winery boasts a grandfathered permit, which allows a full Italian Deli and Marketplace where they produce a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, house-cured salamis, and even sweet treats like house made tiramisu, fruit tarts, and Italian gelato. This year, V. Sattui Winery is celebrating its 50th anniversary, so they’ve just unveiled a comprehensive renovation of the marketplace, deli, and tasting room. As part of their revamp, they also hired celebrity cheesemonger James Ayers to oversee their collection of over 200 cheeses from around the world. Ayers can help guests curate a balanced charcuterie board for an onsite picnic at V. Sattui Winery’s 2.5 acres of picnic grounds dotted with oak-shaded picnic tables, or guests can bring their own blanket for a more rustic affair. Picnic grounds are available to patrons between 9 am and 7 pm, and reservations are not required — neither is a wine tasting nor a wine purchase mandatory for a picnic; their only regulation is against outside food as V. Sattui Marketplace has everything that guests could ever need to build their perfect basket. // www.vsattui.com

POPE VALLEY WINERY

This family-owned winery in the northeastern corner of Napa Valley offers a special wine and private picnic experience that starts in its centuries-old wine cave with a tasting of estate wines for an exploration of the Eakle family winemaking heritage.

The curated tasting is served with artisan cheeses to round out the experience while simultaneously acting as an appetizer to the picnic guests can pack for the second portion of the tasting — a private table overlooking the Vaca Mountain Range. While guests can pack their own treats, Pope Valley Winery requests one bottle purchase per two guests, which is attentively served by their staff for an elevated feel. Reservations required; $65/person (complimentary for wine club members). // www.popevalleywinery.com

WHITEHALL LANE

While picnicking isn’t a formal offering at this Rutherford estate’s tasting room, it’s a beloved insider experience as the familyowned winery enjoys arranging picnic lunches with advance reservations. With 72-hour notice, Whitehall Lane can customize a lunch order from Oakville Grocery or Bouchon Bakery so that guests can just show up, purchase a bottle, and enjoy the vineyard-lined garden pavilion more leisurely. // www.whitehalllane.com

Where to Buy Picnic Food

As many wineries encourage their patrons to pack their own picnic, it only makes sense to highlight some of the best places to pick up provisions in the Valley.

GENOVA DELICATESSEN

Located in North Napa on Trancas Avenue, Genova has a very popular sandwich-making team on hand to put together a classic Italian sandwich or sub or any other combination with their fresh and plentiful meats, cheeses, and accoutrements. The gourmet market carries fresh breads, cheeses, potato and macaroni salads, antipasto, chips, jams, and even hot items to go. // www.genovadelinapa.com

OAKVILLE GROCERY

Opened in 1881, this is California’s longest continuously operated store, and it shows as the grocer is continuously stocked with the best brands from heritage to newcomers. Whether wine enthusiasts want to order a freshly made sandwich or pasta salad to-go or pick out cheese and charcuterie with local accouterments like pickles and jams, Oakville Grocery has it all. Or, one can choose to put their faith in the institution’s hands with their prepackaged box lunches that are all $30 but include a variety of mains — from their iconic sandwiches to fried chicken tenders — all are served with fresh fruit, chips, and a daily baked cookie. (Also Voted Best Place for a Sandwich in Napa Valley Life’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards). // www.oakvillegrocery.com

SAM’S GENERAL STORE

With locations in Calistoga and St. Helena, Sam’s General Store is perfectly positioned to provide a takeaway picnic experience. They offer artisan sandwiches like their turkey pesto panini or roast beef and mozzarella, as well as a variety of salads, chips, and snacks. // www.samsgeneral.store

