Napa Valley Life Magazine - Best of Napa Valley 2020

BEST OF 2020

2020 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

PLUS+

Eric Gonzales of Merrill Lynch: Passion with a Purpose to Serve His Community Day Trip Lodi: A Bright Future Ahead Rutherford AVA: Celebrating 25 Years BEST OF 2020

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Some of your most important connections can be found Some of your most important close to your home Some of most connections can be important found

connections can be found close to home We’re proud to put Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties first for more than 20 years, and we’re committed to helping you build on your success with a financial strategy tha close to home We’refor proud to put put Napa, Napa, Sonoma Sonoma and and Solano Solano Counties Counties first first for for more more than than 20 20 years, years, just you.to We’re proud

and we’re we’re committed committed to to helping helping you you build build on on your your success success with with aa financial financial strategy strategy that’s that’s and just for forproud you. to put Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties first for more than 20 years, We’re just you. and we’re committed to helping you build on your success with a financial strategy that’s just for you.

The Gonzales Gonzales Group The Gonzales Group The Group

Eric Gonzales Gonzales Merrill Lynch Wealth Wealth Management Management Eric Merrill Lynch Eric Gonzales Merrill Lynch Wealth Manageme Senior Vice President Riverfront – 700 Main Street The Gonzales Group Senior Vice RiverfrontRiverfront – 700 Main–Street Senior VicePresident President 700 Main Street Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor Suite 200 Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor Suite 200 Eric Gonzales Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor Napa, CA CASuite 94559200 707.254.4606 Napa, 94559 Senior Vice President RiverfrontNapa, – 700 Main Street 707.254.4606 707.254.4606 707.255.5559 CA 94559 eric_gonzales@ml.com Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor eric_gonzales@ml.com eric_gonzales@ml.com 707.254.4606 eric_gonzales@ml.com

Suite 200 707.255.5559 fa.ml.com/gonzales_group Napa, CA707.255.5559 94559 fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

fa.ml.com/gonzales_group 707.255.5559 fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &Corporation Smith Incorporated (also referred “MLPF&S”broker-dealer, or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America (“BofA Corp.”).

MLPF&Stois as a registered Member SIPC and a wholly owned products subsidiarysponsored, of BofA Corp. affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by com Investment products: Are Not FDICIncorporated Insured (also Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value © 2019 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

AR4BYPP7 | AD-05-19-0438 | 470950PM-0519 | 06/2019 affiliates Bank of America (“BofA Corp.”).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member and a products wholly owned subsidiary ofdistributed BofA Corp.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Corporation Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certainSIPC investment sponsored, managed, or provided by companies| that are © 2019 of Bank of America Corporation.

All rights reserved.

AR4BYPP7 | AD-05-19-0438 | 470950PM-0519 06/2019 affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

© 2019 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. © 2019 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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May Lose Value

May Lose Value

AR4BYPP7 | AD-05-19-0438 | 470950PM

AR4BYPP7 | AD-05-19-0438 | 470950PM-0519 | 06/2019

The staff at Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa is amazing. I live in Pittsburg, CA, and never think twice about driving to Napa for Dr. Lamberton to care for my teeth and gums.

Whenever someone complements my teeth I always let them know that the credit goes to Dr. Lamberton!

Angel M. Alexander Law Student

Welcome to the Practice of Dr. Cecil Lamberton , Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa Dr. Lamberton and our team focus on providing our patients with the highest quality of care.

We have a boutique dental practice with a comfortable, inviting atmosphere where we are sure you will feel at-home. Dr. Lamberton is gentle and caring, and works with each of his patients individually to create a unique, personalized experience, to help them reach their goals for a healthy, gorgeous smile.

Dr. Lamberton is truly passionate about the artistry involved in cosmetic dentistry and it is apparent in his aesthetic results.

7 0 7 . 2 5 7 . 7 7 7 1 • C O S M E T I C D E N T I S T R Y O F N A P A . C BEST O MOF 2020

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WINETR AIN.COM | 80 0.427.4124 | NAPA , CA BEST OF 2020

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Contents

F E AT U R E S 2 0 2 0 / / T H E B E S T O F I S S U E

Story 32 Cover Eric Gonzales of Merrill

Lynch Gonzales Group: Leading a Life of Value

Choice Annual 36 Readers Best Of Napa Valley The Results are In!

Viticultural 70 American Area (AVA) Series Rutherford: Napa's Most Historic AVA Celebrates 25 Years

a Day Trip 82 Take Lodi: California's

Oldest Up-and-Coming Wine Region

BE ST OF 2020

2020 OF NAPA VAL

LEY

• READERS

CHOICE •

Eric Gonz PLUS+ ales Merrill Ly of Passion nch: Purpose towith a His Comm Serve unity Day Lodi: A BrTrip ig Future Ah ht ead Rutherford AV CelebratinA g 25 Years BEST OF

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2020

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RESERVE YOUR SEAT Join us for the 10th annual Napa Valley Film Festival.

BEST OF 2020

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NVL contents NV Scene • 14

Recent parties, concerts, celebrations and events

Things To Do

20 Calendar of Events Inside Track • 21 Beyond the Valley • 22 24 Napa Valley St. Patrick's Day Brew Crawl 26 Hitting the Road with Ride Napa Valley

D E PA R T M E N T S 2 0 2 0 / / T H E B E S T O F I S S U E

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What’s Hot • 29 Special Features

54 Olive Oil: Napa Valley's Other Liquid Gold 58 Anzalones Olive Oil

Wine Scene

80 Rutherford Wine Vault Presents: The Wine Capsule

Featured Wineries 60 Fontanella Family Winery 62 Handwritten Wines 74 Rutherford Hill Winery 75 12C Wines 77 Peju Province Winery 78 Sequoia Grove Winery 85 Housley Wines

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Wine & Winery Spotlights 64 Neal Family Vineyards 66 Hoopes Vineyard 68 Trois Noix Wine 76 Frank Family RHF Cabernet

Beyond the Valley

86 Frog's Tooth Vineyards 87 Wine Ranch Grill & Cellars 88 Copia Vineyards and Winery

People, Art & Design 90 Gallery Sausalito 92 Beau Fleurs

Featured Property 94 R-Ranch at the Lake

Health & Wellness 96 OLE Health 98 Molly's Angels

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Food Scene

100 Monday Bakery 101 Napa Valley's Top Soups Take Center Stage 104 Brasswood Bar + Bakery + Kitchen 106 Shackford's Kitchen Store 108 Gary's Wine & Marketplace 110 Dining Guide 6

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Kenzo Estate

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Premium Howell Mountain, Multi-Family Retreat

3,005± sqft Main House + 3-Car Garage. Attached In-Law Unit with 1-Car Garage

Expansive Outdoor Entertaining Area Hobby Cabernet Vineyard

4 Car Garage + 1050 ≠sqft Bonus/Office Space

1200± sqft Guest Cottage, 2BD, 1BA + Wood Stove and Deck Luxuriousand Spacious Main Home with Many Upgrades

$1,750,000 | 620 White Cottage Rd. N. | Angwin | 7BD, 5.5BA | 6.7 Acres Three buildings with a total of 6,049 sqft. on a 6.7 acres property. Luxurious main house, 3,005 sqft. 3BD, 2.5BA, upgrades including: stainless appliances, 3/4” bamboo floors, granite counters, private sundeck and 3-Wood burning stoves. Attached 794 sqft., 2BD In-law unit. Detached 1,200 sqft., 2BD Guest Cottage with deck and wood stove. Plus 1,050 sqft. Bonus/Office space above 4-car garage. Create your own family retreat or use rental income to offset your mortgage.

Jennifer Klingbeil, Realtor® | Top Producer J.Klingbeil@ggsir.com | m 707.492.0435 www.HowellMountainRetreat.com | Lic.# 02067543 | @jennapavalley Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. BEST OF Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

2020

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NVL editor's letter

Discover The Best T

here is no better way to kick off the 2020 season than our People’s Choice Best of Napa Valley issue. We had a record-breaking response of voters this year with many of the categories running very close, with even a few ties.

Understandably, with all of Napa’s top-notch restaurants, wineries, and local businesses where success is driven by the passion of the people who run them, this was not a surprise. For categories not included in our voting selections, we added some extra Editors Picks to round out the portfolio. We’re ecstatic with the results and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees who made the shortlist.

When we talk about the best of Napa Valley, our cover story highlights the foundation of what being the best is all about. Eric Gonzales of Merrill LynchGonzales Group, is a stalwart example of one of Napa Valley’s community leaders who manages his organization from the outside in. Eric leads each of his team members on a unique growth path personally and professionally by instilling the values that come from knowing how to give back, a strategy that is reaping rewards on both sides of the spectrum.

In this issue, we continue coverage of Napa Valley AVA series, with a focus on Rutherford, Napa Valley’s most historic winemaking region. In 2019 the AVA celebrated its 25th Anniversary commemorating its rich heritage. The distinctive characteristics of Rutherford’s soils, known as ‘Rutherford Dust’, have laid the foundation for the recognition and prestige behind some of Napa Valley’s most premier wines and legacy winemakers whose stories we are excited to share.

Don’t miss our Day Trip feature, which takes us to Lodi, California’s oldest, up-and-coming wine region. Nearly one-fifth of all California’s grapes are grown in Lodi, but it’s the AVA’s most interesting, off the grid Italian, Spanish and Rhone varietals that are its major attractions.

From the entire Napa Valley Life team, cheers to a great start to 2020 and looking ahead, making it the best it can be.

Cheers,

Laura Larson Editor

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

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Be it words on a page, or wine in a glass, expression can be inspiring

Photo by Douglas Sterling

- Brilliant Mistake Wines

brilliantmistakewines.com BEST OF 2020

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal EDITOR Laura Larson laura.larson@napavalleylife.com ONLINE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA Cecile Adams cecile.adams@webmediagroup.com ADVERTISING/SALES

Napa's Best Gifts A Local Favorite Since 2002

Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com Jenny Morgan – 707-738-3353 jenny.morgan@napavalleylife.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fran Miller Laurie Jo Miller Farr Layne Randolph Daniel Mangin

Napa General Store 540 Main Street - Napa

Marisa McCann

www.NapaGeneralStore.com

Colin McPhail

707.259.0762 OPEN DAILY 8AM-6PM

Maria Hunt Jessica Zimmer Eve Bushman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lowell Downey Janna Waldinger Bob McClenahan ABOUT THE COVER Merrill Lynch's Eric Gonzales Defines How to Drive Success from the Outside In Photo by Lowell Downey, Art & Clarity

Napa Valley Life Magazine is published six times a year.

We have four quarterly publications and two annual publications.

1370 Trancas Street # 770, Napa, CA 94558 Copyright 2020 by Napa Valley Life Magazine.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Subscriptions are available at $12/year by visiting napavalleylife.com and clicking on subscriptions at the top.

Twitter: @napavalleylifem

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Facebook: NVLife

BESTFALL OF 2020 2019

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2019 Napa Valley Wine Award Winners WE ARE EXCITED TO RECOGNIZE THESE LOCAL RETAILERS AND RESTAURANTS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SELECTION OF NAPA VALLEY WINES

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WE THANK THESE BUSINESSES FOR THINKING LOCAL RETAIL SHOPS CALISTOGA Cal-Mart Calistoga Smoke Shop Calistoga Wine Stop ST. HELENA ACME Fine Wines Safeway St. Helena Wine Center Sunshine Foods Market OAKVILLE Oakville Grocery YOUNTVILLE Ranch Market Too V Wine Cellar NAPA Back Room Wines - Wine Store & Bar Benchmark Wine Group BevMo! Bounty Hunter Wines Browns Valley Market Buffalo's Shipping Post Calwine Cellar Collections Lawler’s Liquors Napa Valley Wine & Cigar Napa Valley Wine Train Napa Wine & Spirits Nob Hill Foods Raley’s Ranch Market Redwood Liquor Safeway Soda Canyon Store Val’s Liquors Whole Foods

RESTAURANTS CALISTOGA All Seasons Bistro Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery Calistoga Ranch Evangeline Johnny's Restaurant and Bar

Lovina Sam’s Social Club Solbar Veraison Restaurant ST. HELENA Acacia House at Las Alcobas Archetype Brasswood Cook St. Helena Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch Gatehouse Restaurant Culinary Institute of America Goose & Gander Gott’s Roadside Harvest Table Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen Market Restaurant PRESS ROADHOUSE 29 The Charter Oak The Grill at Meadowood The Restaurant at Meadowood RUTHERFORD Auberge du Soleil Rutherford Grill YOUNTVILLE Bistro Jeanty Bottega Napa Valley Bouchon Bistro Brix Ciccio Lucy Restaurant at Bardessono Mustards Grill Protea R+D Kitchen The French Laundry NAPA ALBA Angèle Azzuro Pizzeria BANK Café & Bar at The Westin Verasa Napa Basalt Bistro Don Giovanni Blue Note Napa Boon Fly Cafe at The Carneros Inn

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ Bui Bistro Ca’ Momi Cadet Carpe Diem Celadon Charlie Palmer Steak Napa Cole’s Chop House Compline Wine Bar Cordeiro’s Bar & Grill Eiko’s FARM at The Carneros Inn Forge Pizza Napa fumé Bistro & Bar Galpão Gaucho Gott’s Roadside Grill 29 at Embassy Suites Hop Creek Il Posto Trattoria Kitchen Door La Toque Mercantile Social at Andaz Mercantile Terrace at Andaz Morimoto Napa Napa Cigars Napa General Store Napa Noodles Napa Palisades Saloon NapaSport Steakhouse & Sports Lounge Napa Valley Bistro Napa Valley Wine Train Napkins Bar + Grill Norman Rose Tavern Oenotri Pasta Prego Ristorante Allegria Siena Restaurant at The Meritage Resort Napa Silverado Resort and Spa Southside Café Stone Brewing Napa Tarla Mediterranean Bar + Grill The Commons at The Meritage Resort Napa The Q Restaurant & Bar The Restaurant at CIA Copia TORC Trancas Steakhouse VINeleven at Napa Valley Marriott

PLEASE JOIN IN SUPPORTING THEM THE NEXT TIME YOU DINE OUT OR BUY WINE napavintners.com BEST OF 2020

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NV scene

NV Scene

The Napa Valley scene of recent parties, concerts, celebrations and events ATLAS PEAK ANNUAL VINTNERS DINNER

Atlas Peak VA wineries toasted in the Holiday season at their annual vintner’s dinner at the festively decorated Napa Valley Country Club. World Class wines were shared by vintners of premier Atlas Peak wineries- Alpha Omega, Antica Napa Valley, Hill Family Estate, Llamas Family Wines. Michael Mondavi Family Estate, Prime Solum, Rombauer Vineyards, Sill Family Vineyards and VinRoc Wine Caves.

Vintner owners and guests were invited to bring their own special bottles to share. The walk around wine tasting was complemented with passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a sumptuous three course seated dinner prepared by Chef Kellan Sanderlin. .

Dario Sattui and Irvina Yartseva with Sam Peters Photo by Hilary Brodey

Hill Wines Photo by Hilary Brodey

Oscar and Lola Llamas of Llamas Family Wines

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Jeff Knowles of Alpha Omega Photo by Hilary Brodey

Igor and Cindy Sill of Sill Family Vineyards

Photo by Hilary Brodey

Beth Wolfe of Lobo Wines

SENATOR BILL DODD HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER CELEBRATION FOR NCOE FOUNDATION # PHOTOS BY LOWELL DOWNEY // ART & CLARITY

Silverado Resort and Spa and some of Napa Valley’s premier wineries pulled out all the stops at Senator Bill Dodd’s Annual Holiday charity fundraiser. Senator Dodd started the event 20 years ago to support local non-profits while bringing the local community together to celebrate the Christmas Season together. This year proceeds from the event and the silent and live auction were donated to the NCOE Foundation Fund-A-Need program which provides academic support, arts & sports supplies and activities and student mental health and wellness programs for some of the community’s highest need students. Diamond Level Sponsors included Silverado Resort and Spa, Meritage Resort, Vista Collina, Craig & Kathryn Hall and Duckhorn Wines.

Senator Bill Dodd with wife Mary and son Jeff

Students from the Cool School

Kathryn Hall

Dr. Barbara Nemko President NCOE Foundation

Emcee Mark Ibanez-KTVU and Sean Dempsey

Scott Sedgley and Mary Loras with George Altamura and Susan Altamura

Ann Cash // Napa Board of Education and friends

BEST OF 2020

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NV scene 24th ANNUAL CALISTOGA LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE # PHOTOS BY TIM CARL

On December 7, tractors, trucks and happy revelers braved the elements to pull out all the stops for Calistoga’s 24th Lighted Tractor Parade. Named by Conde’ Naste Traveler as one of the “World’s Most Over the Top Christmas Parades,” the annual event attracts thousands of spectators from around the Bay Area. The competition is taken seriously by local businesses, including wineries, vineyards, schools and local government agencies, and high ticket prizes are awarded for the best decorated float or theme. This year Romeo Vineyards & Cellars took the top prizes for Best Float and Best in Show.

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CHEF CHARLIE PALMER’S AMERICAN FARE

Chef Charlie Palmer’s American Fare, a celebration of American cuisine, teaming the Charlie Palmer Collective of chefs with top Napa Valley Cabernet producers. Hosted at Charlie Palmer Steak and the Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel, Napa, interactive taste around style event was designed to uncover the many layers of American Cuisine in a fun, competitive venue in the heart of downtown Napa. Chefs chose a recipe from Charlie Palmer’s American Fare cookbook, added their own twist, and paired them with local Napa Valley Cabernet wines. Guests got to taste and be the judge of who they thought was the best. Proceeds benefited the Children’s Museum of Napa Valley. www.charliepalmersteak.com.locations/napa

Charlie Palmer Collective

Jim Striegel and Anne Vawter of Red Mare Faust Winemaker-David Jelinik

Aureole

Charlie Palmer with MichellLaura Veronica Mikyla Larson of Napa Valley Life

JCB Atelier charcuterie and cheese board

BEST OF 2020

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NV scene TRANSCENDENCE’S BROADWAY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Sonoma’s Transcendence Theater Group shared the joys of the season with audiences at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in Yountville for a Holiday weekend celebration.

Created, directed and choreographed by Tony Gonzalez, the new and reimagined show was an all ages seasonal celebration featuring Broadway performers from shows including Wicked, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Memphis, 42nd Street, and Phantom of the Opera, just to name a few. The singing, dancing troupe performed the innovative, inspiring and delightful blend of song and dance that distinguishes this professional, award-winning theater company. Award-winning musical director and arranger, Susan Draus, led a 10-piece band with new arrangements of favorite holiday classics and Broadway tunes from shows including Sound of Music, Anastasia, Fiddler on the Roof, Frozen, White Christmas, Into the Woods and Peter Pan.

Photo by Ray Mabry

Photo by Rob Martel

Photo by Ray Mabry

Photo by Rob Martel

Photo by Mimi Carroll

Photo by Mimi Carroll

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22 ND ANNUAL

V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION AUGUST 6-9, 2020 | NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA With host Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, Duke University head men’s basketball coach and former head coach of the US men’s national basketball team.

The fundraiser will benefit colorectral cancer research. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined.

Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $115 million for cancer research and related programs. This three-day signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that committment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. Experience the best culinary adventures, the most sought-after winest, exciting performances, thoughtprovoking panels and the chance to meet amazing people from all over the country who are joining the same fight along with you.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $225 million in cancer research grants nationwide.

for more information and to register, go to

follow us:

www.winecelebration.org BEST OF 2020

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NV Calendar The Napa Valley scene of upcoming parties, concerts, celebrations and events For up-to-date calendar listings visit napavalleylife.com and click on EVENTS at the top of the page

March 19

LUNAFEST NAPA VALLEY

Yountville Live // Photo by Catherine Gustafson

CELLARPASS INAUGURAL MUSIC SERIES

CellarPass, the leading wine industry booking and marketing platform, has announced the inaugural CellarPass Music Series scheduled for winter 2020 at three tasting lounges in the Napa Valley.

The dynamic musical act Dueling Pianos will perform on January 17th at Trinitas Cellars at the Vista Collina Resort, February 21st at Handwritten Wines in their new location in the Town of Yountville, and March 13th at Acumen Wines in downtown Napa. All performances will begin at 6pm. Designed to be an intimate and lively evening set in Napa Valley, each event date is set to accommodate only 5060 people. Tickets for these three evenings of fine wines, lite bites and interactive entertainment are $30 per person, per event. www.cellarpass.com/music-series February 8

NAPA FARMERS MARKET @ EXPO

Napa’s Farmers Market officially moves to its new location at the Expo Center -575 3rd Street- starting February 8. Previously hosted at Gasser Drive, the new location offers convenient access to downtown Napa and Oxbow Market and more space for local vendors. During the month of May, due to BottleRock, the market will relocate 20

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

on Saturdays to the Cinedome parking lot and on Tuesdays to Fuller Park. Check out the website for the latest updates and details. Saturdays 8:30 am - 1:00 pm / Tuesday morning market commences in May. www.napafarmersmarket.org March 1

KAISER PERMANENTE NAPA VALLEY MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON

Run, Sip and Savor! Established in 1979, the Napa Valley Marathon has always been dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing in an inspiring setting.

The marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course along the Silverado Trail. The marathon starts in Calistoga at Brannon Road and the Half Marathon starts at Conn Creek, both ending at Vintage High School. The addition of the half marathon and 5K to the catalog of events makes the race weekend experience available for more runners to enjoy the Napa Valley. The marathon is also a nonprofit, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years back into the local community of the Napa Valley. For more information and details for registration: www.napavalleymarathon.org

LUNAFEST will premiere at The CIA at Copia for the first time on Thursday, March 19. LUNAFEST is Soroptimist International of St. Helena Sunrise’s 11th year of presenting this annual festival of short films by and about women. This year’s event starts at 6:30pm with a wine reception; screening begins at 7:15. LUNAFEST is a film festival of seven short films by and about women. The mini-festival is a platform for highlighting women filmmakers in a male-dominated industry on a wide range of themes. According to Event Chair Maggie Friedrich, “most of these women are accomplished filmmakers with advanced degrees. We showed this year’s program to our St. Helena audience in November at St. Helena’s Cameo Cinema, and everyone was impressed with the quality— it was hard to pick a favorite!” Wine Reception - 6:30 pm / 7:15 Films begin Tickets: $50 General/ $20 Student www.lunafest.org March 19 – 22

YOUNTVILLE LIVE!

Yountville Live is the ultimate, four-day, luxury getaway festival, featuring exclusive performances from some of today’s hottest recording artists, exquisite cuisines from world-class restaurants and awardwinning chefs, and a unique variety of some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wineries and the finest beers and spirits available. This super-luxe weekend is the perfect combination of premium entertainment and epicurean experiences with all of the luxury and sophistication that the Napa Valley has to offer, for guests who appreciate the art of living well through discovery and exploration.

For more information and tickets to all Yountville Live events: www.yountvillelive.com

March 21

TASTE OF YOUNTVILLE

The 27th Annual Taste of Yountville is being held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 to celebrate the best food, wine and music in the heart of Napa Valley’s “culinary capital”, Yountville, California. An epic combination of dozens of restaurants and wineries are paired with performances from well-known and celebrated musicians and emerging artists throughout the day. Tickets include access to all food and wine tastings, craft cocktails, and performances throughout the multiple pavilions. Sample bites from renowned restaurants and celebrity chefs; Learn new culinary skills at chef demonstrations from some of the best in the country and taste world-class wines. 11 am-5 pm For tickets and more information: www.yountvillelive.com/ taste-of-yountville March 28

OLE HEALTH SALUD! FIESTA

OLE Health’s annual ¡SALUD! Fiesta is always a night to remember.

Enjoy the ambience of The Estate Yountville, dancing to The Silverado Pickups, a fabulous auction, dinner and more. This year, the OLE Health Foundation will be honoring special guests Betty and Andy Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards. For tickets, tables and sponsorships, visit: www.olehealth.org/SALUD April 2020

8TH ANNUAL ARTS IN APRIL

The month of April is Napa Valley’s most creative month. It’s a time of countywide celebration of the arts with live music, art fairs and exhibitions, storytelling, theatre performances, culinary arts, and hands-on activities.

The eighth annual Napa Valley Arts in April will showcase arts and cultural events across the Napa Valley from Napa to Calistoga and in between. In addition to the independently-produced events that dot the idyllic valley at wineries, museums and galleries, the county will host four central city events that celebrate each town’s unique cultural landscape. There are four weeks of special events that demonstrate just how many beautiful things are cultivated in the legendary Napa Valley.

For more information and schedule of events: www.artsinapril.com | www.artscouncilnapavalley.org

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing Galpão Gaucho At Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, the bar is popular for Happy Hour on weeknights with 20 percent discount on bar plates –picanha (sirloin cap), salmon, half rack of lamb or chicken wrapped in bacon– served with salad bar and country potatoes and $7 caipirinhas and wines by the glass. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-6 pm, Sun 3- 6 pm // 1990 TROWER AVENUE, NAPA • WWW.GALPAOGAUCHOUSA.COM

Yountville Locals Night Yountville, the culinary heart of the Napa Valley, features Yountville Locals Night every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to close of business. Yountville Locals Night kicked off on January 8th, and features special offers from the town’s shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, spas and resorts which are offered to anyone and everyone who happens to be in town each Wednesday afternoon and evening. // FOR A COMPLETE LIST WWW.YOUNTVILLE.COM/LOCALSNIGHT

Eiko’s Napa Eiko’s has a happenin’ happy hour in the lounge with many $5 bites including California rolls and sashimi, Tacos Japonais, spareribs, a dozen Miyagi oysters, shrimp and fried calamari for $9. Well drinks and glasses of wine are $6 and a carafe of hot sake is $8. Locals enjoy Wine Wednesdays when corkage fees are waived. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm // 1300 FIRST STREET, NAPA • WWW.EIKOSNAPA.COM

Market Restaurant Market Restaurant in St. Helena has become one of the locals’ favorite hangouts. Its happy hour features many bites, wine and bubbles for $7 and brews for $5.

