Napa Valley Life Magazine - Fall 2019

FALL 2019

THE HARVEST ISSUE PLUS+

Brilliant Mistake: A Road Less Traveled Day Trip: Discover Livermore Valley Stags Leap AVA Celebrates 30 Years Holiday Gift Guide FALL 2019

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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

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© 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

"Dr. Lamberton, thank you for giving me an incredible smile.”

Kari Auringer Consulting Winemaker

moc.snrofsneciv.www snroF sneciV :rehpargotohP

COSMETIC DENTISTRY OF NAPA C

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Dr. Cecil Lamberton, DDS www.cosmeticdentistryofnapa.com (707) 257-7771 FALL 2019

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Defining Excellence hBest Winery

in North America

-The Discoverer Blog h Winemaker

of the Year: Sara Fowler

-Napa Valley Life ‘16, ’17, ’18 h Best

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

-California State Fair h Best

Place to Work

-North Bay Business Journal

Open Daily, 10am - 6pm | Preferred Reservations 10am - 12pm 8466 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573 | 707.963.3600 | peju.com

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Les Pétales Place Vendôme Collection

3341 Solano Ave (Redwood Plaza) 707•252•8131

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9/3/19 4:22 PM

Contents

F E AT U R E S 2 0 1 9 F A L L / / T H E H A R V E S T I S S U E

Story 42 Cover Brilliant Mistake:

Taking a Risk and Enjoying the Ride

Gift Guide 38 Holiday Wine Country Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

Season 46 Harvest Traditions

72 American Viticultural Area

(AVA) Series Stags Leap: The Valley within the Napa Valley

N A PA V ALLEY LIFE MA GAZI

FA LL 2019

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THE HARVEST ISSUE PLUS+

FA L L 2 0 19

Brilliant A Road Le Mistake: ss Travele d Day Trip: Di Livermor scover e Valley Stags Le Celebrate ap AVA s 30 Years Holiday Gi ft Guide FALL 2019

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Premium Howell Mountain Family Retreat

$1,915,000 | Main Home | In-Law Unit | Guest House | 8 Garage Spaces | 6.7 Acres Gorgeous hilltop setting with a seasonal stream and Howell Mountain Cabernet, hobby vineyard. Featuring 6,049± sf. of combined living space that can be shared with family and friends. 3,005± sf. main house offers the quintessential Napa Valley experience with luxury upgrades and plenty of indoor/outdoor living spaces for entertiaing year-round.

Multiple living spaces include 1,200±sf., 2BD guest house with marble counter, soaking tub, fireplace and generous deck with views across the property. Use the 1,050±sft. conditioned bonus space above garages as your office to create your own family wine label.

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

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NVL contents The Scene • 14

Recent parties, concerts, celebrations and events

Things To Do

20 Calendar of Events Inside Track • 21 Beyond the Valley • 22

D E PA R T M E N T S 2 0 1 9 F A L L / / T H E H A R V E S T I S S U E

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24 Mare Island 26 Rooted Fork Foodie Tours 28 Napa Valley Film Festival

What’s Hot • 32 NV Wine Scene

50 Frank Family Wines: Rich and Leslie Frank Give Back 52 Rutherford Wine Vault: The Wine Capsule 54 Mt. Veeder Magic Vineyards 58 Historic Winemaking: Concrete Tanks and Eggs

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62 Off the Grid: Napa's Non-Tradional Varietals 68 St. Supéry 70 Angwin Estate Vineyards 77 Silverado Vineyards 78 Cultured Vine 80 ACME Fine Wines 88 Out From Land

Wine & Winery Spotlights Wise Villa Winery • 56 Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard • 66 Lindstrom Wines • 76 Wente Vineyards • 86

NV Day Trip

82 Livermore Valley

People, Art & Design

36 Brick and Mantel: Anne Alderson's Design Guide 91 Scott Cleek 92 Trenton Gregory 93 Kristin Martin Design

Health & Wellness 94 Adventist Hospital

NV Food Scene

96 Up Close with Chef Anita Cartagena of Protea 98 Shackford's Kitchen Store 100 Dining Guide 6

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Kenzo Estate

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FALL 2019

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NVL president's letter

fall harvest E

xploring new wines, wineries, tasting rooms and shops is a passion at Napa Valley Life. In early 2017, I was introduced to ACME Fine Wines, an intimate shop in St. Helena on Fulton, just off St. Helena Highway, that specializes in boutique wines. While browsing the varied offerings, Angela Stem, Director of Sales, introduced herself and began walking us through several of the labels, providing an in-depth description of each, the winemaker and history. Her knowledge and presentation were impressive.

After about an hour, we purchased a few random selections. Among the purchases was a wine called Brilliant Mistake. I hadn’t heard of the wine before, but when Angela spoke of the winemaker, Maayan Koschitzky, followed by Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle and Philippe Melka, I was immediately intrigued and had to try it.

In this issue, we speak with John and Stacy Reinert, discuss their risk, vision, passion and how they ended up partnering with Maayan Koschitzky to create Brilliant Mistake, a truly special wine that is garnering rave reviews.

Napa Valley Life continues the series on Napa Valley sub AVAs, focusing on Stags Leap. Named as an AVA in 1989, it celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year.

In this issue, we introduce two new series. Our Day Trip series will highlight intriguing places for both local and out of town visitors to explore, focusing mainly on wine and culinary experiences that are a short drive away. The Wine Capsule series, written by Mario Sculatti, owner of Rutherford Wine Vault, will take readers on a historical journey of some of Napa Valley’s more interesting wines.

Lastly, with the Holiday Season approaching, be sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide. Use it to create your own wish list, or to find new gift ideas from local Artisans and retailers.

Kevin Evans, President

Cheers,

Kevin Evans President

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

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TRANSPORT YOUR SENSES Experience the only festival immersed in the art of film, food, and wine.

FALL 2019

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

Napa Valley Life 2019 Winner

“Best Place for Gifts” Napa General Store 540 Main Street - Napa

ADVERTISING/SALES Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com Jenny Morgan – 707-738-3353 jenny.morgan@napavalleylife.com CONTRIBUTORS Lowell Downey Janna Waldinger Fran Miller

707.259.0762

Michael Koehn

www.NapaGeneralStore.com

Paul Franson

OPEN DAILY 8AM-6PM

Marisa McCann

Eve Bushman

Laurie Jo Miller Farr ABOUT THE COVER John and Stacy Reinert's Brilliant Mistake Photo by Douglas Sterling

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 2019 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

Every day at OLE Health, we practice a new model of care that helps our Napa Valley community get – and stay – healthy. We do this through primary care, pediatrics, dental, nutrition, behavioral health, optometry, and more at OLE’s seven locations throughout wine country, and with the beautiful community garden at our new Napa Valley Vintners South Napa Campus.

Thank you to our donors for having the vision and passion to make this garden grow to improve the nutrition options and health of our patients and our community, including:

Darioush & Shahpar Khaledi, Darioush Winery Sabrina & Freeland Tanner, Proscape Designs | Jim & Laura Regusci, Regusci Winery Napa’s 100 Men Who Give a Damn

For more information, please contact foundation@olehealth.org

olehealth.org

707.603.7100 This project is supported by Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefi t Programs.

FALL 2019 11

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Since 1944 the Napa Valley Vintners has believed in the spirit of collaboration to promote our wines, protect our natural resources and enhance Napa Valley for future generations.

As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary on October 17, we would like to thank our entire community for your support and partnership.

Here’s to the next 75 years in this extraordinary place we all call home.

FALL 2019

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NV scene

NV Scene

The Napa Valley scene of recent parties, concerts, celebrations and events COCHON555 | HERITAGE FIRE NAPA # PHOTOS BY MARISA McCANN

Charles Krug hosted America’s cult outdoor culinary festival with an all-star cast of chefs who dished up over 3,500 pounds of locally raised meat, fish, fowl and vegetables cooked over live-fires. Beyond the 100-plus chef created dishes, the food was paired with free-flowing wines from over 30 boutique producers, craft beers and artisan ciders. Proceeds from the event are allocated to Cochon555’s sister charity, Piggy Bank — a start-up farm in Missouri that serves as a kick starter for new family farms and a safety net for those in the wake of a disaster (flood, fire and disease).

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NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL | SUNSET CINEMA SERIES # PHOTOS BY LAURA LARSON

Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley’s oldest winery and home to California’s first tasting room, launched its collaboration with the Napa Valley Film Festival to produce Sunset Cinema 2019, a summer film series with screenings in July, August and September. The renowned estate hosts the series on their expansive Great Lawn with the Napa Valley Film Festival curating three award-winning films from last year’s festival. The films screen at sunset on the third Friday of each month through September, and attendees enjoy Napa Valley summer nights with signature Charles Krug wines, gourmet pizzas and live music prior to each screening. www.sunsetcinema2019.eventbrite.com

NAPA PORCHFEST # PHOTOS BY LAURA LARSON

On July 28, Napa hosted its 9th Annual Porchfest, a locals favorite showcasing local musicians on front yards and porches at approximately 60 historic Victorian houses in Downtown Napa. Over 100 musical acts representing a diverse array of styles from rock to reggae and country to indie were performed by local musicians. More than ten thousand locals and visitors attended onMichael foot, bicycle and Musicians Franti and Victoria Canalfrom with Founder skateboard, with many dancing porch to Bobbii Hac Jacobs porch. Fuller Park hosted nine food trucks offering hamburgers, salads, tacos, desserts and water-filling stations.

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NV scene CRUSH MS SUMMER CELEBRATION & SYMPOSIUM # PHOTOS BY LAURA LARSON

On July 27 Reid Family Vineyards hosted the 6th Annual Crush MS Celebration where over 35 wineries get together to drive awareness and raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and MS related programs. The grounds of the Reid Family Vineyards in Napa transformed into a festive, fun-filled arena of delicious food, fabulous wine and lively music. Live and silent auction items were donated by local community businesses.

Kevin Reid- Reid Family Vineyards with Colleen Harmon

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MAVA LA COSECHA FESTIVAL # PHOTOS BY LAURA LARSON

On August 17 The Napa Sonoma Mexican-American Vintners Association (MAVA) held their annual La Cosecha harvest festival and fundraiser at the Meritage Resort /Vista Collina. The afternoon started with a wine tasting reception hosted by all 16 vintners, a silent auction, food and live entertainment by the Don Gato Jazz Band followed by a seated Vintner dinner. MAVA’s charter is to expand programs and offerings to the Latino community by promoting contributions of Mexican-Americans in the wine industry, providing educational scholarships, and raising awareness through philanthropic acts.

This year MAVA partnered with The Dominguez Dream, a non-profit organization that collaborates with elementary school principals, faculty, parents and community volunteers to provide literacy and STEAM programs to local Napa Valley students.

Enrique Carlos and Velma de la Rosa of The Dominguez Dream with Guillermo Herrera- President MAVA

MAVA Wines for Vintner Dinner

STEVE MILLER AND MARTY STUART KICK OFF OXBOW RIVER STAGE CONCERT SERIES On October 25, Oxbow River Stage kicked off its 2019 Concert series with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller and his band, along with Country music legend, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. The 4000 seat outdoor venue provided open, acoustic space which offered all ticket holders a perfect venue to watch, listen and dance to an amazing evening of Original American MusicClassic Rock meets Classic Country. Miller did not disappoint by playing many of his top hits spanning across more than half a century. Much to the crowds delight, he saved his hit song, “The Joker” for his encore. Marty Stuart’s hillbilly rock and roll country music warmed up the crowd and he and his band joined Miller for a full set, bringing the crowd to their feet. www.oxbowriverstage.com Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives Photo by Mitchell Glotzer

Veronica Mikyla OxbowMichell River Stage / Photo

by Mitchell Glotzer

Steve Miller Band / Photo by Laura Larson

FALL 2019

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NV scene DJ- Lucien White of Whitewall Entertainment

V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION The V Foundation hosted its annual V Foundation Wine Celebration and raised more than $7 million during a full weekend of events in the Napa Valley. The 2019 total included $5 million in “Fund-A-Need” donations to support the V Foundation’s Canine Comparative Oncology program. The three-day signature fundraising event included intimate winery luncheons and dinners, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, and a cancer research symposium. The event attracted attendees from all over the country to the Napa Valley to benefit the V Foundation’s efforts in achieving Victory Over Cancer®. A highlight of this year’s event was the live auction gala hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, Duke University men’s basketball coach and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, with dozens of incredible lots up for bid. The evening’s top lot featured a VIP experience to the sold-out Eagles “Hotel California” concert in Las Vegas, hosted by Beth Nickel, proprietor of Nickel & Nickel Winery, the gala host winery. One of the most memorable moments of the gala occurred when Coach K asked the cancer survivors in the room to stand, proclaiming them winners to thunderous applause. www.winecelebration.org

Emeril and Coach K

Con Brio performs at Rock the V Party

Bidding at the V Foundation Auction

Dr. William G Nelson, MD, PhD Chair,V Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee

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ect ers perofr wine lov f gift

the

• w i n e a c c e s s or y gi f t s wi th your c ompa ny lo go •

Discover a fine dining experience, complemented by an ever-changing landscape of lush Napa Valley.

wine keys • charcuterie boards wine cups • wine boxes

707-812-2789 VINSTYLE.COM

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

M. SANDOVAL ARCHITECTS, INC. Architecture | Historic Preservation | Design

Assisting home owners, builders, commercial tenants and developers in realizing their construction project's vision for more than twenty years.

707.637.4363 • www.msandovalarchitects.com

WINETR AIN.COM | 1.800.427.4124

FALL 2019

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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

Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Film Festival

October 25-26 at 6:30 and 9:30 pm

BLUE NOTE’S 3RD ANNIVERSARY WITH QUAID AND JAMES Dennis Quaid and Jamie James Toast to Blue Note’s 3rd Anniversary, as the duo performs their signature sounds of Rock’n’Roll and country-soul. Two shows each night.

For tickets and more information: www.bluenotenapa.com/event/ tw-artistinfo/Dennis+Quaid/ 1030 MAIN STREET, NAPA

November 3 at 7:00 pm

THREE DOG NIGHT

Grammy Award winning Three Dog Night, celebrates nearly 5 decades of top rock and roll hits at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater. In the years 19691974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or 20

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sold more concerts than this legendary music icon. Tickets: lincolntheater.com

food and wine. www.yountville.com/ holidays-in-yountville/

100 CALIFORNIA DRIVE, YOUNTVILLE

November 13-17

NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

The Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) is a 5-day celebration that blends the art of film, food, and wine together. Discover the best new independent films of the year, savor exquisite cuisine paired with legendary wines, and create lasting memories found only in the Napa Valley. Visit napavalleyfilmfest.org for more information on passes and festival events.

November – December

HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE

The town of Yountville twinkles with thousands of lights, with events including free carriage rides, a holiday movie series, wreath-making, and of course

November 30 at 8:00 pm

JIM BRICKMAN: A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Jim Brickman returns to Napa this Christmas to wow the crowd with his uplifting, family-friendly, holiday concert tradition: Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration live, for one night only! The best-selling piano artist of our time, Jim Brickman and his special guests, will dazzle audiences with holiday favorites, #1 hits, vibrant vocals, laughter & joy, in this bright, festive winter’s night celebration that the Dallas Morning News calls ‘pure entertainment. Tickets: www.lincolntheater.com 100 CALIFORNIA DRIVE, YOUNTVILLE

December 7 at 7:00 pm

23RD ANNUAL CALISTOGA LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE

This lighted parade is the ultimate small-town holiday celebration in celebration of Napa’s agricultural heritage. Vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks, and construction equipment bedecked with dazzling lights parade down Calistoga’s charming main street to kick off the holiday season.

This popular Napa Valley event, which gets bigger and better each year, is free --Perfect for the whole family. visitcalistoga.com/lightedtractor-parade/ LINCOLN AVENUE, CALISTOGA

December 7-23

NAPA VALLEY WINE TROLLEY HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR Hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Trolley Holiday Lights Tour as a vintage Cable Car takes visitors and locals on a fun ride filled with classic holiday music and lots of holiday spirit. The 90minute tours ride through historic Downtown Napa, its Victorian neighborhood, Browns Valley and North Napa and include candy canes, classic Christmas carols that you are welcome to sing along with, and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Tours will depart the Oxbow Public Market. www. napavalleywinetrolley.com/ reservations/ December 14-15

BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS AT NAPA VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT LINCOLN THEATER

Transcendence Theatre Company, creators and producers of the award-winning “Broadway Under the Stars,” will be making spirits bright this December with its 2019 presentation of “Transcendence’s Broadway Holiday Spectacular.”

Transcendence Theatre Company will celebrate the season with audiences at Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in Yountville with performances 2pm and 7:30pm on Saturday, December 14 and 2pm on Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $39 to $129 per person. Special Early Bird ticket

Emma K.Morris

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing Miminshi Soft Cream Window Miminashi’s chef Curtis De Fede is known for his eclectic Japanese style of pub food, yakatori, noodles and rice dishes, and also his soft cream, which is a local favorite ordered through their walk up window.

The creamy delicacy is made daily, usually available in two- three flavors and is served with fun toppings like tempura crispies and sesame honeycomb candy. // 821 COOMBS STREET • WWW.MIMINASHI.COM

Gotts Roadside 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. With plenty of interior and outdoor seating, this local gem serves juicy cheeseburgers, Fearless Franks, beer-battered onion rings, Fish tacos, hand-spun shakes, and a wide range of salads. Tuesday nights locals enjoy a special deal on select burgers/fries and fountain drink for $11.49 and can bring their own bottle of wine for a $5 corkage fee. // 644 FIRST STREET • WWW.GOTTS.COM

Cadet Beer and Wine Bar Weekly Party Every Wednesday local vintners, brewers and chefs take over the bar and serve favorite libations while patrons dance to turntable grooves. Provisions include a selection of snacks, local cheeses and charcuterie which can be ordered from the menu. // 930 FRANKLIN STREET • WWW.CADETBEERANDWINEBAR.COM

Napa Farmers Market Stroll among local farmers, artisans, friends and neighbors at the Napa Valley local Farmers Market. Whether looking for fresh, organic produce, bakery items, or local crafts, this lively event stays open all year long and runs every Saturday, and also runs on Tuesdays during summer months. // SOUTH CENTURY SHOPPING CENTER • 195 GASSER DRIVE

Blue Note Locals Night Every Wednesday is locals night at the Blue Note. Besides the food and drink specials, local bands perform and everyone is welcome. General admission is free (first come-first served) with presentation of local County ID. For reserved seating, tickets may be purchased at the box office or online. // 1030 MAIN STREET • WWW.BLUENOTENAPA.COM

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NV calendar

savings are available with $5 savings per ticket.Tickets: www.broadwayholidayshow.com 100 CALIFORNIA DRIVE, YOUNTVILLE

December 31 at 8:00 pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALLCASTELLO DI AMOROSA

The party of the year. Don your black-tie attire and most elegant mask for this decadent, formal masquerade party and ring in the new decade at the Castle of Love.