Photo courtesy of Oakville Grocery

PESTONI FAMILY

ESTATE WINERY

This St. Helena estate winery recently unveiled the construction of their new picnic pavilion, envisioned by San Francisco architect Koonshing Wong, whose WZ Architecture firm is responsible for designing the Patek Phillippe and Rolex boutiques in San Francisco. The covered tasting area is family- and dog-friendly and completely open to let sunshine in. It also protects should an unpredictable shower roll through (or in case the sun is too warm). Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic provisions to enjoy alongside a selfpaced tasting of four Pestoni Family wines with the option to include bottle service following the tasting. Reservations required; $45 or complimentary for wine club members up to four guests. // www.pestonifamily.com

TRES SABORES WINERY

“Bring Your Own Picnic” is one of two garden party options at Tres Sabores in St. Helena. Guests can bring their own wine-friendly picnic to pair with their tasting experience while the team sets up the rest, including a table set with linens, palm-leaf plates, and silverware. The picnic fee is $20 per group for up to six guests and $50 per group for 7 to 10 guests, with fees waived for SABOR Wine Club members. Another option: Tres Sabores can design a lunch for groups of over six people. They require at least 72

surrounded by vineyards. If guests prefer a seated picnic, they can bring outside food to enjoy alongside their wine tasting experience or by purchasing a bottle. // www.lairdfamilyestate.com

BENESSERE VINEYARDS

This Italian-inspired vineyard brings la dolce vita to Napa Valley with its small-production Italian varieties like Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio. Their “Al Fresco Dining Experience” allows guests to bring in a packed picnic to pair with their Bei Vini flight (a mix of white, rosé and red wines for $40) or Grandi Rossi Tasting (a red wine flight for $55) — all in a peaceful setting under a storied walnut tree or overlooking the Napa River. Reservations required; $10 per person fee plus tasting costs for groups of 2 to 8 guests. // www.benesserevineyards.com

hours of advance notice, and lunch pricing varies depending on where they source from, but they assure it’s always from one of their “top chef” partners in the Valley. // www.tressabores.com

LAIRD FAMILY ESTATE

Laird Family’s “Bottle & Blanket” tasting strips the picnic experience back to the innocent days of sprawling out on the lawn as a kid, all with the adult indulgence of their wine. Guests bring their own food and swing by the tasting room for a picnic blanket and bottle of wine before finding their ideal patch on their lawn

DRY CREEK VINEYARD

Further afield in Healdsburg, Dry Creek Vineyard offers stunning grounds complete with picnic tables where guests can make an afternoon out of their visit, reserve a wine flight and picnic lunch, and then stay a while after for bocce. Available Thursday through Monday from April through October, guests should preorder their picnic selects at least 72 hours in advance, choosing from a selection of seasonal goodies that will complement the estate’s limited-production wines. Reservations recommended; $65 per guest. // www.drycreekvineyard.com

Bocce Ball at Dry Creek Vineyard

V Sattui

Photo by Joanna Salazar

“My mission is to inspire, entertain, and have fun with you—while always setting you up for success.”

Karen Crouse

GREEN TOMATO SALSA

Early summer brings that first wave of excitement in the garden— especially when green tomatoes start to appear. This is one of my go-to ways to use them—fresh, bright, and just a little unexpected. That tangy green tomato flavor always surprises people—in the best way. Someone always asks, “Wait…what’s in this?”—and before long, we’re talking gardens, grilling, and what everyone’s serving next weekend. It brings a little energy to the table and always feels like a celebration.

Serve it with grilled seafood, garden vegetables, or simply pass it around with a bowl of chips and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. How ever you serve it, it always disappears fast.

For more ways to bring the season to life, explore my Outdoor Entertaining series: karencrousenapavalley.com/video-gallery/ FOR MORE INFORMATION www.karencrousenapavalley.com

YIELDS: 2 Cups

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• Baking sheet

• Food processor or Immersion Blender

• Parchment paper

• Chef’s knife

• Citrus juicer

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 medium green tomatoes, quartered

• 1 jalapeño, halved (seeds removed for less heat)

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 small white onion, quartered

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

TIP: Substitute Chervil or flat-leaf parsley if cilantro isn’t your favorite

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, and onion with 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until soft and blistered.