There’s no corkage charge on two bottles, and $20 is donated to a local charity. For a change of scenery, they’ll serve in the hip Saint Wine Bar next door. Happy Hour: Mon-Thurs from 3-6pm and Friday 3-5pm // 1347 MAIN STREET, ST. HELENA • WWW.MARKETSTHELENA.COM

Kelly’s Filling Station and Wine Shop Kelly’s Fuel and Provisions is Yountville’s only gas station but it also serves Sightglass coffee and sells wine, gourmet items and many nibbles plus gift merchandise.

It’s a common meeting place for locals but is popular with visitors too. // 6795 WASHINGTON STREET, YOUNTVILLE

Beyond the Valley

NV calendar

March 4 – 8, 2020 • Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

Charleston hosts its annual festival which offers the perfect combination of place, people and food that result in an identity unlike any other in the world. Charleston Wine + Food infuses the region’s homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a fiveday event that spans the first full weekend in March. www.charlestonwineandfood.com March 18 – 22, 2020 • New Orleans, LA

NEW ORLEANS WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll

April 2 – 6

April 4

An exclusive boutique music festival series Songwriters In Paradise hosts the second annual Songwriters In Paradise Napa. Harvest Inn, which is serving as the official resort of SIP Napa, joins SIP Napa's performance venues of Silver Oak, Alpha Omega, Frank Family Vineyards & Brasswood in bringing world class wineries together with critically acclaimed songwriters to perform for the this intimate event.

Each SIP Napa show will expertly pair the host winery’s extraordinary wine selections with light appetizers and three hours of phenomenal “in the round” acoustic performances featuring multiple songwriters on stage together swapping stories and songs.

For more information and tickets: www.songwritersinparadise.com

Appellation St. Helena (ASH) will host their annual bASH wine and food pairing competition on Saturday, April 4th in the historic Barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America. Over 30 ASH wineries will be pouring wines which will be paired with small bites prepared by CIA ‘Rising Star’ students, winery chefs and St. Helena restaurants.

Attendees are asked to serve as “judges” for the evening and will have the opportunity to vote for their top three student teams, plus a professional team the Peoples Best Choice Pairing. With only 300 tickets available, this event sells out every year. 6:30-8:30 pm For tickets and more information: www.appellationsthelena.com/ events

SIP NAPA

BASH ST. HELENA

April 4

NAPA GREEN’S ‘ROSÉ & BUBBLES SPRING SOIRÉE’ @ BARDESSONO HOTEL & SPA

For more than a decade Napa Green has been helping growers and wineries become leaders in sustainable winegrowing through third-party certification of rigorous standards.

Now Napa Green is bringing its nonprofit’s inaugural celebration, ‘Rosé & Bubbles Spring Soirée. The event is hosted by LEED Platinum Certified Bardessono Hotel & Spa and Lucy Restaurant & Bar in Yountville, California and will showcase 16 Green Certified wineries, Appetizers

by Chef Jim Leiken of Lucy, Music

by DJ Konnex. Cocktail and Spring themed attire. 2:30-5:30 pm For tickets and more information: www.napagreen.org/events/

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April 25

ART, SIP & STROLL

Celebrate Arts in April in Yountville! Napa Valley’s Largest Visual Arts Event takes place on Saturday, April 25 in beautiful Yountville, CA. This free art event starts at the Napa Valley Museum where you can pick up your Art, Sip & Stroll Tasting Package ($25 optional). From there, you can walk or board a shuttle to Washington Street to stroll up and down visiting 50 high quality juried Artists, Live Music, Gallery Exhibits, Tasting Stops, Restaurants and more.

The event will host 50 Artists of varying Mediums - Live Music - Wine Tasting. 11 am-5 pm For more info: www.artsipstroll.com

Each year hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate in the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Menus feature local flavor and innovative creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Over two dozen restaurants feature special dining events throughout the New Orleans festival.

The weekend also features over 1,000 wines from around the world, with special tasting events from wineries.

Enjoy grand tasting events, promenade evenings in the French Quarter, and seminar series to hone the palate. www.nowfe.com April 1 – 4, 2020 • Vail, CO

TASTE OF VAIL

In its 29th year, the Taste of Vail has been rated among the nation’s best spring food and wine festivals by Forbes, USA Today and The Travel Channel. During this year’s annual four-day event, 5,000+ people are expected to taste, sip and soak in the Vail Valley. The event features world-class restaurants, fine wine poured by winemakers and winery owners from renowned wineries throughout the world, interactive cooking seminars, and the iconic Mountain Top Tasting sensory extravaganza at the top of Vail Mountain, and the famous Grand Tasting auction as well as other exciting events. www.tasteofvail.com April 11 – 14, 2020 • Monterey, CA

PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

While it’s not quite summer, the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival helps to kick off the California wine festival season. Matching 250 acclaimed wineries and 100 celebrity chefs to create a hedonistic four-day destination on one of the most picturesque strips of coastline in the world, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is an event not to miss. Throughout the weekend guests will enjoy intimate access to the pinnacle of culinary and wine talent at wine tastings, cooking demos, and some of the most exclusive, unique dining opportunities. www.pbfw.com April 24 – 26, 2020 • Austin, TX

AUSTIN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The Austin Food + Wine Festival, sponsored by FOOD & WINE, brings an array of taste, talent and culinary entertainment to the Capital City while helping to support the non-profit, Austin Food & Wine Alliance. The three-day weekend is the epitome of high spirits, with a packed schedule of hands-on grilling demos, up-close tastings with top chefs and sommeliers, and a Grand Tasting event like few others. www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com

a celebration of OLE Health

S AT U R D AY, M A R C H 2 8 , 2 0 2 0 The Pavilion at The Estate Yountville Honoring Betty and Andy Beckstoffer with special performance by The Silverado Pickups

Tickets On Sale Now! $350 ($200 tax deductible) Tables $5,000 ($3,500 tax deductible) To purchase, visit olehealth.ejoinme.org/SALUD2020 or contact Jennifer Abram, Events Manager, jabram@olehealth.org or 707.603.7105

Proceeds from ¥SALUD! 2020 support The expansion of OLE Health’s outreach services through a new mobile unit designed to provide free healthcare services for thousands of patients annually including health screenings, dental and vision screenings, acute care, first-aid and wound care, connecting to community resources, and disaster and emergency response.

NVL things to do

A Very Napa St.Patrick’s Day  BY JESSICA ZIMMER | PHOTOS BY JONATHAN HERRE

Although Napa Valley is famous for its award-winning wines, the beer scene is also creating a buzz.

O

ver the last few years, the area has opened multiple artisanal breweries that produce handcrafted IPA’s, pilsners, ambers, stouts and ales along with foodiecaliber menu items designed to pair with each brew. And what better way to suds up for spring with St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, offering beer lovers a wide assortment of specialty brews, bites and holiday celebrations from Calistoga to American Canyon.

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Michael Dunsford, co-owner of Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery, welcomes visitors and locals for the Inn’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party. “We usually have several hundred people come. There’s always an Irish band and a special menu. We cook corned beef brisket, oatmeal stout braised lamb stew, fish pie, and vegetarian “no-fish” pie.” Dunsford said the brewery always makes a stout for St. Patrick’s Day, and this year, it will also brew

an additional seasonal beer.

“St. Patrick’s Day is about people having a good time with delicious food and great beer. Everybody loves being Irish for a day,” said Dunsford. www.calistogainn.com Nicole Mason, Operating Partner of Trade Brewing in Napa’s Oxbow district, says Trade is planning a smaller yet lively St. Patrick’s Day party.

“We usually have between 60 to 80 people come. We sell green beer and food specials such

as corned beef hash sliders.

We expect to have a live local band this year.” Mason said Trade is planning to brew two beers for the holiday. The first will be a Mexican-style lager.

“A Mexican-style lager takes a little longer than a regular lager to brew, maybe about a month.

It’s lighter than a traditional lager, with a smooth feel and a crisp taste at the end.” For the second beer, Trade is deciding between a Blonde Pilsner and a Kölsch. A Kölsch is a light pale

Other Breweries Worth Checking Out Lincoln Avenue Brewery Calistoga lincolnavebrewery calistoga.com Mad Fritz Brewery & Malthouse St. Helena madfritz.com Tannery Bend Beer Works Napa tannerybend beerworks.com Fieldwork Brewing Napa Oxbow fieldwork brewing.com/napa Junction Brewery & Grill American Canyon junctionbrewery andgrill.com beer fermented with ale yeast and finished with lagering.

“Both are refreshing and easy on the palate. Whichever one we choose will have a brandnew recipe to commemorate the occasion,” said Mason. www.tradebrewing.com Steve Gonzalez, senior manager of brewing and innovation at Stone Brewing in downtown Napa, said he will make an oatmeal stout called “Stone Sunday Sinner Dry Irish Stout” for St. Patrick’s Day. “We made Sunday Sinner last year and it was very popular.

This year we’ll tweak it ever so slightly to get more of a coffee and chocolate cake flavor.

The beer has a five percent ABV.” Gonzalez said Sunday

Sinner will be released at Stone Brewing on St. Patrick’s Day and it will also be available in growler fills through Doordash.

“It feels right because the stout gained popularity in Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday. Early spring is also the start of the tourist season in Napa. Having a special beer draws a good crowd.” www.stonebrewing.com St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery, a few blocks north of downtown Napa, is brewing a Red Ale and an oatmeal stout.

Co-Owner, winemaker and brew master, Elaine St. Clair, says, “These are classic Irish pub-style beers. Since the holiday falls on a Tuesday, we will have them on tap over the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day since we’re usually closed Tuesday and Wednesday.” St. Clair said the business usually has about 60 guests for its celebration, which is decidedly low-key. She added the winery and brewery’s garden is an “excellent place to taste the new beers. It’s a time when everyone comes out all at once to celebrate the start of spring.

Guests can have small bites with pickled vegetables and preserves made from plants from the garden. They’ll be right next to the fruit trees and flowers, which will be in first bloom.”

St. Clair recommends pairing the Red Ale with pork rillette spread, a slow-cooked pork confit. The oatmeal stout goes well with the cheeseboard. “The oatmeal stout is full-bodied, with nice, dark roasted malts for flavor.

The Red Ale is made with a blend

of caramel malts and British aromatic hops. It is a balanced beer with subtle malt flavor and a crisp, refreshing finish.”

St. Clair advocates a sampler of three beers, so guests to taste the range of flavors.

“In our sampler, we always try to offer a dark beer, a mediumbodied beer, and a light beer.

For the light beer, I recommend the honey-wheat ale, made with malted barley and malted wheat.

We use honey from Lavender Beer Farm just outside Petaluma.

It has a lovely fragrance.”

St. Clair Brown’s central location provides an opportunity for people getting off work to meet friends. Elaine says, “No matter where you end up, enjoying a beer on St. Patrick’s Day is a great alternative to wine tasting for locals and people visiting the Napa Valley over the holiday.” www.stclairbrown.com

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NVL things to do

RIDE NAPA VALLEY Pedaling for a Purpose

 BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS BY JONATHAN HERRE

“What I know to be true is that the sport of cycling brings together a real cross-section of people- different backgrounds, ages, life experiences – but yet has a unifying ‘hold’ on all of us pedaling outside on two wheels.

Together there is an unsaid bond and from there, I’d like to say we have power in numbers, or power to the pedal. That’s the overarching mission of Ride Napa Valley- 1+1=3” –Rebecca Kotch Founder, Ride Napa Valley 26

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R

ide Napa Valley is an event production company dedicated to philanthropic causes. They take “do-gooder” to a new level with cycling events infused with a spirit of joy and giving, and yes, at times, a bit of aches and twinges to the roads that they ride. Each event focuses on a need in the community or society and not only raises funds for the organizations but also educates guests on that subject as part of the event. From the starting gate to the finish line, the aim is education and empowerment.

Rock the Ride is the perfect example.

Participants can choose between a 10, 25 or 50-mile bike ride or three-mile walk that starts and finishes in Yountville, celebrated with burritos and bubbles at the finish. Rock the Ride supports three non-profit organizations: Giffords Law Center, Moms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun Safety Support, and Alaina’s Voice Foundation. The goal is threefold: spread the message of kindness, engage the audience on how they can make a difference, and give to organizations that educate and create policies that reduce gun violence and promote gun safety.

Ride Napa Valley also works closely with the Rotary Club of Napa to produce Cycle for Sight & Rotary Ride for Veterans. Now in its 13th year, and with nearly 2000 cyclists, this community event supports The Enchanted Hills Camp for

the Blind and rotary designated veteran’s postdeployment programs. Napa9 is considered the most advanced cycling experience in Ride Napa Valley’s roster as it covers 125 miles of roads and nine peaks of climbing across Napa Valley. This boutique event raises funds for the Napa Police Youth Services Bureau to assist youth exhibiting at-risk behavior.

CampoVelo is considered Ride Napa Valley’s annual signature event, bringing participants from across the country for a weekend of worldclass food, wine, beer, cycling, and wellness in support of No Kid Hungry and the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. Along with guest chefs, procyclists, and winemakers, in 2020, CampoVelo will celebrate all things electric: bikes, cars, and cooking.

The event name, inspired by the concept of summer “camp”, offers guests a plethora of activities including the slow and food-filled Donut Ride, Gals-only rides - one slower with a basic skills review, and one that is a racer style, and the Espresso Train for those who prefer an uber-fast pace with former pro cyclists. Off-road activities include culinary demos, wine tastings and product demos. With title sponsor CLIF Bar & Co, team CLIF Bar Cycling, and Clif Family Winery, CampoVelo is a winning recipe for a wellness weekend like no other.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.campovelo.com

E D I R E H T N I JO SONS 0 GOOD REA THERE ARE 10

CK OUR OWN BA IN E ER H T H IG ONES R SIX AMAZING T O G E V E’ W TO RIDE.

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JUNE 27, 2020 aders and national le l ca lo er th ge brings to gun violence.

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2020 SEPTEMBER 6, that mile adventure 5 12 ay -d e on ic Napa Valley.

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EY.COM RIDENAPAVALL BEST OF 2020

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NVL what's hot

Handwritten Wines Presents SOYO House Handwritten’s much anticipated new tasting room, affectionately known around town as the SOYO House (South Yountville), is designed to showcase its hillside and mountain Napa Valley District Cabernet Sauvignons and other small-lot wines in a warm and inviting setting.

Located at the southern edge of Yountville’s downtown center, Handwritten’s SOYO House features varied, intimate spaces for experiencing its wines and culinary surprises. The Classic Tasting features six wines pre-poured in side-by-side comparative format with a focus on its District Cabernet Sauvignons. Wines are accompanied with truffle potato chips and fluffas. New on the menu is Handwritten’s Bread & Butter Tasting featuring six wines accompanied with various artisan breads and butters, delicately sliced Jamón Ibérico ham and fine cheeses. Advance reservations are required for the private curated tastings. Walk-in tastings are available in Handwritten’s Foyer and Courtyard. Open daily 10am - 6pm.

Perry Lang’s Opens in Yountville’s historic Groezinger Estate House Veteran Dry aged-meat master and BBQ Legend, chef-restaurateur Adam Perry Lang opened the new American style chophouse within the sprawling 22-acre Estate Yountville to much acclaim.

The vibe is ‘New York steakhouse meets elevated wine country eatery’ and features a selection of one-of-a-kind dry-aged meat offerings and seasonally driven and market-forward cuisine.

Although the meats take center stage, Perry Lang delivers an approachable menu weaved with nostalgia and seasonally driven fare such as Diver Scallop Crudo, Oysters Rockefeller, Dungeness Crab Cakes, fresh catch of the day, hearty salads and side dishes.

The cozy bar offers a robust cocktail program and serves as a respite for pre and post dinner refreshment, as well as a popular Happy Hour. The local and regionally inspired wine program helmed by Wine Manager Marc Irving, has strong ties to the Napa Valley Community and complements the culinary creations that celebrate and support the best of Napa Valley. Open Sun-Thu from 5-9 pm and Fri- Sat from 5-10 pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.perrylangs.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 707-944-8524 //

www.HandwrittenWines.com

Grove at The CIA at Copia Grove at The CIA at Copia moves its popular Monday night pop up dinner series indoors for Fall and Winter. The pop-up series features local culinary star chefs specializing in international cuisine, who take over the Hestan Kitchen located on the second floor and serve a menu of their design. Popular cuisines include Spanish home cooking, Brazilian bites, Southern-style eats and ramen, to name a few. Current Pop Up schedule on Instagram: @CIAatCopia FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.ciaatcopia.com/grove/ 28

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Where one great moment folds into the next

9 Tasting Rooms | Cooking Classes | Fivetown Grocery Picnic Services | Concerts and More Open 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Daily Cornerstone Cellars | Foley Food and Wine Society | Trinitas Cellars GEN 7 Wines | Jayson by Pahlmeyer | Luna Vineyards Mi SueĂąo Winery | Napa Smith Brewery | Anarchist Co. 850 Bordeaux Way | Napa, CA 94558 VillageNapaValley.com | @villagenapavalley

NVL what's hot

Pizzeria Tra Vigne Brings Back Old Favorites Hop into the time machine and taste a bit of nostalgia as Pizzeria Tra Vigne brings back some classic Tra Vigne Restaurant dishes to the dinner menu starting with Cioppino Tuesdays. For $19.95 enjoy a bubbling bowl of SF Style Cioppino, a mixed green salad and grilled bread.

Heron House Napa Valley native Allison Steltzner has launched Heron House Yountville at 6484 Washington Street, Suite G. The multi-winery luxe tasting room offers small production wines, curated crafts and collectibles. Allison’s vision was to create a distinctive space to feature her family wines and eight boutique winery partners presented in private, seated tastings. The cozy, hip gallery showcases an assortment of art, objects, home textiles and products meticulously curated by Allison, reflecting her life and travels.

Tasting experiences include flights of five hand-crafted, limited production wines which can be customized to cater to specific winery partners or the guest’s palate preferences- featuring Bench Vineyards, Stelzner Vineyards, Eponymous Wines, Hobel Wines, Myriad Cellars, Switchback Ridge, Lindstrom Wines and Zeitgeist Cellars. Open Thurs- Mon 11 am-6 pm.

This year the Pizzeria Travigne team has rolled out “Throwback Thursdays” which will feature a monthly menu addition featuring one of Restaurant Tra Vigne’s most popular entrées in addition to their normal menu.

Selections include: December- Braised Shortribs, JanuaryPappardelle Pasta with rabbit and wild mushroom sugo, February- Wood Oven Roasted Dungeness Crab, MarchTagliatelli Nero “Trio di Tonno” and April- Spring Lamb Ragu. Special menu items are available through April 2020. Reservations recommended.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.pizzeriatravigne.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.heronhouseyountville.com

Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Café Opens on Brown Street After ten years, Rick Mollinari sold the Mollinari Caffé to Jay Magsano, who re-opened the popular coffee shop as Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Café, his second location in the Napa Valley area. The original Le Paris Artisan is located in American Canyon, and has a steady following from the Napa Valley. The new Café will sell fresh brewed coffee, artisan French pastries, croissants and sandwiches. In addition to the traditional French delights, Jay leverages his Filipino roots and adds some Asian fusion with lesser-known Filipino staples, like savory ensaymadas and bakery items made with ube, a purple yam commonly found in Filipino desserts. Open seven days a week from 7 am to 5 pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 707-927-3623 // www.leparisartisan.com

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M E R R I L L LY N C H ’ S ERIC GONZALES

LEADING a LIFE of

Value  BY COLIN MACPHAIL | PHOTOS BY LOWELL DOWNEY / ART & CLARITY

T

here is oatmeal everywhere, and Eric Gonzales is in the thick of it. A pink streak crosses the evening sky, and a half-moon appears above the river as a culturally diverse crowd of volunteers gather in an empty Napa Riverfront restaurant space. They are there to create vitamin-fortified ‘Instant Oatmeal’ food packets for the local Food Bank. Behind the counter with a microphone in hand and oozing charisma, Eric Gonzales leads the local adults, teenagers, and children enthusiastically through the work. He’s been leading the charge for five years running, and he’s clearly enjoying himself. As a live DJ plays, the hair netted enlistees are positioned at their various fulfillment stations swaying to the music, laughing, and chatting. The room fills with growing energy. Eric is the founder of ‘Napa’s Riverfront Hunger Project’ and this event. They work with the Harvest Pack organization and give back to the Community Action of Napa Valley’s local Food Bank, where Eric serves on the board. It’s hard to believe that by the end of the evening, over 20,000 of these fortified oatmeal meals will be created, boxed and ready to be disseminated to those that need them in Napa County. Quite a feat for one project, but Eric is about a lot more than oatmeal. The pot he stands stirring most of the time is financial.

BEST OF 2020

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When asked what his idea of wealth is, Eric Gonzales states without hesitation, “Family and Health.” This statement may not seem strange until you consider he is the Sr. Vice President of The Gonzales Group and Merrill Lynch Napa’s Sr. Resident Director.

What’s Eric’s secret sauce? It may well come from something simple his mother said over and over when he was a young man.

“ People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” says Gonzales.

This humanistic approach is at the very heart of The Gonzales Group, and the culture of success he has created around it.

In practical terms, it means Eric and his team are never satisfied with just looking at investments and returns.

They challenge their clients to think longer-term and more in-depth about what they want to do with their wealth.

Is it long term stability and peace of

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mind that they seek? Or are they hoping to inspire their next generation on a grander, more purposeful path? Is the goal to further their family’s legacy or perhaps use their wealth toward fulfilling philanthropic concerns?

Eric says, “The goal is to move beyond the numbers and help them find their purpose, their Why.” When they do, they discover that their business needs and their individual needs share common values; family is always in the center.

Finding this shared goal requires connecting with clients and their families, talking to them, being amongst them in the community, and slowly building trust and rapport. For him, “The magic is when you connect with their goals and when the client is not solely focused on performance, that’s when the relationship changes.”

For Eric, these ideas did not form overnight. They began in childhood and were shaped by his upbringing. He is the son of Filipino immigrants. His mother was a hard-working, savvy businesswoman who bought and rented homes in the government’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. Eric’s father was a Vietnam Veteran and a Mare Island Blue-collar worker. Their work ethic was strong, and Eric and his brother would join their

father in helping to fix up the properties on which his mother was working.

When Eric was a young teen, his grandfather introduced him to investing in the stock market. He received a scholarship grant for a few shares, which led to his fascination with stocks and bonds. He became captivated watching his shares rise in value and realized that if this could happen without him having to be present, perhaps he could make an investment that would pay off without having to repair a bathroom cistern in between. He took investment courses while at UC Davis and has now been in the wealth management business for over 20 years.

Eric instinctively knew and realized early in his career that he wanted to be himself by attracting and forming deeper quality relationships through community immersion. When considering becoming a partner of The Gonzales Group, Eric doesn’t look at the top of each resume; he goes straight to the bottom to the ‘Other Interests’ section.

Once there, he immediately digs into who the applicant supports and what it means for them to do so. Eric’s vision is to find people who have the same kind of passion for philanthropy that he has.

He mentors his new people on ways to structure their giving time and how to make the strongest impact among one or more of their chosen non-profit groups.

Today, The Gonzales Group associates with more than twenty charitable groups and members of the team currently serve on the boards of ten local charities such as: Francis Abella‘If Given A Chance’, James Zambrano‘Habitat For Humanity’, Oscar Robles‘Community Health Initiative’ and ‘Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Advancement’, Pina Carino- ‘Women for Winesense’, Renee McLeod- ‘Napa Valley College Foundation’ and Jeri Arnold- ‘Calistoga Community Chest’.

Eric is also the Chair for ‘Justin Siena Parent’s Association’ and has served on the board for ‘Nelda Mundy Elementary’ for over a decade.

The next pillar of what Eric believes makes The Gonzales Group successful is its diversity. Eric experienced his diversity revelation years ago when he looked around and decided he wanted his office to reflect the cultural diffusion

of his community. He believed The Gonzales Group should look and sound like the people they work and represent the places they live. This approach has resulted in The Gonzales Group and Eric as its manager, becoming a ‘Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager Award Winner’ in 2018 and 2019.” Eric does not follow a formula or set protocols in his staffing; he considers himself a diversity opportunist. He looks for professional talent first, then their passion for giving back.

If there is cultural diversity there as well, he has triangulated the secret sauce that infuses his group with energy and momentum.

Connected to diversity is his realization that a wealth adviser can no longer act as a GP, curing all their client aches and ailments singlehandedly. There are times when a specialist is needed. The Gonzales Group ensures each of their clients has a trusted point of contact as well as access to other experts from within their group and other specialty areas to advise the best course of action for each individual portfolio. Eric has the people, the talent, and a group that follows a higher calling working for the collective interests of their clients and

The Gonzales Group’s

TOP 10

Charitable Affiliations 1 6

Justin-Siena High School

2

Queen of the Valley Foundation

3

Community Action of Napa Valley

4

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Association

5

If Given A Chance

Habitat for Humanity

7

Cope, Up Valley & La Luz Family Centers

8

Women in Power

9

On the Move

10

Nelda Mundy Elementary

the community with the full breadth of resources of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America at their fingertips. This access is why, at one relatively small local office, they can explore a multiplicity of strategies to best fit their client’s needs.

Meanwhile, back on the riverfront, it’s dark outside, and the volunteers are drifting away. Some shout “See you next year” as they disappear from their posts. The last packages of oatmeal get put away, and the families are turning hand in hand to return home.