Two floors of red carpet, plated dinners, dessert, and midnight toast all to DJ tunes plus live music from Vibe Society. Tickets: www.castellodiamorosa.com/ new-years-eve-masquerade/ 4045 ST. HELENA HWY, CALISTOGA

Beyond the Valley

Jan 18-21

10TH ANNUAL NAPA TRUFFLE FESTIVAL

The American Truffle Company returns to Napa with the 10th Annual Napa Truffle Festival bringing together two complementary aspects of European truffles: The best chefs in the world known for their truffle cuisine, and the best truffle experts/scientists in the world. Gourmands and aspiring truffle growers alike will find a bounty of activities throughout the festival weekend to satisfy their appetite and curiosity for the flavor and knowledge of one of the world’s most prized and delectable foods. The Westin Verasa will serve as “truffle central” for check in and programs and will be extending exclusive, special room rates for Festival guests. For more info and tickets: www.napatrufflefestival.com/tickets/

CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO

December 31, 2019

ATLANTA WINE FESTIVALS – NEW YEAR’S EVE

Join City Winery on New Year’s Eve as they ring in 2020. Great wine options, liquor and beer provided by the chefs at City Winery.

Live music with Coast Guard and a DJ on the main stage. www.atlantawinefestivals.com

TEXAS WINE & CHEESE TASTING

Sip local at the Dallas Farmers Market Wine & Cheese Tasting.

Wineries from across the state of Texas will sample premium wines made from the Texas grape harvest. Pair these great Texas wines with a fine selection of Texas-made artisan cheeses. Enjoy music and stroll the market too. www.dallasfarmersmarket.org Good Morning Bob!

Middays with Big Rick

DALLAS, TEXAS

February 7 – 9, 2020

WINEFEST 2020

DriveTime with Julie Morales

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Carlsbad Winter Wine Festival provides the attendees with an opportunity to taste wine from various wineries, meet wine manufacturers, be a part of the various live entertainment and much more. Come and enjoy Christmas on the Pecos. www.carlsbadwinterwine.com

January 19, 2020

Napa Valley

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CARLSBAD WINTER WINE FESTIVAL

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

r e p u S ser ving with information, entertainment and music!

December 6-7, 2019

Weekends with Gabriela

Come and enjoy the harvest of the previous year at Winefest in Clermont, Florida. Taking place at Lakeridge Winery, experience three days or music, fun, cheese and most importantly – good wine. A portion of the proceeds go towards supporting the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Advance tickets may be purchased through Eventbite.com. www.lakeridgewinery. com/events/winefest CLERMONT, FLORIDA 34715

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

3220 Beard Rd

•

Suite B

•

Napa, CA 94558

•

707-252-1950

•

encoredentalnapa.com FALL 2019

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NVL things to do

A Visit to Vallejo’s

MARE ISLAND  BY PAUL FRANSON

A

visit to Mare Island across the sound from Vallejo is like seeing the birth of a future star. Everyone compares it to Portland a few decades ago: Disused but imposing industrial buildings waiting to be filled with creative businesses, quirky homes, restaurants, clubs, entertainment, shops, and more.

A golf course is already there, leftover from Navy days, though it’s closed at present and home to 200 sheep. Though the former naval shipyard is mostly vacant, both its magnificent historic properties and its huge industrial buildings cry for creative redevelopment. The first steps are already well along. More than 100 businesses have moved into the shipyard that the Navy abandoned and gave to Vallejo in 1996. Unfortunately Vallejo didn’t have the resources to develop most of it, so eventually turned the development over to Lennar Mare Island.

The businesses include Film Mare Island, which filmed the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why in its sound studio, and Factory OS, which makes pre-fab homes in a 265,000-sq.-ft former submarine production building plus many artisanal firms.

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DAVE PHINNEY’S STARRING ROLE To visitors, the most exciting development is Savage & Cooke distillery from Napa winemaker Dave Phinney. Phinney founded Savage & Cooke in 2016 after selling The Prisoner wine brand to Huneeus Vintners, reportedly for $40 million, and Orin Swift Cellars and the Locations brand to E. & J. Gallo for millions more. It’s one of many developments he plans for the island where he has acquired seven buildings on the waterfront near the terminal where ferries to San Francisco are staged. Phinney’s Savage & Cooke facility produces The Burning Chair bourbon, Second Glance American whiskey and Lip Service rye whiskey. He buys rye and corn for the whiskeys locally.

The facility also finishes Ayate reposado and Anejo tequila and plans to produce vodka and a gin using local herbs. For visitors, Savage & Cook has a tasting room open by appointment and also offers tours where you can see the 39-ft. high still they use to make the spirits. Phinney has applied for a license to serve food, another

badly needed addition to Mare Island, and the distillery hosts events in its buildings and on the waterfront.

Nearby, Vino Godfather winery from Suisun Valley has a tasting room in one of the old officers’ quarters. Along with tastings, glasses and bottles, it offers music on weekends.

Mare Island Brewing is making beer in its Coal Shed Brewery, an 8,000-sq. ft. former coal storage building a short distance away along the waterfront. Its taproom is at the Vallejo ferry terminal across the Napa River or Mare Island Sound that separates Mare Island from Vallejo proper, but it offers tours and tastings by appointment on the island. It has a large tasting area and bar and eventually hopes to open the taproom on Mare Island with live music, movies and even service to anchored boats.

MORE TO SEE In addition to spirits, beer and wine, Mare Island offers many other attractions including strolling among the historic structures.

WHAT’S AHEAD

One must-see is St. Peter’s Chapel with the most extensive collection of Tiffany glass in the western United States.

The chapel opened in 1901 and installed its first Tiffany window in 1905. It’s open by appointment.

Also of interest are the Mare Island Museum (Bldg. 46), a vast and eclectic collection of artifacts, the dry docks along the waterfront and the old officers’ homes. The Mare Island Historic Park Foundation offers two-hour tours of Mare Island (www.mareislandmuseum.org).

Earlier, Lennar Mare Island built more than 300 modern homes on the island, while many people and businesses have moved into stately historic quarters and more modest Navy homes.

Sadly, many other old buildings lie vacant though they would seem ideal affordable offices, shops and even housing, and it’s hard not to envision live-work lofts in the beautiful old brick buildings. Touro University has taken over a good number of homes with its osteopathic medical and other programs, and a hospital still serves veterans. A café and a bistro at Touro University serve kosher lunches (the university is affiliated with the Jewish tradition) and are open to the public.

Phinney has great plans ahead for Mare Island. He intends to add a winery, tasting room, retail and office space, and a workshop for artisanal goods including shotguns, boots, and jackets. He will create some of the businesses and lease space for others. The first development – other than the distillery – will be a grocery store, badly needed for both residents of the island and workers.

Phinney also formed an investment organization called the Nimitz Group after the famed World War II admiral with connections to Mare Island. It bought the old golf course and is negotiating to buy 1,000 acres from Lennar Mare Island, the company that has been redeveloping the former shipyard. His partners are Gaylon Lawrence Jr. and Sebastian Lane. They’ve bid on most of the island except Touro University and existing homes owned by residents, as well as other state and federal land like the cemetery and historic chapel. Nimitz has also made an offer on the mostly undeveloped northern part of the island. While it’s worth the adventure to check out today, it won’t be long before Mare Island holds its own as one of the Bay Area’s most popular destinations.

Routes to Mare Island are accessible by ferries that sail between San Francisco and Vallejo or across the sound.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.mareislandpreserve.org www.discovermareisland.com

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NVL things to do

Taste the Best of Napa in an Afternoon

ROOTED FORK FOODIE TOURS  BY PAUL FRANSON

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NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

A

fter a few days of tasting Napa Valley’s wonderful wines, many people want to take a break. That’s why Mecaela Miller started Rooted Fork Foodie Tours. Her tours let guests sample the best of food in downtown Napa in a few hours. The tour guides take guests on foot to many of the compact food magnet’s hot spots – eight in the Taste of Downtown Napa Tour – where they enjoy a delicious bite or two and often sample a beverage.

The refreshments are not entirely wine focused. Aside from a sparkling wine or sherry, options include a cocktail, beer, and coffee drink.

One recent Taste of Downtown Napa Tour led by Annie Budash, one of their knowledgeable and entertaining guides, visited eight downtown destinations, all favorites of locals. On the short walks between locations, she provided information about each restaurant or shop that even most insiders don’t know about along with other enlightening details of Napa history.

The intimate group started at Monday Bakery, a fresh, new addition to Napa’s booming food scene, to try buttery almond cake topped with house-made strawberry curd and cold brew coffee.

A short block away in the private dining room of Norman Rose Tavern, their popular Frank's Frito Slider with pepper jack and avocado relish was served paired with a specialty cocktail. Its generous size made clear that no one was going to be hungry after the tour was over.

Anette's Chocolates is famed locally, and went overboard for the curious guests, offering samples of a dark chocolate truffle blended with a hint of infused Cabernet wine, crunchy beer brittle with dark roasted peanuts and ale sprinkled with salt, finished off with a classic chocolate port sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. Why save the dessert for last?

Compline Wine Bar, Restaurant and Merchant is a wine lover’s dream, so although it sounded weird, their pairing of sparkling wine served with decadent fries cooked in duck fat was a perfect combination. Owner/sommelier Matt Stamp led the session.

Continuing past the new shops of First Street Napa, the tour’s next stop was Ca' Momi Osteria; fortunately, it was in the afternoon, not during the busy dinner service. Sitting at the food bar, everyone watched as the pizzaiolo stretched, dressed and baked four authentic Neapolitan Pizza Margheritas of organic

'00' flour, tomato, mozzarella di bufala and basil in just a few seconds before finding a bit more space in their rapidly filling stomachs. Several guests took the boxed leftovers to enjoy later. With the pizza, Ca’ Momi served traditional spritzes from Venice, the home region of the founders of the restaurant, who also make the Heartcraft sparkling white wine used in the refreshing cocktail.

Next up was Napa Palisades Saloon for a Reuben Croquette, a deep-fried morsel of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1,000 Island dressing paired with samples of Napa Palisades brews.

After a short stroll across the Napa River seeing the development that has tamed its former floods, the group arrived at the renowned Oxbow Public Market’s Kitchen Door Restaurant, where they sampled Chef Todd Humphrey’s famous cream of mushroom soup expertly paired with El Maestro Sierra Amontillado Sherry.

The last stop was Hudson Greens and Goods in the Oxbow Market, where everyone refreshed with a Green Jeans smoothie of kale, romaine, spinach, apple, cucumber, lemon, ginger, turmeric, celery and parsley, a restorative guaranteed to balance the tasty treats enjoyed throughout the day.

In three hours, the happy guests enjoyed a true taste of Napa and were likely ready to dive into the wine once more.

In addition to the afternoon Taste of Downtown Napa Tour, Rooted Fork offers a brunch tour that includes a progressive feast at such restaurants and shops as French icon Angèle and Basalt, both overlooking the Napa River, the Fatted Calf butcher and charcuterie, Oenotri, with its southern Italian specialties and Sweetie Pies, whose name is self-explanatory.

The Taste of Downtown Napa tours are available to reserve on Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm, the brunch at 10am on Saturday. The company also arranges private tours.

Prices range from $90 to $100 per person and can accommodate vegetarians and most food allergies. Must be 18 years or older.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.rootedforkfoodietours.com FALL 2019

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NVL things to do

The Napa Valley Film Festival A N N O U N C E S

9th ANNUAL PROGRAM LINEUP  PHOTOS BY XSIGHT, BOB MCCLENAHAN AND KAI SKYE

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NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Film lovers will not want to miss celebrating the only film festival completely immersed in the art of film, food and wine. This year, the Napa Valley Film Festival will once again pair the best new independent films of the year with the globally recognized food and wine found only in the Napa Valley.

F

rom November 13-17, festival attendees will spend their days engaging with over 300 filmmakers at the intimate screening venues and interactive festival hubs found throughout the towns of Napa, Yountville, and St. Helena. Guests will learn the behind the scenes secrets and creative process of each film first-hand from the cast and crew at Q&As and special festival events.

The NVFF19 program lineup will feature approximately 80 films comprised of Studio Spotlights, Special Presentations, Verge, Culinary Cinema, and Narrative and Documentary Features and Shorts.

This year, the festival’s core competition program includes 16 films that will not only participate in NVFF’s unique Artists-inResidence Program, but also screen three times throughout the week of the festival.

From Narrative Features such as Here Awhile and The Nomads to Run This Town and Standing Up, Falling Down these films feature incredible performances by Anna Camp, Billy Crystal, Nina Dobrev, Mena Massoud, Ben Platt, Tika Sumpter, and more.

Lucky Grandma

Here Awhile

The NVFF19 Narrative Features in Competition are as follows: BRING ME AN AVOCADO Fun-loving parents Robin and George have their world turned upside down when a fateful event leaves Robin in a coma. While Robin is in the hospital, George does his best to keep his daughter’s spirits up with the help of family friends. Directed by Maria Mealla. Napa Valley Premiere

HERE AWHILE Anna returns to Oregon to reconnect with her estranged brother Michael, only to reveal that she has decided to end her life via the Death with Justine Dignity Act due to her terminal illness. Michael tries to convince Anna to continue fighting for her life, while Anna does her best to make her remaining days as fulfilling as possible. Directed by Tim True. World Premiere

connection with Justine to find out what her true desires are. Directed by Stephanie Turner. Northern California Premiere

LUCKY GRANDMA Set in New York City's Chinatown, an ornery, chain-smoking Chinese grandma goes all in at the casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck - and in the middle of a gang war. Directed by Sasie Sealy. Northern California Premiere

THE NOMADS Amidst the chaos of massive budget cuts and school closures, a young female teacher introduces men's rugby to an inner-city North Philadelphia high school. Directed by Brandon Eric Kamin. West Coast Premiere

JUSTINE

RUN THIS TOWN

Struggling single mother Lisa takes a job as a nanny to Justine, an 8-year-old girl with spina bifida and two overbearing parents. While Justine’s parents believe it’s best to keep Justine isolated at home due to her condition, Lisa tries to form a

The inner workings of a city seen through the eyes of the interns and assistants that run it. A political aide tries to corral his brash, outspoken boss when a young researcher at a newspaper gets word of a scandal that could make or break both of their careers. Directed by Ricky Tollman.

West Coast Premiere

A Private War

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NVL things to do THE POLLINATORS The Pollinators is a cinematic journey around the United States following migratory beekeepers and their truckloads of honeybees as they pollinate the flowers that become the fruits, nuts and vegetables we all eat. Directed by Peter Nelson. Napa Valley Premiere

THE REMIX: HIP HOP X FASHION The story of how hip hop changed fashion, leading to the stratospheric and global rise of street wear. The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion is a journey of African American creativity and the limitless possibilities of a cultural movement on a global scale.

Directed by Lisa Cortes and Farah X. Napa Valley Premiere

The Pollinators

Meanwhile, Documentary Features like The Story of Plastic, The Pollinators, and Motherload will illuminate important social issues inspiring fresh conversations about the world and our responsibility to preserve it.

The NVFF19 Documentary Features in Competition are as follows: Standing Up, Falling Down

I AM HUMAN STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN A comedy about the unlikely friendship that kindles between a struggling stand-up comedian and a tragically flawed, but charming and charismatic, alcoholic dermatologist. Each helps the other find healing, in addition to the confidence to face the "failures" in their lives. Directed by Matt Ratner. California Premiere

STEALING SCHOOL Tech prodigy April Chen is accused of plagiarism by a teaching assistant and the two must stand trial at a secret academic tribunal to determine if April is still eligible for graduation. But in this game of psychological cat and mouse, someone is always one step ahead and nothing is as it seems. Directed by Li Dong. World Premiere 30

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Meet the world's first ‘cyborgs’ - a quadriplegic, a blind man, an amputee, a bio-hacker, and a woman with Parkinson's - the scientists who help them, and one entrepreneur who will stop at nothing on his quest to unlock the brain. Directed by Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby. West Coast Premiere

LATTER DAY JEW

THE STORY OF PLASTIC The Story of Plastic uncovers the truth behind plastic pollution and the false solution of plastic recycling. This film introduces audiences to the heroes and the villains behind one of the world's most pressing environmental issues. Directed by Deia Schlosberg. Napa Valley Premiere

THIS IS MY HOME This is My Home follows The Black Donnellys, a band comprised of two Irish immigrant musicians, who embark on an adventure to set a Guinness World Record, playing 60 shows in all 50 US states in just 35 days. Directed by Karl Nickoley. Northern California Premiere

WELL GROOMED Well Groomed travels the humorous, visually stunning world of Competitive Creative Dog Grooming alongside the colorful women transforming their beloved poodles into living sculptures. Directed by Rebecca Stern. Napa Valley Premiere

Latter Day Jew follows H. Alan Scott, a gay former Mormon/converted Jew/cancer survivor/writer-comedian, as he finds his spiritual path and prepares for his Bar Mitzvah at age 34. Directed by Aliza Rosen.

Napa Valley Premiere

MOTHERLOAD Motherload follows new mother Liz on a quest to understand and promote the cargo bike movement in a gas-powered, digital, and divided world. Directed by Liz Canning. Napa Valley Premiere

Latter Day Jew

I Want My MTV

In addition to the Narrative and Documentary Features in competition, I Want My MTV will play before the festival’s Saturday night Gala.

This film is an exciting exploration of the creation of MTV and features commentary from Sting, Billy Idol, David Bowie, Michael Nesmith, The Heart, Pat Benatar, and more.

Engaging conversations are bound to take place with a variety of subjects in the documentary during a special post screening Q&A. Throughout the week of the festival, walk the red carpet at studio screenings spotlighting this year’s upcoming hits like Troop Zero starring Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, and Makenna Grace; this film follows the story of a misfit girl recruiting a makeshift troop of Birdie Scouts in order to win a competition that will make her dreams a reality.

On Thursday, November 14, NVFF will once again be honoring the cinematic achievements of hollywood’s favorite stars at the annual Celebrity Tributes taking place at the Lincoln Theater. Past tributes include Laurence Fishburne, Will Ferrell, Alice Eve, Matthew McConaughey, Shailene Woodley, and more. ​All honorees will participate in on-stage conversations with a lively media host to celebrate and dive deeper into their exceptional careers.

New this year, NVFF will showcase a scrumptious series of culinary films at its newest screening venue, downtown Napa’s CIA at Copia. These mouthwatering films will also be the center of the festival’s ever-expanding Culinary Demonstration program across the street at the Napa Festival Hub located at the Oxbow Commons.

Inspired by the culinary stories brought to life on screen, NVFF recruits chefs from around the world to bring film-centered dishes directly to a live audience at the Monogram Culinary Demonstration Kitchen. In addition to the Demo Kitchen,

the Napa Hub will also host the Cathay Pacific Wellness Lounge’s morning meditation and yoga program, daily wine intermissions with boutique varietals, and a beer garden and bocci court brought to you by Peroni, Saint Archer and Hop Valley.

In an effort to expand their food and wine programming, NVFF is also premiering the Blending Lab, an intimate series of panel discussions where leading industry players analyze, breakdown, and explore the products and innovations currently trending in the world of food, wine, and spirits. The Blending Lab will be located at the festival’s St. Helena Festival Hub at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. Additionally, The Three Drinkers, a group of wine and spirits journalists coming from the UK, will be premiering the first episode of their new Amazon Prime series and hosting 4 live Master Classes centered around scotch, wine and more.

We’ll see you at the movies!

Interested in participating in the festival?

Choose from a variety of 3-day and 5-day pass options. The 3-day Festival Pass and Pass Plus will be valid from Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17. ​Visit nvff.org for full program lineup​.

Interested in an elevated experience?

Attend the Napa Valley Film Festival as a VIP. Whether it’s a private winemaker dinner or a red-carpet premiere, members of the festival’s Patron Circle receive elevated treatment at the film festival, and beyond. For more information on the VIP experience visit napavalleyfilmfest.org/patron for details.