Blend cilantro, lime juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth. Adjust seasoning.

Cool to room temp. Serve or refrigerate in a glass jar for up to 5 days.

Pair with Sauvignon Blanc like Coquerel Le Petit Sauvignon Blanc (www.coquerel-wines.com)

Wild Coast, Cultured Taste Exploring Mendocino’s

Wine Country



BY MELISSA VOGT

Inland Mendocino Hills // Photo courtesy of Visit Mendocino

Just a scenic three-hour drive from Napa Valley, Mendocino County offers a coastal retreat rich with natural beauty and artisanal charm. With a landscape where towering redwoods meet rolling vineyards and the Pacific Ocean crashes against dramatic cliffs, this northern enclave is quietly cultivating a name for itself among wine lovers—especially those with an appreciation for refreshing white wines and cool-climate varietals. From Anderson Valley’s family-owned tasting rooms to fine dining in the town of Mendocino, here’s how to savor a perfect getaway in this wild yet wonderfully sophisticated corner of Northern California.

SIP: WHERE TO TASTE MENDOCINO’S BRIGHTEST WHITES

HANDLEY CELLARS

Nestled at the northwest end of Anderson Valley, Handley Cellars is a pioneer in organic, women-led winemaking. The charming tasting room is decorated with international folk art collected by founder Milla Handley, and the patio overlooks estate vineyards framed by redwood forests. Don’t miss their estate-grown Gewürztraminer— aromatic, crisp, and tailor-made for sipping on a sunny day.

FOURSIGHT WINES

Family-owned and operated, Foursight Wines offers an intimate tasting experience in Boonville, where their sustainably farmed estate vineyard yields expressive white wines. The Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and bright, perfect for a cheese plate or a late afternoon breeze. For textured white wine lovers, don’t miss the Semillon—a delicious peach-driven, floral white with bright acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. Ask about their dog-friendly patio and seasonal food pairing experiences. For a cozy stay during a weekend-long trip, call ahead to book their on-site vineyard-view guesthouse or cottage—Kirsty Charles, proprietor of Foursight, is a wonderful host.

BRASHLEY VINEYARDS

This laid-back Philo winery strikes a modern chord, offering thoughtfully curated tasting flights in a stylish indooroutdoor space that invites lingering. Their Chardonnay is a standout—bright, mineral-driven, and complex. For the adventurous, an intriguing White Pinot Noir offers a fruit-filled, juicy apple palate; this style of wine is gaining popularity in the region,

so expect to see this anomaly become more fashionable in Mendocino. Brashley’s bocce ball court and panoramic vineyard views also make this winery one of the most inviting stops in Anderson Valley.

LICHEN ESTATE

Just off Highway 128, Lichen Estate is known for its organic farming practices and handcrafted sparkling wines. The estate offers seated tastings by appointment, where guests can sample their Blanc de Gris, a beautiful bubbly with notes of apple and honeydew, while overlooking the vineyards. Another standout from Lichen is the Rosé Cuvée, which boasts a gentle kiss of sugar, filled with notes of strawberry, red candied apple, and fine perlage. The expansive views of puffy white clouds against a bright blue sky and amphitheater of redwoods, coupled with a full glass of refreshing bubbles, make Lichen a serene stop that embodies the valley’s quiet sophistication.

PENNYROYAL FARM

A hybrid creamery and winery, Pennyroyal Farm in Boonville is the ultimate spot for a picnic. Their Pinot Noir Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc pair effortlessly with their farmstead cheeses, all crafted from a herd of pampered goats and sheep. Guests can explore the farm with a guided tour or simply lounge on the patio with a glass and a cheese flight. Don’t miss purchasing a few cheeses, such as the fresh and creamy Laychee and the tangy Boont Corners, to enjoy at home.