Everyone seems tired but happy. Eric finally puts down the microphone, and his team starts on the clean-up. The 20,000 or so oatmeal packages are all individually stamped ‘Best By: Nov 6, 2020.’ Time dictates that they’ll all be back to do it again in 2020. At this proud moment of community fulfillment, one of Eric’s personal and passionately repeated phrases could be meaningfully applied, and not just to those who have wealth to manage. “We live through the families we serve.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.fa.ml.com/Gonzales_Group

BEST OF 2020

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2020 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE • You came, you saw, you voted…and the results are in. With record-breaking numbers, Napa Valley Life is pleased to present our annual Best of Napa Valley Reader’s Choice Awards. This year we fine-tuned our voting categories to appeal to both our local and visitor readership and extended our reach for voting across the web, through our e-newsletter, and among our social media following. We were amazed at the responses we received and pleased to see so many new contenders with hats in the ring.

With such an abundance of extraordinary restaurants, wineries, resorts, and shopping choices, we offer our congratulations to not only the winners and top three, but also all the nominees. To our readers, we can’t thank you enough for your active participation in selecting your favorites. Your input helps us recognize the very best that Napa Valley has to offer and lets us share the love.

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BEST

Wine Country Event BottleRock Napa Valley P Napa Valley Expo, Napa

tie

BEST

Cultural Venue CIA at Copia PThe 500 1st St., Napa

bottlerocknapavalley.com

707-967-2500 ciaatcopia.com

Now in its eighth-season, every May over 120,000 concert goers flood downtown Napa to partake in the best event in Napa, BottleRock Napa Valley.

Produced by JaM Cellars, the event proudly wears the crown for sharing the best of music, wine, food, and beer with Napa plus all of their guests. Whether concertgoers are rocking to one of their many Grammy- award-winning, live music performances or indulging in their culinary stage, BottleRock is by far one of the most unique, entertaining experiences in the entire Bay area.

A food lovers paradise, The CIA at Copia knows what it means to entertain and provide educational and food-centric events. Whether it be creating a menu in a hands-on cooking class, attending an educational seminar, viewing historical culinary artifacts in the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, or attending one of their many food and wine events in their culinary gardens or their outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Napa River, The CIA at Copia has all the bases covered.

Picturesque, unique and full of tasty ideas, The CIA at Copia makes any event a truly memorable one.

Napa Porchfest • 2nd napaporchfest.org

The Hess Collection • 2nd 4411 Redwood Rd., Napa 707-255-1144 hesscollection.com

Music in the Vineyards • 3rd musicinthevineyards.org Napa Valley Film Festival • 3rd P.O BOX 10994, Napa 707-226-7500 napavalleyfilmfest.org

BEST

Live Music Venue Note Napa PBlue 1030 Main St., Napa • 707-880-2300 • bluenotenapa.com Blue Note Napa’s live music jazz club/gourmet restaurant blends a Greenwich Village jazz club experience with a Northern California wine country ambiance within the historic architecture of Napa Valley’s nineteenth-century Opera House. The venue hosts national big-name performers as well as local bands and has an impressive menu and wine list. On Tuesdays, locals get free admission for musical performances and enjoy food and drink specials.

Uptown Theatre • 2nd 1350 3rd St., Napa 707-259-0123 uptowntheatrenapa.com

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art • 3rd 5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa 707-226-5991 dirosaart.com

2020 OF NAPA • READE

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Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series • 3rd 7801 St.Helena Hwy. St. Helena • 888-766-6328 robertmondaviwinery.com

BEST OF 2020

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2020

BEST

Winery Tasting Room

OF NAPA

Grove PSequoia 8338 St. Helena Hwy., Napa

• READE

VALLEY

RS CHO

707-944-2945 • sequoiagrove.com

ICE •

Known for their elegant redwood tasting bar, family-owned Sequoia Grove Winery serves up some of the best wine tasting experiences in the Napa Valley area.

Tastings are hosted in a 110-year old former hay barn beneath a grove of sequoia trees, which makes Sequoia Grove a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere for an outing.

Enjoy a single-vineyard tasting of awardwinning, world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and current selection of blends and estate varietals, which taste even better paired with one of their seasonal cheese and charcuterie plates.

Frank Family Winery • 2nd 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga 707-942-0859 • frankfamilyvineyards.com Schramsberg Vineyards • 3rd 1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga 707-942-4558 • schramsberg.com Photo courtesy of Sequoia Grove

BEST

Wine Bar Hunter PBounty 975 1st St., Napa • 707-226-3976 bountyhunterwinebar.com An outstanding wine bar located in the heart of Downtown Napa, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smoking’ BBQ serves a line up of 400 highly-allocated wines, 40 wines by the glass and a killer BBQ which has earned acclaim as the best in the area. Enjoy a rare wine or partake in an artisan beer. Open late and on the weekends.

Boutique Winery Shadybrook Estate Winery P 100 Rapp Lane, Napa • 707-255-5661 shadybrookestate.com

Cadet Wine & Beer Bar • 3rd 930 Franklin St., Napa • 707-224-4400 cadetbeerandwinebar.com

Whether traveling to Napa for its exquisite wines or its picturesque vistas, Shadybrook Estate Winery at Rapp Ranch offers a truly unique experience that hearkens back to the Valley’s original ranchers. Located in a charming corner of Coombsville, the historic property offers guests a unique selection of small-lot Estate wines graciously crafted to showcase the balance and power of the Coombsville terroir. By appointment visits include an estate tour and tasting, either paired with cheese and charcuterie or for visitors with an adventurer’s spirit, a guided horseback ride through the vineyard.

Market St. Helena • 3rd 1347 Main St., St. Helena 707-963-3799 • marketsthelena.com

Luna Vineyards • 2nd 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa 707-255-5862 • lunavineyards.com

Oxbow Wine & Cheese Market • 2nd 610 1st St., Napa • 707-257-5200 fpwm.com/oxbow-cheese-winemerchant/

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BEST

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Photo courtesy of Sha

dybrook Estate Winery

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Fontanella Family Winery • 3rd 1721 Partrick Rd., Napa 707-252-1017 • fontanellawinery.com St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery • 3rd 816 Vallejo St., Napa • 707-255-5591 stclairbrownwinery.com

2020 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

Tastings daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. No appointment required.

Tastings dailyPairing. from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.AM No & appointment required.

Five-Star Wine & Food Thurs -Mon at 11:00 2:00 PM. Book on OpenTable.

Five-Star Wine & Food Pairing. Thurs -Mon at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM. Book on OpenTable.

Tastings daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. No appointment required.

Five-Star Wine & Food Pairing. Thurs -Mon at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM. Book on OpenTable.

Sequoia Grove

Sequoia Grove winery w i n eGrove ry Sequoia 8338 Saint Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94558 707.944.2945 | www.sequoiagrove.com

winery

8338 Saint Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94558 707.944.2945 | www.sequoiagrove.com 8338 Saint Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94558 707.944.2945 | www.sequoiagrove.com

BEST

Wine Tour Tours PPlatypus 101 S. Coombs St., Napa • 707-253-2723 platypustours.com Platypus Wine Tours specializes in intimate, unforgettable wine tours, known for their lighthearted, fun approach to tasting and learning about wine. Their custom itineraries encompass smaller, charming back roads vineyards and hidden gem wineries for both private tours and groups and are easily accessible to book and enjoy.

Verve Napa Valley • 2nd 2063 Verve Ave., Napa 707-253-2269 • vervenapavalley.com Beau Wine Tours • 3rd 2020 21707 Eighth St., E, Suite A, Sonoma 707-938-8001 • beauwinetours.com OF NAPA

BEST

Hidden Gem Winery

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Springs PFlora 1978 West Zinfandel Lane St. Helena 707-963-5711 • www.florasprings.com

“We' ll always

have Napa Valley”

Flora Springs is an undeniable hidden gem of the Napa Valley area. Located in St. Helena, patrons can visit their relaxed tasting room, or make an appointment to visit the estate and Ghost Winery and experience the hillside caves.

Renowned as one of Napa Valley’s most historic wineries, visitors will get quite a memorable experience plus, take in some of their top-rated wines.

Anderson Conn Valley Vineyards • 680 Rossi Rd., St. Helena 707-963-8600 connvalleyvineyards.com

2nd

3111 St. Helena Hwy N. St. Helena, CA 707.968.5434 brasswood.com @brasswoodnapavalley Tours & Tastings: 10am-5pm Bar + Bakery + Kitchen Open 8am-9pm

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Vincent Arroyo Winery • 3rd 2361 Greenwood Ave., Calistoga • 707-942-6995 vincentarroyo.com

BEST

Winemaker Barrett PHeidi lasirenawine.com Berkeley native Heidi Barrett has been making wine in Napa Valley since the early 80s and has her famous signature on some of California’s most notable cult wines.

Dubbed ‘The first lady of wine’ by top critic Robert Parker, she broke the glass ceiling decades ago and has garnered 100 point scores across the ten brands she represents, including her own labels, La Sirena and Barrett & Barrett.

Jason Moore 2nd moduswines.com

nk Thyaou!

2020

OF NAPA VALLEY • HIDDEN GEM •

Come see for yourself! 707-963-8600

Rudy Zuidema 3rd zuidemawines.com shadybrookestate.com

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Sarah Fowler 3rd 707- 963-3600 8466 St Helena Hwy., Rutherford peju.com

680 ROSSI ROAD, ST. HELENA, CA 94574

A N D E R S O N CO N N VA L L E Y.C O M

Photo courtesy of Heidi Barrett

BEST

Wine Collective Collective PVintners 1245 Main St., Napa • 707-255-7150 • vintnerscollective.com

tie

As the first luxury cooperative of boutique Napa Valley winemakers, Vintner’s Collective offers exclusive wines handcrafted by small, boutique vintners, often exclusively, for some wineries that don’t have the facilities to offer tastings on site. The historic building, which was a saloon and brothel dating back to 1875, is conveniently located on Main Street and rotates an extraordinary assortment of over 15 hard-to-find, small producers that showcase the very best that Napa Valley has to offer.

Fine Wines PACME 1080 Fulton Lane, St. Helena • 707-963-0440 • acmefinewines.com Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, ACME Fine Wines is a neighborhood wine shop offering wines from local vintners. Mix in the yet-to-be-discovered with the well-known producers and the event is unlike any brick & mortar experience, whether you shop ‘The Wall’ or schedule a private tasting.

Brasswood Cellars • 2nd 3111 St. Helena Hwy. N., St. Helena • 707-968-5434 brasswood.com Photo courtesy of Vintner's Collective

Wine Thief • 3rd 708 1st St., Napa 707-666-2650 www.twtnapa.com

BEST

Bar/Cocktails and Gander PGoose 1245 Spring St., St. Helena

2020 OF NAPA

VALLEY

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707-967-8779 • goosegander.com Goose & Gander is one of St. Helena’s most popular hang-outs, best known for its seasonal menu and retrofresh libations served in its cherished basement bar or outdoor garden. Guests and locals gather regularly to imbibe, partake in pop-up specials, Whiskey Wednesdays and live music on weekends.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch • 2nd 738 Main St., St. Helena 707-963-4555 longmeadowranch.com

Voted TOP THREE

t s e Bizza P

tie

AVOW • 3rd 813 Main St., Napa 707-203-8900 avownapa.com Auberge du Soleil • 3rd 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford 800-348-5406 aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/

BEST

Pizza Tra Vigne PPizzeria 1016 Main St., St. Helena 707-967-9999 • pizzeriatravigne.com

napa valley life

There’s something for everyone at Pizzeria Tra Vigne, and guests of all ages delight in this local, vibrant and inviting restaurant. Two large-screen televisions, a secluded and beautiful patio, a lively bar area and a Bocce Court offer the perfect backdrop to gather for hand-tossed pizzas and pasta. For more than 25 years, Pizzeria Tra Vigne has been the “go-to” St. Helena restaurant where people can gather with family and friends.

magaz i ne

Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca • 2nd 1260 Main St., Napa 707-255-5552 • azzurropizzeria.com

tie

3385 Old California Way, Napa | foodshedpizza.org 42707.255.3340 NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Bistro Don Giovanni • 3rd 4110 Howard Lane, Napa 707-224-3300 • bistrodongiovanni.com Foodshed Take Away • 3rd 3385 Old California Way, Napa 707-255-3340 • foodshedpizza.org

BEST

Family Restaurant Roadside-Napa PGotts 644 1st St., Napa • 707-224-6900 • gotts.com Gotts Roadside was founded in 1999 by brothers Joel and Duncan Gott. It’s downtown Napa location is always bustling with visitors and locals of all ages, and is best known for its modern approach to American roadside classics, inventive burgers, and fresh seafood. Especially popular for its outdoor patio and picnic tables, the self-serve operation offers a chill vibe to enjoy fresh, seasonal food, local beer or wine and great conversation.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne • 2nd 1016 Main St., St. Helena 707-967-9999 pizzeriatravigne.com

Hop Creek Pub • 3rd 3253 Browns Valley Rd., Napa 707-257-7708 hopcreekpub.com

BEST

Burger Roadside PGotts 644 1st St., Napa • 707-224-6900 • gotts.com For anyone who craves delicious, high-quality fare in a welcoming, down-to-earth spot, Gott’s Roadside in Napa is a tried-and-true local favorite. Gotts is known for its juicy cheeseburgers, 100% beef Fearless Franks, beer-battered onion rings, and hand-spun shakes. And just for locals, every Tuesday, any Gotts burger (cheeseburger, hamburger, or Impossible burger) + fries + 16 oz. fountain drink is on special for $11.49

Goose & Gander • 2nd 1245 Spring St., St. Helena 707-967-8779 • goosegander.com

tie

The Charter Oak Restaurant • 3rd 1050 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena 707-302-6996 • thecharteroak.com Squeeze Inn Hamburgers • 3rd 3383 Solano Ave., Napa 707-257-6880 • squeezeinnhamburgers.com

VOTED TOP THREE "Best Bar & Cocktails " Cheers to you, Napa!

AVOW

813 main street - napa ca (707) 203-8900 avownapa.com Photo courtesy of Gotts Roadside

BEST OF 2020

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BEST

Asian Food Napa PMorimoto 610 Main St., Napa • 707-252-1600 • morimotonapa.com

2020 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

THANK

you!

Iron Chef Morimoto has made his signature restaurant on the Napa River one of the most popular in the Bay Area since its opening in 2010. The inventive menu offers high-end Japanese fare and artful cocktails presented in glamorous yet Zen surroundings. The incredible preparations of the finest ingredients impress the senses. For sake lovers, the Momosan Lounge is devoted to sake and Japanese whiskey.

Miminashi • 2nd 821 Coombs St., Napa 707-254-9464 • miminashi.com Eikos Modern Japanse Cuisine • 3rd 1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa 707-501-4444 • eikosnapa.com

2020 OF NAPA • READE

VALLEY

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BEST

Mexican Food Eléctrica PGran 1313 Main St., Napa • 707-258-1313 • granelectrica.com Gran Electra offers an authentic and market-driven Mexican menu inspired by traditional Mexican street fare such as fresh hand-pressed tortillas crafted with heirloom corn, house-made crema and queso fresco, as well as spicy chorizo made on site. The beverage program includes artisan mescals and tequila and an extensive wine list. Both bars and the outdoor patio are always a fiesta.

FOR VOTING US THE BEST ASIAN

&

best places to eat

La Luna Market & Taqueria • 2nd 1153 Rutherford Rd. Rutherford 707-963-3211 lalunamarket.com Don Perico Mexican Restaurant • 3rd 1106 1st St., Napa 707-252-4707 donpericos.com

seafood IN NAPA VALLEY

1300 1st #385 street napa, ca 94559 (707) 501-4444 • eikosnapa.com

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Photo courtesy of Gran Eléctrica

Photo courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co.

BEST

Bakery Bakery PBouchon 6528 Washington St., Yountville 707-944-2253 • thomaskeller.com In 2003 Chef Thomas Keller opened his first Bouchon Bakery in Yountville to serve his popular Bouchon Bistro and French Laundry restaurants with one-ofa-kind breads. It soon evolved to stand on its own in the style of a classic French boulangerie and features a formidable selection of artisanal breads, classic desserts, croissants and an array of sweet delights meticulously prepared by Pastry Chef Nicholas Bonamico.

2020 BEST

OF NAPA

Place to Eat Seafood Hog Island Oyster Co. P 610 1st St., Napa • 707-251-8113 • hogislandoysters.com

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Model Bakery • 2nd 644 1st St., Napa • 707-259-1128 themodelbakery.com

Hog Island Oyster Bar at Oxbow Market is always a great place to belly up and shuck the fresh oyster selection of the day in a relaxed and casual setting. The Napa location proudly serves its own Hog Island oysters and shellfish as well as savory seafood entrées, organic salads and small plates showcasing the amazing farmers, fishermen and artisan food producers of Napa Valley and northern California.

Sweetie Pies Bakery • 3rd 520 Main St., Napa • 707-257-7280 sweetiepies.com

Morimoto Napa • 2nd 610 Main St., Napa 707-252-1600 • morimotonapa.com

Voted #1

BEST SEAFOOD hogislandoysters.com

Eikos Modern Japanse Cuisine • 3rd 1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa 707-501-4444 • eikosnapa.com

OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET 610 1 St Street, Napa 707 251 8113

HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO.® is a California Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corporation People using business as a force for good

BEST OF 2020

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BEST

BEST

Italian Restaurant

Place for a Sandwich

Don Giovanni PBistro 4110 Howard Lane, Napa

Delicatessen PGenova 1550 Trancas St., Napa 707-253-8686 genovadelinapa.com

707-224-3300 bistrodongiovanni.com

Pick your number and stand in line to wait for one of Genova Deli’s famous built-to-order sandwiches which are loaded up with a wide selection of choice meats, cheeses and accouterments. Fresh salads, pasta dishes and soups are made fresh on-site and wines, cheeses, chips, and other specialty Italian grocery items are available to accompany your purchase.

Local treasure “Don G’s” is a Napa tradition best known for its fresh interpretations of traditional Italian dishes using sustainably-farmed, local fruits and vegetables, and all organic meats. The daily changing menu is popular among locals and tourists alike, as well as the lively bar that serves the full menu, an impressive wine list, and seasonally inspired cocktails.

Giugni W F & Son Grocery & Deli • 2nd 1227 Main St., St. Helena 707-963-3421

Bottega Napa Valley • 2nd 6525 Washington St., Yountville 707-945-1050 botteganapavalley.com

Oakville Grocery • 3rd 7856 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville 707-944-8802 oakvillegrocery.com

Oenotri • 3rd 1425 1st. St., Napa 707-252-1022 • oenotri.com

obsessively authentic italian food ~ local & organic ingredients ~ certified pizza napoletana

BEST

Photo courtesy of Boon Fly Cafe

Place for Breakfast Fly Cafe PBoon 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa 707-299-4870 • boonflycafe.com Fun, lively, and very busy on weekends, Boon Fly Café is a well-known spot to jump-start the day. Located at the Carneros Resort, Chef de Cuisine Nicole Heaney serves modern rustic cuisine in a contemporary roadhouse atmosphere. Daily brunch favorites include Boon Fly’s famous homemade donuts, Avocado Toast, a Paleo Scramble, and many classics, including Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Benedict.

Southside Cafe • 2nd 2770 Old Sonoma Rd., Napa 707-492-3733 • southsidenapa.com Auberge du Soleil • 3rd 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford 800-348-5406 • aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/

BEST

Upscale Restaurant French Laundry PThe 6640 Washington St., Yountville 707-944-2380 • thomaskeller.com/tfl

“Best Italian Restaurant”

napa valley life magazine

1141 first street, downtown napa, ca 707.224.6664 | www.camomi.com

The award-winning French Laundry restaurant was purchased by Thomas Keller in 1994. The menu, which changes daily, commits itself to serving classic French cuisine with the finest quality ingredients, along with a similarly intense focus on impeccable guest service.

Having celebrated its silver anniversary in July 2019, The French Laundry has received numerous honors and accolades over the past twentyfive years, including the Michelin Guide’s most prestigious, highest rating of three stars.

Coles Chophouse • 2nd 1123 Main St., Napa 707-224-MEAT • coleschophouse.com

ca’ momi winery & italian wines ~

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garden to glass cocktails ~ friday night music

Auberge du Soleil • 3rd 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford 800-348-5406 • aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/

S S E N I S U B YOU R Dow

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JENNIFER HUF panews.com air conditi the (no jhuffman@na into esyou get McDonald 3. How did In 2006, Tim iness Wine & bus e industry? tablished his Here. The com- win restaurant manager in Las a ken As racSpo inte s rits my tion u, Spi s public rela as and Honolul sales reps alpany provide management to Veg liquor tion with the smile and thought and reputation its industry. spir ways made me to have a 9-5 sort key the wine and the one of ld be nice McDonald said k centers on it wou his wor of job. elements of C2 STIONS, Page story telling. r story is step Please see QUE lling you two “Te ep Y onald. “St ey PHOTOGR APH one,” said McD ors to Napa Vall M. J. WICKHAM Number of visit t a total of $2.23 spen in 2018. They billion.

Tim McDonald ey M Visit Napa Vall 1 Source:

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FOUR GENERATIONS OF OUR FAMILY...

SERVING YOURS.

Pro tip

HERE IRITS SPOKEN LD, WINE & SP | TIM MCDONA 10 QUESTIONS

s a story Every wowinneer ha Small business ling to uses story-tel help sell wine

3.85M

HOURS: MON-TH 11AM-9:30PM, FRI-SUN 11AM-10PM

707.254.9700 | 645 FIRST STREET, NAPA | REALCHEESEPIZZA.COM

BEST

Vegetarian Menu Options Grill PRutherford 1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford 707-963-1792 • rutherfordgrill.com

VOTED TOP THREE

"Best

Vegetarian Menu Options"

thank you, Napa!

AVOW

813 main street - napa ca (707) 203-8900 avownapa.com

The Rutherford Grill has been proudly serving the Napa Valley since its opening in 1994. Dubbed a neighborhood gem, it is revered for its seasonal menu, attentive staff, and local watering hole at lunchtime. While many people wait in line to order the popular barbeque ribs and burgers, the menu has an extensive selection for their non-meat eating guests. Crowd favorites include their Veggie Burger, Flying Tuna Platter, wood-grilled Artichoke, Butternut Squash Enchilada and their decadent Iron Skillet cornbread.

ZuZu • 2nd 829 Main St., Napa 707-224-8555 zuzunapa.com

Mango on Main • 3rd 1142 Main St., Napa 707-253-8880 mangoonmain.com

tie

BEST

AVOW • 3rd 813 Main St., Napa 707-203-8900 avownapa.com

Dog Friendly Hang Out R + D Kitchen -Patio P 6795 Washington St., Yountville • 707-945-0920 rd-kitchen.com/locations/yountville/ Newport Beached based R+D Kitchen serves its crisp, flavorful American fare and fresh sushi indoors and out. The expansive patio is popular on weekends where guests pop in for lunch or to grab a beer and watch the game from the outdoor bar.

Adirondack chairs and fire-pits are big attractions for groups and, of course, the four-legged members of the family.

Gotts Roadside • 2nd 644 1st St., Napa 707-224-6900 gotts.com

The Grove at CIA Copia • 3rd 500 1st St., Napa 707-967-2500 ciaatcopia.com/grove/

2020

BEST

Boutique Lodging

P 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa

Carneros Resort & Spa

OF NAPA

VALLEY

• READE

RS CHO

ICE •

707-299-4900 • carnerosresort.com Set on 27 acres of scenic countryside in Napa Valley, this chic, upscale resort offers both cottages and suites with fireplaces and private patios. Amenities include three restaurants, a spa, two pools with hot tubs, bocce ball courts, bicycles, an upscale general store and a boutique. Its central location offers guests easy access to both Sonoma and Napa Valley.

• embracecalistoga.com •

1139 Lincoln Avenue | Calistoga, CA 94515 | 707-942-9797

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Napa River Inn • 2nd 500 Main St., Napa 707-251-8500 napariverinn.com

Poetry Inn • 3rd 6380 Silverado Trail, Napa 707-944-0650 poetryinn.com

BEST

Hotel/Resort

P 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa Silverado Resort

707-257-0200 • silveradoresort.com Swing, spa, savor, or stay-The awardwinning Silverado Resort offers so many possibilities for golfers, tennis players, spa-goers, foodies or fashionistas.

Conveniently located at the South end of Silverado Trail, its accommodations provide the perfect home base and respite for visitors and locals alike.

Meadowood Napa Valley • 2nd 900 Meadowood Lane St. Helena • 707-531-4788 meadowood.com

tie

Calistoga Ranch • 3rd 580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga 866-484-8829 aubergeresorts.com/calistogaranch/ Auberge du Soleil • 3rd 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford 800-348-5406 aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil

2020

BEST

Chef

OF NAPA

Keller PThomas thomaskeller.com

• READE

VALLEY

RS CHO

Renowned Napa Valley master chef and icon, Thomas Keller is chef and proprietor of five Michelin-starred restaurants, several of which are mainstays in Yountville. The French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro are his bestknown venues, but Ad Hoc and Addendum are crowd favorites as is his newest Mexican themed endeavor, La Calenda. Keller’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are harvested in a garden across the street from the French Laundry, and the highest standards for perfection are the secrets to his success.