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Gary’s Napa Valley Opens in St. Helena

NVL what's hot

Gary Fisch opened his first West Coast location of Gary's Wine & Marketplace in the Dean & Deluca location on Highway 29 in St. Helena. Gary’s Napa Valley will ultimately feature over 600 wine labels focusing primarily on Napa Valley wines while also including the largest and most diverse selection of hand-selected imports in the area. In addition, the store will carry over 250 spirits and beer products and well over 200 cheeses and other specialty food items (local and imported) as well as coffee and breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, olive oil and fresh-baked bread.

Emma K.Morris

Southside Café Opens in South Napa

Gary’s Napa Valley aims to cater to the local community with the best selection of local and international wineries as well as revamped catering services. Fisch envisions the St. Helena store as being, “the best wine shop in the Napa Valley.

For visitors, Fisch plans to offer customers a signature Gary’s experience by providing a concierge service where guests can taste wines and arrange to visit neighboring wineries. “I want to offer something for everyone; from the local winemaker seeking to try a rare import to the international visitors looking to taste the best of the Napa Valley.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.garyswine.com // 607 St. Helena Highway

Local favorite Southside Café opened its third location in the Century Shopping Center. Owners Mayan and Irma Robinson along with their new business partner, Evan Dodge are excited to welcome guests to their newest location across from Century Theaters. Following in the footsteps of their popular Carneros and Yountville locations, their new restaurant offers healthy, flavorful breakfast and lunch selections but has added a night time menu to complement its extended evening hours. The menu includes small and large plates with seasonal selections such as Cauliflower Baja Tacos, an Open Faced Mushroom Torta, Duck Carnitas and Smoked Bacon Chop.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.southsidenapa.com // 135 Gasser Ave, Suite B, Napa

Louis M. Martini Opens New Tasting Room One of Napa Valley's oldest wineries, Louis M. Martini, got a new look with a significant winery restoration and recently launched an array of new, world-class tasting experiences including their Crown Bar Tasting in the stunning main room, a customized Library Tasting in the private Founders Room and Heritage Lounge Tasting offering a range of small-lot wines with innovative food pairings from Chef Jeffrey Russell. The outdoor cabanas are popular to reserve for tastings in the lush Martini Park, or cool off in the historic barrel room for an Underground Cellar experience complete with an intimate food and wine tasting. The tasting room is open daily from 10am - 6pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 707-968-3362 // www.louismartini.com

Introducing

Where one great moment folds into the next 9 Tasting Rooms | Cooking Classes Fivetown Grocery | Picnic Services Concerts and More Open 11:00am to 7:00pm daily.

Anarchist Wine Co. | Cornerstone Cellars Fivetown Grocery | Foley Food and Wine Society GEN 7 Wines | Jayson by Pahlmeyer Luna Vineyards | Mi Sueño Winery Napa Smith Brewery | Trinitas Cellars 850 Bordeaux Way • Napa, CA 94558 VillageNapaValley.com @villagenapavalley

Voted Napa’s Best Spa

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

TMR_NVLife_Ad_SPA_HALF_2018V3.indd 1

7/11/18 11:55 AM

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NVL what's hot

Mustards Pour-Off Pair-Off Dinner Series Join Mustards Friday evenings for their Pour-Off Pair-Off Dinner Series, which offers diners the opportunity to pair renowned Mustards Grill cuisine with wines that are almost never offered by the taste or glass. The Dinner Series features menus paired with amazing wines, sometimes craft beer and sometimes an after dinner drink. Due to its extensive viticultural offerings, Mustards has been called a “wine geek’s paradise” but is also accessible to casual sippers thanks to an extensive and varied list of wines by the glass.

The comfortable dining room and lively atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to this snobbery-free wine country dining experience. Friday nights at Mustards are the friendliest of the week.

Housley Napa Valley Opens on Clinton

FOR MORE INFORMATION 7399 St. Helena Highway, Yountville

www.mustardsgrill.com

Housley Napa Valley, now open on Clinton Street, is the newest addition to the downtown Napa wine scene. Owned by celebrity couple Adam and Tamera Housley, the location has quickly become popular hang-out, especially on weekends.

Their award winning family labels, Century Oak Winery and Housley Napa Valley, are available to sample or buy by the glass. The wines are produced in Napa, and Lodi, and are approachable to drink and to buy. The laid back décor lends a “friends and family” vibe designed to make anyone who walks through the doors feel at home. They plan to add more Housley wines and their new brandy label to the menu as well as wines from Guy Fieri, Hunt & Ryde and a few other “famous friends” – all that can be paired with cheese or chocolate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 1038 Clinton Street // housleynapavalley.com

Velvet 48 Want to extend your Napa Valley wine experience? It’s all in the numbers at Velvet 48 Wine Bar starting with welcoming each guest with a complimentary glass of their private label sparkling wine, 400 selections to choose from, 50 wines by the glass, 50 sparkling wines, over 5,000 bottles in total, created by a 20-year veteran in the industry, Jason Cooper. A curated pairing menu of savory to sweet selections contributes to the wine bar atmosphere, a first of its kind in the downtown area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 310 Lorton Ave., Burlingame // www.Velvet48.com 34

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Y Not You? Aesthetic Medical Practice Specializing in Botox and Fillers www.drsworyim.com

By Appointment Only: info@drsworyim.com 7 Walkabout Ln. Napa, CA 94558 (707) 337-7655

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156 East Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476 (415) 596-1075 FALL 2019

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DESIGN GUIDE

Quick Ways to Refresh Your Home for Fall Entertaining  BY KATHERINE BARRIO

A

nne Alderson is an interior designer and the proprietor of Brick & Mantel, a local luxury furniture and interior design studio. She is a native Californian who has spent the last 16 years creating beautiful residential and commercial spaces here in the Napa Valley. Fall is the busiest time of year in her industry. As the weather starts to cool, people begin to focus on updating their house for the holiday season.

“In the fall, people usually come in with very specific goals, be it space, furniture, window coverings, guest space, etc., but often need help getting there.” says Anne.

She shares some of the tips that she has learned on how and where people should best focus their attention.

Now is the time to gather ideas, and clients should think about how they use their space and what would make it more functional. Don’t start a remodel now, the chances of completion before the holidays is slim. Wait until after the New Year when

the stress of the holiday season is over and more attention can be focused on the project. Immediate focus should be on quick updates: think about a new paint color, change out a light fixture or add a chandelier above a dining room table. Add mirrors to bring light into dark spaces to make a small room seem larger, or update the entryway to maximize a guests’ first impression.

Area rugs can be stacked for a layered look. In the dining room, find a rug 24” larger than the table on all sides so any chair can pull out and still be entirely on the rug. Ideally there should be 12” of exposed floor all the way around.

September is when to order new furniture if it is expected for the holidays.

Many manufacturers have deadlines in mid-September for guaranteed delivery before Thanksgiving. The most popular items are dining tables with removable leaves, dining chairs or bench seating and sleeper sofas.

Declutter before bringing in seasonal decorations. Remove at least as many items as are being put out. Adding seasonal décor on top of already crowded shelves will make the house feel cluttered instead of festive.

To create an outside living or dining area, start with an outdoor rug or use plants to define the space. Buy furniture or a table that fits comfortably, then add small decorations which could be candles, lanterns, umbrellas or pillows.

If help is needed, hire a designer, and it’s best to come prepared. Bring in photos of the house and create a Pinterest or Houzz account to save favorite designs; these are essential tools for a designer to understand the look the client wants to achieve. A good designer will be able to recreate the feel their clients wish to convey in the space they have.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Brick & Mantel // 742 California Ave, Napa // www.brickandmantel.com // 707-927-3652 Anne Alderson 36

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

BRICK & MANTEL

HOME | STAGING | FURNITURE | DESIGN

Create Your Dream Home

742 CALIFORNIA BLVD. NAPA | WWW.BRICKANDMANTEL.COM

SWEET BLOSSOM

The

Gift

GUIDE Napa Valley gift ideas for everyone on your list

Handcrafted in small batches, Sweet Blossom Company offers luxurious home and skincare products that are sure to delight and indulge the senses. Their signature goat’s milk soaps and lotions, whipped sugar scrubs and beeswax candles are available in nine fresh scents and make great gifts for any occasion.

Made exclusively in Napa, CA PRICE: $8 - $15 • WHERE TO BUY: SWEETBLOSSOMCOMPANY.COM

THE PAINTED LADY

Keep your summer glow over the Holidays.

Experience The Napa Valley's most charming, lavish tanning spa. Experience Napa Valley's finest UV Tan and Spray tan services – in house with Beauty Angel – the only red light therapy booth in the entire Napa Valley, or a lavish private spray tan with our mobile spray tanning services. *HOLIDAY GIFT SPECIALS: 90 DAYS UNLIMITED TANNING $99 / (3) LAVISH AIRBRUSH TANS $90 WHERE TO BUY: THEPAINTEDLADYNAPAVALLEY.COM *Not valid for mobile services

WAKE UP WINE

Make any wine taste more luxurious in minutes and enjoy it exactly as the winemaker intended with WAKE UP WINE—a top-of-the-line and unique electronic decanter set. It’s the perfect gift for wine lovers! Impress your holiday guests. Upgrade your wine experience. It even works on spirits like whiskey and tequila. PRICE: $$199.99 PRO MODEL (Enter code NVLM exclusive for Napa Valley Life readers to receive a special offer.)

WHERE TO BUY: WWW.WAKEUPWINE.COM

SILVER TRIDENT WINERY RALPH LAUREN HOME

Enjoy a Napa Valley wine experience furnished with Ralph Lauren Home. Everything you're admiring all around you—from the eclectic artwork, decorative accents to the cosmopolitan barware, silver plated serving trays and crystal decanters —is from Ralph Lauren Home.

And, just like our Silver Trident wines, it's all available to add to your own collection or for unique Holiday gifting opportunities. PRICE: $60-$1,200 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.SILVERTRIDENTWINERY.COM

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NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

SALUTE SANTÉ!

GRAPESEED OIL One of Oprah's Favorite Things! The Grapeseed Oil Pantry – including the original grapeseed oil in a 1/2 Liter can for cooking and salads; Chardonnay and Merlot extra virgin cold pressed grapeseed oils for drizzling as finishing oils; and three best-selling infused grapeseed oils; roasted garlic, basil and lemon – the perfect liquid spice – all in a lovely wooden crate.

PRICE: $90 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.GRAPESEEDOIL.COM

SWEET ELOISE BOUTIQUE

CORKING CREATIONS WINE GLASS NECKLACE

Sweet Eloise Boutique turns flowers into wearable works of art with handcrafted floral petal beads and custom jewelry designs. Preserve your bouquet, arrangement, or even your favorite flower with a one-ofa-kind piece that tells your unique story and holds special meaning for you. PRICE: $45-$285 ª WHERE TO BUY:

Corking Creations unique Wine Glass Necklaces are fashionable jewelry that also hold your wine glass. Most often used at Wine Tasting Festivals and events these are popular for any type of party fromTailgating, to Girls Night, and even Bachelorette Parties.

These are the perfect gift for the wine lover who has everything.

WWW.SWEETELOISEBOUTIQUE.COM 1-833-4ELOISE

PRICE: $10-$25 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.WINEGLASSNECKLACE.COM

Photo by Alex Rubin

STEPHEN D. EVANS CRYSTAL WINE STOPPERS

TRIBELLA WINE AERATOR

Aeration made beautiful. The perfect pour. Drip Free Elegance.

TRIbella has been called the “Greatest Aerator Of All Time”, and is an absolute joy to give… and receive. Complete the circuit of beauty from bottle to glass like never before. PRICE: $40

Stephen D. Evans’ crystal wine stoppers are made with semi-precious stones, each representing a different vibration/ purpose to offer inspiration. These wine stoppers stand up on their own. The full collection is beautiful to display when they’re not in use on the table. They are made with winery and FDA-grade stainless steel bases so you never have to worry about leeching metals and plastic. Don’t drink wine? You can use these unique stoppers on any bottle: wine, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and liquor bottles. These make perfect hostess gifts, wedding favors, bridal shower favors, or for that person who has everything. PRICE: $34 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.STEPHENDEVANS.COM

WHERE TO BUY: TRIBELLAWINE.COM

FALL 2019

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BATI LEATHER WINE CADDY

Grab a Bati leather wine caddy and see why vineyards and sommeliers alike consider this the most elegant companion to a bottle of wine.

Each caddy is handmade with soft, world-class vegetable-tanned leather and crafted by seasoned artisans in Paraguay, South America. Each sale helps a Paraguayan student in need. Available in brown, tan, black, red and blue. PRICE: $95 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.BATIGOODS.COM

LIEBHERR WS 1200

Liebherr’s beautiful WS 1200 is a state-of-theart tabletop wine storage unit that holds up to 12 Bordeaux bottles and can be placed in any entertaining space. Made of scratch-resistant SmartSteel, specially developed low-vibration compressors prevent tannins from settling, allowing wines to mature properly. PRICE: $1,599 WHERE TO BUY: HOME.LIEBHERR.COM

JCB COLLECTION UNISEX FRAGRANCES

The creation of vintner Jean-Charles Boisset’s signature unisex fragrances translates his passion through scent. JCB No. 13 is a divine and delicate perfume with the expression of pure light while JCB No. 0 evokes the depth of wine cellars to impart an intoxicating and mysterious allure. Each comes in two 100-ml versions, an essence de parfum in limited-edition Baccarat crystal bottles and an eau de parfum in glass bottles. PRICE: $295-$2000 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JCBCOLLECTION.COM

CORK POPS THE VINOSTREAM

GABRIEL-GLAS

Gabriel-Glas is “One for All”, the ideal glass for every style of wine. The stunning lead-free crystal vessel is exquisitely crafted to allow for full expression of each wine it delivers. The Gold Edition blown glass and the StandArt glass offer unparalleled wine drinking pleasure. PRICE: $32-$71 PER STEM • WHERE TO BUY:

WWW.GABRIEL-GLASINTERNATIONAL.COM • 888-220-3464

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The new VinOstream from Cork Pops is an innovative 2-in-1 wine aerator and dispenser designed to aerate wine by exposing liquid to air while it is being dispensed from the bottle into the glass, giving any wine enthusiast premium wine with softened flavors and enhanced aromas in one fluid motion.

The VinOstream fits most wine bottles, comes with two cartridges and can be used for red or white wine.

PRICE: $28 ª WHERE TO BUY WWW.CORKPOPS.COM

WINEMAKER'S PANTRY SPICE PAIRINGS FOR THE WINES THEY LOVE

NAPA VALLEY JEWELERS KABANA NECKLACE Only the most skilled jewelers are qualified to inlay a Kabana piece.

Each gemstone is meticulously sculpted by hand to fit perfectly into its channel, and then thoroughly hand-polished to a seamless finish.

Our solid inlay creates a gemstone that rises above the gold forming a dome, creating Kabana’s signature look that is recognizable around the world. Every piece of Kabana jewelry is made in New Mexico, The heart of the southwest of America.

PICTURED: 14K Yellow gold pendant with tear drop Arizona Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and diamonds.

Fruit, floral, botanical or earthy… every spice and herb in the pairing blends from Winemaker's Pantry have been selected to enhance the core flavors and aromas of the most popular wine varietals: Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauv Blanc. Use them while cooking and as a finishing spice. They’re a perfect-pairing gift for friends and family. PRICE: $9.95 WHERE TO BUY: WINEMAKERSPANTRY.COM

PRICE: $2,450 • WHERE TO BUY: NAPAVALLEYJEWELERS.COM

MARIO'S

LAKES AND GRAPES

Apparel rooted in the adventures and lifestyle of waves to vines living, Lakes and Grapes has you covered with gifts for all ages on your list.

The brand inspires and encourages people to get outside and enjoy everything our waters and vineyards have to offer. PRICE: $24- $54 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.LAKESANDGRAPES.COM

Mario’s Menswear features a wide variety of goods from all over the world. From beautiful accessories to luxurious Italian leather jackets, Mario's has great gifts for every occasion and something for every man on your list. WHERE TO BUY:

ROBERT GRAHAM

1223 MAIN STREET, ST. HELENA

HERBA BUENA CONSCIOUS CANNABIS Gifts For the Higher Mind… For the canna-curious or cannaseur on your list, HerbaBuena offers a curated selection of award-winning, organic products selected for purity, potency and balanced, feel-good effect. From high quality CBD oils or topicals to collections for sleep, pain, stress and pleasure, they take the guess work out of giving.

Gift certificates available.

PRICES START AT $24 • PRIVATE TASTING EXPERIENCES START AT $650 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.HERBABUENA.COM

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MAKENOMISTAKE John and Stacy Reinert are Taking a Risk and

Enjoying the Ride  BY MICHAEL KOEHN | PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS STERLING

When the modern history of Napa Valley winemaking is written, a significant chapter will undoubtedly be dedicated to Brilliant Mistake Wines and its creators, John and Stacy Reinert. It’s a compelling story, rooted in romance and leaps of faith that resulted in some of the finest vintages currently being produced in the wine world, with growing cult status, a long waiting list and consistent scores in the mid-nineties and above for their very limited production wines.

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ith its instant success, it may come as a surprise that Brilliant Mistake Wines was the result of anything other than some sort of blue blood pedigree, the product of wine lovers who grew up in the family cellars and had the winemaking gene in their DNA. To the contrary, this is the story of a label with its provenance founded on trust and intuition, the vision of a married couple who simply loved great wine and wanted to learn about and produce some of their own.

The Brilliant Mistake story had its beginnings in an unlikely place, a Bay Area salon, where Stacy and John Reinert crossed paths in 2009. They discovered a mutual interest in each other and food and wine. As John and Stacy began to develop their relationship, they started visiting the Napa Valley on weekends, exploring the area’s scenic charms and enjoying the exceptional food and wine found there. Stacy has a love of cooking, enjoying meals with family and friends, and John is a self-educated wine enthusiast, inspired by stories of Napa Valley vintners. The couple started attending Napa Valley wine events and enthusiastically immersed themselves in the food and wine scene. Their curiosity about making wine resulted in conversations with local winemakers, about their processes and how to go about getting a small wine enterprise started. In the midst of this adventure, in 2011, John and Stacy got married in the Napa Valley.

“Napa is a great place to become inspired,” John says. “It is a very romantic place, so beautiful, almost Zen-like, and over a glass of wine, an incredible meal, and great conversation you can fall in love...and maybe even decide to start a winery.” On one of their visits, John and Stacy had the good fortune of befriending Didier Loustau

and Susan Quinn, founders of Tout Suite Social Club. Through this connection, they met and got to know many talented local winemakers and vintners, including, Juan Mercado, Russell Bevan, Benoit Touquette, Barbara and Sheldon Richards, Aaron Pott, Brian and Lori Nuss, Josh Phelps and many others.

As they started thinking about starting their own winery, they would hear stories about successes and failures in the industry and they were grateful for the openness some of the winemakers and vintners offered them, trying to steer them in a direction that would allow them to fulfill the vision they had for their winery.

“We really enjoyed the wines produced by Realm Cellars and we had the opportunity to meet with the founder, Juan Mercado. He offered us some really good advice,” John says.

“He told us to start slowly, promote the brand effectively, have a memorable name, source the best possible fruit, focus on Bordeaux-style varietals, continue to make connections and, most of all, enjoy it.”

In late 2012 John and Stacy decided to go forward with the winery and began sourcing grapes in 2013.