WEATHERBORNE

With a sophisticated tasting room in a beautiful wooden building next to the last working wood mill in the area, Weatherborne produces small-batch, site-driven wines. Their brightly crafted Chenin Blanc boasts notes of lemon curd and almonds with fresh acidity. The Roussanne is another star in the lineup, with aromas of apple blossom and notes of passionfruit and pear on the palate—it’s a fullbodied but bright wine, perfect for summer. Winemaker Cris Carter’s low-intervention style lets the grapes (and terroir) speak for themselves in these beauties.

SAVOR: WHERE TO DINE IN MENDOCINO COUNTY

COASTAL FLAVORS IN FORT BRAGG

Start the day with a drive-through espresso and breakfast sandwich at A Frame Espresso, a locals’ favorite for strong coffee and warm service. For lunch, Noyo Fish

With its blend of laid-back luxury, invigorating white wines, and wind-swept beauty, Mendocino County is a refreshing getaway for all who seek to unplug and unwind.

Company offers crispy fish and chips with a side of harbor views and, if lucky, glimpses of playful harbor seals. Come dinnertime, Princess Seafood Restaurant is a must for fresh Dungeness crab, and Pacific oysters served steps from the water.

CHARMING EATS IN THE TOWN OF MENDOCINO

In the storybook town of Mendocino, Good Life Café & Bakery is beloved for its hearty breakfast plates, house-baked pastries, and great coffee. Tucked beside the iconic water tower, The Waiting Room serves craft cocktails and elegant small plates in a chic, cozy setting; it’s great for those waiting on a dinner reservation nearby or for when the tiny town is so busy, reservations are hard to get (not uncommon on holiday weekends). For a planned-ahead special dinner, Café Beaujolais impresses with its seasonal French-inspired menu. At the same time, Luna Trattoria dishes up

DON’T-MISS DESTINATION:

Just south of Mendocino, Little River Inn

Restaurant pairs Pacific panoramas with elegant coastal cuisine. The bar is legendary for its views and cocktails, and the seafood-focused menu—think cioppino, scallops, and fresh oysters—is a delightful complement to the inn’s welcoming atmosphere.

STAY: DREAMY OVERNIGHTS ON THE COAST AND IN THE VALLEY

BOUTIQUE HOTELS AND AIRBNBS BY THE SEA

In Fort Bragg, cozy inns and quirky Airbnbs abound. Noyo Harbor Inn is a standout for

handmade pasta and rustic Italian charm in spades—don’t miss the tree-laden patio, which feels magical under the twinkle lights at night (reservations a must).

TASTES OF ANDERSON VALLEY

Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville is a fun pit stop for award-winning craft beers in a relaxed beer garden setting—the new outdoor space is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Across the street, Offspring at the Farrer Building offers upscale, local fare in a beautifully restored historic space. For a more casual but equally charming option, Mosswood Market Café & Bakery has become a community favorite— perfect for a picnic lunch, strong coffee, or browsing the attached boutique for handmade gifts and home goods.

its water-view balconies and on-site spa. For a rustic-chic stay, search Airbnb for near Jug Handle Beach or MacKerricher State Park—a favorite is the quirkily designed round house with breathtaking sunset views and a hot tub; search Caspar Dreaming on AirBnb. In Mendocino, Brewery Gulch Inn offers elevated comforts with ocean vistas, while MacCallum House Inn charms with historic Victorian vibes and wine-country hospitality.

WINERY STAYS AND HIDDEN GEMS IN ANDERSON VALLEY

For a complete vineyard immersion, book a stay at The Madrones in Philo, where luxe accommodations are surrounded by tasting rooms and a gourmet restaurant. Airbnbs in Boonville offer vineyard views and farmhouse-style stays, often with fire pits

Anderson Valley // Photo courtesy of Visit Mendocino

Photo courtesy of Lichen Estate

and outdoor soaking tubs. For travelers who want to be in the heart of it all, Boonville Hotel offers a laid-back, design-forward stay with a fantastic restaurant on site.