ICE •

Cindy Pawlcyn • 2nd cindypawclyn.com Christopher Kostow • 3rd christopherkostow.com

Thomas Keller Photo by Lowell Downey Art + Clarity

NAMED PEOPLE’S CHOICE “BEST BOUTIQUE RESORT”

BY N A PA VA L L E Y L I F E M AG A Z I N E

QUINTESSENTIAL NAPA VALLEY C A R N E R O S R E S O R T. C O M | 7 0 7. 2 9 9 . 4 9 0 0

|

N A PA VA L L E Y

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BEST

BEST

Golf Course

Day Spa/Salon

Resort PSilverado 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa

Spa at Silverado PThe 1605 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa • 707-257-5555

707-257-0200 silveradoresort.com/ napa-valley-golf

silveradoresort.com/napa-valley-spa The Spa at Silverado is relaxing made easy.

Enter the rejuvenating realm of the Spa at Silverado’s soothing atmosphere and lose yourself in Napa Valley’s spectacular beauty.

Massage, skincare, body scrubs and wraps are available for both men and women and for those who wish to completely indulge, full and half-day packages are available.

Challenge yourself on a championship course, surrounded by Napa Valley’s golden hills. Redesigned

by PGA Hall-of-Famer and Owner Johnny Miller – Silverado Resort’s two PGA courses offer some of the nation’s best golf. Access is limited to members and resort guests, promising an exclusive day on the links. Grab your clubs and enjoy an all-time classic golf experience.

Napa Valley Country Club • 2nd 3385 Hagen Rd., Napa 707-252-1111 • napavalleycc.com Eagle Vines Golf Club • 3rd 580 S. Kelly Rd., American Canyon 707-257-4470 eaglevinesgolfclub.com

Solage Spa • 2nd 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga 707-226-0800 • aubergeresorts.com/ solange/spa/

tie

Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch • 3rd 580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga • 866-484-8829 aubergeresorts.com/calistogaranch/ Spa Terra at Meritage Resort • 3rd 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa • 707-251-3000 meritagecollection.com/ meritage-resort/spa

Voted Top 3 Best Spas

by Napa Valley Life Magazine

In the hillside directly behind The Meritage Resort lies Spa Terra, a luxury spa located entirely underground in our 22,000 square foot Estate Wine Cave. Experience the hushed serenity of the cave, with natural stone and copper water features combined with a locally-inspired treatment menu.

875 Bordeaux Way | Napa, CA 94558 707.251.3000 | SpaTerra.com

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BEST

Shopping for Men Williamson & Company P 1144 Main St., Napa 707-224-5284 williamsonandcompanynapa.com Williamson & Company has been a mainstay in Napa for over 40 years and specializes in upscale, traditional, quality men’s clothing. With a unique mix of both casual and dress, a man who is always interested in looking good, or the women who buy for them, can shop for all occasions in a relaxed, non-department store setting.

Scott Lyall Clothes for Men • 2nd 614 Main St., Napa 707-255-5858 scottlyallclothes.com Marios Napa Valley • 3rd 1223 Main St., Napa 707-963-1603 mariosnapavalley.com

Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Jewelers

2020 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

BEST

Shopping for Women Lifestyle PBoHo 1012 First St., Napa • 707-337-5870 shopboholifestyle.com Boho Lifestyle is not only a store; it’s a feeling. Owner Indra Forntey’s philosophy is to help women of all ages be who they want to be. The popular boutique carries clothing, jewelry and accessories, that are diverse, affordable and always on-trend.

Makers Market at First Street • 2nd 1300 1st St., Napa • 707-637-4637 makersmarket.us Helen Lyall Clothes for Women • 3rd 650 Main St., Napa • 707-252-7400 helenlyall.com

BEST

Jewelry Store Valley Jewelers PNapa 1300 1st St., Suite 365, Napa

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Each year our readers nominate and vote on some of Napa Valley’s best people, places and things that offer exceptional experiences for both visitors and locals alike. It is always challenging to include all that Napa has to offer in such a finite list, so the Editor’s Picks includes categories that were not included in the Peoples’ Choice ballot and are worth an honorable mention.

BEST

New Restaurants Napa Valley’s culinary scene welcomed some exciting new restaurants in 2019, some under the mantle of local veteran master chefs, and a few newcomers to the area.

Here are our top two picks:

AVOW P

813 Main St, Napa 707-203-8900 • avownapa.com After much anticipation, the famed three-level space on 813 Main Street, originally known as Fagianis, re-opened in August as AVOW, a contemporary restaurant and bar under the ownership of winery veteran Joe Wagner.

AVOW’s “rustic luxury” menu offers an eclectic array of food and a cocktail menu with fun takes on the classics, which are most often enjoyed on the rooftop patio.

707-224-0997 napavalleyjewelers.com

Perry Langs P

6539 Washington Street, Yountville • 707-945-4522 perrylangs.com Veteran dry aged meat master and BBQ legend, Adam Perry Lang, launched the opening of his second eponymous restaurant with the September 2019 debut of Perry Lang’s as part of The Estate Yountville’s ongoing expansion. Offering diners an approachable chophouse experience in the heart of wine country, the new American restaurant features a menu of seasonally-driven and market-forward fare that complements Perry Lang’s one-of-a-kind dry-aged meat offerings.

BEST

Party of the Year

Napa Valley Jewelers has been providing the Napa Valley area with a personalized shopping experience for 25 years.

Offering a wide array of jewelry, they aim to exceed expectations of clients and can accommodate anyone’s budget.

Offering unique jewelry made from precious metals and gems to wonderous pieces of art made from glass, Napa Valley Jewelers is well equipped and established to serve their clients in a variety of ways.

Jean Charles Boisset’s P

50th Birthday Bash www.jcbcollection.com

Creations Fine Jewelers • 2nd 3341 Solano Ave., Napa • 707-252-8131 creationsfinejewelers.com Padis Jewelry • 3rd 1269 Main St., St. Helena 707-963-2288 • padisgems.com Jean Charles Boisset Photo by Rubin Photography

On September 7, Napa vintner, proprietor and entertainer extraordinaire, Jean Charles Boisset (JCB) took the Napa party scene to the next level as he celebrated his 50th birthday among thousands of his “closest friends.”

Hosted at his Raymond Winery in St. Helena, the opulent 007 themed bash thrilled guests with over the top scenes recreated from the James Bond movie series. The evening began with a welcome toast from Jean Charles, who filled guests’ glasses with JCB bubbles while swinging from a 25’ high harness.

It only got better from there.

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Le Petit Chef 3D Dining Experience Photo by Laura Larson

2020

BEST

Reincarnation Gary’s Napa Valley P

607 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena

LEY PA VAL OF NA OICE •

ERS CH

• READ

707-531-7660 napa@garyswine.com When Dean and Deluca closed its doors early in the year, Gary Fisch jumped on the opportunity to lease the space. Gary’s Napa Valley is Fisch’s fifth location and extension of his fine wine business he built in the New York area. Gary’s carries over 600 labels of wines, both local and imported. Guests can sample up to 24 wines offered by the glass and choose from hundreds of spirits and beer products, imported cheeses, charcuterie, fresh-baked breads, a full deli as well as handcrafted platters and gift baskets.

BEST

Unique Experience Le Petit Chef ™: 3D Dining Experience - The CIA at Copia P

500 1st St., Napa • 707-967-2555 • ciaatcopia.com This whimsical “dinner and a show” dining experience at The CIA at Copia takes diners through a two-hour expedition with “Le Petit Chef” a thumb-sized 3D animated chef projected on their plates. The vibrant journey of the senses inspired

by Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road includes a delicious spice trail-inspired six-course seasonal dinner with a wine pairing option which changes quarterly, prepared by the creative team of CIA chefs led by Chef Rodrigo Vazquez.

BEST

Locals Hang Outs Local Farmers Markets P There is nowhere better to mix and mingle with the local community than at one of Napa Valley’s vibrant Farmers Markets. The bustling markets are always a welcome juxtaposition of local growers and vendors mingling with locals and tourists to share seasonal produce, fresh foods and merchandise in a casual setting. Our top three picks:

Napa 707-501-3087 napafarmersmarket.org Saturdays and Tuesday mornings: 8:30am -1:00pm Year Round

St. Helena 707-486-2662 sthelenafarmersmkt.org Friday mornings: 7:30am-12:00pm May - October

Calistoga 707-812-2640 calistogafarmersmarket.org Saturday mornings: 9:00am-1:00pm Year Round

BEST

Florist Beau Fleurs P

Flower Company 1508 Silverado Trail, Napa 707-224-7993 napavalleyflowers.com For over 25 years, Beau Fleurs proprietors John and Kellie Prittie have been creating beautiful, upscale arrangements of California-grown and imported cut flowers. Their fresh, natural ‘fresh from the garden’ style, attention to detail and creativity behind every arrangement. The family-owned operation caters to individuals, groups and events and prides themselves on their focused attention to customer satisfaction and white glove customer service.

Farmers Market Photo byNAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM Bob McClenahan 52

Vineyard to Vintner

AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE An iconic American appellation. Legendary history. Vibrant future.

Distinctive Cabernet. Napa's neighborhood for world class wines. The weekend shares the best we have for an unparalleled experience. Owners and winemakers.

Historic wineries, glorious vineyards and billowing Palisades.

T O P U R C H A S E T I C K E T S , V I S I T S TA G S L E A P D I S T R I C T. C O M For additional information, contact Nancy Bialek at nancy@stagsleapdistrict.com or 707.255.1720 BEST OF 2020

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OLIVE OIL

Napa Valley’s Other Liquid Gold  BY MARISA MCCANN

A

s visitors to Napa Valley quickly discover, the natural abundance of the region includes much more than top-quality grapes. Driving past the stretching vine rows of the Valley, one will also behold the unmistakable trunks and greenish-silver oblong leaves of olive trees.

Here, vineyards share real estate with olive groves both on the land and on the table.

THE OLIVE’S DEEP ROOTS IN CALIFORNIA California fully embraced its potential for olive oil in 1992, when Lila Jaeger founded the California Olive Oil Council (COOC) to provide resources for local growers. The 54

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COOC Taste Panel certifies approximately 400 oils per year, though olive farming in Napa Valley and throughout the state dates back much further than the council’s founding.

California’s olive oil history goes back more than two centuries to the Spanish explorers and Franciscan fathers who moved north from Mexico and painstakingly built missions between San Diego and Sonoma.

The missionaries planted olive trees at each of their 21 established missions for both sacramental and practical purposes.

It was used by the Catholic Church and in mission life for religious rites, food preparation, to treat wounds, and to oil machinery.

From these tentative beginnings, the California olive oil industry grew, and by the 19th century, it was thriving.

The industry languished, however, throughout much of the 20th century, falling in and out of recessions due to imports and an overall lack of awareness. The situation changed in the 1990s when a new generation of health-conscious Americans rediscovered the flavor and benefits of olive oil. “People wanted to know more about the food they were eating. This shift helped pave the way for the artisan olive oil renaissance,” says vintner Gabrielle Leonhard O’Connell of O’Connell Family Wines. As a result, olive orchards were revived, and

NAPA PRODUCERS

Photos courtesy of Long Meadow Ranch

new groves were planted. At the heart of this resurgence was Napa Valley.

“At the time, a handful of producers were sincerely committed to producing olive oil, not just from a commerce point of view but from an integrity point of view and wanting to capture our history and preserve it,” continues Leonhard O’Connell. Among these olive oil pioneers were O’Connell Family Wines, Long Meadow Ranch, and St. Helena Olive Oil, who began producing award-winning small-production oils.

The fruits of their labor are now some of the most popular gourmet products in and outside of California and are available to taste throughout Napa Valley.

O’Connell Family Wines “I grew up with everything farm to table in the truest earthy sense,” says Gabrielle Leonhard O’Connell vintner and Director of Winemaking at O’Connell Family Wines.

“It was a natural continuation when we got our estate in Napa, and I had land to play with that I would follow this tradition that was near and dear to my heart.” In the 1990s, Leonhard O’Connell’s deeplyinherited belief of biodiversity led her on a ten-year quest to track down an original olive grove from the mission era. Her hard work was rewarded when she stumbled upon a colossal centuries-old tree in the middle of a 35,000-acre ranch near Point Conception. “Just as I was about to give up and turn around, I looked over an embankment and spotted silver branches. And by that time, I could spot an olive tree from a mile away,” reflects Leonhard O’Connell.

She then led the restoration project to revive the ancient grove and propagated cuttings from the original trees. Today, her olive grove, set in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll district, is an exact DNA match of the first olive tree planted in the La Purísima Mission.

In addition to organic grapes and olives, Leonhard O’Connell also grows, lavender, herbs, fruits, and vegetables and uses them to produce gourmet products that she pairs with small bites and wine in her downtown Napa store and tasting room, Gabrielle Collection taste+. She says, “We’re taking olive oil education a step further to wanting to pair it with food and wine and showing what to do with it once you get it home.”

Long Meadow Ranch Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains high above the Rutherford Bench, Long Meadow Ranch is home to vineyards, organic gardens, horses, and historic olive groves. “We inherited this amazing grove of trees that produced high-quality olives. That was the catalyst for us,” says Jeff Meisel, Vice President of Brand Development at Long Meadow Ranch. Their Prato Lungo (Italian for Long Meadow) groves are the oldest olive orchards in Napa Valley, dating back to the 1870s. The trees were abandoned for years until the owner, Ted Hall, and his son, Chris, discovered them and restored them in the 1990s.

Today, Long Meadow cultivates eight acres of the ancient Prato Lungo trees as well as new groves that include Italian varieties Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, and Moraiolo.

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Guests can make reservations to tour the full ranch when booking the Mayacamas Estate Experience. The experience includes transportation to their remote mountainside location, a tour of the onsite wine caves and olive oil press, and a tasting of Long Meadow’s estate-grown wines and organic extra-virgin olive oil. An olive oil flight is also available to sample at their Farmstead General Store in St. Helena.

St. Helena Olive Oil Co. “It’s come a long way,” says Peggy O’Kelly, founder of St. Helena Olive Oil, reflecting on how far the industry has come. “In 1994, hardly anyone knew much about olive oil.” After retiring from a prosperous finance career to raise two young daughters, she found inspiration to join the upand-coming Napa Valley Olive oil industry after COOC founder Lila Jaeger’s olive oil captured her heart. What transpired over the next two decades was a full-fledged business and a steep learning curve with many highs and lows.

“I looked to Robert Mondavi for inspiration and learned from the Napa wine industry,” says O’Kelly. She took the direct-to-consumer retail concept and applied it to olive oil. She found a space in Rutherford and opened the country’s first olive oil tasting room. Aside from exposing more people to olive oil, one of O’Kelly’s many milestones was introducing orchard designated Napa Valley extra-virgin olive oil.

“We have relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley, and our job is to bottle that oil and tell its story. All of our oils have similar characteristics, but each one is different because of soil, method of pressing, or varietal.

It’s very similar to wine,” shares O’Kelly.

The 2019 vintage is the first harvest for O’Kelly in two years after taking a hiatus following the 2017 Tubbs Lane Fire. While St. Helena Olive Oil no longer has a storefront that offers tastings, their full spectrum of products, including extra-virgin olive oils, vinegar, and other pantry essentials can be purchased online. O’Kelly’s young-adult daughters, Kaelin and Emily, are following in her footsteps and learning more about the family business. As the excitement of the 2019 olive harvest consumes O’Kelly, she feels hopeful to open a new space for tastings and classes in the future.

Napa Producers to Know Anzalones Olive Oil

www.anzalonesoliveoil.com

Fantesca Estate and Winery www.fantesca.com

Grove 45

www.grove45.com

Jaeger Family Olive Oil

www.jaegerfamilyoliveoil.com

Long Meadow Ranch

www.longmeadowranch.com

Napa Valley Olive Oil Company www.nvoliveoilmfg.com

O’Connell Family Wines

St. Helena Olive Oil Co. founder Lila Jaeger with daughters Kaelin and Emily

www.oconnellfamilywines.com

Round Pond Estate www.roundpond.com

St. Helena Olive Oil Co. www.sholiveoil.com

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Photos courtesy of St. Helena Olive Oil Co.

SAN FRANCISC WINE COM

Far from Ordinary

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION

At St. Helena Olive Oil Co., we let the fruit of the harvest tell its own story.

5 double gold 9 gold 31 silver 15 bronze

Walnut Creek’s Newest Destination.

Since 1994, we have worked with local growers to produce Napa Valley orchard designated extra virgin olive oil.

Far from Ordinary

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION

Tastings and Tours Wine Club Memberships

5 double gold 9 gold 31 silver 15 bronze

Far from Ordinary Walnut Creek’s Newest Destination.

Far from Ordinary WINE TASTING | RESTAURANT | CAFÉ

Tastings and Tours Wine Club Memberships Walnut Creek’s Newest Dest Walnut Creek’s Newest Destination.

TastingsFar and from Tours Ordinary Wine Club Me

Lear n more at sholiveoil.com

EXPERIENCE LONG MEADOW RANCH

• Wine Tasting • Community Events • Private Events

• Farmstead Restaurant • Growers Happy Hour • Sunday Brunch

Far from Ordinary Wine Club Memberships

Tastings and Tours

738 MAIN ST | ST HELENA CA 94574 | 707.963.4555 LONGMEADOWRANCH.COM | @LONGMEADOWRANCH

Walnut Creek’s Newest Destin Walnut Creek’s Newest Destination.

Tastings and Tours Wine Club Mem Tastings and Tours

Wine Club Memberships

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION

5 double gold 9 gold 31 silver 15 bronze

Far from Ordinary Walnut Creek’s Newest Destination.

Tastings and Tours

Wine Club Memberships

Visit shadowbrookwinery.com and make your Appointment today!

Award Winning Olive OilsOne Meritage Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Just off Northgate Road at the base of Mt. Diablo Wines & Local Craft Beers Gelato & Small Bite Appetizers Guided Tours & Culinary Classes Custom Milling & Private Events

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ANZALONE’S OLIVE OIL Italian Roots and California Terroir  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

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live oil isn’t the first product that comes to mind when one thinks of Napa Valley. But the grape and the olive have a symbiotic relationship, found growing together in regions around the world and complementing each other in culinary circles. That’s part of the reason why Jamie Anzalone was drawn to the olive industry. He’s spent 20 years as a culinarian and wine professional, and his natural inclination to those industries may be deeper than academic.

His family roots include an olive and almond producer in Sicily, a fact that Jamie finds inspirational.

He proclaims, “My Sicilian side inspires it and the German side engineers it.”

Anzalone’s paternal family immigrated to the US from Sicily in the late 1800s and settled in New York to become became grape farmers and later restauranteurs.

A century later, Jamie moved to Napa Valley to study food and wine at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America. He then began building an olive oil business and eventually owned two retail locations in wine country, selling olive oil and olive-related products. Times changed, and his business model adapted, and he’s now transitioned out of retail and moved into a direct-to-consumer business.

He got into the olive industry by offering to harvest olives where he found them, and in return for the olives he kept, the landowners received fresh-pressed olive

oil. Through word of mouth, the business has grown such that he is now the one being contacted to manage the harvest and pressing for olive grove owners. He brings in a trained crew to handpick the olives. He initially used the “raking” and tarp method but found that nothing compared to

the quality of handpicked olives.

Once harvested, he transports the olives to a mill to where they are pressed and then he oversees the bottling. He keeps his negotiated percentage of the bounty as payment and returns a small portion to the landowner, who receives the benefit of cleaned olive groves and

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE visit www.anzalonesoliveoil.com 58

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fresh-pressed extra-virgin olive oil each year. With his years of expertise, Anzalone has become a sought-after consultant to oversee olive cultivation throughout the growing season too.

Going forward, Anzalone’s Olive Oil will be primarily sold direct-to-consumer except for sales at select specialty retail shops, such as Oakville Grocery in Oakville, California, and CalMart in Calistoga, California. He’s also in works to expand his offerings. Currently available, the olive oils infused with Meyer lemon, blood orange, and lime are made by pressing the fruit in the olive press with the olives, which imparts a fresh, vibrant, and natural flavor. Anzalone’s Olive Oil also offers balsamic vinegar imported from Modena, Italy, and is infused with fig, blackberry, and strawberry flavors. The culinary lineup also includes applewood smoked and truffle flavored sea salts, smoked almonds with sea salt, and rosemary-infused and garlic-infused olive oils.

Anzalone’s products are available online, at specialty shops, local food and wine events and farmers markets. Anzalone Olive Oil is also served at several of Napa’s premium restaurants such as Perry Langs in Yountville and Angele on Napa’s Riverfront.

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NVL wineries

Fontanella Family Winery “LIVING THE DREAM” ON MT. VEEDER  BY DANIEL MANGIN

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decade ago lawyerturned-vintner Karen Fontanella and her winemaker husband, Jeff Fontanella, strapped their two infant sons to their backs and set about yanking weeds on the 81-acre Mt. Veeder property they purchased a few years earlier. Grimy and sweaty, Karen recalled recently, the couple looked at each other and simultaneously joked, ‘Living the dream!’” Within hours a tidiedup Karen poured wine for two guests, who caught up in their Napa Valley moment, enthused, “Well, aren’t you just living the dream?” The catchphrase became Jeff and

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Karen’s tongue-in-cheek shorthand for winery ownership’s less glamorous aspects.

Like Karen, a Southern California native, Jeff enrolled in UC Davis’ pre-med program but quickly forsook it for viticulture and enology, supplementing his schooling with hands-on experience at three prestigious Napa wineries. At his first stop, Opus One, he learned traditional French-château winemaking. Later at ZD Wines the emphasis was on research and innovation, a sharp contrast to the intuitive, “shoot-from-the-hip” style of valley legend Nils Venge at Saddleback Cellars.

Despite the diverse apprenticeship, “Nothing prepares you for owning a winery,” laughed Jeff, citing three catastrophes he and Karen faced during their first ten years: the 2008 recession, 2014 Napa earthquake, and 2017 Wine Country wildfires. Some winery owners downplay calamities, but the Fontanellas embrace theirs as evidence of resilience and adaptability. During the earthquake, for instance, hundreds of barrels toppled onto cases of just-bottled wines. In addition to extricating the barrels without losing their wine came the challenge of marketing 7,000 scratched, stained, but stilldrinkable bottles. Karen’s solution: relabel them “Unbreakable” in honor of the winery team’s resourcefulness and grit. “We sold all the bottles,” said Karen. “People bought them to support us, of course, but also to gift to loved ones who may be battling cancer or struggling with something major in their lives. It became a shared experience.”

Most of the appointment-only tastings at Fontanella Family Winery take place on an outdoor patio edging Cabernet vines.

Swallows zip overhead and egrets land on a nearby pond’s shore. Hosts greet guests with a glass of Chardonnay, followed by Zinfandel and the flagship Mt. Veeder Cabernet. Whatever the varietal, the wines’ balance and bright acidity uniformly impress. Winery visits always include a trip into the cellar for barrel tastings designed to illustrate the influence of soil on the wine.

The estate, whose 13 planted acres are devoted solely to Cabernet, occupies a hilly south-facing slope. On a clear day, the views at the highest point range south to San Francisco and east across the valley to Atlas Peak and Pritchard Hill. From this lofty perch it’s easy to imagine what inspired Jeff and Karen to chase their dream on Mt. Veeder.

“ We are lucky to live the life that people envision when they visit Napa Valley,” concluded Karen.

“My husband makes the wines. I manage the business. We live here with our two kids. Our dogs are running around. What could be better than that?”

FOR MORE INFORMATION 707-252-1017 // www.fontanellawinery.com

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SOYO HOUSE An Invitation from Handwritten Wines

Handwritten Director, Philip O'Conor  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR | PHOTOS BY WILLIAM BUCQUOY

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f one is familiar with Yountville, over the past five years or so, there has been a noticeable and distinctive reimagination of the town as a cultural hub of the valley. The latest enhancement is the handsome new ‘forever home’ for Handwritten Wines at 6494 Washington Street, fondly dubbed “SOYO House,” a nickname for South Yountville.

Among the admiring observers of the changing Yountville scene is Philip O’Conor, Director at Handwritten. “Within our team, we talk a lot about Yountville as a community—a special place where people can sit on the porch with a tasty glass of wine, pass the time and watch the world go by. Now we’re excited to be adding to that relaxing feel with this new Handwritten Wines tasting room.”

Bursting with pride on the heels of a classy New Year’s Eve party to welcome the dawn of a new decade, SOYO House flung open its doors to the public on the second of January 2020.

Guests enter an inviting space that’s thoughtfully designed to be quite unlike a typical wine tasting room. Don’t look for the walk-up stand-while-you-sip tasting bar, because there isn’t one. Instead, a series of adjacent rooms modeled after a 62

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private home feel as cozy and comfortable as can be. The interiors are aesthetically appealing with a mix of antique and contemporary touches.

Showcased in side-by-side comparative tastings, Handwritten focuses on hillside and mountain Napa Valley District Cabernets sourced from 2-acre blocks.

“Every detail is done to perfection,” said O’Conor. “Ten years after our first vintage in 2009, we had an opportunity to design a brand new place from scratch. It was a multi-year project, and we wanted to be sure it adds up to a good feeling, a destination spot that frequently comes to mind for a return visit—not unlike the kind of ‘place where everybody knows your name.’”

Feeling peckish? SOYO House has a kitchen that’s just large enough to support a

developing culinary program. O’Conor, with his background in fine dining, describes his vision for the menu. Bites at the Handwritten Wines tasting room are designed to explore the notion of terroir when it comes to free range produce as well as terroir that applies to grape vines.

“It begins with the cultivation of some partnerships with Yountville’s great restaurants. We’re doing simple things that resonate with my Swiss upbringing, such as delicious fresh bread with beautifully curated French butter and cheeses from Oliver’s in Sonoma County recommended by my wife who is a cheese monger.” From England, Italy and Spain, there will be premium artisan cured meats from humanely raised heritage breed imports via a domestic producer called La Querica, a Good Food award-winner.