Rebekah Wineburg created their 2013 vintage, but after one year she moved on to another winery and recommended winemaker Maayan Koschitzky to John and Stacy. Koschitzky had an enviable pedigree, previously an assistant winemaker for some of the area’s most sought after labels, like Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle, and is the Director of Winemaking and partner at Philippe Melka’s wine consulting firm Atelier Melka.

“Beyond the pedigree he brings to Brilliant Mistake, Maayan also has a unique voice,” John explains. “He wants to make a wine that represents the place the grapes come from, but he also wants to make a statement about what can be done when every aspect of the process is taken into consideration, from the vineyard to the cellar. Our wines are bold and direct. And we want consistency in quality from year to year.

Having Maayan assures us, and our customers, that they will be purchasing or collecting a wine they will be proud to have in their cellar.” In addition to his winemaking expertise, Koschitzky’s relationships with top growers provide access to some of the top vineyards in the Napa Valley.

“ Our passion for making wine was something that just grew and grew,” Stacy says, “and as we talked about having our own label, it just became more and more inevitable.”

“I don’t think I saw it coming in the way that it happened, but it felt like it was the right plan. When we decided to make the wine we thought, as long as we make something we really like, then we can’t fail and it won’t be a mistake.”

The 2016 Brilliant Mistake Cabernet Sauvignon is an extremely elegant vintage, even for a relatively young wine, and received consistent ratings of 95 or more in the wine press. Lisa PerrottiBrown, writing for Robert Parker, gave

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the wine a 96+ and described it this way: “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 90 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 percent Petit Verdot and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. It has a very deep garnet-purple color and features beautifully youthful, vibrant black cherries, blackberries and red and black currants scents with wafts of kirsch, lilacs, roses and red soil plus a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, stunningly elegant and well-poised in the mouth, it has a very sexy frame of plush tannins and a fantastic perfume pervading the very long mineral-laced finish. A monumental success this year, this wine proves that mistakes are not just a necessary part of continual improvement, occasionally they can be absolutely inspired. Bravo!”

In 2016, John, Stacy, and winemaker Koschitzky decided they needed to add to their portfolio. “Stacy is a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc and we had an opportunity to get some quality grapes for our first white wine,” John says. It was also the vintage that gave Brilliant Mistake bottles a distinctive look. “We decided to try a process, an acid bath treatment that frosted the glass. We sourced Bordeaux bottles and tried this process, and it’s one of the things that gives us a unique shelf appeal that people really like. It’s another process, another step, but we think it’s worth it.”

The Brilliant Mistake 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley was released in a quantity of 100 cases and was acclaimed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker, noting it “bursts forth from the glass with vibrant scents of ripe peaches, apricot tart and honeyed pears with touches of orange blossoms, coriander seed, and beeswax.

Medium-bodied with a fantastic line of freshness cutting through the intense stone fruit layers, it finishes with great length and depth. Rating: 93+ points.”

As the label began to develop a following, John and Stacy started looking for ways to promote their brand and decided to join the Napa Valley Vintners. Through this new association, they donated a five-case lot of Brilliant Mistake Cabernet Sauvignon for the 2017 Premiere Napa Valley (PNV) Wine Auction. “We were trying to find ways to get our name out

there and that live auction brought in $30,000.00 for that 5 case lot. That blew us away,” John recalls. “We were excited and wondered what had just happened. It turned out that the buyer loved the story; they liked the look of the bottle and label and loved the wine.

Maayan did a great job with that lot.”

The next year Brilliant Mistake was involved in the organization’s online auction and got the same enthusiastic response. “Thinking we wouldn’t be able to repeat that success the next year, we entered a five-case lot in the 2018 Premiere Napa Valley Online Auction and that lot went for $17,500.00, which is a record for an online lot at PNV,” John says. These strong showings at both the 2017 and 2018 Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auctions put the wine world on notice that John and Stacy and their Brilliant Mistake vintages were serious contenders and to be reckoned with.

“We’re coming at this a little left of center, or outside the box,” John says.

“We have tried to approach establishing the brand in an artistic, storytelling kind of way that reflects how our relationship with each other has developed.

We are living this dream, yet we’re directing the narrative as it relates to our wines and the brands look and feel. It has to be different, and really stand out as there are so many great wines and stories out there. We’re also trying to take advantage of any resources available to get that story out to establish our presence in the wine industry while staying true to our vision.”

Brilliant Mistake recently added a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon to their portfolio called The Poet & The Muse. The Poet & The Muse will be a very limited production wine, fiftyfive cases, aged for approximately 30 months in French Oak barrels. Down the road, Brilliant Mistake plans to introduce another label to their portfolio, calling it ‘When She Was King’.

“For me, everything that I’ve done with this brand/winery is inspired by Stacy. She’s my muse, she motivates me and she is a strong, passionate and caring individual who I really admire as a person,” John explains. “All of the brand names that I’ve come up were inspired or have something to do with

her, or the strength of the female, as is the case with When She Was King.”

“We also like the idea of having several seasonal releases in the spring, summer, and fall, as it keeps us relevant throughout the entire year, as opposed to having just a single release,” Stacy says. A future goal is to open a tasting room in Yountville or St. Helena.

For now, things are pretty much right where they want them, developing the brand organically, each step of the way a natural increment in a process that they hope will be a long-lasting and highly satisfying venture. “The way this has happened has seemed very organic, almost serendipitous, and we were fortunate with the people we worked with and the grapes we source,” Stacy says.

“John and I try to meet all the people who support our wine, and if they come to Napa we’re always open to meeting and tasting with them,”

“ A person’s worth is often measured by the risks they take in life,” John says.

“We’re enjoying the ride and the risk, enjoying the whole experience. We feel like we’re growing at the right pace – taking our time and not rushing decisions. We do appreciate the support and advice from all of the vintners that we’ve met, and we really couldn’t do this without all of the people involved in the day-to-day, such as Aurelien, Ellie, Brett, Scott and the crew at Eleven Eleven Wines, Chris, Kylie, Melissa, Andrea, Jennifer, Alicia and the staff at M7 Wine Solutions, Angela, Lauren and the folks at ACME Fine Wines who champion our wines along with so many other amazing brands, Tyson, Ned and the staff at Offset Commerce, and the “family” we have at our home bases of Bottega Restaurant and Brasswood Restaurant. So many people are involved in helping a brand grow, and all of these people mean so much to us. We’ve been very fortunate in the success that we’ve had so far, but we’re by no means satisfied.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION brilliantmistakewines.com // 707-363-4014 // john@brilliantmistakewines.com

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Founder John Reinert and Winemaker Maayan Koschitzky

Maayan and his wife Dana Koschitzky

Left to Right: Cynthia and Douglas Sterling (photographer), Dana and daughter Tamar, Stacy, John and Maayan enjoying dinner at night, alfresco style.

Founder Stacy Reinert

HARVEST SEASON TRADITIONS  BY FRAN MILLER

Frank Family harvest

Each year without fail the grapevines within the Napa Valley advance through their lifecycle. It begins with bud break in the spring, veraison and ripening in the summer, and then finally, fall harvest. The steps within the annual cycle are pivotal; every mutation is watched closely by vintners, winemakers, and vineyard managers, each of whom trust in nature’s integrity, and each of whom rivals local meteorologists in climate knowledge.

S

uccess – in grape growing, and ultimately in the closely during the growing season. “We have a final bottled product - is closely linked to weather pretty seasoned crew, so we are rarely surprised and environment. But even in the most severe by anything.” The tradition to which he adheres and dramatic of circumstances, grapes somehow annually is toasting his staff as the first grapes of survive all of the elements including cold winter nights the season make their way to the crush pad. “We and scorching mid-summer heat to ripen in their own all enjoy a celebratory sip of a previous vintage time – harvest time – ultimately becoming something for which those grapes were used, and then we savored and beloved by those around the world. pour the remaining balance of the bottle into the From August through October, and sometimes crusher or press for good luck.” later, the Napa Valley comes alive with the sounds, Cosentino’s calm harvest reserve is contrasted smells, and activities of harvest. A late-night/early slightly with the adrenalized excitement of his J. morning drive down Silverado Trail or Highway 29 McClelland co-winemaker Paul Scotto who prepares reveals vineyard rows illuminated by tractor lights for harvest each year with a July 4 family getaway. and hardworking men and women loading grapes into “The day we return, I jump into winemaker mode picking bins. During harvest, several wineries bless full throttle,” said Scotto. “There's always a sense their grapes. Some engage in unique traditions. Most of excitement in the air. It’s like hitting the reset assess their equipment and their readiness for the button: it's a time to get the equipment serviced soon-to-arrive grape bounty. Whichever manner in and checked, like a flight crew checking out the which the occasion is marked, harvest is undoubtedly plane before takeoff. The goal is to troubleshoot and Napa’s seminal season. address any issues before we receive the first load of “The beauty of harvest lies in the fact that we grapes. We aim to make each new harvest even more must accept and align ourselves with Mother Nature,” efficient than the last.” said Kathleen Ward, assistant winemaker at Theorem Jeff Cole, winemaker at Sullivan Rutherford Estate Vineyards on Diamond Mountain where elevation and in the heart of the valley, reiterates the ‘all hands on cooler night temperatures allow for a longer ripening deck’ mentality of harvest. “We have a small team, season. and when that first load of grapes comes in about the first week of September, we are ready to go.” In addition to an initial harvest lunch that is prepared for Cole and his team, Sullivan proprietor Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla invites the entire winery staff into his home every Thursday for lunch. “This is particularly significant during harvest,” says Cole. “Camaraderie is extremely important during the “Our harvest begins with a champagne toast rigorous harvest months, and these family-style meals to the arrival of the first fruit of the vintage. It’s a are integral to team building.” day where we celebrate the fruit reaching optimal At Frank Family Vineyards, it is customary for the retail ripeness, and we begin the first of many steps to sales department to host a bountiful breakfast for the promaking our wine. Some of those steps are rooted in duction crew at about the three-week harvest mark – when science, some in art, some in tradition, and others sustenance and energy are most needed. “It’s a time for in superstition.” everyone to step back for a moment and take a deep breath,” “The anticipation during harvest of what is to says Liam Gearity, director of direct-to-consumer sales come is always great,” said Mitch Cosentino, conand hospitality. “We set-up on the back patio and it’s just a sulting winemaker at J. McClelland Cellars. Harvest really nice event where everyone comes together during this time for him is spent in every corner of Napa and exciting time of the year.” beyond, surveying the grapes that he’s watched

“ And it's our responsibility to harness what Mother Nature has given us and turn it into something extraordinary.”

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Rich and Leslie Frank toast to harvest season

Frank Family winemaker Todd Graff emphasizes the exhilaration and anticipation of the season, “We wouldn’t be doing this as long as we have if we didn’t love doing it.” The 17-year Frank Family veteran previously worked at Schramsberg where he learned the art of champagne sabering. Thus, he famously sabers a bottle of Frank Family sparkling wine upon delivery of the first grape bin. He pours a few drops over the grapes while the crew imbibes the rest.

“ Harvest season is simply our greatest time of the year,” Graff said.

Christi Coors Ficeli

Paul Scotto

Goosecross winemaker Bill Nancarrow

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At Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, harvest is heralded by a blessing of the first load of grapes to arrive at the winery – a special tradition that brings together the full winemaking and cellar crew as well as family and friends. “It gets everyone excited to kick-off the season,” said Stag’s Leap winemaker Marcus Notaro. “Our other big tradition is that most of the winemaking and cellar crew don’t shave during harvest. They treat it like the Stanley Cup playoffs.

We have a game-time mentality of ‘don’t shave until you win’.”

At Goosecross Cellars, proprietor Christi Coors Ficeli performs the blessing of their grapes, and it’s her favorite part of harvest season. “It’s a magical time,” said Ficeli, who provides her winemaking team with annual ‘Team Harvest’ t-shirts. “I say a little prayer over the grapes while our winemaker Bill Nancarrow sabers a bottle of sparkling. We all take a deep breath and drink the bubbly while telling stories and laughing about all of the little things that tend to happen in any given harvest.

Then it is time to work! There is an overall sense of hyper-speed during harvest. We all pitch in as needed and we keep the fridge stocked with Coors Banquet at all times. We often bring in sandwiches and pizza to keep everyone fueled throughout the day. We all understand that what we do the year ‘round relies heavily on doing our best during the three critical months in the fall when we make it all happen.”

The season, of course, is not only limited to grape harvest. “During this time of year, it is harvest time in every sense within the valley,” said Cosentino. “For those of us that have home gardens, ripe produce is always a prelude to grape harvest. The picking of the new grapes often coincides with a bounty of fresh-from-the-garden produce for use in our kitchens. Harvest satisfaction can come in many ways.”

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Blessing of the Grapes

Jeff Cole, Sullivan Rutherford Estate

Frank Family harvest

Goosecross harvest time

Kathleen Ward of Theorem

Harvest time at Frank Family Vineyards

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FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS in the COMMU N ITY

T

he Napa Valley is a community that is driven by passion and a familial spirit that runs deep to its core.

Each year, the Valley celebrates, raises funds, and expands the reach of organizations that serve the community. Proprietors, Rich and Leslie Frank of Frank Family Vineyards have found joy serving the community and dedicating their time to philanthropic efforts.

“As a successful winery business, Rich and I believe that we are in a fortunate position to play an important and progressive role in improving the lives of the people in Napa Valley and beyond,” said Proprietor of Frank Family Vineyards, Leslie Frank.

Leslie serves on the board of directors of Festival Napa Valley, which raises funds to enrich arts and community programs and recently co-chaired the Arts for All Gala, which raised a record $2.6 million for the non-profit.

On September 6th, Rich and Leslie served as the honorary chairs of the 13th annual Collabria Care Gala.

Collabria Care is the leading center for community-based care for those facing transitions of aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other serious illnesses. As ambassadors for the organization, Rich and Leslie donated two high value lots to the silent auction where 250 community members attended.

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percent of proceeds from each online purchase of the Carneros Pinot Noir to Feeding America which is equivalent to about 11 meals per bottle to children and families in need.

“ I am so honored to be working with such a committed and dedicated family,” said Financial Consultant, Karin Alvarado. “Our team is privileged to work with individuals like Rich and Leslie who so generously respond to the needs of our Napa Community.”

In addition to their community involvement, the Franks also take the helm of Frank Family Vineyards’ charitable giving initiatives. In 2018, the Frank Family team raised $10,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through the winery’s “Frank

Drinks Pink” campaign.

This year, the winery will be coordinating a “Frank Fights Hunger” campaign throughout the month of November. During this campaign, the Franks will be donating 10

W ELCOME TO T HE BEST O F B O T H WO R L D S A serene oasis overlooking the Napa River...

Just steps from the energy of downtown.

R I V E R T E R R A C E I N N . C O M | 8 6 6 . 6 2 7. 2 3 8 6 | N A PA , C A

RUTHERFORD WINE VAULT PRESENTS

THE WINE CAPSULE  BY MARIO SCULATTI

WORLD EVENTS IN 1940...

In Tibet, a 4-year old boy named Tenzin Gyatso is celebrated as the new rebirth of the 13th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Buddhism. In WW2, the Battle of France marks Hitler’s army occupation of Paris.

In America, draft registration of 16 million men begins in preparation for the United States entrance into WW2.

The 1940 Louis Martini Reserve was a rare “survivor” that many people have never even seen before. Following Prohibition, the Napa Valley wine business struggled to stay operational, let alone thrive as a world wine power. This particular bottle was discovered in the root cellar of a generational St Helena family. It was dusty, in its original box, and the fill level was remarkably high at the base of the neck. When brought up from underground and held to the sunlight, the color of the wine shone through the antique green bottle like ruby gem. The bottle came directly into cold storage at Rutherford Wine Vault where it was stored lovingly until the owner decided to share the bottle at a birthday evening for his wife.

The Opening: Sealed with a heavy gauge wrinkled red foil capsule, no corrosion, suggesting no historical seepage. An Ah-So was used to remove the cork, which was pristine, only 2/3 soaked up.

Aromatics: Everyone’s first sense as the 1940 was gently poured directly into burgundy balloon glasses, was the intense aromas of fresh dried red raspberries, cranberry picked out from dusty trail mix, and earth after a mild rain. One attendee noted it was the freshest Old California wine he had ever smelled, with “rose water purity and bright feminine perfumes.”

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1940 LOUIS MARTINI RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

12% Alcohol

Bottle discovered at a garage sale in St. Helena, CA in 2016 Opened on March 31st, 2017 in Rutherford, CA

Color: In the glass the ‘40 Martini Reserve glowed garnet red, translucent and brilliant, only some bricking on the edges; A true “claret” with no purple or blue tones.

Palate: The noticeably vibrant acidity was the key to the survival of this bottling. Lift and ethereal lightness were the taste equivalent of hearing the ringing of a Tibetan brass prayer bell.

The flavors that followed were inspiring and reminiscent of tart herbal fruit tea, dried cherry, dried strawberry, and handmade cranberry sauce. Further oolong and rooibos tea tannin structure was very pleasurable, refreshing and mouth-watering.

Thoughts: At only 12 percent alcohol, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes must have been harvested in early September when red fruit spectrum flavors were most expressive before ripening to the blacker and bluer fruit profiles that are more common with riper fruit used in modern Napa wines. With a zinger acid level of what tasted like 3.5 ph, paired with fossil record evidence of flavor fully decomposed green-ness, this 1940 may have been quite difficult in its youth, but wow, was it a glimmering example of Napa Valley ageability.

Through all the rough global challenges present in the year this wine was made, one bottle proved so wonderful, a time capsule of an era.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.rutherfordwinevault.com

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Comcast Ch. 27 & 28, AT&T Ch. 99 Streaming at www.napavalleytv.org

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Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards and Karen Crouse E V E RY L IT T L E THING SHE DOES IS M AGI C  BY LAURA LARSON

M

ount Veeder Magic Vineyards is the inspiration of Napa Valley Grower and Vintner, Karen Crouse. Karen created what is now one of Napa Valley’s most exclusive offerings in the global wine and luxury industries.

Karen and her husband, Greg purchased their vineyard on Mount Veeder in 2007 with the intention of establishing themselves as growers. After struggling with challenging legacy grape contracts, they decided to create an ultra-premium, mountain cab – Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since Karen would be at the helm, she chose a marketing strategy that complemented her skill sets; to sell premium wine by the barrel’s worth for private cellars and offer serious wine collectors an extraordinary opportunity to create their own Mount Veeder Cab. Only 25 barrels are offered per vintage by membership.

Karen’s vineyard has seven different soil types with elevations ranging from 800 feet to 1,100 feet. Most vines are more than 30 years old. She says, “My grapes are complex before we start the winemaking process. My wine is placed in the meticulous hands of industry veteran winemaker, Jeff Fontanella, who has been crafting premium wine in the Napa Valley for decades.” After cutting his teeth working for formidable wineries such as Opus One and Saddleback Cellars under the tutelage of Nils Venge, Jeff also handcrafts his own Mount Veeder Wines under his family label, Fontanella Family Winery.

Karen prides herself on her attention to detail in everything she does. “My wine is an extension of me. I am involved in every aspect of the business… the farming decisions, midnight harvests, bottling, hand labeling, etc. In addition to using the highest quality bottles, corks, and capsules, every bottle is hand-labeled.”

Karen is committed to creating a unique experience and producing a premium wine that is worthy of her client’s private cellars, a wine they are proud to share selectively both personally and professionally. She says, “This is one of the most personal experiences my clients will have in their lives.”

In addition to her barrel program, Karen’s beautiful Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards Cabs are now available to purchase by limited allocation in three-six and twelve bottle vertical allotments.