WANDER: THINGS TO DO BEYOND THE WINE GLASS

ADVENTURE AND ART ON THE MENDOCINO COAST

Hike the bluff trails at Mendocino Headlands State Park, where wildflowers and sea spray collide on dramatic ocean cliffs, or explore the redwood-lined banks of Big River by kayak or canoe. Just north in Fort Bragg, Glass Beach offers a shimmering shoreline strewn with smooth, colorful sea glass—a relic of the town’s

for families, photographers, and history buffs alike. Back in the town of Mendocino, the Mendocino Art Center buzzes with local talent, offering galleries and workshops set against a backdrop of artistic legacy. Nearby, the Ford House Museum provides a charming introduction to Mendocino’s 19th-century roots, with exhibits that cover the region’s logging, shipping, and preservation history. Whether chasing waterfalls in Russian Gulch State Park or watching the sunset from a quiet bluff, Mendocino County offers more than wine—it’s a destination where culture and nature are in perfect balance.

With its blend of laid-back luxury, invigorating white wines, and wind-swept beauty, Mendocino County is a refreshing getaway for all who seek to unplug and unwind.

unique history as a former dump site turned natural wonder. Continue coastal meandering to the Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, where the 1909-era lighthouse still casts its beacon over the rugged Pacific. The on-site museum offers fascinating maritime history and a cute gift shop, and the lighthouse’s coastal walkways provide some of the best ocean vistas and whale sightings on the Mendocino Coast.

HISTORIC FUN AND CREATIVE INSPIRATION

For a truly unique experience, and one great for families, hop aboard the Skunk Train. This historic rail line winds through the heart of the redwoods, crossing scenic trestles and carved through the redwood forest—ideal

Whether sipping Sauvignon Blanc under the redwoods, enjoying ocean-to-table fare, or waking to the sound of crashing waves, this is a distinct wine country experience. When planning a visit, pack a sweater and prepare to fall in love with California’s wild coast and cultured charm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.visitmendocino.com

Sheep Babydoll Vineyard // Photo by Visit Mendocino

Mendocino Coast // Photo courtesy of Visit Mendocino

Photo courtesy of Brashley Vineyards

WHY REAL ESTATE REMAINS A SMART INVESTMENT

With so much economic noise these days—rising interest rates, inflation, geopolitical tension—it's easy to feel hesitant about making any investment move. But if there's one thing I've learned from years in real estate, it's this: real estate is still one of the most reliable long-term investments you can make. While the market has its ups and downs, property values have historically risen over time. Take this for perspective: in 1970, the average home price in the U.S. was around $27,000. By 2024, that number jumped to over $500,000—even with market fluctuations, economic cycles, and global events in between (Hartford Funds). That kind of appreciation isn't just impressive—it's powerful when thinking long-term.

Tangible, Stable, and Income-Generating

In times of uncertainty, many investors find comfort in tangible assets—things they can see, touch, and put a key into. Stocks can be volatile, and let's be honest: watching a portfolio drop 10% in a day because of a headline is enough to rattle even the most seasoned investor. Real estate, on the other hand, doesn't react overnight. It moves slower and tends to hold value, especially when located in desirable areas like Napa Valley.

Even in Uncertain Times

Even if property values dip, rents tend to remain stable. That means investment properties can still produce monthly income—even during a downturn. According to Realtor.com, while home prices have remained high in many areas, rental prices have only recently leveled off, and in most cases, landlords are still covering their costs or making a profit. If you've ever talked to someone who held onto a rental during a recession, they'll likely tell you: "The rent checks kept coming."

The Power of Leverage (and Some Nice Tax Breaks)

Another reason real estate continues to be such a compelling investment? Leverage. Unlike stocks, which require you to pay 100% of your investment upfront, real estate allows you to control a large asset with a much smaller amount of money. A 20% down payment gives you access to 100% of the property—and all the appreciation that comes with it. There are also tax benefits to owning property. Qualified homeowners can deduct mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt (IRS. gov), and investment properties may offer depreciation and expense write-offs that help offset taxable income.