Underlying the Handwritten Wines tasting room concept? It’s simple and it’s enticing: Rather than hurrying through a tasting session, guests should enjoy being in the moment...because time passes pleasantly with a lovely glass of wine in hand.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.handwrittenwines.com // 707-944-8524 6494 Washington St., Yountville

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NVL winery spotlight

NEAL FAMILY VINEYARDS Blending Heritage and Distinction on Howell Mountain

 BY JESSICA ZIMMER

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ince 1997, Neal Vineyards has crafted striking, organic wines from its Rutherford and Howell Mountain vineyards. Yet the winery has also remained a small, dynamic family business, the kind that could be found everywhere in the early days of Napa Valley.

The idea for Neal Vineyards grew out of years of conversation and hard work between owner Mark Neal and his father, Jack Neal. In 1968, Jack and Mark founded Jack Neal & Son Vineyard Management together in Rutherford. From the early days of Jack Neal & Son, the Neal family has farmed its estate vineyards along with those of many other wineries in Napa Valley. Since 1984, Jack Neal & Son began working with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) as the largest vineyard management company in Napa County.

Mark Neal, Owner; Jessica Neal, Sales and Marketing; Jordan Stanley,Winemaker

Mark Neal bought one of his first vineyards on his own in the 1990s. He decided on a quiet spot on Howell Mountain to build his home and the winery.

Mark Neal said the winery is well-thought-out and self-sufficient. “We put a lot of hard work into it. I’m blessed and grateful every day.”

Neal Vineyards produces 3,000 cases of high-quality wines that are known far beyond Napa Valley. The business is

well known for its two singlevineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, Neal Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, and Neal Family Vineyards Rutherford Dust Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jessica Neal, Mark Neal’s daughter and Neal Vineyards’ director of sales and marketing, described the Howell Mountain fruit as balanced, with a strong flavor of dark berries.

“Our Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has that classic dark color and tannin that delivers a punch. The Rutherford fruit has a chewy feel and more acid. The Rutherford Dust Cabernet Sauvignon is very fruitforward, with soft tannins. She adds, “All of the Neal Vineyards’ wines are very traditional, with an earthy, rustic component.” The

winery also makes a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of the two single-vineyard Cabs, Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford Dust Zinfandel, Rutherford Dust Petite Syrah, and Napa Valley Chardonnay.

Neal Vineyards’ winemaker Jordan Stanley said with all the “good fruit coming in the door,” it’s easy to make high-quality wines. “Neal Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignons are more balanced and not overly extracted. I think it has to do with the fact that the vines are grown organically.”

Although the wines age well and are widely sought, they have an affordable price point.

“Our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% of its varietal, it is a blend of different clones from all our properties, and can be purchased at the winery for $45. It really is a great value for that kind of price point,” said Jessica Neal.

Visitors are welcome to make an appointment to tour the artistically designed winery in Angwin.

The aspect they will enjoy beyond every other will be the warm welcome from the Neal Family Vineyards team. Jessica says, “We welcome all of our guests with a big hug or handshake. We look forward to sharing Neal Family Vineyards with every single person who walks through the door.”

707-965-2800 // www.nealvineyards.com 716 Liparita Avenue, Angwin, CA, 94508 64

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NVL winery spotlight

HOOPES VINEYARD

In Dogged Pursuit of the Perfect Cabernet Sauvignon

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indsay Hoopes of Hoopes Vineyard is one of Napa Valley’s up and coming millennial vintners to watch in 2020. She is one of the inventive young vintners garnering attention for bringing new ideas and innovations to their family businesses. From Assistant District Attorney to winemaker and proprietor, Lindsay has taken charge at Hoopes Vineyard, one of Napa Valley’s cult Cabernet wineries.

Lindsay spent eight years building a successful law career in the San Francisco D.A.’s office, prosecuting some of the city’s most notorious criminals.

But in 2013, when her Dad Spencer decided to retire from his vineyards and winery business, Lindsay knew it was time to come home, to step in and step up winery operations.

Lindsay’s earliest memories are of growing up and playing with Dante, the family’s Jack Russell terrier, in the 10-acre 66

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Oakville Cabernet Vineyard her Dad planted in the early 1980s. As growers, the family harvested the grapes and sold them to formidable labels such as Opus One. In 1999, Spencer decided to hold back enough of those outstanding grapes to produce 100 cases of their first vintage and create the family label, Hoopes Vineyard, endeared with Dante’s image on the labels.

When Lindsay took the helm, Hoopes Vineyard was laser-focused on producing incredibly complex, yet elegant Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, leveraging the family’s old-vine vineyard and old-world farming practices. After being asked by some of their loyal followers to expand their portfolio, Lindsay began producing limitedproduction, single varietal wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah sourced from the best AVAs of Napa Valley. All this was possible

with her new dream team of Winemakers, Anne Vawter and Jennifer Rue. Both came with formidable reputations, most notably Anne’s tenure at Paradigm working as Heidi Barrett’s assistant for four years and Jennifer overseeing custom barrel-aging programs for esteemed wineries at Napa Wine Company. Both have an affinity for the grapes coming out of the Oakville AVA and believe in allowing the fruit to be the star.

Looking to the future, Lindsay bought and developed a winery just a stone’s throw from the town of Yountville.

The newly refurbished barn sits on six acres of organically farmed vineyards. Reclaimed wine barrel heads are built into the design of the barn’s exterior, and the tasting lounge has a light modern touch, with rustic leather chairs and a long communal table. Warm golden hues and natural blues

breathe life into the space, which transitions into a vibrant outdoor patio. Lindsay took out one-acre of the vineyards to create more biodiversity with an organic garden and a small farm of adopted pot-bellied pigs, Pygmy goats, chickens, and a donkey.

Hoopes Vineyard has established a cult following since that first 100 case vintage 20 vintages ago. Although their beloved Dante has since passed on, his image is immortalized on the labels, his face gazing up expectantly, daring the lucky owner of the bottle not to love his family’s namesake wine.

FOR INFORMATION ON VISITING AND PURCHASING

707-944-1869 info@hoopesvineyard.com www.hoopesvineyard.com

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NVL wine spotlight

TROIS NOIX Jaime Araujo’s Wines are Something Special  BY FRAN MILLER

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aime Araujo’s friends tease that her current wine venture should be entitled, ‘Jaime’s home for wayward grapes and wines.’ Named more elegantly ‘Trois Noix,’ Araujo concedes that her pals have a point. “My goal at Trois Noix is to find grapes or wine that someone else doesn’t want,” she said. “I take those undervalued, hidden jewels that don’t receive as much attention, and I turn them into something special.”

As much sleuth as she is vintner, Araujo seeks out wineries and winemakers who, for whatever reason, cannot utilize all of their grapes. “Perhaps a contract has been canceled, or a winemaker swears by an amazing batch that for some reason no one wants,” said Araujo. There are lots of fabulous lots out there that don’t fit into other programs; that’s where I come in.”

Originally the brainchild of Araujo and her brother Greg, and named in honor of their combined three children (their ‘three peanuts’), Trois Noix is now wholly her label. Three varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay - are 68

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made at Wheeler Farms, her family’s custom crush facility where she is also a partner with her parents, Daphne and Bart Araujo and brother Greg Araujo in Accendo Cellars.

Winemaker Meghan Zobeck, previously of Atelier Melka, will soon takeover Trois Noix’s winemaking duties. “She’s a rock star,” said Araujo.

After having lived and worked in England and France for 24 years, much of that time running her own marketing and strategy consultancy for the wine industry, Araujo felt the pull of her native Napa and moved back in 2016. Though thrilled to be part of her family’s business, she also felt the need to create something of her own – a project that reflected her vibrant and sociable personality and what she loves most about wine: people and community.

“Trois Noix was originally born out of a lifelong love of wine, and as a way to utilize awesome leftover juice,” said Araujo.

“Along the way, through collaboration with

amazingly talented friends who also happen to be fabulous winemakers and grape growers, we’ve pushed the boundaries of convention,” said Araujo. “Our mantra is serious wines that are enjoyable and pleasurable right now: elegant, polished, and approachable but with the structure to last.

“I couldn’t do any of this without the incredible people in this valley who have my back. It’s always exciting for me to make that ‘great find’ and to meet all the amazing people who are the backbone of this wine business.”

“ It’s a small community and a fun way to get to know people.

I love what I do.”

TROIS NOIX www.troisnoixwine.com

T a s t e. E x p l o r e. E x p e r i e n c e.

A w a r d e d B e s t O f S u s t a i n a b l e W i n e To u r i s m - G r e a t W i n e C a p i t a l s – 2 0 1 9

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RUTHERFORD The Historic Heart of the Napa Valley  BY FRAN MILLER

Claiming more than 100 years of continuous winemaking in Napa, Rutherford is, without a doubt, the Valley’s most historic AVA. Throughout prohibition and the devastation of Phylloxera, the area’s wineries – via ingenuity and grit– continued to thrive, helping to pave the way for the Valley’s varied wine successes.

Star Vineyard // Photo by Jack Oliver

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onsidered the historic heart of Napa – its latitude and longitude place it directly in the middle of the Valley – Rutherford’s viticultural area encompasses six square miles and three sub-zones, each bordered on the east by the Vaca Mountains and the west by Mount St. John. Its 6,840 acres are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, for which the area first gained acclaim in 1939 when Georges de Latour won a gold medal at the Golden Gate International Exposition for his 1936 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon crafted

by Joseph Ponti, whose responsibilities included winemaking and supervising the vineyard crews and the cellar; he even did some bookkeeping.

The 1936 Georges de Latour Private Reserve, released in 1941, was the first wine to be accepted throughout the world as a premiercru level bottling. It was also Napa Valley and California’s first intentionally varietal Cabernet Sauvignon to gain international recognition; its success set Napa Valley, and specifically Rutherford, on a steady course toward specialization in Bordeauxtype wines. George de Latour Private Reserve remains a benchmark of style and quality in California wine.

Today, Steve Tonella, Ponti's great-nephew, is a fourthgeneration Rutherford vintner and current board president of the Rutherford Dust Society.

One of the more unusual aspects about Rutherford is that it has a higher radiant value than other parts of Napa Valley, meaning that because the area’s location is at Napa Valley's widest point, it spends more time in the sun. Those warm days give way to cool evenings, a fluctuation that allows fruit to ripen at a steady pace.

But what truly makes this AVA unique is the soil, referred to as Rutherford Dust, a term coined by the great André Tchelistcheff who started in the wine industry as a Beaulieu Vineyard enologist and later became a mentor to some of the Valley’s most celebrated winemakers.

The term has become synonymous with the region, and the region has become synonymous with great Cabernet. “André once proclaimed that to make a great California Cabernet, you need Rutherford Dust,” said Andy Beckstoffer, renowned Napa Valley grape grower and proprietor of Beckstoffer Vineyards.

“Napa Valley’s Cabernet history is Rutherford’s history.”

Rutherford’s soil is gravelly, sandy, and loamy, its origins derived from the shattered, well-bedded sandstone of three alluvial fans. The AVA’s three sub-zones are further defined by their soil qualities: The western Rutherford Bench contains the soil sediment deposited by the Mayacamas Mountains; the Valley Floor features more fertile alluvial and sedimentary soils, and the eastern Benchland features coarse, gravelly soils that transition to a finer grade. All of the AVA’s deposits are dominated by the Franciscan marine sedimentary materials found in volcanic deposits. Deep and well-drained, the fans have pockets that allow runoff to more easily flow to streams and the Napa River.

Trevor Durling, Chief Winemaker and General Manager for Beaulieu Vineyard, describes the “Rutherford Dust” character as a

Rutherford is the first AVA association to have 100% participation in the Napa Green Land program.

Photo taken at Leeds & Pesch Vineyard.

Melrose Vineyard

Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III

Morisoli // Photo by Margaret Nissen

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fine cocoa-powder texture and flavor. “The distinctive Rutherford Dust attribute created by our soils and microclimate is unique to this place and comes from this incredible terroir that promotes rich, concentrated, and highly complex wines,” says Durling.

“Rutherford is among the most special and unique Cabernetgrowing regions in the world.

In addition to the well-draining alluvial soil, it has so many wonderful things going for it, including optimal sun exposure.”

The Rutherford appellation was designated in 1993, and shortly after, the Rutherford Dust Society (RDS, the AVA’s membership group) was founded in 1994 by the area’s growers and vintners in tribute to the legacy of their grape growing and winemaking forebears. With names such as de Latour, Gustav Niebaum of Inglenook, and Thomas Rutherford, each made formidable investments in grape production and winemaking during the late 19th century, establishing themselves as growers and producers of high-quality wines. Some of Rutherford’s continually operating historic vineyards include Chaix Family Vineyard established in 1909, Tonella Vineyard, first recorded as part of an 1836 land grant from the Mexican government to George C. Yount for whom

Yountville is named, and the Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, portions of which were planted in 1895 by Thomas Rutherford.

Another pioneer was Rocco Morisoli, great-great-grandfather of fifth-generation Rutherford grape grower Chris Morisoli.

Rocco arrived in Napa in 1883 from the Swiss-Italian town of Monte Carasso. By 1902, Rocco and his wife Lodovina had settled in a small white farmhouse on Niebaum lane, the ten acres of which Lodovina later purchased and on which her son Plinio farmed grapes. Plinio also owned the general store located where the Rutherford Grill now stands.

Today, this Rutherford ranch is farmed by Chris and his parents Gary and Melody, and includes 53 acres planted and 57 acres total of contiguous vineyard between Niebaum and Manley Lanes. It is currently planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, including one small block of field blend Zinfandel that was planted between 1902-1910 and is still producing today. Morisoli sells its grapes to other wineries but is excited to soon introduce its first Morisoli label, a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chris, a board member of RDS, celebrates his family’s history in the valley and the deep roots that many of its residents, growers, and vintners share.

“Rutherford has always been centered around what happens in the vineyard when it comes to making outstanding, authentic wines,” he said.

Since its inception, RDS growers and vintners have been committed to both quality and community. Today, the RDS members consider themselves stewards of both a proud history and of the land itself. The AVA’s mission is to encourage and promote the highest quality standards in grape growing and winemaking in the Rutherford Viticultural Area, to take care of the land while building community, and to help wine lovers and the wine trade discover Rutherford’s expression of its unique terroir.

“When we started RDS in 1994, we did something different in that most of the AVA organizations exist to promote wine,” said Beckstoffer, who sits on the RDS board. “We set a different goal – to involve the community in protecting the Napa River by being good stewards of our vineyards. Rutherford is about the vineyards. Lots of people make wine using Rutherford grapes, but as landowners, our emphasis is on the vineyard rather than the winery, which is what makes our AVA different.”

Added Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards &

Winery, a longstanding winery member of RDS, “Reflecting on the RDS, I remember in 1994 Andy was so passionate about the land, and he infected us all with his enthusiasm. Just like being part of the Napa Valley Vintners, RDS is always a group of neighbors helping neighbors, illustrated with the groundbreaking work we undertook as a group to restore the Napa River through the Rutherford region. A group of likeminded vintners putting conservation first, and giving up arguably some of the most valuable acreage in Napa Valley for the protection of the river and surrounding environment— that's community.”

“Since the 1880s, Rutherford was chosen as the place to be by vintners and growers that shaped Napa Valley,” said Lisa BarkerMullen, RDS board member and estate director of Sullivan Rutherford Estate.

“Producing wine from this historic center of Napa Valley and being able to continue that legacy is a unique and remarkable opportunity for all of us in Rutherford.”

RDS, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, holds two annual events to which the public is invited to attend. ‘Cabernet by the Bay’ Grand Tasting featuring the Rutherford AVA wines of more than 30 vintners will take place July 16, 2020, at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. The Original Rutherford Chili Ball is scheduled for August 2, 2020. This often sold-out harvest season gathering features a lively chili cook-off between vintners, firefighters, and local chefs, with live music, a silent auction, and fun activities for children.

Visit rutherforddust.org for further information.

2019 Cabernet by the Bay

Morisoli NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM Vineyard // Harvest at Sunrise // Photo by Geoff Hansen 72

2019 Chili Ball

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Residence and FaRm oF mRs. d.s. RohlWing

Residence & FaRm oF c.p. adamson

ciRca 1880

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T he R utherford D ust S ociety E s ta b l i s h e d

1994

Map © 2012 Rutherford Dust Society. Printed on Recycled Paper.

Images from Illustrations of Napa County, California, with Historical Sketch, 1878, Smith & Elliott, Oakand, CA. Reprinted 1974 by Valley Publishers, Fresno, CA.

T he R utherford D ust S ociety was founded in tribute to the legacy of

Flora Springs Winery

37 Acres

Greer 7 Ac.

64 Acres

64 Acres

Sycamore Vineyards

Avenali Vyds.

27 Ac.

Del Bondio 31 Acres

Hudson Chow 10 Ac.

68.5 Acres

Beaulieu Vineyard 147 Acres

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Nolden 1 Ac.

12 Ac.

Talahalusi Vyds.

7 Ac.

10 Acres

Fleury Est. Winery

Neal 5 Ac.

Watson

14 Ac.

Spade

13 Ac.

Emmolo

Beckstoffer Vineyards 15 Acres

Hay 2 Ac.

15 Acres

Wilsey Vineyard

Dalla Gasperina Vyds.

20 Acres

6 Acres

Ithaca Vineyards

yer Saw 40 Acres

Cak

Heitz Wine Cellars

M. AJyds c.

V A 9

30 Ac.

40 Acres

Red Ba Rancrn h

City of Napa 240 Acres

enduring commitment to quality , a spirit of

106 Acres

39 Acres

16

Martin Estate 12 Acres

Wildwood

17

connection to

sensory component in the

38

appellation ’ s wines .

Wines

73 Acres

Beckstoffer Vineyards

260 Acres

Lenzo 3 Acs.

Montgomery 6 Acs.

McGah Fa Vineyardmily s

Green 15 Ac.

Vineyardfer s 31 Ac res

Raymon d To 20 Acres

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Sil S Ac 5

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Rodgers Land & Development 577 Acres

Riboli

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and winemaking in the

23 Acres

4 Ac.

Tonella Vin

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35 Acres

R utherford V iticultural A rea , and to help wine numbeRs keyed To WineRy locaTion on map

19

Deichen 21 Acres

22 Acres

Freemark Abbey Winery Frisson Wines Frog’s Leap Grgich Hills Heitz Wine Cellars Hewitt Vineyard Honig Vineyard & Winery Hornberger Vineyards Hovering Hawk LLC Hozhoni Vineyards Inglenook Ithaca Vineyard Jean Edwards Cellars Jon Nathaniel Wines Long Meadow Ranch Martin Estate Mathew Bruno Wines Monticello Cellars Morisoli Vineyard Neal Family Vineyard Peju Province Pestoni Family Pina Napa Valley Pina Vineyard Management Provenance Vineyards Quintessa

the highest quality

standards in grape growing

Rutherford Wineries

Davie Piña 4 Ac.

Piña Cellars

Ponti

mission is to

encourage and promote

17 Ac.

28 Acres

Beckstof

Glos 3 Ac.

T he S ociety ’ s

300 Acres

Rutherford River Ranch

R utherford ’ s

soil — as opposed to any

73 Acres

5 A nk c.

Piña,Piña,White

12C Wines Aiken Wines Akrasia Cellars Alpha Omega Winery Amici Cellars Avenali Vineyard Beaulieu Vineyard Beckstoffer Vineyards Bella Oaks Bella Union Borges-Morisoli Vineyard Brilliant Mistake Wines Campbell Vineyard Caymus Vineyards Chaix Family Vineyards Chaix Wines Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyard Conn Creek Winery Corley Family Dalla Gasperina Vineyards Davis Estates Elyse Winery Faust Flora Springs Winery Foley Johnson Frank Family Vineyards

T he late , revered winemaker A ndré T chelistcheff said : “I t takes R utherford dust to grow great C abernet .”

W hat we now fondly refer to as “R utherford dust ” has come to reflect an

105 Acres

256 Acres

57 Acres

Rutherford Road 130

Walther

Winston Hill/ Frank Family Vineyards

4 Caymus Vineyards

5 Acres

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Round Pond

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168 Acres

30 Acres

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84 Acres

67 Acres

Navone 33 Acres

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38 Acres

Sloan

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66 Acres

hi

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95 Acres

Wessinger 3 Ac.

28 Acres

8 Acres

Staglin Family Vineyard

Booth Swanson Bella 18.5 Acres Oaks 18 Ac.

5

Usibelli

Preston

Morrow

33

Rutherford River Ranch 23 Acres

Star Vineyard

Cadigan 5 Ac.

Wal ther Conn Creek 5 Ac. 6 Ac.

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class winegrowing region .

Craig

29 Acres

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Rutherford Hill Winery

11 ar Ac ty .

Rutherford

5 Ac.

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35 Acres

Cakebread

25 Acres

Flora Sps.

31 Acres

Muller/ Scheppler

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20 Acres

53 Acres

21 Acres

Bunny Run

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22 Ac.

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22 Acres

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nieba um lane

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29 Acres

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280 Acres

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Estates 20 Ac.

Alpha & Omega 11 Ac. 1

10 Acres

Hewitt 60 Acres

16.6 Ac.

Ed 1 A rali c. n

Del Dotto

Cook 5 Ac.

Wilson 5 Ac.

60.5 Acres

ay 29

16.6 Acres

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20 Acres

Vineyard

8

9 Acres

12 Acres

Witt 6 Ac.

Sycamore Partners Limited

25 Acres

Franciscan

Rutherford Grove 24

Witt

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Hornber Vineyardger

Campbell 10 Ac.

Jackson

7 Ac.

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Scott

30 Acres

Tres Sabores

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Cottage Gardens Nursery 9.5 Acres

Flora Springs Winery

15 Acres

78 Acres

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Pestoni

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Pestoni Cummings 3 Ac. 3 Ac. whitehall lane

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7 Ac.

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15 Acres

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Patterson 5 Ac.

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Press

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24

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28 Acres

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Baxter

Wine Cellars 17 Ac.

Wi ch s Ran0 Acre

Dana Estates

Aubert 5 Ac.

26 Ac.

Heitz

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19 Acres

zinfandel lane

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Leonardini

Caspar Estate

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our grape growing and

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330 Acres

Rancho Caymus Inn Raymond Vineyards Round Pond Estate Rutherford Hill Winery Rutherford Ranch Winery Rutherford Wine Vault S. R. Tonella Cellars Sacrashe Vineyard Saddleback Cellars Scattered Peaks Sequoia Grove Vineyards St. Supéry Estate Star Vineyard Sullivan Vineyards Talahalusi Vineyard Taub Family The Wine Stash Tietjen Vineyards Tres Sabores Vintage Oaks Ranch Wal-Dun Vineyards Wheaten Palm Vineyards Wheeler Ln. Vineyard Wm. Harrison Vineyards & More!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

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20. pRovenance WineRy 21. quinTessa 22. Raymond vineyaRds 23. Round pond 24. RuTheRFoRd gRove WineRy 25. RuTheRFoRd hill WineRy 26. RuTheRFoRd Wine company 27. saWyeR cellaRs 28. sequoia gRove vineyaRds 29. slaughTeRhouse cellaRs 30. sT. supéRy 31. sTaglin Family vineyaRd 32. sullivan vineyaRds 33. sWanson vineyaRds 34. The TeRRaces 35. TRes saboRes 36. WhiTehall lane WineRy 37. Wm. haRRison 38. zd Wines

lovers and the wine trade discover

R utherford ’ s

unique expression .

Please

join us in enjoying c 1880

Residence & FaRm oF c.p. adamson

iRca

the fruits of our labor and in preserving the heritage and vineyards of

Rutherford, Napa V alley , rutherforddust . org .

at

Vineyard Information Total Gross Acres....................... 6,840 Total Acres Planted to Vine...... 3,298 Cabernet Sauvignon................1,950 acres Merlot.................................... 547 acres Cabernet Franc. ..................... 116 acres Chardonnay............................ 276 acres Sauvignon Blanc. ................... 191 acres Other Varietals...................... 218 acres Map © 2012 Rutherford Dust Society. Printed on Recycled Paper.

Estates by Vineyard Acreage Over 100 acres........................ 8 estates 50-99 acres.............................. 9 estates 25-49 acres............................ 17 estates Under 25 acres. .................... 53 estates BEST OF 2020

73

NVL wineries

EVERYONE

IS WELCOME

at Rutherford Hill Winery  BY FRAN MILLER

A

s if their luscious Bordeaux varietals were not enough of a draw, the visitor center view makes it official: Rutherford Hill Winery is one of Napa’s bestkept secrets. High atop the road for which it is named, the family-owned winery overlooks the heart of the Napa Valley and offers a breathtaking panorama. “We definitely have some of the overall best views in the Valley,” said Marisa Taylor, Rutherford Hill’s winemaker for the past 15 years.

Featuring a scenic picnic area, milelong caves, and a variety of visitor experiences, Rutherford Hill offers its guests options. Drop-in for a classic tasting, or book a cave tour. Reserve one of the Oak Grove picnic tables and bring your snacks to enjoy with a glass or bottle of one of Rutherford Hill’s fifteen labels. “If you want a high-level barrel tasting, we can do that,” said Taylor. “If you want to bring family and friends for a casual picnic, we can do 74

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

that too. There is something for everyone at Rutherford Hill.”

One of the valley’s pioneering wineries, Rutherford Hill, was founded in 1972 just as the rest of the world was taking notice of the Napa Valley. The winery’s focus at the time was Merlot; it was one of the first to highlight what has become a premier varietal. Merlot continues to be the main focus under the leadership of the Terlato Family, who purchased the winery in 1996, but they’ve expanded the portfolio to include lauded Cabernet, red blends, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, and Pinot Noir.

Believing in quality over quality, the Terlatos (led by TWG Chairman Anthony with sons Bill and John) have significantly invested in facility and vineyard enhancements, efforts which are evident in their wines.