For those who enjoy the vineyard lifestyle, visit Karen’s newly launched Napa Valley Lifestyle Website, Karen Crouse Napa Valley karencrousenapavalley.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.mountveedermagic.com FALL 2019

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NVL winery spotlight

An Award Winning Winery with Everything in One Place

Wise Villa Winery 

BY EVE BUSHMAN

W

ise Villa Winery has a lot to talk about.

They tout numerous accolades, including the Golden State Winery of the Year from the California State Fair, which was acknowledged by the California State Senate and presented at the Governor’s Office. In fact, they have won so many awards, the San Francisco Wine Competition recognized them as the third most awarded winery in North America. Understandably so, this family-owned and operated winery has an estate vineyard that produces more than twenty award winning varietals made with grapes that are organically grown with sustainable practices.

During the production process the grapes are triple sorted before going through a whole berry cold fermentation, creating clean, hand crafted wines that are also vegan and gluten free.

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In addition to award winning wines, Wise Villa has the only on-site restaurant in Pacer County. The full-service Tuscanstyled bistro offers a full menu supported by three chefs, and is open for wine pairings, events, and dinners. On Friday nights guests can enjoy live music to accompany their meal. Romantic diners can appreciate watching the glowing sun go down slowly over the vineyards. Monthly theme nights include seven-course winepaired dinners, wine blending parties, games, and dancing. Wine club members enjoy additional party-themed benefits. Choose from dining in the bistro to the courtyard to sipping wine at the tasting bar while taking advantage of wine educators. Sunday brunch is offered, which is, like everything else, wine-themed.

This summer the winery expanded its hours and is open

seven days a week. And, being under two hours from Napa Valley, most guests appreciate the pace – and the pricing – of Wise Villa.

Tasting options run approximately ten dollars for either a tasting, which includes seven wines, or visitors may opt for a tour, which should be booked in advance.

Guests may also purchase bottles at reasonable prices, which are one of the many charms in this part of wine country.

Wise Villa is so much more than a winery. It's a destination winery.

Everything a wine lover needs is in one place, at an affordable price.

One can sit back and relax while enjoying a wide selection of red or white wines, take in some education or an event, have a luxurious meal and then dance the rest of the night away.

How to learn more: Dr. Grover Lee, founder of the winery, has a few interesting tricks up his sleeve about his unique winemaking process. “Only one percent of winemakers are doing what I’m doing” Lee slyly said. “And if you want to know more, just take the tour to get the whole story.”

WISE VILLA WINERY

916-543-0323 www.wisevillawinery.com 4200 Wise Road, Lincoln CA

TURNKEY DISTLILLING S E RV I C E S I N N A PA

lochandunion.com

Double Pot or Pot Column Distillations Mashing & Fermentation • Bottling & Labeling Consulting & Recipe Development

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Castello di Amorosa Egg Tanks

the PAST IS

PRESENT

Concrete Tanks and Eggs Evoke Historic Winemaking

 BY PAUL FRANSON

In wine, it seems that everything old is new: Organic grape growing, dry farming without irrigation, wild yeasts, cloudy Pet-Nat bubbly and concrete tanks.

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D

ating back into the early 1900s, concrete tanks were widely used in winemaking. The often-giant tanks were poured on site, then lined with an inert material and used for both fermenting and aging wines. They were long-lasting and sanitary, and unlike wooden vats, didn’t harbor molds and bacteria that could compromise the wine.

They also provided thermal stability, helping reduce temperature variations during winemaking. Some people even

think egg-shaped tanks have mystic properties. In some regions like Northern Italy and the Republic of Georgia, winemakers even used ceramic amphorae like those from classic times, usually buried in the ground to keep them cool and protect against breakage. During the mid-20th century the development of stainless tanks seemed to render concrete obsolete, athough many of the old tanks remained in use in many wine regions.

CONCRETE EGGS Jump 150 years ahead to 2019: Concrete tanks are everywhere. Large egg-shaped tanks have gripped the attention of both winemakers and visitors. That may be partly winemakers’ relentless drive to make better wine, but most admit that visual appeal has its place. “The eggs look so cool,” joked Rebekah Wineburg, the winemaker at Quintessa, who has several in different sizes.

Bruce Cakebread’s eponymous family winery is installing 12 additional eggs in its new visitor center after about four years of working with eggs,” joining many other wineries that have tried out the provocative vessels.

Cakebread has been fermenting Sauvignon blanc and aging Chardonnay with a concrete egg for the last four years.

Winemaker Stephanie Jacobs said that concrete allows for micro-ox (introducing a tiny amount of oxygen) or aging similar to a barrel, however without the contribution of oak aromas and flavors. It regulates temperature more evenly. Additonally, “The convex shape of the egg encourages lees suspension.”

Smaller and slimmer amphorae-shaped versions also catch guests’ eyes.

CONCRETE TANKS, CONES AND CUBES Box-like tanks are also being installed once again, but they’re typically smaller than the gargantuan tanks once used. Most are built-in factories using sophisticated technology rather than poured into forms created on site. Smaller “cubes” hold the wine of four barrels and can be stacked and moved about, giving the benefits of small containers with greater space efficiency, more straightforward cleaning and the advantages of oak but no oak flavors.

And cousins of popular oak tanks with truncated cone shape are often paired with concrete tanks of similar format to provide flexibility for winemakers – offering a cool talking point and for images as well.

Winemaker Wineburg at Quintessa recently installed 22 high-tech 1,400gallon rectangular concrete tanks based on her experience with old concrete vats and eggs. Used for white wines, this is likely the largest such installation in Napa Valley.

They replaced large wood tanks, but the winery also has some older-generation concrete tanks made in France sans the cooling coils or the inert surface.

Aesthetics aside, the thick concrete walls buffer the contents from rapid temperature changes, and the cooling coils ensure tight temperature control. A significant advantage over wood is that it’s easier to keep concrete clean, unlike the wood staves and heads that can harbor contaminants. Aside from the water used to clean them, wood tanks must be kept filled with water when they don’t contain wine to maintain them. “The amount of water needed is horrific,” said Wineburg, noting California’s perpetual water shortages.

Weinburg does find some unique impact from the tank’s material, which she compares with stainless steel and concrete tanks and oak and acacia barrels. However, it’s not bad, just different. “We see softer tannins than with stainless,” she said.

Though Quintessa opted for rectangular tanks, the most popular shape is the truncated cones holding 1070 gallons used at such wineries as Continuum and St. Supéry. They mirror the most popular oak tanks, providing an appealing visual contrast. Next in popularity come eggs and NuBarrel “cubes.”

Tim Mondavi of Continuum is a big fan of concrete tanks. He has matching oak and concrete tanks as well as stainless steel used for blending – and of course, oak barrels to age the winery’s iconic red wine. “Stainless steel retains freshness

and brightness, and they’re simpler to maintain. They also chill much faster.”

Mondavi finds that the wines are all tighter and more austere in large oak tanks with breadth and depth. “Concrete gives more minerality and helps the tannins evolve more and become more tender.” He added, “Concrete is more ‘feminizing’.”

Concrete Tanks

Conical Tanks at Continuum

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At St. Supéry, winemaker Michael Scholz uses four conical concrete tanks for white wines. “They give a textured feel and minerality” and as at other wineries, create subtle tastes and textures useful in blending the optimum wine.

Frog’s Leap uses the cubes, which hold four times as much wine as a barrel, for aging Zinfandel. The winery also has an egg used for fermenting and aging a

single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Rory Williams said that egg gives the wine body, but it also is expensive and uses space inefficiently. Nevertheless, they placed it prominently in spaces visitors see.

Rory’s father John Williams suggested the NuBarrels as he felt that new oak overpowered the Zinfandel and they only use 10 to 15 percent new oak. The winery now has 80 of the cubes.

“ The wine is fresh and light. It’s the depth of new oak barrels without the oak flavor.”

WHAT’S AHEAD One property of concrete is much debated – whether it’s porous to air. Some claim it allows very subtle “micro-oxygenation,” but other winemakers and researchers dispute that.

The most popular tanks are built by Sonoma Cast Stone in Petaluma using layers of concrete, some mixed with fiberglass for strength, and contain reinforcing and integral tubing for heating or cooling.

Their interior surface is so smooth that they don’t need a coating and inert enough to have little effect on the wine’s chemistry after initial neutralizing of the slightly alkali material with tannic acid.

As for cost, stainless steel is the least expensive with wood and concrete comparable in initial investment but the concrete is more sustainable, perhaps last up to 40 years, noted James W. Herwatt, CEO of Sonoma Cast Stone.

Other concrete tanks are made by Vino Vessel, while Vital Vessels fires ceramic versions in a giant kiln. At least one winery created new tanks built into the winery.

At Ovid, the innovative tanks have ports outside the winery for easy loading of grapes.

And the eggs have a New Age attraction to some vintners such as at Biodynamic grapegrower Quintessa that is attuned to phases of the moon and psychic phenomena.

Whether that’s true or not, concrete tanks are finding their way into the mainstream of winemaking. They’re certainly a new old tool involved in the eternal winemakers quest to make better wine.

Saxum Vineyards - Amphoric Tanks

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Concrete Eggs at Quintessa

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Cakebread Cellars // www.cakebread.com Continuum Estate // www.continuumestate.com Frog’s Leap Winery // www.frogsleap.com Ovid // www.ovidnapavalley.com St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery // www.stsupery.com Quintessa // www.quintessa.com Sonoma Cast Stone // www.sonomastone.com Vino Vessel // www.vinovessel.com Vital Vessels // www.vitalvessels.com

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

90 Points 90 Points

Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast James Suckling

vi si t Sil verGhost Cellars.com o r a s k f o r it a t your l oc a l fin e w in e r e tai l e r FALL 2019

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Napa Valley Vintners Going

OFF the GRID w i t h NONTRADITIONAL GRAPES  BY MARISA MCCANN

C

abernet Sauvignon is now the most widely planted wine grape in the world.

This may not be such a big surprise, especially when considering Napa Valley. Cabernet put down its permanent roots in Napa Valley after surviving the double blows of phylloxera and Prohibition in the early 1900s. Today it represents 50 percent of Napa Valley’s vineyard plantings with over 22,000 dedicated acres.

The king of red grapes earned its title because it is reliable, not difficult to grow, and is among the world’s most structured, complex, and age-worthy wines. But there are some wine producers who are recognizing the beauty of Napa’s underrated grapes and are welcoming the challenge of raising them in Cabernet country. These revisionists are setting out to prove there is more to Napa Valley than what one would expect.

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RIESLING At one time, Riesling was one of California’s most promising white grapes. It was widely planted with nearly 9,000 acres in the late 1970s. Today, only 4,000 acres remain across the state, with less than 100 acres in Napa Valley. Riesling can’t seem to hold its ground. This is a shame considering the grape’s wide appeal, especially among wine experts. Riesling delivers what no other varietal can – explosive fruit, exotic nuances, richness, plus its persistent acidity which makes it one of the most food-friendly wines.

“Riesling has always been part of Stony Hill,” says Sarah McCrea, Marketing Director of Stony Hill Vineyard on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, where Riesling vines date back to 1948. “My grandparents, Fred and Eleanor McCrea, were passionate about white varieties and Riesling was more a

Bouchain Riesling Vineyard

2018 Vintage Grenache Heritage McGah Vineyard

staple grape back then than it is today, so it was a natural fit.” As Napa Valley finds itself in an era of increasing Cabernet production, it’s refreshing to find a producer like Stony Hill that still gravitates towards less obvious grapes like Riesling. “Growing and producing Riesling in Napa Valley these days is pretty unusual. We love these wines and make them because we, and our longtime customers, love to drink them,” adds McCrea.

Stony Hill is not the only Riesling producer in Napa Valley that is fueled by passion as opposed to economics.

Bouchaine Vineyard in the Carneros District is also known for its many small bottlings of unusual and unique wines, namely Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, and Syrah.

Winemaker and General Manager, Chris Kajani believes if the grape grows well, and the wine tastes good, then the loyalty will come. “We just make what we like to make and don’t worry about the trends,” says Chris.

In fact,

Stony Hill’s Sarah McCrea

Chris and her team love playing and experimenting with Riesling so much that they planted some of their own on their Carneros property last year.

So far, their investment seems to be paying off. Bouchaine’s Riesling is a fan favorite at the winery and sells out every year. It has even been featured on the wine list at Michelin-starred restaurant, Michael Mina in San Francisco.

GRENACHE Perhaps one of the world’s most undervalued grapes is Grenache. Grenache has origins in Spain, and it is the leading grape in southern France where it is the backbone of renowned Châteauneuf-duPape wines. Grenache is difficult to grow and requires a lot of manual labor, but when given proper care it transforms into a wine with unmistakable richness, smooth texture, and refined taste. Sadly, Grenache plantings are scattered and small in Napa Valley. For wine industry legend, Tor Kenward of TOR Wines, finding Grenache doesn’t come easy.

“Both me and my winemaker, Jeff Ames, have gone up and down California to chase down great Grenache sites. For us, it’s our passion to make the wine that leads us to chase the grapes,” says Kenward who currently produces 150 cases of Grenache from Palisades Vineyard in Calistoga.

It is evident that Cabernet Sauvignon is the cash crop in Napa Valley, and for that reason Tor is always asked by business people why he chooses to make Grenache.

Tor Kenward winemaking

“ The only reason I make Grenache is because I like Grenache,” explains Tor, “I make it for myself, my winemaker, and the people who taste it and fall in love with it. I make it for them.”

Unlike Kenward, Napa Valley Winemaker Rudy Zuidema became a Grenache producer by happenstance. The opportunity arose when the owners of the Heritage McGah Vineyard in Rutherford, whom Rudy had been working with for a few years, was considering pulling out old Cabernet Sauvignon that was struggling.

They consulted Rudy and several of the other vintners sourcing grapes from the property as to what they should plant, and the consensus was Grenache. “This was a hard sell being in the middle of Bordeaux country. But our commitment to the project and after a lot of wine, we convinced them. We grow it oldworld style, keeping costs down by head training the vines and keeping it simple.

Everyone seems pleased. The fruit coming out of McGah is exceptional.” says Rudy.

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Rudy produces just 99 cases of Grenache for his wine label, Zuidema Wine Company. He loves Grenache because it is fun and versatile to drink.

“We’re a young family that’s on the go a lot. We don’t have time to make a beautiful reduction sauce to go with a big Cabernet, sometimes its mac and cheese or leftover pizza and Grenache always fits.”

Rudy Zuidema of Zuidema Wine Co. and Shadybrook Estates

TEMPRANILLO

friend who offered him one acre of Tempranillo and he accepted the fruit without hesitation. “The first time I walked the Tempranillo vineyard, I observed everything and took it all in. I was so excited because very few people get to work with these grapes. I knew I was so lucky,” beams Rolando.

Rolando loves Cabernet but he explains how growing just Cabernet is boring not only for him as a winemaker, but for the consumer. To him, Tempranillo is really exciting and keeps winemaking interesting as the grape has so much to offer. Fun and passion certainly seem to be the point of growing Tempranillo, especially when economics suggests Cabernet.

Spain’s most famous red grape is hard-pressed to find in Napa Valley.

Tempranillo is a well-structured wine with a significant amount of tannin, generous acidity, and a distinct savory profile. With a structure that matches Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo is a welcomed alternative for Rolando Herrera, Owner and Winemaker of Mi Sueño Winery. Seven years ago, Rolando received a phone call from a

“ People want something different, and when the whole world is looking towards Cabernet, our Tempranillo is standing out,” declares Rolando.

“It’s refreshing, fun, and easy and you don’t have to think about it. It fits so many different occasions and is far more appealing than Cabernet in that sense,” describes Rudy.

Mi Sueno’s Rolando Herrer

Vintner Brian Doody of 601 Cellars, a small production boutique label specializing in single-vineyard Napa Valley Sangiovese and Grenache, explains the Cabernet phenomenon best, “Regretfully so many Napa Valley growers and vintners are replacing some of the most beautiful fruit from the lesser-known varietals in favor of planting Cabernet Sauvignon. Let’s face it, a ton of grapes costs the same to produce, but growers can charge two to three times more for the Cabernet.

As a result, Napa Valley Sangiovese, Grenache, and some of the other off the grid wines are turning into passion projects. We hope to see that change, however. We are finding a lot of wine drinkers are looking for approachable, quality wines they can pop open on Tuesday nights.” Now it seems important to reinforce that Napa Valley is a diverse winegrowing region that is home to more than just amazing Cabernet. Besides Riesling, Grenache, and Tempranillo other non-traditional varieties such as Sangiovese, Petite Syrah, Malbec, Charbono and Chenin Blanc continue to thrive here and vintners continue to make it – not just because of their passion, devotion, and spirit to cultivate it, but also for those who want to drink it.

Where to find them Riesling: Bouchaine www.bouchaine.com Smith Madrone www.smithmadrone.com Stony Hill Vineyard www.stonyhillvineyard.com Trefethen Family Vineyards www.trefethen.com

Grenache: 601 Cellars www.601cellars.com TOR Wines www.torwines.com Zuidema Wine Company www.zuidemawines.com

Tempranillo: Mi Sueño Winery www.misuenowinery.com Vincent Arroyo www.vincentarroyo.com 64

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NVL winery spotlight

The Next Chapter for

Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard  BY MARISA MCCANN

F

ollowing the winding narrows of Diamond Mountain Road in Calistoga, one will discover a winery seen by only a lucky few. Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard sits atop of the summit on a property that straddles the Napa and Sonoma border. Their mountainside vineyards, Diamond Peak, Diamond Mountain Vineyard, and Constancii, are some of the valley’s most revered locations for grape growing. With a location above the fog line, their vines experience a longer growing season and less temperature variance than the valley floor, creating a temperature sweet spot that is particularly suitable for Bordeaux varieties and even smatterings of Chardonnay and Syrah. Their focus is on single varietal wines, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, as well as their proprietary blend, a Claret, that capture the true essence of their unique sites.

Constant is one of the oldest vineyard properties on Diamond Mountain, first planted with grapevines in 1895. The property was acquired in 1993 by Fred and Mary Constant, a couple who invested their time, money, and passion into their vision

to build the stunning property and develop an exceptional winemaking tradition. The winery entered a new era in September 2016 when Sai You and Aries Liu became the property’s new caretakers – just the fourth family to own the property in 120 years. With Aries and Sai at the helm, Constant has been working to refresh and modernize the remote estate, which is still anchored by a Howard Backen-designed private home to this day. More importantly, they added winemaker Kevin Vecchiarelli to the winery’s close-knit team in May 2019.

Kevin is a Napa wine industry veteran who offers decades of experience as well as a palpable passion for and intensive education in biochemistry. Although only a few months into the job, Vecchiarelli already has big plans for Constant. Staying true to the winery’s unwavering commitment to quality, he is excited to work alongside his small team and with Consulting Winemaker, Paul Hobbs. “Constant is a winemaker’s dream,” says Vecchiarelli. “The beauty of this place is that we’re so small and hands on.” Their small size allows Constant to control every aspect of the winemaking process from growing to aging to bottling.

“ Winemaking starts in the vineyard, but great winemaking begins when we focus on every detail.”

Attention to detail for Vecchiarelli means picking in small batches and at ideal grape maturity come harvest time, and not being confined by a schedule.