Is Now the Right Time?

People always ask me: "Is now the right time to buy?" The truth is, there's never a perfect time. But if you're in a position to buy a property and hold it for a few years or more, the data—and history— are in your favor.

Suppose you bought a home in March 2020 for the median U.S. price of $319,000. By March 2025, that same home would be worth $424,900—a 33% increase in five years (Realtor.com). Yes, price appreciation has cooled slightly in some markets, but steady equity growth over time proves real estate's strength as an asset class.

Final Thoughts

Real estate isn't just about appreciation or tax benefits. It's about having something solid—a home, an investment property, a foothold in a community—that supports your financial goals while offering a level of peace of mind. Whether you're looking for passive income, a long-term hedge against inflation, or a way to diversify beyond the stock market, real estate is one of the most rewarding ways to build wealth—and it has the history to prove it.

My mother was a REALTOR®, I’m a REALTOR®, and my daughter is a REALTOR®, so you could say that real estate is in our blood. Having pursued this profession for more than 17 years, my passion for the Napa Valley began in 1985, when I bought my restaurant in Calistoga. While food and beverage hospitality allowed me to share my love of our Valley with visitors and locals, I have found that helping people sell and buy real property affords me the best opportunity to get more folks to fulfill their dreams experience their own Napa Valley passions

Tracy Warr // Napa Tracy Style Napa Valley Real Estate Specialist

THE MIST AND THE MASTER

John Lennart Roo’s Journey Through Realism and Fog

 BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN LENNART ROOS

John Lennart Roo’s artistic style is a captivating blend of jump-off-the-canvas realism and a muted, dreamy style in what he calls “The Mist” series. With a lifetime of art, illustration, and graphic design experience under his belt, he began prolifically creating and putting his work out into the world just a few years ago after retiring in Napa Valley.

His Mist Series is inspired by the unique wine country viewpoint of quiet, early morning, fog-filled walks through pastoral landscapes. The subdued backdrops, contrasted with realistic overlays, invite viewers to delve into their thoughts and emotions, fostering contemplation.

“I’m looking to give the viewer a moment where they picture themselves having just walked past the No Trespassing sign,” Roos explained.

The series has deeply resonated with art lovers. “I’ve been doing the misty series paintings over the last year and a half; I’m working on my sixth right now,” Roos shared.

He is represented by and teaches at the Jessel Gallery, a Napa Valley landmark where many local and national artists have honed their skills and left their mark on the region

with the guiding hand and spirit of founder, artist, and local legend Jessel Miller.

Roos began his graphic and illustration career after receiving formal art training from the Chicago Academy of Fine Art. He then focused on graphics and illustration, working in those industries for 40 years. His background in educational children’s books and cartoon illustration shines through in some of his work, which brings a refreshing tongue-in-cheek element to his portfolio.

Take his delightful and whimsical ostrich in Monet’s lily pond, “Hey Claude, OK to Swim?” Another work shows a carrot clown in a shoe, expertly painted with details like a wry carrot smile for the perceptive viewer. These pieces highlight

the genesis of his realistic point of view, which came to fruition before he used it as a juxtaposition in his misty paintings.

Some of his other works include Brat Dog and Lokinvelder. The Brat Dog series features charming paintings of lovable but naughty four-legged friends caught red-handed in suspicious situations. One series shows individual sweet pups sitting in a corner as various scenes of destruction surround them. The Lokinvelder paintings highlight Napa Valley’s black-and-white cows—Belted Galloway cattle, but what locals call Oreo cows—striking images of these iconic animals.