“Not only have we invested in our own Pope Valley and Mee Lane vineyards, but

we also work with some great growers throughout the valley who provide us with the absolute best fruit,” said Taylor. “We believe the most important thing we do is make great wine. Ours are known for their great complexity and character. Tasting is believing.”

A few of Rutherford Hill’s varietals are available in retail outlets, but the majority of the portfolio can be enjoyed only at the winery, a fact well-known by enthusiastic club members who take full advantage of their membership privileges to enjoy special vintages and varietals. And like several Rutherford Hill employees who have worked for the winery for decades, many club members have been part of the winery club for years. “We are a family operation, and we treat our members as family too,” said Taylor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.RutherfordHill.com

12C

WINES Living the Dream  BY MARIA C. HUNT

B

ack when John Raudabaugh was growing up in New Orleans, he wouldn’t have dreamed that one day he’d own a boutique winery in the Napa Valley. But that’s exactly what John and his wife Joyce are doing with 12C Wines, their Cabernet Sauvignon series from Rutherford’s exclusive Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard. A pragmatic and plain-spoken man, Raudabaugh says it came down to friends and good luck.

“We’ve had a lot of good friends in the Napa Valley,” says John during a phone interview from his home in Idaho. “Between having Mike Smith as a winemaker, Beckstoffer fruit and getting ranked in the Wine Spectator several different times, those things are beyond my dreams.”

Like many others, the Raudabaughs became fascinated with the CBS drama Falcon

Crest, so they visited the Spring Mountain mansion in St. Helena.

Later, when the winery was for sale, “we toyed with the idea of buying it,” John says. But their young family came first.

In 2006 at a Spring Mountain Vineyard relaunch party, John and Joyce met marketing executive Leah Smith and her winemaker husband Mike Smith of Myriad Cellars.

The couples became friends and decided to launch a wine brand. A brainstorming session over margaritas at Ana’s Cantina in St. Helena led to brand name 12C– the door number of a condo the Raudabaughs once owned in Hawaii. When Leah realized that 12 Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) is the ideal temperature for storing red wine, John and Joyce were sold.

They launched 12C in 2007, a stellar year for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. British wine journalist Jancis Robinson called 2007 wines “elegant and balanced.” The Wine Spectator magazine rated 2007 a near-perfect year, scoring it 99 points out of 100.

Tucked away at the bottom of the Rutherford bowl, the Georges III Vineyard is one of Napa Valley’s unofficial grand cru sites, along with To Kalon, Las Piedras, and Dr. Crane. Georges de la Tour, the founder of Beaulieu Vineyard, dubbed the site Vineyard No. 3 when he bought it in the 1920s. Napa Valley winemaking legend André Tchelistcheff crafted award-winning wines from Georges III in the 1960s and 70s. Luckily, Raudabaugh approached Andy Beckstoffer for Georges III fruit in 2006, just before the vineyard became popular again. Smith, who has earned many 100-point scores, uses 100% Cabernet Sauvignon for 12C. “Beckstoffer Georges III grows the most amazing Cabernet Sauvignon,” says Smith. “I don’t need to blend with it. It’s a stand-alone Cabernet Sauvignon terroir.” The wine reflects the Rutherford Dust character, which John describes as “uniqueness in terms of smokiness and … an anise taste.”

Many Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons– especially ones from lauded vineyards–cost $200 or more a bottle. But John didn’t want to go that route, stating “We want it to be tasted and enjoyed.” The Cabernet Sauvignon is $99 a bottle, while the Reserve Cab is $125. Both pair with everything from a New York steak or juicy burger to bittersweet chocolate.

There’s a high demand for the 200 to 300 cases they bottle each year, but Raudabaugh is happy with his boutique label. He proclaims,

“ Our goal is not to be big; it’s to have a quality offering.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.12Cwines.com // 208-250-6040 NOTE: 12C Wines will be changing proprietorship in late Spring 2020. The brand and wine portfolio will remain the same and Mike Smith will continue in his role as winemaker.

BEST OF 2020

75

NVL wine spotlight

A SPECIAL WINE for a SPECIAL MAN Frank Family Vineyards Introduces RHF Cabernet Sauvignon

 BY MARISA MCCANN

F

rank Family Vineyards takes tremendous pride in making each of their premium quality, handcrafted wines.

But, in September 2019, they released an incredibly special and personal bottle, the RHF Cabernet Sauvignon, named after inspirational owner and founder, Richard Harvey Frank.

The release of the RHF came on the heels of the winery’s milestone twenty-fifth anniversary in 2018. As the winery enters a new era, a new wine was born. With Frank Family’s strong presence in Rutherford, the question was not where to source the grapes, or which variety to choose, instead what they would call it.

“We wanted to create something special for our club members and guests who visit us at the winery, and I thought who is more special than my husband, Richard Frank? All of our vineyards are named after our grandchildren and our dogs, so it was time to have a wine named after the man who started it all,” says Frank Family proprietor, Leslie Frank.

Rich Frank previously spent his career as a film executive in Hollywood, serving as President of Disney Studios for a decade before opening the doors to Frank Family Vineyards in 1993. Today, Rich and wife, 76

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Leslie, have proudly grown their passion for wine into a business. Frank Family Vineyards has become a household name for premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, consistently receiving high critic ratings and winning awards for having the best tasting room in Napa Valley.

THE ICONIC HILLTOP SITE RHF also pays homage to Frank Family’s estate Rutherford hillside and floor vineyards from which the wine is sourced: Frank Family’s own Benjamin Vineyard on the valley floor, and their crown jewel hillside vineyard, Winston Hill. It is here, on Winston Hill’s southwest-facing slopes where Frank Family’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow.

The prestigious Rutherford viticulture area is home to some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines and has been home to Frank Family’s coveted Cabernet Sauvignons for the past few decades. The RHF captures the character of Rutherford from its endless layers of soft, silky black fruit and punches of cinnamon and classic Rutherford dust that has come to define the great wines of this wine-growing region.

The inaugural release of the RHF hails from the impressive 2016 vintage. It was a near-perfect growing season that extended Napa Valley’s run of exceptional vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon to five consecutive years. Frank Family winemaker, Todd Graff, says even in its youth, the 2016 RHF is already showing beautifully in the glass, but it will continue to grow and find added grace for decades to come.

RHF is available to taste and purchase in the Frank Family tasting room located on Larkmead Lane in Calistoga. The standard tasting includes pours of four to five wines: their current release sparkling wine, plus estate-grown reserve wine selections.

Tastings are by appointment Friday through Sunday and for groups of six or more.

Reservations are recommended Monday through Thursday. Additional experiences include their Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, Wines of Winston Hill Tasting, and a food and wine pairing, both available by appointment at select times.

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

www.frankfamilyvineyards.com // 707-942-0859

PEJU WINERY Rutherford winery's setting, wine, and hospitality make for a memorable occasion.  BY DANIEL MANGIN

Dizick and works hewn from Carrara marble

by Welton Rotz set an aesthetically pleasing tone. Rotz's Harvest Dance, which incorporates a water element into its depiction of man and a woman rejoicing at harvest's end, soothes as well as delights. Nearby, a willow tree shades Dizick's Girl on a Bench, itself just steps from a koi pond that makes for a restful interlude before or after wine tasting.

The sense of a rarefied world set apart from the Napa Valley bustle intensifies upon entering the Peju Tower, where a 20-foot-wide Art Nouveau stained-glass window commands immediate attention. The premium Stained Glass Tasting Experience, offered weekdays except for Monday, showcases the five wines in the recently released Stained Glass Collection, which is sold as a boxed set. The bottles' labels collectively re-create the window's depiction of three Greek muses in a garden setting.

The Stained Glass Tasting, which debuted in late 2019, is one of several new reasons to visit Peju even if you've been here before.

“To be the highlight of every guest's visit to the Napa Valley” is the goal of Peju Winery, whose founders, Tony and Herta Peju, began selling wine out of their Rutherford residence's garage shortly after departing Los Angeles in 1982. With a serene 30-acre setting and unfailing hospitality, that mission is accomplished daily at Peju (pronounced pay-ju), known for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux-style wines from grapes grown on six estate vineyards.

The welcoming vibe begins the moment visitors pull into the

driveway off Highway 29.

Sycamores arch high overhead, directing the eye eastward to the tasting room and the architectural pièce de résistance, the copper-roofed Peju Tower.

In 1981, before purchasing the Rutherford property and 22 years before the 50-foot structure was built, Tony commissioned a drawing of it that appears on all estate-bottled Peju wines.

Outside the tower, bronze and steel sculptures by Philip

Another popular offering is the Rutherford Dust Experience. An excellent introduction to the climate and soils of the Peju estate and the entire Rutherford appellation, the tasting takes its name from a famous statement by the legendary mid-20th-century winemaker André Tchelistcheff: “It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.”

Peju is open daily from 10 to 6, its closing time an hour later than most of its neighbors. On a visit, you may see Herta Peju, who is still active at the winery along with daughters Lisa and Ariana. A sister operation, Calmére Estate, opened in Carneros in 2019. The focus at Calmére, a combination of the French words for “calm” and “sea,” is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, paired to perfection with stunning vineyard and San Pablo Bay vistas. Acclaimed winemaker Sara Fowler oversees the wines at both locations, where the gracious hospitality and art, landscaping, and views add up to a memorable occasion.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-963-3600; www.peju.com BEST OF 2020

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NVL wineries

Sequoia Grove Winery

STANDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

R

oots run deep at the heart of the Rutherford Appellation where Sequoia Grove Winery has been producing wines of distinction since 1979 on land with a grape-growing heritage of more than 135 years. The legacy is a palpable, almost magical, one. Rutherford ranks among the most distinctive AVAs in Napa Valley, distinguished by its “Rutherford Dust” soil and producing some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignon.

Contributing to the Sequoia Grove Winery story are stately redwood trees standing tall beside the historic hay barn that’s been renovated into a casual-yetsophisticated tasting room offering several tasting and food pairing experiences.

These majestic trees serve as a reminder of Mother Nature’s incredible power, a symbol of persistence, fortitude, and growth. Towering and beloved, the coastal redwoods serve to underscore three key pillars of the brand: Quality, Sustainability and Interconnectedness. These values are ingrained in every aspect of the culture of this family-owned winery and the philosophy behind their winemaking.

With an eye to the future, Sequoia Grove Winery President Rick Bonitati said, “To produce great fruit that reflects a true sense of place, it’s important we maintain

and enhance the land where great wines begin—in the vineyard.”

Throughout the entire operation, the winery is deeply committed to environmentallyresponsible practices.

Forty years after its founding, how exactly is this deep commitment to the health of the planet and sustainability in viticulture accomplished at Sequoia Grove Winery?

As a Napa Green Certified Winery, Sequoia Grove ensures a minimum of 100 sustainability measures are implemented to save energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce waste, recycle, draw down greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the carbon footprint, conserve water, reduce waste and more.

At Sequoia Grove Winery, several other sustainability initiatives include: Certified Napa Green Land involving everything from cover crop and mulching programs to planting to pest management techniques.

Certified, fish-friendly farming by encouraging growing practices that protect the endangered salmon and steelhead trout.

Reducing the use of water, using bioswales for stormwater runoff, planting drought-tolerant landscaping and using drip irrigation to provide precise watering on vines and landscaping.

100% powered by renewable energy through the Deep Green program with Marin Clean Energy as a certified Green Business.

Sequoia Grove has also pushed its conservation efforts beyond the winery. They are active members of 1% For the Planet and donate annually to Save the Redwoods League – a 100-year old organization dedicated to preserving habitat for both old and new-growth Sequoia groves.

Rick Bonitati sums it up on behalf of the team, “For decades, our consistent philosophy of making wines with varietal character that reflect the characteristics of the land have established Sequoia Grove as a premier Cabernet Sauvignon producer in Napa Valley. We intend to preserve and enhance our environment for generations to come.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.sequoiagrove.com // 707-944-2945 // 8338 St. Helena Highway, Napa 78

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R u t h e r f o r d E s tat e W i n e s Z i n fa n d e l Cabernet Sauvignon Visitors welcome by appointment

707.967.8027 tressabores.com

50th ANNIVERSARY | 1970-2020

CORLEYFAMILYNAPAVALLEY.COM | 707-253-2802 4242 BIG RANCH ROAD, NAPA, CA 94558

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RUTHERFORD WINE VAULT PRESENTS

THE WINE CAPSULE  BY MARIO ROAM SCULATTI

THE YEAR IS 1978...

Grease is the #1 movie in America.

The People’s Republic of China lifts the ban on books by Aristotle, Shakespeare, and Dickens. The first Global Positioning Satellite is launched into orbit by the USA. The Bee Gees score the #1 single with “Stayin’ Alive.”

The 1978 Beaulieu Vineyard George de Latour Private Reserve is arguably the most exceptional wine made in the golden age of the winery while under still under the stewardship of the Sullivan/DuPins family, direct descendants of BV’s founder George de Latour.

The most incredible thing about this bottle is that it had never left the hamlet of Rutherford, CA. It was grown from the best Cabernet Sauvignon blocks on the original BV Ranch #1 in the heart of Rutherford, the same location as the Rutherford Wine Vault. It was part of a legendary collection amassed by an old-timer maintenance director who left hundreds of bottles of BV to his son when he passed on, giving this particular collection the most significant provenance imaginable. All of the bottles were stored in a cellar underneath the family home, less than a mile from BV winery where each bottle was born.

The Opening: On a cozy, rainy December afternoon in 2019, four winemaker friends gathered in a local St. Helena restaurant for a combination holiday luncheon and send-off for an Argentinian pal who was headed home following the 2019 Napa Valley harvest. The sommelier opened the pristine, mint-condition bottle using a Durand wine key, revealing to everyone the immaculate BV-branded cork, with only 1/10 wine penetration; A perfect bottle.

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1978 BEAULIEU VINEYARD GEORGE DE LATOUR PRIVATE RESERVE

Color: The immediate, vibrant, purple-currant color burst while splashing into each glass, making everyone feel like they were spectators at a stadium watching magic unfold on the playing field. The wine was young and vibrant with shimmering clarity of health, like a perfectly seasoned athlete ready to run.

Bottle discovered in a cellar underneath the family home of a prior BV Employee

Aromatics: As the cherry-brick rimmed elixir was swirled, drafts of wet earth and Rutherford Dust presented an aroma with the exact GPS coordinates of this wine: the heart of Napa Valley. Further tertiary notes of book-binding leather portrayed earthiness, and while unflawed, this wine was opening up rapidly as it got air. It was then the smells dried cherry, red flower buds, and the faintest hint of dark chile mole began.

13.5% Alcohol

Opened in December 2019 in St. Helena, CA.

Palate: The 13.5% alcohol gave a vibrant, linear lift to the palate, and the acidy was high-pitched, like Robin Gibbs falsetto high note on “Staying Alive.” It also had a wonderfully viscous cherry raspberry mousse finish that John Travolta could have styled his hair with that year. The effect was intriguing and admirable and to some, preferable to the massive mid-palate wines of the 1990s.

Thoughts: Even in the historically warm 1978 vintage, this BV George de Latour captured all the sun-kissed beauty of cabernet sauvignon possible but was still made according to André Tchelistcheff and the Du Pins family sensibilities, and stands as a Napa Valley treasure entirely in balance, not overripe. Just marvelous.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.rutherfordwinevault.com

Three Generations Committed to Sustainability and the Crafting of Fine Wines

1680 SILVERADO TRAIL S. | ST. HELENA, CA 94574 707-968-3200 | RUTHERFORDRANCH.COM

NVL day trip

LODI

California’s Oldest Up-and-Coming Wine Region  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Mission Arch // Photo by Robert Calzada

TO ZIN AND BEYOND People think of Lodi for its gnarly old vine Zinfandel plantings, some of California’s oldest. But things are changing. Named “Wine Region of the Year”

by Wine Enthusiast in 2015, the Lodi AVA that dates from 1886 is re-defining itself for the 21st century. And that story goes beyond the jammy, fruit-forward Zinfandel for which the region is best known.

Bokisch Vineyards

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Klinker Brick Foggy Vineyard

Acquiesce Winery Tasting Room

About 90 minutes’ drive east of Napa, and twice the size at 100,000 acres planted to wine grapes, Lodi sits at the northern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, catching cooling Pacific breezes and occasional pea soup fog.

LODI COMES OF AGE

Small batch winemaker Stonum Vineyards have been meticulously making world-class wine in an old-world style in Lodi following their first Zinfandel plantings on 17 acres in 1979.

But that took vision. “In 1935,” reported the Lodi News-Sentinel on Sept. 9, 1975, “there were 13 wineries in the Lodi area, and today there are still 13 wineries.”

It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that Lodi appeared on the label more widely and around 2000 when 7 Deadly Zins by Michael David Winery was released displaying the Lodi AVA. Over the past 20 years, more and more grape-growing families have joined the scene, currently some 85 strong.

fun fact: Nearly one-fifth of all California grapes are grown in the Lodi AVA. WHAT’S GROWING IN LODI Lodi wines are distinct because of the porous sandy loam going down as deep as 100 feet.

Nancy Beckman, President and

CEO of Visit Lodi! said, “With its Mediterranean climate and cool delta breezes, Lodi has the perfect environment for producing award-winning wines.”

LODI WINE & VISITOR CENTER Located at 2545 W. Turner Road Lodi Wine & Visitor Center is an excellent place to gather information before exploring. Visitors can chat with the staff and pick up the free Lodi Wine Trail Map & Winery Guide, packed with dozens of listings for wine tasting spots.

JEREMY WINE COMPANY This lively downtown place is run by a winemaker husband and wife team near the 1907 landmark Lodi Arch over the rail tracks. The former bank space works well as a spot where a mix of residents and visitors can enjoy more than a dozen Lodi AVA varietals, including Old Vine Zin, being poured from behind its handsome mid-19th century bar. There’s more seating out on the rear garden patio.

Specializing in Estate + Single Vineyard Handcrafted Wines

Tasting room open 12 pm to 5 pm daily. ($10 tasting flight waived with purchase.)

6 W. Pine St., Lodi www.jeremywineco.com

KLINKER BRICK This sixth-generation producer is the home of Old Ghost, produced from the best lots of 90-year-old Lodi Zin vines yielding less than one ton of fruit per acre.

Among the wines attracting critical acclaim are the 2017 Grenache Blanc and Albariño plus a fullbodied 2015 Syrah. In addition to the large indoor tasting room, there’s a spacious north

16388 NORTH ALPINE ROAD, LODI, CA 209-224-8130 • STONUMVINEYARDS.COM Open Friday - Sunday 12PM - 5PM

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fun fact:

The “Zinfandel Capital of the World,” Lodi produces 40 percent of California’s Zin.

Photo courtesy of Stonum Vineyards

courtyard with a fountain and a covered south patio for vineyard views to Mount Diablo beyond.

Tasting room hours: Daily, 11 am to 5 pm.

(Tasting flights are $5-$10, waived upon wine purchase.)

15887 Alpine Rd., Lodi klinkerbrickwinery.com

Bokisch Sunset Photo by @lisamowry

doors to offer current vintages paired with small bites. Visitors are welcome to wander amongst the vines.

Tasting room hours: Thursday - Monday, 11 am to 5 pm ($10 tasting fee waived with purchase.) 22353 N Tretheway Rd., Acampo Acquiescevineyards.com

STONUM VINEYARDS A family story that began in 1979 with 17 acres planted to Zinfandel has grown into small estate production, making worldclass wine in an old-world style.

Small bites paired with flights are served in the estate’s historic tasting barn. Guests may stroll the grounds and vineyards, relax by the scenic pond and sip a glass of wine or enjoy a picnic.

Tasting room winter hours: Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (Reservations required; $10 tasting fee refunded with purchase.)

16388 North Alpine Rd., Lodi www.stonumvineyards.com

OAK FARM VINEYARDS Enormous old oak trees and a stately white colonial residence evoke the legacy of this property dating back to 1864, home to 70 acres of Italian varietals such as Fiano, Barbera, Sangiovese and Primitivo plus Lodi staples like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. The popular patio opens in April complete with bocce court.

Tasting room hours: Daily from 11 am to 5 pm. (Reservations required for a 90-minute historical legacy tour. $15 tasting fee waived with purchase.)

23627 Devries Rd, Lodi Oakfarmvineyards.com

ACQUIESCE WINERY Rhône varietals sourced from Châteauneuf-du-Pape produce whites and rosés such as Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Belle Blanc. At a tasting room fashioned from their century-old barn, hosts slide open the large

BOKISCH VINEYARDS Fifteen minutes from downtown Lodi, visitors can take a guided walk through Terra Alta Vineyard’s rolling hills while sipping wines focused almost exclusively on the taste of Spain.

Bokisch produces award-winning varietal wines such as Albariño,

Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha, serving them with food pairings. Or, bring a picnic, enjoy the views and play games on the lawn.

Tasting hours: Thursday through Monday from 11 am to 5 pm ($10 fee waived with purchase), and the tasting tour is $20. Pet-friendly.

18921 Atkins Rd., Lodi Bokischvineyards.com

FESTIVALS FOR A TASTE OF LODI Naturally, wine festivals figure into the annual event lineup in a big way. Valentine’s Day weekend is a favorite for the two-day Wine & Chocolate Festival, followed by the Wine & Food Festival in March.

There’s a Wine Stroll through historic downtown Lodi in April and the premier annual event, ZinFest at Lodi Lake in May, plus a family-oriented harvest Grape Festival in September, a four-day gathering that’s been a fixture for over 80 years.

WHERE TO STAY As the name suggests, Wine & Roses is as delightful a place to settle in. Sixtysix rooms and suites, the Towne House Restaurant, and a spa are set into pretty

Mediterranean-style gardens with an outdoor swimming pool for those warm and sunny Lodi days. winerose.com Around town, quaint turnof-the-century Victorian homes, from cozy to grande dames, operate as bed and breakfast inns. Candlewood Suites offers long term stays, and several chain hotels have affordable accommodation: Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Best Western Inn and Motel 6.

THINGS TO DO IN LODI Summer brings a certified farmers’ market with live music every Thursday. Art Hop is the first Friday of every month, incorporating seven downtown meet-the-artist locations and ten outdoor murals.

Savor Lodi escorts visitors on a guided 2.5-hour walking food tour making stops for gourmet cheeses, bites, beer and cocktails.

The wildlife phenomenon of Sandhill Crane migration is a draw for bird enthusiasts.

Beginning in late September, thousands of waterfowl arrive to winter in the California Delta.

These spectacular ancient cranes descend upon Woodbridge Ecological Reserve and Cosumnes River Preserve, flying in from as far away as Siberia, Alaska, and Canada.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Lodi Wine & Visitor Center // 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242 // 209-365-0621 // LodiWine.com 84

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

HOUSLEY WINES In the House

 BY MARIA C. HUNT

A

nyone familiar with Napa Valley wine history knows that the Mondavi wine dynasty started in Lodi, California.

And while many Napa and Sonoma wineries source grapes from Lodi–which has more acreage under vine than Napa and Sonoma combined–the connection between the two regions usually isn’t highlighted.

“Our family has deep roots in Napa, and we’re the first winery to admit that Napa and Lodi are married,” says Adam Housley. Housley and his wife Tamera Mowry-Housley decided to celebrate their winemaking heritage in both Napa and Lodi with their Housley Napa Valley tasting room.

Visitors to the new downtown Napa tasting room can taste Cabernet Sauvignon and old vine Zinfandel from Lodi alongside Cab from their Oak Knoll District vineyards, first planted in 1976.

When Adam left his reporter and foreign correspondent role with Fox News, the network announced he was going home to run the family’s Century Oak Winery and tasting room in Lodi. He says fans flooded the couple with messages asking where to buy their wine. To meet the demand, they decided to open the Napa tasting room in spring 2019.

Tamera Mowry-Housley and her friend Alexis Fields designed the space with an earthy mix of warm woods, metals, and leather, so it feels inviting. “It’s all about energy, vibe, and comfort,” Mowry-Housley says. “I wanted our tasting room to be an extension of who we are as people and our home environment.”

A feature wall they call the “wall of prayers” hold talismans to bring healing energy to the space. They include an eagle feather smoked off by a Native American tribe and a cross blessed in Jerusalem. Niece Alaina Housley, who died in a mass shooting in November 2018, is their guardian angel. A mosaic heart she made reminds them of her kindness and love. “So when people walk in, they walk out changed for the better,” Mowry-Housley says.

The tasting room team, led by Tamera’s father Tim Mowry, is friendly and eager to answer questions, without any judgment or pretension. “Everyone who comes in is friends or family. Old, young, black, white, gay, straight, left, right, we don’t care who you are or where you’re from,” Adam Housley says. “We have one rule: Be kind.”

But they say it’s the wine, crafted by Heather Pyle, that keeps people coming back.

Current releases include a Pinot Grigio, a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay, a dry rosé of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a brandy. Each wine is named after a family member. Inez Zinfandel is named after Adam’s grandmother, Judy Cabernet Sauvignon, after his mother, and their A3H Petite Sirah takes its name from the initials of his brother Arik Housley’s family.

The hottest tickets in their lineup are the Red Field Blend and the Cabernet Sauvignons.

Priced at $48, the Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon sells out quickly, and the $29 Lodi estate Cab is popular too. “We want to over-perform as your house wine,” says Adam Housley. “We want you to feel you’ve found an amazing wine at an amazing price.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.housleynapavalley.com BEST OF 2020

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NVL beyond the valley

FROG’S TOOTH VINEYARDS

A Destination Winery in the Sierra Foothills Garnering High Scores and Gold Medals  BY EVE BUSHMAN

O

n the lookout for an under-discovered wine destination? Just a twohour drive East of San Francisco is Murphys, Calaveras County, in the Sierra Foothills, the home to over 30 familyowned and operated boutique wineries, all of which welcome visitors year-round.