“It is truly all about the grapes and our one-of-a-kind location here,” declares Vecchiarelli. This is exemplified in their gloriously-rendered wines from vintage to vintage. Only a handful of people are behind the magic at this small-scope winery that produces just 1,200 cases a year. Each of their hand-crafted wines perfectly communicates a sense of time and place from Constant’s remarkable vineyards that are steeped in history and tradition. With a nod to their past and eyes on the future, Constant, under the leadership of new winemaker Kevin Vecchiarelli, is eager to see what the next chapter will unfold.

CONSTANT DIAMOND MOUNTAIN VINEYARD 707-942-0707 // www.constantwine.com // info@constantwine.com // Tastings by appointment only 66

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St. Supéry PAIRING UNIQUE AND RARE INTO GUEST EXPERIENCES  BY PAUL FRANSON

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M

any wineries in Napa Valley have programs to educate visitors about their wines, but St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery offers two fascinating experiences that might be unique. One lets guests create their own premium white wine; the second pairs wine with vegetables, a rare subject in Cabernet-centric Napa Valley.

Blend a Custom White Bordeaux Wine Many wineries let visitors blend red wine, typically from up to five Bordeaux varieties or different vineyards, but St. Supéry allows them to try it with white wine. In effect, the My Virtú exercise allows guests to make their own version of the winery’s Virtú white Bordeaux blend, itself based on the French model. Although Americans are infatuated with Sauvignon Blanc, most Bordeaux versions are a blend of that grape and Sémillon. Many California (and Washington) versions are, too, though it’s not always noted on the label. Guests get three wine samples plus a pipette and beaker for measuring their blends. One wine is St. Supéry’s popular standard Estate Sauvignon Blanc, their flagship varietal. The winery is the largest grower of Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley with 200 acres of vines on its 1,535-plus acre Dollarhide Ranch. This grape is made in stainless steel tanks with no oak contact, bringing forward the familiar grapefruit and guava flavors most people associate with Sauvignon Blanc.

The second wine, Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sémillon, is sold at the winery and to club members. It varies a bit each year, but the 2017 vintage used in this tasting is 1 percent Sauvignon Blanc. Aged in French oak, 25 percent new, this wine is more herbaceous, and even nutty with hints of lemon thyme.

The last wine is the winery’s Virtú blend. In 2017, winemaker Michael Scholz chose 59 percent Sémillon and 41 percent Sauvignon Blanc fermented in stainless steel, then aged in French oak for five months.

The blending process is straightforward. The participants try different proportions of the two components to choose their favorite blend. Can they beat Aussie winemaker Scholz’s palate? Probably not, but it’s still fun to try.

At the end of the experiment, the host prepares a 750-ml bottle of the chosen blend to take home. The entertaining program costs $60 per person.

Vino + Veggies At a time when many people are choosing to eat less meat – or none, it’s not necessary to be a vegetarian to want to learn how to pair wine with vegetables. It’s a fascinating exercise as many vegetables really don’t complement many wines on their own, though there are exceptions like “meaty” mushrooms.

Sauvignon Blanc. Goat milk cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are a classic pairing, but the acidic/sweet tomatoes, herbal shiso and crisp cucumbers complement the match.

The second pairing was gardenroasted carrots served with preserved St. Supéry lemon and dukkah spice mixture served with 2017 St. Supéry Napa Valley Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sémillon. This

Chef Tod Kawachi at St. Supéry has extensive experience in this arcane art. He’s been a professor at the Culinary Institute of America, worked at top restaurants including Roy’s in Hawaii, and also prepared food at Franciscan Vineyards as well as St. Supéry.

Kawachi created four samples from vegetables and herbs from St. Supéry’s culinary garden behind the winery and from Dollarhide Ranch, a paradise for plants, so the offerings are constantly changing.

They also include local cheeses, a key part of the success. The creations were more sophisticated than the slices of cheese and charcuterie often used for wine pairing.

It quickly became clear that the spices, herbs, and accompaniments were what made the wine sing. Nothing but a bit of salt is needed with a good piece of beef or salmon, but a carrot by itself doesn’t really cut the mustard, so to speak.

The first taste was St. Supéry garden cherry tomatoes with shiso and three varieties of cucumbers adorned with shaved Skyhill Farms goat feta. It paired perfectly with 2018 St. Supéry Napa Valley Estate

worked well even though the assertive dukkah might seem overpowering without tasting the combination.

The third selection was St. Supéry Garden squash blossoms stuffed with herbed Skyhill Farms chèvre and basil matched with 2017 St, Supéry Napa Valley Estate Virtú. That was a natural. The good news is that anyone who grows squash has an abundance of blossoms. Plucking some is the only way to keep from being overwhelmed with the vegetables (really, fruit, but who’s pedantic?)

The final pair was roasted maitake mushrooms, the only item not harvested from the winery garden, plus St. Supéry garden eggplant and green beans served with 2015 St. Supéry Napa Valley Estate Elú, the red counterpart to Virtú. Virtú is a blend of the five popular Bordeaux reds with Cabernet Sauvignon dominating. This combination would have been fine on its own but a sprinkling of distinctive zataar elevated the flavors. Because the vegetables are seasonal, guests would likely get to try other combinations.

St. Supéry’s Vino & Veggies pairing is not an attempt to serve lunch by circumventing Napa County regulations as at some wineries but a tasty and educational experience for wine lovers. There’s still room for a late lunch or dinner following.

The cost is $65 per person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.stsupery.com // 707-963-4507 8440 St. Helena Highway/Highway 29, Rutherford, CA FALL 2019

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ANGWIN ESTATE VINEYARDS

Elegant Wines from Hand-Tended Vines  BY EVE BUSHMAN

A

ngwin Estate Vineyards is a microboutique estate winery producing wines that have been mistaken for classified growth Bordeaux in blind tastings with master sommeliers. Jon Larson is a true vigneron, living on the vineyard with his wife Angela and their two children Arek and Piotr. Farming is a family affair with an emphasis on meticulously working to improve the health of the vines and quality of the fruit using organic and biodynamic techniques. Each vine is touched 20-30 times per year, and no insecticides or herbicides are used in the tiny vineyard surrounded by fir and oak trees at 2,150-foot elevation, high above the clouds shrouding the valley below. Sunlight kisses each cluster perfectly throughout the growing season, and ladybugs, bees, and lacewings dance between the vines.

How did this tiny slice of heaven become Angwin Estate Vineyards? The answer is in the emblem on the bottle: Perseus’ winged foot. “The symbol is a tip of the hat to all those who helped make Angwin Estate Vineyards a 70

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reality” explains Jon. Many mentors and supporters helped establish the vineyard in 2002, gave advice, helped with vineyard management, bought fruit, and answered questions. Start with a degree from Princeton, add winemaking classes from UC Davis, mentorship from Philip Togni, lots and lots of reading, trial and error, and you have Jon’s explanation of how he transitioned from cardiac surgeon into vigneron and winemaker.

The winemaking is old-world, allowing low yielding vines on a special site to speak for themselves. One hundred percent estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, natural yeast and bacteria with a little acid and water are plenty. Postfermentation, wines are aged in approximately 60 percent new oak barrels, coopered from some of the oldest remaining trees in the Napoleonic forests in France. The Hungarian oak barrels come from forests that were used exclusively for the great wines of Bordeaux before WWII. During the 24 months of elevage, raw wine is converted into drinkable art, almost as if

by magic. In a final step, wines from different lots are tasted, and only the very best included in the final blend. This process is used by classified growths to select their best lots and Angela really shines as her palate is truly superior. Wines from barrels not selected are bottled as a second label, “The Kissing Trees.”

In the glass, Angwin Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is restrained elegance.

Violet and rose petal on the nose give way to flavors of raspberry and bright red cherry followed by crushed rock minerality mixed with black plum, blackberry, and notes of graphite, cedar, pipe tobacco, crushed herbs, petrichor mixed with exotic spice.

Khalil Gibran wrote ‘love is work made visible’. Angwin Estate Vineyards is love made drinkable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.angwinestatevineyards.com

Hidden Gem in the Wine Country

Hidden Gem in the Wine Country

Long before “wine country” was synonymous with Napa Valley, there was Napa Valley Country Club, a

Long before “winegem country” was synonymous Napa Valley Country Club, a tucked-away in the bucolic foothills of thewith VacaNapa Range,Valley, locatedthere in the was middle of the Coombsville American Viticulture Area.

Napa Valley Country Club began life over one hundred years ago, in 1915, and is the only tucked-away gem in the bucolic foothills of the Vaca Range, located in the middle of the Coombsville American private proprietary Club in Napa Viticulture Area.

Napa Country Valley Country ClubCounty. began life over one hundred years ago, in 1915, and is the only private proprietary Country Club in Napa County.

One of the oldest golf and Country Clubs in California, NVCC is a magnificent 18 hole layout, with a sparkling craftsman-style clubhouse, built in 2004, superb tennis facilities and a stunning 25-meter pool, all in a pristine One ofsetting the oldest and Country in California, NVCC is a Napa magnificent 18 holeClub layout, with a sparkling of 181golf acres.

Located just aClubs few miles from downtown Napa, Valley Country exists in the craftsman-style clubhouse, built in 2004, superb tennis facilities and a stunning 25-meter pool, all in a pristine splendid isolation of gently-sloping hills, tree-lined fairways and challenging, inscrutable greens!

setting of 181 acres. Located just a few miles from downtown Napa, Napa Valley Country Club exists in the Napa Valley Country Club is also hills, the place where over 100 Member Vintners spend their recreational time with splendid isolation of gently-sloping tree-lined fairways and challenging, inscrutable greens!

family and fellow Members. The Club boasts a “Member-Only” Wine List filled with special selections and reNapa Valley Country Club is also place where over 100 Member Vintners spend their recreational time with leases privy to its Members and the guests.

family and fellow Members. The Club boasts a “Member-Only” Wine List filled with special selections and releases privy to its Members and guests.

Full or Single Golf ▪ Social Inquiries Welcome Junior ▪ Corporate ▪ Non-Resident

Full or Single Golf ▪ Social Wedding Destination ▪ Special Events Membership Opportunites are by Invitation Only.

Junior ▪ Corporate ▪ Non-Resident

Wedding Destination ▪ Special Events Membership Opportunites are by Invitation Only.

Jeanne Johnston, General Manager 707.603.3486

jeannej@napavalleycc.com Inquiries Welcome

www.napavalleycc.com

Jeanne Johnston, General Manager 707.603.3486

jeannej@napavalleycc.com FALL 2019

www.napavalleycc.com

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PART

FIVE

of

the

AVA

SERIES

The Valley within the Napa Valley:

STAGS LEAP DISTRICT AVA  BY FRAN MILLER

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Stags Leap District AVA is barely a mile wide and three miles long. The District comprises roughly 2,700 acres and is often referred to as a ‘valley within a valley.’ Bounded on the east by the towering Stags Leap Palisades, to the west by the gently rolling hills and the Napa River, to the north by the Yountville Cross Road, and to the south by low-lying flatlands, the District is known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons.

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“The quality of any wine grown in any AVA comes down to geology and soil, orientation and aspect, and topography and climate," said Kirk Grace, Director of Vineyard Operations for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

“But topography and climate are the dominant orographic (relating to position and form of mountains) characteristics that make the Stags Leap District so unique.”

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emi Cohen, current president of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association and COO of Lede Family Wines, agrees. Two of Lede’s estate properties are quintessential Stags Leap District. “These estate vineyards celebrate the District’s unique typicity and compelling diversity,” said Cohen. “The west-facing hillsides of the Palisades reflect warmth, creating high daytime temperatures that ripen opulent Cabernet.

However, our location in the southern half of Napa Valley and its proximity to the San Pablo Bay draws in cool air in the late afternoons causing very low nighttime temperatures. These cool nights retain acidity and freshness in the wines, and this is why Stags Leap District wines show both power and elegance, ripeness and freshness, dark fruit and minerality.”

“There are several places in the Napa Valley that have the soil and the orientation,” said Grace. “But the icing on our AVA’s cake is a topographical influence that creates this low-pressure feature, actively drawing cooler air from San Pablo Bay into the head of the SLD valley.”

Also distinguishing the AVA is its diminutive size – both geographically and in winery properties. “We are

very small in relation to other AVAs,” said Nancy Bialek, executive director for the past 23 years of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers. A wine industry veteran, Bialek began her career at Robert Mondavi Winery before being selected

by AVA veterans to establish an organized association. “We are a group of 17 wineries and ten grape growers in a region distinguished for the close proximity of each. The ease of accessibility can provide a fantastic visitor experience.

Guests can have an intimate tasting experience from one winery to the next without a great deal of driving. Our members provide amazing hospitality; each complements the other and enthusiastically recommends their neighbors.

They know each other well by collaborating on many initiatives throughout the years.”

“All of our producers share a common goal of quality,” adds Cohen, who emphasizes the number of District wineries participating in green practices. “Sustainable farming is necessary to continually grow high-quality grapes and wines. Cliff Lede is Napa Green certified, as are a majority of our vintners including Pine Ridge, Baldacci, Chimney Rock, Odette Estate, Silverado, Clos du Val, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, and Regusci.”

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was pronounced the winning red at the fabled Judgment of Paris blind tasting competition.

In 1985, John Shafer, founder of Shafer Vineyards, organized the area’s grape growers and winery owners to petition the government for an AVA designation, and in 1989 the area was officially recognized as one of

The District’s collaborative nature is illustrated in its limited annual offering of the Stags Leap District Appellation Collection – a vintagespecific 17 bottle assortment of Cabernet Sauvignon, one bottle from each member, sold directly to consumers each year October 15 – December 15. The District was the first and is the only sub-AVA to release such an extraordinary collection.

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“This unique collection allows wine lovers everywhere to ‘visit’ our District in the glass, and experience the hallmark style of Cabernet produced from our distinctive terroir,” said Bialek.

“This collection is our appellation story in a single set.”

That story began long ago. A grape-growing region since the mid-1800s, it was 1961 when the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted by pioneer Nathan Fay. International recognition came in 1976 after a 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet

the Valley’s first sub-AVAs. The region has since become synonymous for Cabernet Sauvignon, with approximately 90 percent of the 1,250 planted acres comprising the five Bordeaux varietals.

“Dad had the sense early on that Stags Leap District was a special place,” says John’s son Doug Shafer, who has called the area home since 1973 when his family moved from Chicago to an old farmhouse on the site where their winery now stands.

“Dad’s early wines and those

produced by his neighbors had a quality on which wine writers in the early 1980s were remarking - a richness of flavors combined with a soft, silky quality to the tannins. This is the result of the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures which can vary as much as 30 degrees.

That seesaw of heat and cool helps the fruit retain excellent natural acidity, helping develop soft tannins, and rich flavors.”

Not one to rest on its laurels, the District annually plans several highly anticipated marquee events. In addition to the Appellation Collection offering, the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association hosts an exclusive springtime event: Vineyard to Vintner (April 24-26, 2020 with limited tickets released December 1) a unique, immersive experience allowing consumers to deep-dive into the Stags Leap District. Featured are library wine dinners co-hosted by several vintners, educational opportunities, and a bountiful luncheon at which the vintners showcase their wines. “There is nothing else like it, where consumers can access rare wines and interact as intimately and directly with vintners,” said Cohen.

“This year, we are celebrating the District’s 30th Anniversary with a unique November initiative — offering a very limited number of Cabernet Library Cards, which will entitle cardholders to a library wine tasting added to their tasting experience from among eleven participating

wineries.” Visitors planning to visit the Stags Leap District in November can purchase the $130 library card on the District’s website. Proceeds go towards the Nathan Fay Scholarship Fund for students of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, created in 2000 by the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association to honor the appellation’s pioneer Nathan Fay.

“ Stags Leap District AVA is an American treasure,” said Shafer. “It’s a very special place. For people visiting the area, I think Stags Leap is what they want Napa Valley to be – peaceful, rural, and beautiful. No matter what season you visit, we're surrounded by remarkable natural beauty.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION // www.stagsleapdistrict.com // 707-255-1720

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NVL wine spotlight

A “Rugged Stags Leap Site” Producing Top Scores From a Family Rooted to The Soil

LINDSTROM WINES  BY EVE BUSHMAN

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ine lovers Greg and Carol Lindstrom – dedicated to creating a Cabernet Sauvignon from the perfect site, which included acquiring a rocky ridge top in Stags Leap, planting the vineyards and hiring a sought after winemaker and vineyard staff – have accomplished their goal. Their small team includes Food & Wine Magazine’s past winemaker of the year, Celia Welch, whose clients have included premier labels such as Scarecrow, Corra, Staglin Family, and Hartwell Estate to name a few. Veteran vineyard manager Michael Wolf, whose own pedigree includes running farms such as Harlan, Bond, Lail, Duckhorn, rounds out the experienced team. The Lindstrom's advocate an absolute focus on quality and excellence and have spared no expense to help cultivate and craft their 76

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Cabernet Sauvignon from this challenging, but extraordinary site. Carol proclaims “We are proud of the wine and only produce 250 to 600 cases of the best possible wine each year.”

THE HILLTOP SITE “We fell in love with the property the moment we brought our family here. The amazing 360-degree view allows us to watch the sun rise over Stag’s Leap and set in the West. From that point forward, we had a dream to develop a phenomenal wine.” Carol said. The hilltop property was not under vine already; in fact, the steep topography had been left to nature alone. It was here that Greg and Carol Lindstrom – surrounded by famed vineyards owned by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Shafer Vineyards, Odette Estate, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards - decided to join 11

separate vineyard blocks under one name: the Nicali Vineyard, a nod to their beloved daughters Nicole and Ali. Each of the “gems” that make up the four-acre Nicali Vineyard was planted with clones especially chosen to match the unique terroir created by soil and weather conditions. Vines were placed on the narrow ridgeline and the lower sections of the sloping vineyards. There is a flow to the vineyard that reflects the lay of the land itself. The variance of cooler mornings and westward-facing long afternoons are reflected in Lindstrom’s elegant and robust wines.

TWO WINES Critics Antonio Galloni, Robert Parker, Jeb Dunnuck, Lisa Perotti-Brown, and James Laube have been handing down 92+ scores on the Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignons since

2005 when the winery was just beginning. The 2016 vintage was scored at 95, 95+ and 96. Galloni observed “the 2016 captures all of the best qualities of this rugged Stags Leap site.”

In addition to their Cabernet Sauvignon, the Lindstrom's have put their stamp on Russian River Pinot Noir from the estimable Dutton Ranch. Winemaker Celia Welch also oversees these smalllot wines which are produced in limited quantities once a year.

Currently, wines are sold exclusively through the mailing list, and wine lovers are encouraged to sign up through the website or check-in at the Heron House in Yountville for a taste, or two.

LINDSTROM WINES

949-300-4559 www.lindstromwines.com

SILVERADO VINEYARDS

History and Heritage in the Stags Leap District

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estled in the hills on the North West side of the Stags Leap District, Silverado Vineyards is a favorite wine country destination known for its “Instagrammable” terrace. With sweeping vineyard views, the winery provides an unforgettable guest experience and some of Napa Valley’s best Cabernets. Ron and Diane Miller, along with Diane's mother Lillian Disney, established Silverado in 1981. After years of selling their fruit to neighboring wineries, they decided it was time to make wine from the historical sites on their family estate. The winery's name honors the Silverado Vineyard, one of the first four vineyards in the Stags Leap District to plant Cabernet vines in the 1960s. The Valley's abandoned mining town, Silverado, inspired the name of the vineyard and the famed Silverado Trail - where Silverado and other storied wineries of the Stags Leap District are situated.