Roos displayed his work at the 2025 Mustard Celebration, an art event celebrating local artists and the art they create. It coincides with the time of year when the valley’s bright yellow mustard flowers are in bloom and cover the valley floor for a dramatic backdrop to the celebration. The prestigious event is held at the Napa Valley Culinary Institute of America (CIA), a renowned venue for art exhibitions. In 2009, Roos’s Oreo cow painting, Night Light, won 2nd place overall.

The PAINTED LADY

A Colorful Cornerstone of Wellness in Napa

 BY JILLIAN DARA | PHOTO BY IZZI VALENCIA

In the spring of 2011, Alli Parks transformed a 216-square-foot office suite in St. Helena into one of Napa Valley’s most beloved wellness destinations — The Painted Lady. “The original space included a Mystic Tan booth from Craigslist, a garage sale desk, and a pair of restaurant benches rescued from the side of the road,” said Parks, who admits that business was so painfully slow she often locked herself inside the tanning booth to cry out her frustration.

Today, however, The Painted Lady has blossomed into a beauty and wellness haven inside a charming pink 1951 bungalow at 1643 Jefferson Street in Napa. The upgraded space features five tanning beds (including two high-pressure units), a red light therapy bed, an infrared sauna, a Mystic Tan spray booth, and custom airbrush tanning. Beyond the services and self-tanners, Parks proudly hosts a community of passionate, independent practitioners.

Julie Deuker Massage Therapy

After 30 years as a Registered Dental Assistant, Julie traded orthodontics for therapeutic touch. Now 12 years into her massage career at The Painted Lady, she’s known for calming energy and warm laughs. “Her hands-on connection with clients didn’t miss a beat,” said Parks, “she just shifted from braces to bliss, and clients resonate with her.”

Napa Reiki by Sharon Bailey

Raised in Napa Valley, Bailey brings a deep sense of peace and grounding to The Painted Lady, assured Parks. A Reiki practitioner and the founder of NapaReiki.com, she helps clients manage stress and restore balance. She’s also a multimedia artist, a swimmer, a gardener, and a vital part of the salon’s heart and soul.

Savy Skn Studio by Savannah Cole

Savannah (or “Savy,” as clients call her) started out on the other side of the reception desk—as a client. When a room became available, fate intervened. As an experienced Esthetician going on seven years, she’s known for crafting Napa’s most glamorous lash extensions. She also offers customized facials and waxing. Her presence adds a dose of sparkle and glam to the Painted Lady family.

Logan Stockton Massage Therapy

The newest member of the crew (and the only guy!), Stockton brings skill and soul to The Painted Lady. “He was personally scouted by my mom,” said Parks, explaining that she was one of his loyal massage clients and insisted he join the team. A second-generation massage therapist, Logan learned the art of bodywork from his mother, who began teaching him the craft when he was just a kid. After high school, she gave him a choice: become a mechanic or a massage therapist. Logan chose massage—and never looked back. With years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for helping others, he now offers deep tissue massage, stretching, and on-location services. His intuitive touch and calm, grounded energy make him a trusted favorite for relaxation and results.

“Together, this collective has created something rare: a wellness studio with character, community, and heart,” said Parks. “Whether you’re looking for a golden glow, glowing skin, or to feel a little more whole again—The Painted Lady welcomes you.”

SOLBAR RESTAURANT Solbar divides its menu into light, delicate flavors to stimulate your palate and bold, savory dishes, all with ingredients that showcase the best of what’s fresh and seasonal in the Napa Valley. Enjoy outdoor dining on the sunlit Solbar patio, or the new Picobar, for dining al fresco or relaxing by the firepits overlooking the landmark pool.

755 SILVERADO TRL, CALISTOGA // 707- 226-0860 // AUBERGERESORTS.COM

HERITAGE EATS Heritage Eats offers a fast-casual, globally-inspired menu that thinks and acts locally. The popular restaurant serves up tacos, wraps, baos, rice and salad bowls made-to-order with choice of protein, toppings and sauces with unique flavor profiles from all over the world. The Dirty Fries, Papa K’s Burger and Haven Wings are local favorites.