In August of 2007, Frog’s Tooth Winery, in collaboration with six other established wineries opened their tasting room with their 2005 vintage. The vintners join a charming array of restaurants and shops on a mile-long stretch of Main Street.

Frogs Tooth owners, Larry and Pamela Aderman, along with winemaker Will SavoieHoule, are committed to getting to know their customers. They are often on hand to serve their guests and tell their story, including how they developed their motto “If Wine Can Have Legs, then Frog’s Can Have Teeth” and the relevance of Mark Twain’s famed short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County.

WINEMAKING IN THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS By 1890, there were over 100 vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, a result of the 1849 86

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Gold seekers bringing vines from their native lands. Back in those days, through ownership of a Tavern or Way House, people fermented grapes, made their own wine, and brewed their own beer. Just as most growers and vintners in the 1920’s, prohibition put them all out of business, and did not resurge until the 1970s.

PRESENT DAY WINEMAKING At Frog’s Tooth, wine lovers discover a multitude of medal-winning varietals, all small batch and handcrafted, utilizing fruit mostly from their 10-acre estate. This year alone, Frog’s Tooth wines have garnered over 40 medals at prestigious competitions. Their 2016 vintage scored numerous accolades, including their Syrah 99 Points and a Best in Class award at the California State Fair, 94 Points for the Pinot Noir, Sunset International Competition and 91 Points for the Malbec, West Coast Wine Competition.

Larry credits their young winemaker, Will SavoieHoule with their competition successes and an exceptional palate. Will lays claim to being the only head winemaker in the region who was born and raised

in Calaveras County. After two weeks of interning in the Sierra Foothills at age 19, SavoieHoule knew that his destiny was winemaking. Now at 31 years young and sporting a 99 Point winner at the California State Fair, the proof is in the tasting.

Tasting experiences at Frog’s Tooth are hosted in the main tasting room or relaxing outside on the deck listening to music. For $10, guests sample six wines and are often treated to something special from “under the counter.” Bottle prices are as reasonable as the tasting fee. The convenience of the multi-room tasting experience offers a safe, easily accessible pedestrian environment for visitors to relax and avoid the hassles of driving. So much so, most guests don’t want to leave. Open year-round, seven days a week, with a dog and kidfriendly environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

209-728-2700, www.frogstooth.com 380 Main Street, Suite five, Murphys, CA 95247

WINE RANCH GRILL & CELLARS As All Good Wines Should, It Started With a Love Story  BY EVE BUSHMAN

O

nce upon a time, a man named Doug, who dreamed of becoming a great winemaker, met a woman named Debbie, who loved wine and wine lovers. Their shared passion grew as they “embarked on a journey” and built their wine-centered business that now includes a winery, cellar, and a restaurant specializing in both sweet and savory house-made recipes – all in Murrieta, California near Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Guests knew right away that the couple was in it to win it at Wine Ranch Grill & Cellars. Soon the pair grew to five, as their children Lucas, Joseph, and Jasmine joined in, along with extended family including nieces and nephews.

The Wiens family, with the Wine Ranch, created “the neatest place in town with indoor and outdoor wine tasting and dining, with the coolest focal point bar around. The restaurant and winery have visitors ‘buzzing and clamoring’ for more.” Besides their award-winning wines, Wine Ranch Grill &

Cellars offers wines from renowned brands including sparkling wines, Sake (wine) infused with spirits that make incredible cocktails like Margaritas and Bloody Marys, as well as a custom-made Mimosa.

Surprisingly the similarity between Napa and Temecula is the climate. Temecula is, on average, only one degree warmer than the northern end of the Napa Valley (Cabernet Sauvignon country). Both areas are also close to the ocean with the same temperature influence. Temecula is drier, but with drip irrigation this becomes a minor factor.

Temecula also has elevation variations within the appellation like Napa, with some vineyards 1,000 feet higher than the Temecula Valley floor (2,400 feet vs. the lower areas at about 1,400 feet). These elevation differences, along with the variations in temperature between areas 10 miles closer to the ocean on the west side vs. the east side, allows Temecula to grow a wide variety of grapes depending on where they thrive.

“Making wine is a family thing,” said Doug Wiens, winemaker and viticulturist for Wine Ranch and Wiens Family Cellars. “We love spending time together, and we have amazing cooperation regardless of whether the gathering is for work or play.”

“ We have a large and tightly-knit family with a broad range of talents, all contributing to the success of our business.”

“We enjoy good food, the company of friends, and fine wines. Our goal is to create a place where people feel right at home part of our family. We invite wine lovers to meet the family, stay - enjoy appetizers or dinner - and relax with a glass of wine for a unique getaway experience.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.thewineranch.com BEST OF 2020

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NVL beyond the valley

Introducing Copia Vineyards & Winery:

PATH to PASO ROBLES The

 BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

V

isiting Paso Robles in 2015, Varinder Sahi and Anita Kothari stumbled upon the path their lives have taken, and they haven’t looked back since. “Right away, we felt there was something special about this place of visionary farmers and winemakers being unapologetically true to who they are," said Anita.

Call it karma, call it kismet: The couple is now “literally doing everything” as the owners, winemakers, and general managers of Copia Vineyards and Winery, an up-and-coming brand drawing serious attention. According to wine critic Jeb Dunnuck, “Certainly, if these first releases are any indication, the future is very bright for this team.” A professional engineer turned commercial real estate developer, Varinder had an agricultural upbringing in Punjab, India. “You never forget your roots,” he said. “And I always wanted to get back to the land.” The couple trained under “tell-it-like-it-is” vigneron Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyard, whom they 88

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credit as their biggest influence and mentor.

They're now the proud parents of 50 acres of paradise on earth in the Willow Creek District AVA, a sweet spot for limestone and calcareous soils with features similar to the Rhône Valley. “When we saw this site, it took our breath away. Rolling hills, Templeton Gap breezes, bright sunshine, mineral-rich soil," Varinder said. A recultivated 20 acres were recently planted to Syrah, Grenache, and Mouvèdre, plus some Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

The couple looks forward to using their estate fruit in a few years. Until then, they source from some of the best vineyards around Paso Robles. “This year, we were lucky to work with amazing sites including

Denner Vineyards, Slide Hill, and John Sebastiano Vineyard," Varinder said. For the 2019 harvest, they've sourced and vinified Syrah from eight vineyards, a varietal for which they have a particular passion.

“ As newcomers, we could not be here without everything that came before. It takes life experience and passion. It may sound trite, but if you don’t love it, you’d be quite insane to do this,” said Anita.

And the energy keeps flowing. In three years, a new architect-designed, stateof-the-art winery and tasting room at the vineyard becomes the brand’s showcase setting among the stunning rolling hills just west of Paso. Forever small and always a family enterprise, eventually, Copia will be almost all estate, producing fewer than 5,000 cases annually, with a culinary focus as well. Because Anita worked with Drew Nieporent’s Myriad Restaurant Group in NYC, she explained, “It was my practical hospitality and wine education, as Tribeca Grill has one of the best wine lists in existence. Both Varinder and I are huge food lovers and we're looking forward to creating pairing experiences."

Meantime, what’s being poured at Copia’s charming brick-walled tasting room on 13th Street? Very local, very small production wines like The Pope Grenache, The Blend GSM, and The Source Syrah. Anita says, “This is just the beginning of the journey and we can’t wait to share more.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.copiavineyards.com

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780 Trancas St. Napa | 707.255.0845

1485 1st St. Napa | 707.690.9500

GoldenGateSIR.com BEST OF 2020

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NVL people & art

A Local Treasure:

GALLERY SAUSALITO Time Well Spent Observing Art in Motion

T

he outside of the gallery tells a story in art with an expressive textural painting of flowers bursting with color that emerges dramatically.

The observer is drawn in - literally as their eyes travel inward - through the gallery’s large glass window where there is much more to see. One may spy an artist, using palette knives to build up thick layers of texture to describe the subject.

The Gallery is artist-owned and a working art studio created by local artist Sue Averell.

Sue’s goal was to share her own “creative process with visitors” which she has successfully achieved.  BY EVE BUSHMAN

Gallery Sausalito is nestled in a courtyard shopping center - located on the prettiest street in the heart of Sausalito, California. They specialize in large-scale commissions, primarily floral or urban landscape, and provide what most visitors consider the “authentic Sausalito experience.”

Emphasis on texture and color are the focus of the gallery’s contemporary collection.

New and veteran art collectors, as well as home and business interior designers, find Gallery Sausalito a perfect fit for their home or business decorating, and the gallery is pleased to connect its artists with interested parties for

personalized commissioned works. Current gallery artists include Malen Pierson, Ellen Levine Dodd, Judy Reed, Mo Maudegrasse, and Manzanita Soul.

Mediums include painting, bronze metal assemblage, photography, ceramics, and mixed media, which fill the comforts of the cozy gallery space.

Sue can be found painting in the gallery on most days.

Visitors can come in on Monday, and if they return the following Sunday, they will be rewarded by seeing one of Sue’s paintings come to life. Her signature works of various cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, London and Paris, and others, as well as a series of botanical paintings, are available for purchase. Sue says, “A good painting session is where I like the result, a great session is where I discover a new way of making a mark with paint or a different color story unfolds before me. By experimenting with my technique I am challenged to grow as an artist, and that growth inspires me to continue making art.”

Gallery Sausalito prides itself on providing excellent customer service, exceeding client’s expectations when they commission a piece and offering a variety of price points as well as excellent worldwide shipping rates.

Located just five minutes from the Sausalito ferry and public parking, Gallery Sausalito is the perfect destination for any visitor or local that enjoys soaking up the Sausalito vibe and taking a little local inspiration home with them when they leave.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 28 Princess Street, Sausalito, CA 94965 // www.gallerysausalito.com // www.SueAverell.com // Open daily except Tuesdays.

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people | events | sights | wine | food people | events | sights | wine | food

707-315-8195

Frank Trozzo Elephants Painting

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BOB@BOBMCCLENAHAN.COM

NVL people & art

25 YEARS of

EXCELLENCE

Beau Fleurs Napa Valley Flowers  BY JESSICA ZIMMER

B

eau Fleurs Napa Valley Flowers has just celebrated its 25th anniversary of offering unique, premium floral designs to the Napa Valley. The familyowned and operated business opened in 1993, shortly after proprietors and husband and wife team, John and Kellie Prittie made Napa their home. The family-operated shop located at 1508 Silverado Trail is known for creating beautiful, upscale arrangements of California-grown and imported cut flowers.

Their fresh, natural ‘fresh from the garden’ style and attention to detail are what sets them apart from the traditional florist. John Prittie says, “We make a gorgeous traditional dozen roses, but we tend to focus on fun, premium flowers such as hydrangeas and lilacs and seasonal specialties like peonies and tulips.” One of their most popular items is their ‘Best and Freshest of the Season’ arrangement. John says, “My aesthetic is to create a more elegant yet natural display.

I like to stay away from the standards or anything dyed or artificial. It also allows our talented designers to create something 92

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using the freshest seasonal flowers just arriving from the market.”

Kellie plays a vital role in selecting interesting and quality flowers from the Flower Market. He says, “Kellie knows just what to look for. She’s worked hard to build strong relationships and friendships with many growers and vendors, which has resulted in us receiving the very best product.”

While the Pritties are committed to offering quality products, they believe the longevity of their success is their dedication to delivering white-glove, customer-oriented service to individuals, businesses, and events. John says, “We want our customers to be thrilled with our flowers, but also with our service. Beau Fleurs will happily go the extra mile to ‘make it right’ beyond the customer’s expectations.” His ultimate goal is to make sure his customers are delighted with not only the flowers they receive but with the service that accompanies them.

The Pritties believe customer service also applies to their relationships with their employees. Philip Greeson, one of

the team members, said Beau Fleurs is a “family-oriented and positive” place to work.

“I started with Beau Fleurs nine years ago as a driver. After a couple of years, I was asked to join the design team. I enjoy using materials that give the arrangements a wow factor.” Greeson said he is proud to be part of a team that always stands by its quality and service. Sarah Prittie, John and Kellie’s oldest daughter, grew up in the business. She says, “The entire team shares the family’s passion for making customers happy. That’s what makes Beau Fleurs stand apart.”

Prittie says one of his favorite things about the business is interacting with customers. “Our slogan is ‘Napa’s Premiere Hometown Florist,’ so many of our clients are local individuals or families, and many are repeat customers. I greatly appreciate all their loyalty and support. The flower business is hard work, but our customers make it worth it.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION 707-224-7993 // 1-800-707-2328 // www.napavalleyflowers.com // 1508 Silverado Trail, Napa, 94559

CHOOSE LOCAL

Kent Parker fine woodworking

BY LOCAL ARTISTS Open Daily 10am – 6pm 1307 First Street, Napa | 707 254 2085 artnv.org

www.kpwoodenstone.com Art Gallery Napa Valley is a cooperative of the Art Association Napa Valley

FOLLOW @kpwoodenstone

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NVL featured property

R-RANCH at the LAKE

Napa Valley’s Best Kept Secret

 BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

D

etach from the perpetually connected world in a rustic setting that provides good, old-fashioned fun for the entire family. R-Ranch at the Lake is a sort of summer camp for people of all ages, but it’s not just offered in summer, and it’s not just for camping. It’s a family-oriented recreational property on a horse ranch in the scenic beauty of northern California.

This Napa Valley fixture has been around since the 1950s, but most locals have never heard of it, which is why it refers to itself as “Napa Valley’s Best Kept Secret.”

The lake referenced in its name is Lake Berryessa, and the ranch includes 317 RV sites and 100 cabins, not to mention the second-largest pool in Napa County, stables for 40 horses, horse trails, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, and a plethora of activities to keep everyone entertained. The ranch is particularly attractive to horse owners and horse lovers.

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It offers horse boarding, miles of hiking and horse trails, and 40 ranch horses available for wrangler-led trail rides and solo horseback riding after passing a basic skills test.

Owners are also offered onsite storage for boats, golf carts and camping equipment.

R-Ranch at the Lake is not a timeshare, membership, or vacation rental. It’s a 501(c) (7) non-profit recreational club offering termed ownership in a deeded property. Depending on the number of shares purchased, entry costs vary, which include an initiation fee and a maintenance surcharge that goes toward annual upkeep and property operations. Once onboard, members have access to the club and all that the 1,093-acre ranch offers.

For a little dose of modernity, the community lodge located near the playground and pool provides WIFI, satellite TV, a fireplace and air conditioning, as well as an open kitchen, dance floor, kids area, piano,

table shuffleboard, and pool table. There’s a country store on-site, along with mini-golf, bocce ball, basketball court, volleyball, tennis court, and baseball field. Members have free access to all these amenities and all that the outdoors has to offer and can choose to enjoy the property in their RVs or in clean, comfortable cabins.

To keep the ranch operations running smoothly and to maintain its non-profit status, there are some stipulations on long term stays over thirty days, and members and immediate family members are welcome, as are guests, so long as the owners are present.

R-Ranch at the Lake offers a recreational respite for anyone looking for a beautiful, scenic location to enjoy boating, hiking, riding horses, swimming, biking, or to simply settle into a place to “call home” while enjoying the splendor of the great outdoors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.r-ranch.net

BRICK & MANTEL HOME | STAGING | FURNITURE | DESIGN

www.brickandmantel.com | 707-927-3652 742 California Blvd | Napa BEST OF 2020

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NVL health & wellness

OLE HEALTH’S ¡SALUD! FIESTA 2020 Honors Special Guests Betty & Andy Beckstoffer  PHOTOS BY BRIAN GRAY

Betty & Andy Beckstoffer

Save the date for Saturday, March 28, 2020 for OLE Health's annual ¡SALUD! Fiesta! This year, the event will be held at The Pavilion at The Estate Yountville and will feature music by local band, The Silverado Pickups. A lively fiesta will be followed by a live auction, dinner, and more. In 2020, the OLE Health Foundation will be honoring special guests Betty & Andy Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards.

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S

ince being founded in 1972, OLE Health believes that today’s healthcare options aren’t giving people what they need. So they do things differently. Every day, OLE Health practices a new model of high-quality healthcare that helps people get and stay healthy. Each patient works with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to get the range of services they need, when and where they need them.

Shahpar & Darioush Khaledi of Darioush Winery.

Darioush is the OLE Health Foundation Vice Chair.

“We’re committed to this approach because our years of experience have taught us that a strong and healthy community depends on strong and healthy residents,” said OLE Health CEO Alicia Hardy.

Will & Julissa Marcencia of Wine Down Media

“OLE Health serves more than 37,000 patients in Napa and Solano counties, including one in every four children in Napa County and one in every six adults, including 4,000 farmworkers, regardless of their ability to pay.”

The OLE Health Foundation raises funds to expand and enhance OLE Health’s primary care and prevention services. Funds raised at the annual ¡SALUD! Fiesta are vital to supporting OLE Health’s mission to fill the healthcare gaps in the Napa Valley community. This year, Betty & Andy Beckstoffer will be honored for their generosity and leadership in ensuring that every patient who visits OLE Health receives the highest quality healthcare.

Proceeds from ¡SALUD¡ Fiesta 2020 will also support the expansion of OLE Health’s outreach services through a new mobile unit designed to provide free healthcare services for more than 5,200 patients annually including health screenings, dental and vision screenings, acute care, first-aid and more, connecting community resources, as well as disaster and emergency response.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available now at olehealth.org/salud or call Jennifer Abram at 707-603-7105 or jabram@olehealth.org.

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NVL health & wellness

MOLLY’S ANGELS Angels in the Valley  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

“ This really saved me.”

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hat’s the statement from a man who volunteered for Molly’s Angels for only a few months. He was dealing with the aftermath of personal tragedy when he offered to help provide transportation so that local seniors could get to their doctor appointments. It was a win-win situation. What he got out of this significant work was worth much more than what he contributed. Along with new friendships, he gained purpose in a life that had become increasingly empty after his recent losses.

It was over 20 years ago when Marlene (Molly) Banz started Molly’s Angels as a non-profit dedicated to helping community members in need. Her first mission was to provide housing and funeral costs for a Napa County family who had lost three family members and their home in a fire. Encouraged by friends and family, she expanded on that focus and eventually directed her attention to seniors, for whom she had a special affinity. Initially assisting with transport to appointments, the 98

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organization has evolved to provide volunteers who become pseudo-family members to make life easier for locals. Volunteers can also provide wellness calls to seniors to say hello and check on their needs.

CURRENT NEED Napa County’s lack of robust public transportation makes getting around difficult for those who no longer drive. The ongoing need for assistance is greatly increasing, which has created some difficulty for Molly’s Angels to fulfill 100% of the rides requested. In 2020, Molly’s Angels will begin a volunteer drive to find more Napa County angels to fill this void. Through flyers, brochures, farmers' markets, and firefighter and retiree groups, they hope to recruit an additional 100 volunteers.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED A typical scenario for a volunteer includes checking the online schedule each week to see what is needed and choosing the assignments that work best for them. It is a very flexible, convenient and rewarding volunteer opportunity. Drivers use their own cars, with additional insurance provided by Molly’s Angels. The main services offered by Molly’s Angels are:

1. Transportation: Many of the people Molly’s Angels assists can’t drive themselves due to vision, dementia, or other medical conditions, and many don’t have access to or are unable to use public transportation.

Providing transportation helps local seniors live independently longer.

2. Weekly check-ins: Give telephone reassurance and offer safety checks for isolated and lonely seniors.

3. Food redistribution: Deliver fresh local restaurant food to seniors in low-income senior housing.

REQUEST ASSISTANCE To receive Molly’s Angel’s free transportation services, clients must be at least 60 years of age (or younger with a disability), live in Napa County, and be ambulatory. Appointments should be booked with Molly's Angels at least two weeks in advance to guarantee fulfillment. If you’d like to make other stops such as the grocery store, pharmacy, etc., you can request your driver accommodate extra stops. All drivers are trained and have passed background checks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER

707-224-8971 // MollysAngels@MollysAngels.com

Encore Dental at Napa is now offering our very own dental membership plans

We are the only dental office in Napa County that offers the following services: • Same-Day Denture Repair (In-House Laboratory) and Crowns • Anesthesia-Free Laser Dentistry (SOLEA) • Prosthodonic Full-Mouth Reconstruction

3220 Beard Rd

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Suite B

•

Napa, CA 94558

•

707-252-1950

•

encoredentalnapa.com BEST OF 2020

99

NVL food

The Sweetest Thing:

NAPA’S MONDAY BAKERY  BY MARIA C. HUNT

M

onday Bakery has a philosophy that informs every croissant, oat bar, and coffee cake they create: making Monday a better day. And, after rescuing that day, owner and pastry chef Sally Latimer is determined to sweeten the rest of the week, too.

It’s less than a year old, but Monday Bakery feels like a community hub in downtown Napa. Behind the mint green door is an airy space decorated with bright, cheerful posters like “Bake someone happy.” On a recent Sunday morning, families ate breakfast sandwiches while others typed on laptops between bites of Nutella banana bread.

“I think one of the biggest compliments I get from people when they taste something it reminds them of something their grandmother or aunt used to make when they were a kid,” Sally says.

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Some young chefs might have been intimidated to open their first venture in the Napa Valley, home to acclaimed chefs like Cindy Pawlcyn, Christopher Kostow, and Thomas Keller. But Latimer, whose resume includes a stint at Ad Hoc, didn’t hesitate. “I fell in love with the Napa Valley, and it felt like the natural place to manifest my dream,” she says.

Latimer learned to love cooking and French cuisine from her Grandma Bella in Rhode Island. She considers Julia Child a hero; her quip “a party without cake is just a meeting” is framed by the door. Latimer was inspired by watching Child’s cooking show and reading her books. “She brought the complexity of French cooking down to

where people could relate to it and feel like they could do it themselves,” Latimer says.

Latimer studied music at Gonzaga University and started her culinary career in Seattle. After assisting Autumn Martin in the beginning of her business, Hot Cakes Confections, Latimer was inspired to open her own. She studied pastry at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and then introduced her baked goods at the Napa Farmers Market. Selling her Hobbs baconcheddar quiche and nectarine basil cream puffs at the market offered her the opportunity to build a clientele and test recipes.

“If I had a new idea, I would carry it for a couple of weeks and then take it away and see how many people missed it,” she laughs.

She also met farmers that are now her purveyors. Her recipes feature Rodriguez Farm strawberries and blackberries, Far West Funghi mushrooms, and Big Ranch Farm butternut squash. Friendships led to collaborations like a Miminashi soft cream featuring her s'mores cookies, and red velvet cupcakes laced with Clif Family winery’s The Climber Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. “Sally is just a great ambassador for local farms of the Napa Valley,” says Meg Barkley, Director of Experiences for Clif Family. “She embraces the farm-to-table ethos, and she’s a very warm and open collaborator.”

Latimer feels lucky to have so much support from her new husband, Matt, kitchen manager Lindsey De Vaul, and the rest of her hardworking team. “Being a young woman business owner, I’m super grateful for the support I’ve gotten from the community,” says Latimer.

“ It’s a huge challenge, but also to be so well-received, I’m beyond thankful.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-699-2960 // www.mondaybakery.com

NAPA VALLEY STARS

r e p u o S

 ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY LAURA LARSON

N

apa Valley has a formidable reputation as one of the World’s top culinary destinations, best known for its contemporary, farm-to-table tasting menus and outstanding wine lists. On almost every menu, no matter what type, size, and style of restaurant, one will be hard-pressed not to find soup on the starter list. And let’s face it, nothing

is more satisfying than a piping hot bowl of comforting soup on a brisk wine country day. Many delectable soups around town show up for brief seasonal appearances, but the ones that are the most noteworthy are staples on the menu, and some have been around for over twenty years. Here’s our top picks: (listed alphabetically)

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BISTRO JEANTY Tomate En Croute The history of this soup dates back to when Domain Chandon had a restaurant and Philippe Jeanty was the executive chef. His sous chef had made marinara sauce for the staff meal before service and had made way too much. It being a French restaurant, they really did not have a use for what was left over. So Philippe, not wanting to waste anything worthwhile, added cream and butter and used the marinara as a base for a tomato soup to serve the next day. The staff thought it was so good it should go on the menu, so he refined the recipe and added the puff pastry on top of a lion’s head bowl.

The soup followed Phillipe to Bistro Jeanty where it’s starred on the menu for a couple of decades. It has never stopped being a “Must Have” in the Napa Valley, even when it is 105 degrees outside. | 6510 Washington Street | Yountville | www.bistrojeanty.com

BOUCHON Soupe à l’Oignon Thomas Keller’s French Onion soup is one of the master chef’s simple legends. His signature recipe is made from four simple ingredients- caramelized sweet onions, beef jus, country bread, and Comté cheese. Its rich beef broth and sweet onions are braised and caramelized for over five hours, and then an abundance of velvety French cheese is melted on top. This soup is perfect as an appetizer or lunch paired with a glass (or bottle) of Classic Beaujolais. | 6534 Washington Street | Yountville | www.thomaskeller.com/bouchonyountville

BUI BISTRO Prawns Hot & Sour Soup One of Chef Patrick Bui’s most delectable soups is the Hot & Sour soup with prawns, which has been a staple on Bistro Bui’s Michelin star menu for the past six years. It’s a non-traditional Vietnamese style soup made with a spicy vegetable broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime, mushrooms, fresh grape tomatoes, and rice noodles, topped with fresh bean sprouts. The soup is available in a regular and large bowl, which is worth the splurge for only $3 more. | 976 Pearl Street | Downtown Napa | www.buibistro.com

BUI BISTRO Mi Vit Tiem (Duck Soup) Chef Patrick Bui’s most popular soup is his traditional French Vietnamese style Duck soup, Mi Vit Tiem. This hearty soup is served in a large bowl with a whole duck confit leg and thigh layered in a spicy broth loaded with shitake mushrooms and broccoli nestled over gai lan egg noodles. This unique, luxurious soup is delicious, eaten in or taken out. | 976 Pearl Street | Downtown Napa | www.buibistro.com

COLES CHOP HOUSE Shrimp and Lobster Bisque in Puff Pastry Chef Greg Cole introduced this indulgent soup when he opened the restaurant back in 2000. The original recipe did not have the puff pastry crust, which he added in 2005.