With western exposures to the late afternoon sun, Silverado Vineyard produces Cabernet with flavors of plum and black cherry, excellent acid structure and fine-grained tannins -- all classic characteristics of wines from the district. In 1968, the prior vineyard owner, Harold See (of See's Candies' fame), planted Cabernet Sauvignon that UC Davis later designated a "Heritage" Clone. This clone is the only one from Stags Leap District, one of only three Cabernets in California to earn this distinction. This unique clone is the source of Silverado's acclaimed single-vineyard 100 percent Cabernet, SOLO.

In addition to the heralded Stags Leap District site, Silverado owns five other unique vineyards across the Napa Valley: Miller Ranch, Mt George, Soda Creek Ranch, Firetree, and Vineburg.

In addition to producing four Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Silverado produces a variety of other wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, and Rosato. All of Silverado's wines are estate-grown, produced, and bottled. Winemaker Jon Emmerich is only the second lead winemaker in the history of Silverado and will celebrate his 30th anniversary with the winery next year. Jon has grown Silverado's reputation for quality and consistency along with his colleague Elena Franceschi, who has been his associate winemaker for nearly 25 years.

Jon hasn't strayed far from the Silverado Trail his entire career. After graduating from The University of California, Davis in 1987 with a BS in Fermentation Science, he worked a harvest at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. He then spent a year at Conn Creek Winery with a brief season in Sonoma before returning to Stags Leap District and joining Silverado in 1990.

The iconic winery is open to guests daily from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, offering a variety of wine experiences from tastings on the terrace with table-side service to private tours and tastings in the Silverado Vineyard that started it all.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visitors can explore all Stags Leap District first-hand at Silverado Vineyards,6121 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, 707-259-6617 FALL 2019

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Meet Cultured Vine Because Every Napa Valley Experience is Personal

Founder Angela Duerr Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk // Photodance.com

“ I really admire what you are planning for Judgment of Napa,” said Steven Spurrier.

Photo by Ben Finch // Finchphoto.com  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

O

ne thing is for sure: Every Napa Valley experience curated by Cultured Vine is highly personalized. Each itinerary is meticulously planned, built, and delivered around the individual. Yet, they share a common foundation—that any trip worth taking must enrich a traveler’s personal journey rooted in wine appreciation.

In seeking to balance our big data world, terms like “insider” are cliché and Amazon has co-opted “personalized.” Nevertheless, during an initial one-to-one interview with a Cultured Vine concierge, a guest will realize that “bespoke” is anything but a buzzword. Personal interests are the essential centerpiece of that conversation.

Then, watch as doors to a wish list magically open. It almost goes without saying, an authentically and expertly customized Napa Valley experience is one that will make memories to last a lifetime.

How do they do it? Meet Cultured Vine Founder, Angela Duerr. Her extensive 78

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industry knowledge comes from the viticulture classroom, vineyard grapes, even her own label production of True North, a méthode champenoise sparkling wine.

Cultured Vine was born out of combining this hands-on know-how with Angela’s long-lasting winemaker relationships, plus a deep understanding and appreciation of the luxury wine consumer.

Napa Valley Life talked to Angela about what keeps her creative juices flowing.

She gave us a few clues about an idea-inprogress with the working title: Judgment of Napa. “Everybody is familiar with the story of 1976 and how the Judgment of Paris put Napa and California wines on the map,” Angela said. “However, 40-plus years later, the exclusive wine list of today would be a different one. So, here in Napa Valley, Cultured Vine is re-imagining the wine tasting competition experience in a newly meaningful way to involve legendary wines of the 21st century.”

What else? In a word: Access. Sip, walk and talk alongside renowned winemakers who share their secrets and stories. Explore the barrel rooms of cult wineries and small case producers. Glass in hand, relax in your suite’s secluded outdoor sculptural tub with unobstructed views. Take a helicopter ride, dine under the stars or at the private home of an esteemed vintner partner. Secure that elusive table at French Laundry and visit the kitchen, too.

Time is precious, so Cultured Vine will whisk you in and out on a private plane and have a luxury vehicle and driver at your disposal for two days or more. A word to the wise—stay longer. There’s always one more sunset and one more winery that you won’t want to miss.

In this gorgeous corner of the world, it’s essential to go beyond the basics, even the most luxurious ones. There’s so much more to Napa Valley than what to see, where to stay, and what to eat and drink.

Just imagine it and Cultured Vine can do it because, after all, your dreams are as personal as your palette.

Angela’s favorite quote comes from Maya Angelou: “I've learned in life that people will forget what you said and they will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-320-8351 // www.culturedvine.com

THANK

you!

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ACME FINE WINES Curating the Best of Napa Valley  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS BY EMMA K MORRIS

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o call ACME Fine Wines a shop is akin to calling The French Laundry merely a restaurant, or Meadowood Resort simply a hotel. Just as the latter two have achieved iconic status due to stellar service and unrivaled product, so too has the little boutique wine shop located on a St. Helena side street. ACME not only procures and sells high end and ‘cult’ wines to its discerning membership, it also has found a passionate following of the region’s most renowned winemakers.

The premise is simple; the implementation relatively involved. ACME specializes in discovering and launching the finest inaugural releases of Napa Valley brands while maintaining a secondary focus on lauded wines of the world. ACME’s clients and wine club members often receive exclusive access to these rare and coveted micro-production wines in the very first vintage and on an allocation level thereafter. “It is like being on multiple preferred mailing lists, managed entirely by ACME,” said proprietor Karen Williams, who cites trust in her brand as the number one factor in ACME’s success. Her team of seven highly skilled hospitality and wine professionals make it their mission to know member preferences and tastes, and shipments are curated accordingly. ACME offers four club-member levels: Luxury level ‘Kahuna’ features three of the team’s favored collectibles of the month, ‘Under the Radar’ introduces members to recently launched or limited projects, ‘Pulse’ provides a passport to domestic and world-wide picks, and ‘Zippo’ features global, lighter-style reds.

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“We provide access and knowledge.

And our solid relationships – with vintners, winemakers, and club members – allows us to introduce people to wines we are certain they will love.”

“We are facilitators and time savers for our clients and members,” said Williams, “while emphasizing that drop-ins to the shop are always welcome.”

Maayan Koschitzky, winemaker of Brilliant Mistake and director of winemaking for Philippe Melka at Atelier Melka, selected Williams and ACME to help him tell the story of his personal label La Pelle, which he launched with partners Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond last year. “Before releasing La Pelle in 2018, I met with ACME and they were excited to hear about my story and brand, and to share it with their list of clients,” said Koschitzky. “Their clientele are true wine lovers, people who appreciate great wines and trust the ACME team to stay up to date and deliver great new brands.

Karen and her team have been much more than a store or a platform to sell wine, they have been part of a journey, both for me and their members. I’m proud to be working with them.”

Says longtime ACME clients Marshall and Shelly, “When we think of Karen and her team, we’re inclined to break into song, ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a Match.’ For ten years, when asked for their recommendations for our needs and desires, ACME makes the matches - never failing to be spot on. Their approach is textbook.”

Adds clients Rand and Renee, “The ability for ACME to source unique wines and continue to expand our horizons is why we are such ardent supporters. ACME is a delight.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.acmefinewines.com

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North Bay Home For Talk & Sports streaming at KVON.com

Barry Martin

Morning Edition M-F 6a-9a

Ira C. Smith

Sports Reports M-F 6a-7p

Play-By-Play Coverage Of Local High School Sports & National Sports Teams FALL 2019

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NVL day trip

DAY TRIP

Live a Little More in Livermore Valley  BY LAURA LARSON

Livermore Mayor, John Marchand proclaims “Livermore is a city of contrasts and superlatives.” Known as the birthplace of the California Wine Industry, Livermore Valley is one of the most historic in America’s wine history, yet it is also California’s center of innovation. It is home to the nation's fastest supercomputer and two of the most state-of-the-art research and science centers, Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories.

Wente Summer Concert Series 82

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Wente Flight at Vineyard to Table Tasting Lounge

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ituated between 4,000-foot mountain ranges and proximity to the San Francisco Bay, the 15-mile long appellation is ideal for growing grapes and has attracted winemakers as far back as the 1800s. A few of California’s oldest family vineyards, Wente (acquired from Wetmore) and Concannon, were pivotal in the rising of California’s prestige as a winemaking region.

In 1889 Charles Wetmore propelled California wines into international acclaim when his Cresta Blanca Sauternes won the Grand Prize at the Paris International Exposition, 87 years before the famed Judgement in Paris. Wente and Concannon’s cultivation of the first French clones of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1800s proliferated to become the defacto standard in California. Today 75 percent of California’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have been traced back to the original Concannon Cabernet and Wente Chardonnay clones.

Livermore Valley produces over 30 different grape varieties, some that are unique and fun to try. Known for its Rhone varietals such as Grenache and Syrah, it is also the home of Petite Syrah. Concannon was the first to produce it as a single varietal in the early 1960s, blazing the trail for label designation criteria. Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc both do well here, and the Tempranillo, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Albarino are all worth the drive.

The wine tasting scene in Livermore is relaxed and easy to maneuver. The wineries are casual and unpretentious, and it’s not unusual to find the owners or winemakers on-site pouring wines and meeting with visitors. Wine prices are approachable; most between $20-$50 with modest tasting fees. Most of the wineries encourage guests to linger and also serve snacks, have pizza ovens or food trucks on site. A good percentage of their weekend visitors are winery club members local to the Bay Area, who enjoy spending the day or Friday afternoon happy hours. For those interested in beer or spirits, Livermore also has five breweries and three distilleries to add to the itinerary.

Livermore Valley, just 65 miles from Napa Valley, is not as well-known to the average wine country visitor as Napa Valley or Sonoma. But the people who live and work here don’t mind. They’re humbled and proud to be part of such a close-knit community deeply rooted in ingenuity and rich history. And of course there are the worldclass wines, which are still making headlines after 125 years.

Livermore Valley has over 50 wineries to choose from, each with unique charm. Here are a few that are worth checking out. For a complete list, visit: www.lvwine.org

Concannon Vineyard / Photo by Ron Essex

WENTE VINEYARDS The Wente family plays a substantial role in the foundation of Livermore. They have two winery locations bearing the family name, the original Estate winery on Tesla Road and their “lifestyle” location on Arroyo Road which boasts an award-winning restaurant and 18 hole golf course. Murrieta’s Well is also a family winery in partnership between Phil Wente and Concannon’s winemaker, Sergio Traverso. The Estate Winery focuses on its premium wine label, Nth Degree and is the favored location for club members to enjoy tasting wine on the patio. Arroyo Road offers all of the Wente Family labels to sample or purchase in their Vineyard to Table Tasting Lounge and has an outstanding restaurant. Its sprawling lawns are busy with events and their legendary Wente Vineyards Summer Concert Series. Wente wines are approachable to the palate and the pocketbook and are all presented with impeccable, white-glove customer service, literally “setting the bar” for memorable guest experiences. www.wentevineyards. com / www.murrietaswell.com

CONCANNON VINEYARDS Concannon is one of Livermore’s most historic landmarks, best known for cultivating the first cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in California. Since the winery’s founding in 1883, it is still producing wines under the same label. For history buffs, the original Mother Vine from the first cutting is still producing grapes. The winery and vineyards are easily accessible on Tesla Road.

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Posada owners, Eduardo and Blanca Posada

Places to Eat While some of the wineries have substantive food options, it’s worth saving room for a few of Livermore’s notable restaurants. A couple favorites:

Mayor John Marchand and Steve Burman of 3 Steve’s Winery >

The 43,000 square foot facility comes complete with a massive barrel room with 4000 barrels, a tasting room, outdoor patios, and newly remodeled bistro bar.

Petite Syrah and Cabernet are Concannon’s namesakes; both presented in a lighter style than the wines coming out of Napa and Sonoma. The tasting menu varies and includes an excellent selection of all of their wines from current and prior vintages. Live music on the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards is popular on weekends. www.concannonvineyard.com

LAS POSITAS VINEYARDS Las Positas Vineyards is one of Livermore’s newer wineries. Opened in 2011, this boutique winery celebrates wine, food, and music. Their diverse tasting menu includes a great selection of Estate wines produced from their 17-acre vineyard to sample or buy by the bottle or glass. They produce over 15 different varietals in small lots of 200 cases or less. Las Positas is notorious for their unique small bite pairings such as bacon and cabernet, cheesecake cupcakes or Girl Scout cookies. Winemaker Brent Amos creates some outstanding Rhone 84

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POSADA

and Italian style blends, and an eclectic selection of hard to find wines such as Barbera, Tempranillo, Petite Syrah, Verdelho and white Muscat. Friday night happy hours are a weekend favorite for locals. www.laspositasvineyards.com

Southwestern, flavorful food—A locals favorite. Eduardo and Blanca Posada’s passion for food and wine is apparent on every single item on this contemporary Southwestern restaurant’s menu. Eduardo’s background specializing in Italian cuisine helped him develop his passion for creating memorable, full-flavor dishes designed to pair with wine, which complement their extensive wine list.

The seasonal farm to table menu includes intriguing combinations of flavors such as parmesan crusted cauliflower, meat and fish tacos, braised short ribs and a signature watermelon salad with pickled cabbage, mango habanero dressing and queso fresco. They offer catering services to local wineries, which became so popular, they recently launched their own food truck. Open for lunch or dinner. www.posadarestaurant.com

3 STEVES

ZEPHYR GRILL AND BAR

Known as the “Three Gringos,” Steve Burman, Steve Ziganti, and Steve Melander partnered up to open this relaxed, small production winery, most notable for their interesting blends and Chilean Carmenere or Port produced from their site in Chile. Plan on an immersive experience, either chatting with one of the Steves in the tasting room, meeting new friends, sampling wine from the barrel room, and probably wanting to stay longer than planned. www.3steveswinery.com

This versatile American fare restaurant has an elegant dining room, a warm bistro, wine bar, and lounge. Chef Jesus Martinez creates a crowd-pleasing menu and extensive wine list which rotates each quarter. Popular entrée specialties include surf and turf and short ribs, and a fantastic list of appetizers including Asian chicken wings and a butternut squash soup that is so beloved by its patrons, it is served year-round. The wine list is rich with Livermore Valley labels; perfect to complement any vintners missed during the day. www.zephyrgrilllivermore.com

RitA RUDneR • 10/18

AsPen sAnte fe bALLet • 11/3

LOnestAR & PhiL VAssAR • 12/9

2400 First Street, Livermore

Award-Winning Wines From the winery of America’s First Petite Sirah and A Founding Family of California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Stunning Landmark Estate Our historic estate has numerous scenic venues for your next corporate gathering or special occasion.

•

925.373.6800

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Wine Country Experiences Delight your senses during one of our private tastings or tours for an unforgettable experience.

ConcannonVineyard.com | 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550 | Ph. 925.456.2505 ©2019 Concannon Vineyard, Livermore, CA

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NVL wine spotlight

WENTE VINEYARDS A Formidable Landmark in California’s Wine Industry

 BY LAURA LARSON

Today Wente Vineyards owns and operates 2,500 acres of vines in Livermore and Arroyo Seco. They grow over 35 different varietals, harvested in small vineyard blocks. The blocks are managed separately so they can focus on which ones stand out each year and depending on the vintage, may produce fifteen small batch wines of just 100 cases each. The Wente Chardonnay maintains its’ mantel as their flagship varietal, with over five different styles produced from each vineyard. Followed close behind, their Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Merlot are produced as single-vineyard labels or in a variety of intriguing blends.

The Wente family name is a formidable presence in Livermore Valley.

W

ente Vineyards is coming of age story of the wine industry in California. Registered as one of California’s historical landmarks, it is regaled as America’s longest, continuously operated, family-owned winery and ranks among the top 30 production wineries in the United States.

In 1883, when German immigrant Carl Heinrich Wente acquired the 47-acre vineyard, he had the foresight to realize the potential the Livermore terroir had to become a premier wine growing region in California. Wente’s industry-savvy drove significant milestones in the development of California’s wine industry beginning in 1889 when the vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, made from cuttings imported

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from Chateau d’Yquem, won the Grand Prize in the Paris International Exposition. In 1936, the Wente’s acquired international acclaim with the release of their first Chardonnay vintage planted with cuttings they brought over from Montpelier, France. The family’s ongoing dedication to meticulous growing methods and development of breakthrough anti-virus vine treatments elevated their Chardonnay clones to become the industry standard. Today Wente Clones #4 and #5 represent 75 percent of the Chardonnay grown in all of California. The Wente’s continue to set standards in innovation, most recently in 2019 when they received a Certified Sustainable accreditation, an accolade attained by only 3 percent of California wineries.

They have two destination-caliber winery locations, including the original Estate property on Tesla Road, where they showcase their premier label, Nth Degree, and their “lifestyle” winery property on Arroyo Road. The Arroyo Road location is home of their newly reimagined awardwinning Vineyard Table and Tasting Lounge, which serves a wide selection of the Wente wine portfolio. The wines can be sampled alongside a curated food pairing or purchased by the glass or bottle off the farm to table bistro menu. Other tasting experiences include a vineyard and cave tour and blending experience in the Winemakers Studio. The Arroyo location is also acclaimed for its 18-hole golf course and legendary summer outdoor dinnerconcert series, which hosts impressive line-up of Grammy award-winning artists such as Seal, Josh Groban, and The Doobie Brothers, to name a few.

The Wente’s winemaking philosophy is predicated on producing beautiful, wellbalanced wines reflective of the region and creating a lifestyle focused on making time for what really matters. Their wines are designed to be approachable enough to enjoy any day of the week only made better shared with family and friends.

WENTE VINEYARDS

www.wentevineyards.com

Join us at the New Vineyard Table and Tasting Lounge Details and Reservations at WenteVineyards.com WENTE VINEYARDS

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5050 ARROYO ROAD

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LIVERMORE, CA 94550

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925.456.2450

the 2016 vintage of Lineage Wine marks our 10 th Anniversary!

Experience Six Generations of Winemaking at the new Lineage Tasting Salon opening to the public December 2019.

Secure your private tasting at: reservations@lineagewine.com

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SIXTH GENERATION WINEMAKER STEVEN KENT MIRASSOU

the “Explodes Envelope”

BRINGING WORLD-CLASS BORDEAUX TO LIVERMORE WINE COUNTRY  BY EVE BUSHMAN AND NANCY CASTRO

Photo by Brian P. Boyd 88

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Lineage Wine is part of an untold story: Livermore Valley's firstgrowth winery, 165 years in the making, circumscribing the entire history of the Mirassou family in America and tracing nearly the entirety of the Livermore commercial-wine experience. “ Lineage is imbued with the elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness that the best of these wines showcase,” is how this single wine handcrafted from the classic Bordeaux varieties is described by winemaker, Steven Kent Mirassou, sixth generation of America’s oldest winemaking family.

Steven Kent Mirassou with son Aidan

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he idea that an undiscovered gem of a wine-region like the Livermore Valley could ever aspire to Napa-level quality may seem implausible to some, however, the history of Livermore’s status as the first great wine region in California has been unfolding for over 100 years.

Mirassou has long held that Napa is not singular in its ability to grow outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon though it is rightfully seen as the benchmark now.

“The Napa Valley story is well-known and has been repeated so often that it has lost the power to inspire,” Mirassou says. “Why would one want to be the 500th person from Napa to attempt to make iconic wine when you can be the first from the Livermore Valley?

THE LINEAGE OF LINEAGE WINE In 1889, Paris marked the completion of the Eiffel Tower with the Paris Exhibition which contained, among other things, a wine contest pitting thousands of wines from all over the world against each other. A Livermore Valley blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from Cresta Blanca Winery captured the prize as the best white wine in the world.