3824 BEL AIRE PLAZA, NAPA // 707-226-3287 // WWW.HERITAGEEATS.COM

FIRST & FRANKLIN Downtown Napa’s newest Marketplace and Deli features the best of the Napa Valley. The Marketplace offers a full-service deli and a specialty Grocery Store selling local wine and craft beer. The store is filled with grab-and-go or made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and picnic side salads for you to take home or enjoy on either of their two patios.

OSHA THAI Led by renowned Chef Lalita Souksamlane, the menu highlights her award-winning flavors and showcases dishes never before tasted at her other restaurants. Sourced with ingredients grown in her own personal garden and partnering with local vendors, Osha Thai provides an authentic farm-totable experience with quintessential wine country flair.

1142 MAIN STREET, NAPA // 707-253-8880 // WWW.OSHATHAI.COM/NAPA

PIZZERIA TRA VIGNE For the past 25 years, Pizzeria Tra Vigne reigns one of St. Helena’s local treasures. Guests of all ages enjoy the pasta, pizza, or a fresh daily special to go at this vibrant, family restaurant. Their pizzas are a crowd favorite to eat in or carry out. There’s plenty of seating outdoors on the beautiful patio, complete with a bocce court, or inside with family and friends.

THAI

Photo by Darren Brazil

NAPA PALISADES SALOON Located in downtown Napa, Napa Palisades is a local gourmet grub pub serving American comfort food with a twist. Their full bar serves up their own Napa Palisades Beer Company house brews, over 30 local craft beers and many guest taps. They boast 16 big screen TV’s, weekend brunch and a popular happy hour.

1000 MAIN ST, NAPA // 707-492-3399 // WWW.NAPAPALISADES.COM

THE LINCOLN AT ACE & VINE This is where good times and great games come together. From Blackjack and Baccarat to lively monthly events, The Lincoln at Ace & Vine is Napa’s go-to destination for high-energy entertainment in a stylish, welcoming space with craveable bites and craft cocktails served until 2am.

505 LINCOLN AVE., NAPA // 707-699-2276 // WWW.THELINCOLNNAPA.COM

THE GRILL AT SILVERADO A one-of-a-kind Napa Valley restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar appetizers, The Grill at Silverado features Wine Country Cuisine, emphasizing fresh and sustainable products. Just minutes from downtown Napa, the Grill overlooks one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth and offers a respite from the daily routine for everyone who visits. 1600

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CROCCANTE ARTISAN PIZZA Along with its made-from-scratch Detroit and Chicago-style pizzas and other delectable menu items made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients–family-owned Croccante serves up a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, earning their loyal following. NEW! Now serving breakfast and brunch Thu-Sun from 8am–1pm! Come hungry. Leave happy.

976 PEARL ST, NAPA // 707-222-5017 // WWW.CROCCANTEPIZZA.COM

GRILLE 29 Nestled in Embassy Suites Napa Valley, Grille 29 offers a casual, friendly space ideal for a business lunch, after work drinks or dinner with the family. The tall rustic ceiling with chandeliers, sofa seating and beautiful oak bar add an old-world charm to the intimate dining room and lounge. Enjoy delightful entrees using fresh products and herbs grown from its very own garden!

1075 CALIFORNIA BLVD., NAPA // 707-320-9520

NAPA NOODLES Eiko’s sister restaurant, Napa Noodles, is an Asian Pacific Rim-style restaurant that fuses the delicious taste of Asian noodles with Napa Valley cuisine. Specialties include house-made noodles, savory soups, slow-roasted meats, seasonal salads, duck, flavorful rice dishes, Asian beers, Sake, and local wines.

// WWW.NAPANOODLES.COM

ITALIAN

AMERICAN

Photo by Kristen Loken

Photo by Alexander Rubin