Current chef Rodney Morris says the soup itself is satiny stock made with butter, onions, garlic, tomatoes, pureed jasmine rice, a dash of cream, and fresh seafood stock which is made fresh every day. Once the pillowy pastry is pierced open, large chunks of lobster meat and shrimp wallow in the lustrous bisque, tempting each diner to dive for more. | 1122 Main Street | Downtown Napa | www.coleschophouse.com 102

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FRIDA’S MEXICAN GRILL Chicken Tortilla Soup With the abundance of great Mexican food in Napa, Frida’s has been a mainstay for locals since its opening twelve years ago. One item that has been on the menu since day one is the Chicken Tortilla soup. Chef /Owner Arturo Delgadillo prides himself on his family’s signature recipe which he prepares fresh every day. The slow-roasted shredded chicken and broth serve as the base, and the zucchini, yellow squash, and other seasonal vegetables are sautéed and tortilla strips cut, baked and assembled fresh to order. The large bowl can easily satisfy two. | 1533 Trancas Street | Napa | www.fridasmexicangrill.com

KITCHEN DOOR Cream of Mushroom Michelin Star Chef Todd Humphries simple yet decadent Cream of Mushroom soup is a recipe he created during his tenure at Campton Place in San Francisco. It became a customer favorite and was one of the best-selling soups that he has continued to make in all the restaurants he has been chef. The base of the soup is button mushrooms with dried porcini, onions, garlic, butter, white wine, Marsala, cream, and milk. It’s finished with good red wine vinegar and tamari. Rich and satisfying, every drop of this soup should be licked from the bowl. | 610 First Street | Napa Oxbow | www.kitchendoornapa.com

KITCHEN DOOR Miso Ramen Soup Miso Ramen is one of Kitchen Door’s most popular menu items. Chef Todd Humphries uses a base of pork and chicken stock which he flavors with miso and combines with long-life noodles, ginger, garlic, chili paste, and the juice from their house-made kimchi. It is garnished with a mixture of charred red cabbage and kimchi tossed in house-made Japanese style chili oil, Chasu pork, and a soft poached egg. This comforting soup is good for what ails you- for breakfast, lunch or dinner. | 610 First Street | Napa Oxbow | www.kitchendoornapa.com

MANGO ON MAIN Vegetarian Market Ramen Mango on Main is one of Napa Valley’s most popular Thai Restaurants, with an interesting menu of traditional and contemporary Thai dishes. Owner/ Chef Mee- Pengchareon has had one of the most beloved items on the list, the Market Ramen soup since opening in his prior location (Mini Mango) on Pearl St. The soup delights with a velvety combination of coconut Tom-kha broth, organic tofu, enoki mushrooms, fresh vegetables and Thai basil and packs just enough heat to warm the soul. | 1142 Main Street | Downtown Napa | www.mangoonmain.com

NAPA NOODLES Dan Dan Noodle Soup Napa’s favorite noodle shop located on First Street in downtown Napa, is a staple for locals and tourists alike. The Dan Dan Noodles is one of Chef Tateki Noma’s most-ordered menu items for both eat-in and carry-out customers. The spicy Sichuan bowl has a base of chicken broth smothered over a plump nest of ramen egg noodles, caramelized pork, baby spinach, bean sprouts, scallions, Sichuan chili oil and ground pork with mushrooms. Both a fork and spoon are recommended to lap up every drop. | 1124 First Street | Downtown Napa | www.napanoodles.com

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NVL food

BRASSWOOD BAR + BAKERY + KITCHEN =

SENSE of COMMUNITY

 BY FRAN MILLER

W

hen Brasswood Bar + Bakery + Kitchen first opened, management’s goal was to create a space in which locals felt at-home. A spot aimed at making Napa Valley residents feel special, where guest needs and requests are anticipated well ahead of them placing an order. With an estimated 70% of their clientele living in the area, that goal has been met with much success.

“We have the luxury of existing between two Napa Valley towns (St. Helena and Calistoga), each with a great sense of community,” said Jennifer Bohr, the restaurant’s general manager. “Everyone from winemakers, other industry employees, hotel workers, and local families frequent the restaurant. Most days, tables are talking to other tables and sharing a laugh or glass of wine.”

But make no mistake, Brasswood welcomes with open arms those visiting or experiencing the valley for the first time, and the restaurant’s palpable sense of community spirit provides an authentic Napa Valley experience. “Imagine you are visiting Napa for the first time, and as you bite into the luscious ‘Mozzarella al Minuto’, your server tells you that the wine you are enjoying was made by the 104

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person at the table next to you,” said Bohr. “Visitors get to connect with the valley in a way that isn't often accessible.

We are proud of that.”

Brasswood’s atmosphere is upscale yet cozy. The dining room is luxuriously warm and inviting. Most of the staff have worked together for years, forming a unified team. Executive Chef David Nuno and his lead sous chef Israel Gomez formerly worked in tandem at valley favorite Tra Vigne, during which time they honed their craft for making craveable and delicious Napa-style comfort food with an Italian flair – dishes such as warm egg and Brussels sprout salad, roasted beet salad, pork and beef meatball on three-cheese polenta, herb-crusted lamb chop, made-from-scratch pasta, and the famous house-made mozzarella – a secret menu item and must-have.

Naturally, every dish is complemented by local and imported wines and creatively crafted cocktails.

“Our food is not stuffy or pretentious,” said Bohr, who acknowledges that restaurants often forget that hospitality is a large part of the dining experience.

“ Most people want to be treated with kindness and interact with an accommodating staff that exudes confidence in the restaurant for which they work. Happy employees make for happy guests. We try to create an environment that is positive for our staff so that they can pass on that same joy to each guest that walks through the door.”

“I speak for our entire team when I say that we are proud of what we do. It is a privilege to serve Napa Valley with warm hospitality and great comfort food on this beautiful property.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.brasswood.com

The

Roamin’ Kitchen Hospitality Private Chef

•

Concierge

•

Transportation

Unique Wine Country Experiences Picnics & Pairings Winemaker Dinners Transportation Services So you can enjoy your trip safely

Barbara Jura,

Owner/Chef/Director of Merriment 707-974-7946 | Barbara@TRKHospitalitycom

www.TRKHospitality.com

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Kick Up the Flavor by Going Green

CHIMMICHURRI

SAUCE  BY CHEF PATRICK MERKELY & CHEF ALEX ESPINOZA

Use fresh spring herbs to add zing to grilled meats, seafood or vegetables with this South American condiment jampacked with fresh flavor.

THE INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro • 1/2 cup chopped parsley • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme • 2 tablespoons oregano • 1 teaspoon chili flakes • Zest of 2 lemons • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 4 teaspoons salt, or to taste • 1/3 cup LEGADO extra virgin olive oil

THE RULES • Finely chop cilantro, parsley & oregano • Add all ingredients to a glass jar • Seal and shake • Serve immediately or let it sit overnight

THE TIPS • Chopping your own ingredients ensures you will not bruise your leave.

• If you over-mix at high speed, the polyphenols in the oil break away from the fatty acids in the oil and can cause a bitter taste.

• Refrigerate? Yes. Since it contains fresh herbs, it's best to keep it refrigerated.

• You can store chimichurri sauce in the fridge for a pretty long time – at least a week, and as long as 2 weeks.

check us out online at shackfords.com

A Kitchen Store for Chefs and Cooks, Run by Chefs and Cooks

1350 Main Street Napa, CA 94559

|

BEST OF 2020

707.226.2132

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GARY’S

WINE & MARKETPLACE Makes a Home in Napa

Photo by norm@naturalportraits.com

 BY FRAN MILLER

T

he first winery that Gary Fisch visited when he began his career in wine more than forty years ago was Louis M. Martini. Returning to where it all began, Fisch recently opened his new store Gary’s Wine & Marketplace – directly across the street from the iconic winery, in the former Dean & DeLuca space. Call it poetic or serendipitous; the alcohol beverage and gourmet food retailer calls it a dream come true.

As one of New Jersey’s leading alcohol beverage and gourmet food retailers, Fisch has long visited the Napa Valley for pleasure and business. He’s built strong relationships with the vintners and wineries whose varietals he carries in his four East Coast stores.

It’s fitting that his fifth store is located within the region and retail space he knows so well.

“I’ve been visiting Napa annually for 25 years, and during every visit, I’d stop by Dean & DeLuca to look around and see what cool things they were selling,” said Fisch.

“It provided me inspiration for my stores.

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I loved the wide range of products and the gourmet feel.”

When Fisch learned of the store’s closing, he jumped. A lease was signed within days, and his store opened October 2019. Gary’s features more than 600 labels focusing primarily on Napa Valley wines, as well as the largest and most diverse selection of hand-selected imports in the area. Six stateof-the-art Wine Stations offer 24 wines by the glass, in 1, 2, or 4 ounce pours. Every Thursday afternoon, a different local vintner pours and discusses his/her wines, which are paired with artisan cheese samples.

Gary’s also carries more than 250 spirits and beer products, hundreds of cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil, fresh-baked bread, coffee, and breakfast items. The salad and sandwich-stocked deli features daily in-store specials. Complementing the selection of food and beverages is a selection of beautiful platters, handmade cutting boards, holiday gift baskets, and hand-blown glassware.

New to Gary’s Wine & Marketplace stores is

Napa’s concierge service that can facilitate winery visits, restaurant reservations, hotel bookings, and more.

Fisch’s 32-year perspective as a brickand-mortar retail expert provides him the ability to forecast trends, to which he responds with continued innovation. “We compete in an increasingly digital age by providing in-store experiences that cannot be purchased online,” said the congenial Fisch, whose Napa presence includes a commitment to his new community via participation in the area’s various fundraisers.

“Customers enjoy visiting our stores, tasting our products, and speaking with our team of wine and cheese experts. We strive to be part of the community. We are excited to let our Napa Valley customers know that they can always rely on us for the best recommendations, no matter the occasion – from picnics during the day to elaborate evening dinner parties.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.garysnapa.com

s e r ving er up S NAPA VALLEY

with information, entertainment & music!

SENIOR CARE ONLY BETTER Senior Helpers stands ready to serve your family’s needs with personalized, in-home care and expertly-trained professional caregivers.

Let us ease your mind with a complimentary in-home care assessment.

707.200.6665 | seniorhelpers.com/NAPA HCO #284700002

Wake Up Napa with Gabriela

Middays with Bob

DriveTime with Julie Morales

10@10 with Big Rick

All rights reserved. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated. Š2019 SH Franchising, LLC.

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to be missed! Allegria offers a great assortment of delicious desserts, including the And, we tiramisu. offer interesting small plates and salads, rotisserie meats and poultry and classic homemade seasonal entrees with a C CASA twist.

eggs benedict and fried chicken, or branch out and try our chicken and waffles or one of our signature burgers. A fun spot to meet up with friends or enjoy a meal with the whole family!

1122 First Street, Napa, CA 94559 1141 First Street Napa CA 94559 707-812-6853 | jaxwhitemulediner.com (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/

1026 1st St, Napa, CA 94559 707-254-8006 | www.ristoranteallegria.com 610 1st St #B, Napa, CA 94559 / Oxbow Market

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707-226-7700 | www.myccasa.com

special special dining dining

RL mediterranean grill

WINE COUNTRY EL FRESCOITALIAN TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN

MEDITERRANEAN COMFORT CUISINE AMERICAN GRILL & BAR TARLA - True to our namesake, the Tarlacomfort Grill aims to and yieldisnourishing, creative, and CELADON offers award-winning food located in the Napa River DOWNTOWN JOES - global Anfrom American style grill united with quality andtheir freshness.

Our culturally eats originating Turkeyon and Greece, lands heralded for Inn. Enjoy exciting an unforgettable dining experience our heated outdoor patio or in our menu is locally resourced then cooked with the flair that is true Napa Valley. We cuisine and a culture that takes pride in the relationship between mankind and the intimate indoor dining area.

The seasonally influenced menu features flavors from the proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, decadent land! We take our responsibility of ensuring the origins ofseafood, our ingredients seriously house made Mediterranean, Asia, and more the Americas. desserts, and modern pub grub. and pride ourselves on using local, seasonal and organic fare whenever possible.

MOMI a traditional Italian & organic food restaurant premium, locallyLA TOQUE’SCAChef KenisFrank’s landmark Napa Valley restaurant is the serving proud recipient SMALL WORLD - ingredients A world flavor awaits at Small Restaurant, where theand sourced, organic whenever possible inWorld support of localevolves purveyors of both a Michelin Star and The GrandofAward from Wine Spectator.

The menu menu the vibrant cuisine of the Mediterranean andofthe Middle East. Falafel, like-minded businesses across Napa Valley. constantly to showfeatures off each season’s finest ingredients from a network local farmers Hummus, Babaus Ganoush, Schwarma, Pitafoods Sandwiches, Garden and purveyors who supply with some of the finest in the world.

OurFresh wineSalads, and pairings areFresh-Made considered Baklava. by many to be the ultimate food and wine experience.

500 Street, Suite G, Napa, CA 94559 1480Main 1st St, Napa, CASt, 94559 902 Napa, CA 94559 707-254-9690 |Main celadonnapa.com 707-255-5599 | www.tarlagrill.com 707-258-2337 | www.downtownjoes.com

Street (Downtown Napa, CA 94559 The Westin 928 Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St,Napa), Napa, CA 94559 1141Coombs First Street Napa CA 94559 707-224-7743 707-257-5157 | www.latoque.com (707) 257-4992| SmallWorldRestaurant.com | www.camomienoteca.com/

挀漀漀欀

琀愀瘀攀爀渀 ☀

JAPENESE CUISINE AMERICAN CUISINE EIKO’S - Eiko’s delivers imaginative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine. Our vision NAPKINS - An American restaurant withJapanese an exciting sceneincluding for locals and travelfor the menu combines modern andcuisine authentic traditional cuisine ers who happen fish upon them.Weekend brunch (11 amfrom to 3our pm)local and markets one of the best seasonal, fresh sustainable and ingredients delivered daily happy hours in Napa (food and drink fromour 3 tochefs 7 pm).

Weekend and purveyors.

In addition to traditional raw fish specials preparation, creates a nights the bar turns electric entertainment livetaste performances and dancing to DJs selection ofarea innovative dishes with inspired by our localincluding culture and profiles featuring Napa as influence and inspiration.

1001 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559 1385 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA 94559 707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com 707-501-4444 | www.eikosnapa.com

瀀椀稀稀攀爀椀愀

ITALIAN AMERICAN GRILL & BAR BAR + GRILL DOWNTOWN JOES style grillexperience united withthrough quality food, and freshness. Our IL POSTO TRATTORIA - We offer- An theAmerican traditional italian TAVERN &the PIZZERIA isNapa acooked cozy, brick-walled with table & barWe seating menu is locallyinresourced then withOur themenu flairgastropub that is true Napa Valley. served in a COOK casual setting beautiful Valley. offers a variety slecfor seasonal American and Italian dishes and neapolitan-inspired pizza .house Perfectmade for proudlysalads, featurepizza’s salads,along burgers, steaks, decadent tion of antipasta’s, withsandwiches, freshly madeseafood, pasta dishes. friends and families can stoppub in after work and enjoy a true tavern atmosphere. desserts, and more modern grub.

4211 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94559 707-251-8600 | Main www.ilpostonapa.com 1304 St,Napa, St Helena, CA 94574 902 Main St, CA 94559 707-963-8082 707-258-2337 || www.cooktavern.com www.downtownjoes.com

special special dining dining section section NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

FOODSPRING & WINE2017 2017

TRADITIONAL ORGANICITALIAN ITALIAN

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AMERICAN CUISINE MEXICAN / TEX-MEX GASTROPUB & NANOBREWERY

CA' MOMIisOSTERIA provides Napa Valley with an obsessively authentic Italian CA MOMI a traditional Italianthe & organic food restaurant serving premium, locallyexperience.

Theyingredients serve up locally-sourced organic ingredients featured in their sourced, organic whenever possible in support of local purveyors and historic Italian recipes, certified pizzaValley.

Napoletana and garden to glass cocktails, all like-minded businesses across Napa in the heart of downtown Napa. Ca’ Momi Osteria also offers tastings of Ca’ Momi Napa Valley and Italian wines plus late night live music each weekend.

NAPKINS - An American restaurant withatan exciting scene for locals and travelaapproach casual dining destination aimed providing localsorder with an experiC CASA - WeHOP offerCREEK a fresh tocuisine tacos and much more.

Fresh, made-toers who happen upon them.Weekend brunch (11 am to 3 pm) and of the best ence built around a warm welcoming atmosphere, they can enjoy aone locally sourced white corn tortillas topped with ingredients like seasoned buffalo, rotisserie lamb, happy hours Napaunique (food and specials from 3 toand 7Valley pm).

Weekend nights hours the bar menu, coupled with craft beers, spirits and aioli Napa wines.

Happier grilled prawns, fresh crab,inmicro greens, goatdrink cheese, chipotle Serrano salsa. area turns electric with entertainment including livelarge performances and dancing Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm.

Family and rotisserie dog friendly, parties welcome inside to or DJs on And, we offer interesting small plates and salads, meats and poultry and our relaxing side patio. Cheers! seasonal entrees with a creek C CASA twist.

1141 First Street Street,Napa Napa,CA CA94559 94559 | 707-224-6664 | www.camomi.com 1141 First (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/

1001Browns 2nd St, Napa, 3253 Valley CA Rd,94559 Napa, CA 94558 | 707-257-7708 | hopcreekpub.com 707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com 610 1st St #B, Napa, CA 94559 / Oxbow Market 707-226-7700 | www.myccasa.com

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made pastas, pork tenderloin and the signature Marinated Teriyaki Skirt Steak is not menu that offers something for everyone. Dine on classics such as biscuits and gravy, to be missed! Allegria offers a great assortment of delicious desserts, including the eggs benedict and fried chicken, or branch out and try our chicken and waffles or one classic homemade tiramisu. of our signature burgers. A fun spot to meet up with friends or enjoy a meal with the whole family!

St, Napa, CA 94559 1122 First Street, Napa, CA Napa 94559 Valley Wine List Award winners are recognized1026 for1st their outstanding selections of Napa Valley wines.

707-254-8006 | www.ristoranteallegria.com 707-812-6853 | jaxwhitemulediner.com

special special dining dining sect sec

special special dining dining sec sec

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RL mediterranean grill

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN WINE COUNTRY EL FRESCO TRADITIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE CA MOMI is a traditional Italian & organic food restaurant serving premium, locallysourced, organic ingredients whenever possible in support of local purveyors and - When you want a delicious Prime ribrecipient dinner, steak or fresh CA MOMI a traditional Italian & organic food restaurant serving premium, locallyLA TOQUE’STRANCAS Chef KenisSTEAKHOUSE Frank’s landmark Napa Valley restaurant is the proud like-minded businesses Napa Valley. seafood, the place to goacross isAward thewhenever Trancas Steakhouse.

Many called their bar the sourced, organic ingredients possible in support of local purveyors and of both a Michelin Star and The Grand from Wine Spectator.

Thehave menu evolves

MEDITERRANEAN TARLA - True to our namesake, the Tarla Grill aims to yield nourishing, creative, and culturally exciting eats originating from Turkey and Greece, lands heralded for their cuisine and a culture that takes pride in the relationship between mankind and the land! We take our responsibility of ensuring the origins of our ingredients seriously and pride ourselves on using local, seasonal and organic fare whenever possible.

of the west.

The across barstools areValley. occupied locals every night of the week. The like-minded businesses Napa constantly toCheers show off each season’s finest ingredients from abynetwork of local farmers walls aresupply covered photosofof happy (you know who you are somebody and purveyors who us with some the finestcustomers foods in the world.

Our wine you make the wall.)

Theyultimate do havefood pictures of celebrities including owners pairings are when considered by many to be the and wine experience.

1141 Napa CA 94559 NormFirst andStreet Christy Sawicki.

(707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/ The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559 1141 First Street Napa CA 94559 707-257-5157 | Trancas www.latoque.com (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/ 999 Street, Napa, CA 94558 707-258-9990 | trancassteakhouse.com

1480 1st St, Napa, CA 94559 707-255-5599 | www.tarlagrill.com

MEXICAN / TEX-MEX JAPENESE CUISINE C CASA - We offer a fresh approach to tacos and much more. Fresh, made-to- order EIKO’S - Eiko’s delivers imaginative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine. Our vision white corn tortillas topped with ingredients like seasoned buffalo, rotisserie lamb, for the menu combines modern and authentic traditional Japanese cuisine including grilled prawns, fresh crab, micro greens, goat cheese, chipotle aioli and Serrano salsa. seasonal, fresh sustainable fish and ingredients delivered daily from our local markets And, we offer interesting small plates and salads, rotisserie meats and poultry and and purveyors.

Inwith addition to traditional seasonal entrees a C CASA twist. raw fish preparation, our chefs creates a selection of innovative dishes inspired by our local culture and taste profiles featuring Napa as influence and inspiration.

610 1st St #B, Napa, CA 94559 / Oxbow Market 1385 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA 94559 | www.myccasa.com 707-226-7700 707-501-4444 | www.eikosnapa.com

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AMERICAN GRILL & BAR AMERICAN CUISINE ITALIAN AMERICAN GRILL & BAR DOWNTOWN JOES - An American style grill united with quality and freshness. Our NAPA GENERAL STORE Refreshing locals and visitors since 2002.

Our riverside menu is locallyJOES resourced then cooked with the flairwith that quality is true Napa Valley.

WeOurpatio DOWNTOWN - An style grill united and freshness.

IL POSTO TRATTORIA - Wefor offer theAmerican traditional italian experience through food, is an ideal spot enjoying a meal with friends (including four-legged friends) and proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, decadent houseWe made menu is locally resourced then cooked with the flair that is true Napa Valley. served in a casual setting inforthe beautifulorNapa Valley. Our menu variety slecfamily. Join breakfast lunch weekoffers - and aour award-winning weekdesserts, andusmore modern pub grub.during the proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, decadent house made tion of antipasta’s, salads, pizza’s withstay freshly pasta dishes. end brunch. Come foralong the food, for made the great wines and artisan gifts! We support desserts, more modern pub grub. local foodand purveyors and locally source our ingredients.

4211 Solano902 Ave, Napa, CA 94559 Main St, Napa, CA 94559 707-251-8600 | www.ilpostonapa.com 707-258-2337 | Napa, www.downtownjoes.com 540 CA 94559 902 Main Street St, Napa, CA 94559

Reserve online| www.downtownjoes.com at NapaGeneralStore.com or by calling 707-259-0762 707-258-2337

NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM THE

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MEDITERRANEAN AMERICAN EATERY SMALL WORLD - A world of flavor awaits at Small World Restaurant, where thebreakTHE GRILL AT SILVERADO, is a one-of-a-kind Napa Valley restaurant, serving menu features the and vibrant of the Mediterranean and theWine Middle East. Falafel, fast, lunch, dinner bar cuisine appetizers.

The restaurant features Country Cuisine, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Schwarma, Pita Sandwiches, Garden Salads,Napa, and the emphasizing fresh and sustainable products.

Just minutes fromFresh downtown Fresh-Made Baklava.

Grill overlooks one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth and offers a respite from the daily routine for everyone who visits.

928 Coombs Street (Downtown Napa), Napa, CA 94559 1600 Atlas Peak|Rd, Napa, CA 94558 | 707-257-5400 | www.silveradoresort.com 707-224-7743 SmallWorldRestaurant.com

AMERICAN CUISINE AMERICAN CUISINE NAPKINS - An American cuisine restaurant with an exciting scene for locals and travelers who happen upon them.Weekend brunch (11 am to 3 pm) andfor onelocals of theand best NAPKINS - An American cuisine restaurant with an exciting scene travelhappy hours in Napa and drink specials 3 to nights the bar ers who happen upon(food them.Weekend brunch from (11 am to73pm). pm) Weekend and one of the best area turns electric with entertainment including live performances and dancing to happy hours in Napa (food and drink specials from 3 to 7 pm). Weekend nights the DJs bar

area turns electric with entertainment including live performances and dancing to DJs

1001 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559 707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com 1001 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559

707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com

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MORE REASONS TO LOVE THIS

ON E -OF -A - K I N D C ABERNE T

One can search a lifetime hunting down an excellent Cabernet value amongst Napa Valley producers... Silver Ghost is a wine that fits this description.

– 91 Points, Wilfred Wong

AWARDING-WINNING 2016 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

93 Points The Tasting Panel Magazine 90 Points Decanter

vi si t Sil verGhost Cellars.com o r a s k f o r it a t your l oca l fin e w in e r e tai l e r 112

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90 Points 90 Points

Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast James Suckling

WINERY

RIDE | SIP | SAVOR napa valley

Tasting Experiences & Winery Tours Available by Appointment 100 Rapp Lane, Napa CA 94558 www.shadybrookestate.com | 707.255.5661

VOTED “PEOPLE’S CHOICE” BEST SANDWICH

FOR NEARLY 140 YEARS,

Oakville Grocery has been a gathering place. Stop in to discover old favorites and new additions, including renovated patios, exclusive wines by the glass and a curated selection of local, sustainable, organic and Biodynamic® delicacies from gourmet artisans.

OAKVILLE

|

HEALDSBURG

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