The Livermore Valley is fewer than 40 miles from San Francisco Bay. And as the temperatures change east of the Altamont Pass, cool air from the Bay is vacuumed through Livermore Valley where it helps to create an ideal environment of daytime and nighttime temperature differentials - that lead to ripe fruit with plentiful acidity. Livermore is cooler than everything north of Rutherford, and its “Valley” is about 500 feet higher above sea level than Napa’s. Add relative temperature, elevation changes, myriad microclimates and soil types, 165 years of winemaking, and you get a world-class growing region that rivals any in the world for Bordeaux varieties.

Mirassou came to learn all of this and worked since the founding of The Steven Kent Winery to prove it. In the intervening years, there were a lot of positive words written about the Steven Kent Cabernet Sauvignons coming out of Livermore. In 2007, Mirassou decided that he wanted to tie himself to a legacy that would explode the envelope. With the amazing quality of all the Bordeaux varieties from the 2007 vintage, Mirassou felt that the time was right to create a singular blended wine that could rival the finest wines of its type in the world. The Lineage Wine Company (named for the long history of the Mirassou family and the Livermore Valley in California winemaking) was the vehicle by which this wine and story were to be communicated. Ten years later, he has made tremendous progress.

2016 Lineage marks the 10th Anniversary of this extraordinary wine. Each of these wines is a chapter in the winemaking book that Mirassou hopes has no end. His son, Aidan Mirassou, seventh-generation winemaker, has taken over assistant winemaking duties and is committed to continue moving the boundaries of quality for the wine.

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ABOUT NANCY CASTRO, BRAND MANAGER LINEAGE WINE AND WINE SCHOLAR

Nancy Castro and Steven Kent Mirassou

MORE ABOUT STEVEN KENT MIRASSOU Steven Mirassou comes from the oldest winemaking family in America. He grew up around the family winery in San Jose, working scut jobs traditionally taken on by young family members. At 18, Mirassou left home and ventured to the East Coast to go to college and graduate school proclaiming when he left that “he would never get into the family business.” Ten years later Mirassou did make his way back to California, creating The Steven Kent Winery brand with his father – the pair share the same first and middle names and couldn’t use the Mirassou name for legal reasons - and then went on to start the Lineage Wine Company in 2007.

The Lineage brand was launched as a challenge to the wine world, reshaping the picture people from all over the world had of the world-class potential of the Livermore Valley wines.

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No matter the quality of wine one makes, if there is no mechanism to educate people about it, it does not truly exist.

Nancy Castro, a long-time veteran of the wine hospitality business in Arizona, Napa, Sonoma, and now Livermore Valley, has joined The Lineage Wine Company as the Lineage Brand Manager.

She will be instrumental in designing the soon-to-open Lineage Tasting Salon and creating high-end experiences that highlight the unique quality of Lineage, the wine, as well as opening a window on the winemaking philosophy that shapes that wine.

Robert Mondavi was a consultant for the fifth generation of the Mirassou family back in the mid-1960s. He continually emphasized the idea that the quality of the wine in the bottle told only a small part of the story of any given bottle. The way the wine contributed to everyday enjoyment, the way the wine added richness and joy to a wine lover’s life, is a lesson that the sixth and seventh-generation of the family is taking to heart. With the opening of the Lineage Tasting Salon in Fall 2019, members will have the opportunity to taste older vintages of Lineage, contribute to new blends of the wine, and join in on members-only wine, food, and travel experiences unlike any seen in the Livermore Valley.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 925-243-6445 // www.lineagewine.com // nancy@lineagewine.com // 5443 Tesla Road, Livermore, California, 94550

Photo by Nancy Castro

“ My paintings are created with the intent of capturing moments that stir emotion, evoke a memory, set a mood, or simply allow us to dream.”

SCOTT CLEEK

The Good Life Collection Scott Cleek has been actively showing his art in the Livermore Valley for over 15 years, but it has been a lifelong passion that has seamlessly blended with his love of wine.

Cleek began his exploration of art while growing up in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He moved to Southern California after high school and honed his technical skills with a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising from San Diego State University. After graduation, he spent several years working for design agencies in San Diego and Los Angles before turning his full-time focus to fine art.

Although he has shown his work all over the country with shows in New York City, Las Vegas, and Maui, he thinks there is a special connection between wine and art.

Artists, such as Cleek, take an empty canvas and use imagination, creativity, vision, and past experiences to create a unique work of art that hopefully affects the person viewing it.

Similarly, winemakers are given a varietal of grapes from a particular “terroir” and use their knowledge, tools, and insight to create a wine that they hope will resonate with the person tasting it.

An original painting and a beautiful wine can both leave a person totally enamored with the end result. Scott believes this parallelism creates a wonderful connection between artists, winemakers, and people experiencing the final creation. His works can be found on the labels of Steven Kent Winery, where he has partnered in creating 13 labels over the past 14 years for Steven’s Collector’s Circle Club. He has also been the official artist for the Livermore Harvest Festival.

Cleek’s most recent collection of paintings has its roots in human emotion and interaction.

Inspired by his travels throughout Europe and North America, Cleek draws upon the memories of his journeys, distilling the flavor, ambiance, and romance of each architecturally and culturally diverse destination. Rich with color and texture, the signature canvases of Cleek’s “Good Life Collection” are a fusion of classic romanticism with a contemporary flair.

The Good Life Collection is exclusively represented by Harte International Galleries in Maui.

For more information on Scott Cleek’s work:

Studio Scott Cleek Fine Art 925-963-1765 scottcleekfineart@earthlink.net scottcleekfineart.com

Gallery Harte International Galleries 844 Front Street Lahaina, Maui, HI 808-661-7770 hartegalleries.com

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NVL people & art

Heart, Soul and Courage

TRENTON GREGORY  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS BY RUSSELL HOULSTON

T

renton Gregory’s youthful energy feeds the passion that has fueled the more than half century of experience that infuses his varied artworks.

As a fine arts artist that’s mastered many mediums, the Bay Area resident designs and executes custom residential and commercial pieces designed to inspire and provoke.

With the ability to span not only genres but also mediums, Gregory’s intuitive abilities combine with empathetic qualities derived from a lifetime of trials and triumph which have given him great strength and insights which are reflected in his breathtaking works.

Born on Catalina Island, Gregory’s artistic passion was influenced by his artist mother and his professional athlete father and their love of the natural world. At the age of 8, he received an invitation to showcase an inspired botanical watercolor study amongst those of seasoned adult professionals. His early love of illusionism, supernatural theatrical arts, and magic reveals itself in his current custom design work and fine art. As a young adult, his abilities were showcased in the abstract contemporary pieces he produced for San Francisco boutiques such as Dior, Chanel, Gucci, and Fendi.

He collaborates with designers throughout the nation to manifest his clients’ visions with his unique and original perspective which he captures in his art, from the most intimate detail to the boldest brushstroke.

His formative works reveal classical influences drawn upon his love of Roman architecture and Venetian aesthetic intricacy, and his competency with Venetian plaster, 92

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Trenton Gregory wears his heart on his sleeve. “The Arts can facilitate a deeper understanding of each other as individuals. Whether it’s a painting, music, poetry, fashion or design, art facilitates a deeper understanding amongst individuals and echoes throughout our communities allowing for a Global perspective. As an artist I am not paid for my labor, but for my courage, the courage to open my soul connect with others by sharing my deepest tragedies and purest joys and most of all my unique vision.

For an artist to be able to offer a piece of their heart and soul is the most profound way to connect with someone’s life.”

murals, and trompe l’oeil design led him to stately homes such as the Albert Farr Estate in Piedmont, where he oversaw a multimillion-dollar restoration of the French style chateau grand ballroom and orchestra quarters which provided him an exquisite background for his silver and gold leaf, hand painted marble and decorative wood graining, reflective of his love of iconic classical masters. Trenton has worked locally in collaboration with Mike Gianni, founder of Touch Plate Properties, and designer Nina Amouris, enhancing and creating fine art for custom home projects in Napa Valley with his hand painted designs.

When asked his intentions of how he wishes to inspire others through his work,

Currently, Gregory’s work can be viewed at Design Haus in Walnut Creek where he collaborates with proprietor and designer Nina Amouris on compelling original works of art for both her clientele and showroom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.trentongregoryfineart.com #trentongregoryfineart

W

hen approaching a new project on behalf of Kristin Martin Design, the enthusiasm of the firm’s principal comes through in spades. Describing the essence of her design work and inspiration derived from the region’s beauty, Kristin explained, “I love texture, natural elements and combining them with super clean lines...a balance of new and old that brings in the unique feel of the Napa Valley.”

Importantly, Kristin points out that one key question must always be asked. The answer requires critical insights in consultation with the client to inform alignment on a vision, a master plan.

The question: How does a room reflect the owners’ personalities and how does a winery reflect the essence of the brand?

Despite her firm’s prominence in Napa Valley, Kristin Martin comes across as refreshingly down-to-earth. She speaks with pride about the high degree of trust given to KMD by the owners of a recent project, a private St. Helena residence with a pool house. Imagine custom everything—furniture, leather walls, lighting—all coming together to create a super wow factor when the owners walked in at completion.

Kristin Martin has always loved interior design, although her path to get where she is today wasn’t a straight line.

Frank Trozzo Elephants Painting

KRISTIN MARTIN

DESIGN

Meticulously Reflecting an Owner’s Personality or a Winery’s Branding is Key to Successful Interior Design  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

After college, she first went into the sales and marketing side of the wine business. Looking to tap into her creativity, Kristin

started her own design business not realizing at the time that her wine industry experience would become a key factor in the future of her company. As things turned out, that knowledge serves her well in bringing the wine country lifestyle into every touch point in every space throughout a private home and garden, a wine cellar, a tasting venue or an entire winery estate.

“ I pride myself on the business management side of the project I’m undertaking. It’s every bit as important as the design aspect.”

“This is particularly true for wine tasting room renovations, where it’s critical to have as little downtime as possible. I’m acutely aware of avoiding the cost of lost time,” Kristin said.

An impressive KMD portfolio is dotted with names such as Beringer Vineyards, Stags’ Leap Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Salvestrin Winery, Whitehall Lane Winery, and Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma Valley. When asked about the special ingredient that makes her design work among the very best, Kristin doesn’t hesitate to point to her contractors and subcontractors saying, “They’re absolutely tops. I couldn’t be successful without this amazing crew who do a great job of understanding what’s in my head. After 14 years, we work together like a well-oiled machine.”

Currently gearing up for an upcoming KMD project at Miner Family Wines on the Silverado Trail, Kristin is excited about a broad transformation on-property that will include the exterior facade, front elevation, tasting room and caves.

“It’s been such a fun ride so far,” said Kristin. “I’ve been entrusted with some of the most historic and precious properties in the Wine Country and I’m honored to be connected to their distinguished past, present and future.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-738-8978 www.KristinMartinDesign.com FALL 2019

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FA M I LY MEDICINE

NVL health & wellness

C A R D I O LO GY

Cheryl Chong, DO

FINDING the

RIGHT DOCTOR JUST GOT EASIER

Adventist Health opens new clinic in Napa Whether you’re new to Napa, recently moved here or you are just ready for a change, accessing a primary care provider or specialist is an important step toward managing your healthcare.

Your primary care doctor is your medical “home.” It’s the doctor you visit for most medical needs, including wellness visits and routine screenings, non-emergency illnesses like earaches and sore throats, and the person you speak with about your health-related questions and concerns. Your primary care physician will also be the person who refers you to see a specialist if you should need it.

Your relationship with your primary care physician is important. You’ll want to select someone you feel comfortable having honest conversations with, someone with expertise in the areas that meet your health needs, and someone who is “part of a network” that has

TO G E T S TA R T E D 94

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O B S T E T R I C S & GY N E C O LO GY

Mark Gardner, MD

John Kirk, MD

access to all types of specialists, should you need them.

Adventist Health’s team of primary care and specialty care providers are unique because we really work together to empower our patients to achieve optimal health. Plus, we are part of a larger network made up of 60 physicians who see patients at clinics throughout Napa Valley including Vallejo, Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga. So, we are all available right here, close to home. Adventist Health announced plans to bring in other specialists for its Napa clinic later this year.

Nothing can really give you a feel for whether you’ve selected the right doctor like an office visit and a face-to-face meeting. Adventist Health has made it easy. Our offices are managed by an amazing team who is eager to help.

Visit AdventistHealthStHelena.org/NapaClinic or call 707-253-1135. The clinic is located at 1100 Trancas Street | Suite 250 | Napa, CA 94558.

Lovera Wolf Miller, MD

Sharon Phillips, NP

Sue Turner, NP, CNM

Candace Westgate, DO

Expert doctors inspired by your precious moments

We’re proud to call Napa home, with the opening of our newest clinic. Being here for you means providing more than medicine.

We’re committed to inspiring health, wholeness and hope in the lives of every patient we serve, one patient at a time.

Located in the heart of Napa on Trancas Street, the new Adventist Health clinic is our first step toward bringing Napa top-trained physicians and providers with access to a comprehensive network of care.

We thank you for the opportunity to care for you and your family now and for generations to come.

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CLINICS

CALISTOGA

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DEER PARK

CLINICS

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With access to 18 clinics and 60 providers, we’re transforming the health of Napa Valley.

Our skilled team is now available right here, close to home.

LEARN MORE AT

AdventistHealthStHelena.org/ NapaClinic or Call 707-253-1135 1100 Trancas Street | Suite 250 Napa, CA 94558

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NVL food

UP CLOSE & PE RSONAL WITH NAPA VALLE Y CHE FS

PROTEA:

A Beautiful Tropical Flower in Puerto Rico, A Gem of a Restaurant in Yountville

 BY MICHAEL KOEHN

P

rotea, an exciting addition to the Yountville dining scene helmed by Chef Anita Cartagena, celebrates her favorite international influences. With a menu that’s refreshed daily, Cartagena honors her family experiences growing up in Puerto Rico, and also tips her hat to global Caribbean, Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisines.

“I grew up watching my mother cook with grace and love, creating traditional Puerto Rican dishes, stews and empanadas using the fruits and vegetables we picked from a family garden managed by my father and great grandmother, and that was the foundation of my culinary style,” she explained.

Her family eventually moved to the United States, where Cartagena began a successful modeling career, but it was an invitation to dine at the French Laundry in Yountville that completely changed her life.

“The very first bite there just changed everything,” Cartagena recalled. “It was a small button of puff pastry with smoked Gouda cheese piped into it, and I couldn’t believe how amazing it tasted. I had never tasted anything like that before.”

That culinary epiphany led to deep dive into the culinary world for Cartagena.

“I wanted to know more. I watched all the videos on Thomas Keller I could find and read his cookbooks. I went all in and enrolled at Kendall College in Chicago.”

After graduation, Cartagena honed her skills under several Michelin-starred chefs in Chicago, including Chef Carlos Gaytan of Mexique, the first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin star.

She then found her way to San Francisco and worked with Dominique Crenn at the Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn. “That reinforced the use of formal techniques, but my

ultimate goal was to go to Yountville and take the Keller influences and devise a personal style that was a little more rustic.”

An opportunity to move to Yountville came when she helped open Ciccio Restaurant in 2012. At Ciccio, Cartagena focused on classic Italian dishes and was inspired by Chef Polly Lapetito.

After three years at Ciccio, Chef Cartagena had the chance to combine her culinary knowledge and passion at her own restaurant. Protea opened in April 2016, with the added charm of a rooftop dining area and surrounding views, the only space of its kind in Yountville. “My menu consisted of global influences, but always with a Caribbean accent,” she said.

The menu at Protea features traditional empanadas, curried goat stews, and ramen stir-fries. “We also serve Nieman Ranch roasted pork tacos and a great bison burger, but our signature dish would have to be our Caribbean fish fry, with a whole red snapper marinated in garlic mojo served with rice, beans, plantains and avocado. That is the dish that takes people from the Caribbean back home.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.proteayv.com // info@proteayv.com // 6488 Washington St., Yountville // 707-415-5035 // rooftop dining available 96

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Crafting Wine Cabinets To Their Finest WINE RACKS • WINE HUTCHES • WINE CELLARS • BARREL FURNITURE • CIGAR HUMIDIFIERS

Grandeur Cellars Grandeur Cellars Grandeur Cellars CUSTOM WINE CELLARS WITH YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS IN MIND

Crafting Wine Cabinets Their Finest Crafting Wine Cabinets To Their Finest Crafting Wine Cabinets To To Their Finest

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PRESERVING THIS SEASON'S HARVEST This is the perfect time of year to get out the canning jars and start preserving the best of summer's fruits and vegetables while getting an early start on fall produce.

JALAPENO JELLY 1. P repare boiling water canner: Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside 2. P uree peppers in food processor or blender with 1 cup cider vinegar until smooth. Do not strain puree.

3. C ombine puree with remaining 1 cup cider vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. A dd Ball ÂŽ RealFruit TM Liquid Pectin, immediately squeezing entire contents from pouches. Continue to boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add food coloring, if using, and skim foam if necessary.

5. L adle hot jalapeĂąo jelly into hot jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.

6. P rocess in boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude.

Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

PAIRS WELL WITH: cream cheese and toast / crackers *Recipe courtesy of: Shackford's Kitchen Store 98

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

KITCHEN STORE RUN BY CHEFS & COOKS FOR CHEFS & COOKS

CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT WWW.SHACKFORDS.COM

1350 Main Street Napa, CA 94559

707.226.2132

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

NVL dining guide

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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/

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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

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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

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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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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

special special dining dining

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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 is GENERAL STORE -then Refreshing locals andflair visitors since 2002.

Our riverside menu locally resourced cooked with the that is true Napa Valley.

WeOurpatio DOWNTOWN JOES - An style grill united withthrough quality and freshness.

IL POSTO TRATTORIA - We offer theAmerican traditional italian experience food, is an ideal spot for 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 in the beautiful Napa Valley.

Our menu offers a variety slecfamily. Join for breakfast or lunch week - and our 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 along with freshly made pasta dishes. end brunch. Come for the food, stay for 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

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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 (11an amexciting to 3 pm) andfor onelocals of theand best NAPKINS - An American cuisine restaurant with 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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Villa Iris

Napa's Treasure House

necklaces bracelets • rings • •

Noonish-4pm or by appointment

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618 Third Street, Napa | 707-799-3414

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Next Level Concierge.

Our program goes beyond all others.

Next-Level-Concierge.com Streamlined Cash-Free Property Preparation Next Level Marketing More Off-Market Options Buy-Before-Selling Advantage 780 Trancas St. Napa | 707.255.0845

1485 1st St. Napa | 707.690.9500 FALL 2019

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Experience the history, legacy & heritage of our Napa Valley Founders.

Amid views of iconic vineyards and landmarks of historical significance, 1881 Napa offers a tasting of distinctive wines from each unique Napa Valley appellation, allowing guests to discover its diversity, abundance, world-renowned terroir and deep history.

Our one-of-a-kind museum features an impressive collection of artifacts and vineyard and winery relics.

Explore photos and stories of the pioneers who first settled and planted grapes in the region in the mid-to-late 19th century – pioneers who were instrumental in creating the Napa Valley landscape as it is known today.

Open daily from 10:30am to 6pm To arrange your visit, please visit us at 1881napa.com.

7 8 5 6 S t. H e l e n a H i g h way Oa k v i l l e , C A 9 4 5 6 2 1881napa.com 106

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