Napa Valley Life Magazine - Summer 2019 Edition

SUMMER 2019

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FASHION ISSUE PLUS+ Napa Women Invents Tukked

Summer Music Festivals Senses by JCB Opens

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COSMETIC DENTISTRY OF NAPA C

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

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ed ry m a N ine ica” w mer t s “Be th A r o N in N A P A VA L L E Y

Open Daily, 10am - 6pm | Preferred Reservations 10am - 1pm 8466 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573 | 707.963.3600 | peju.com

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3341 Solano Ave. (Redwood Plaza) Napa, CA 94558 • (707) 252-8131 • www.creationsfinejewelers.com SUMMER WINTER 2018 2019

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Contents

F E AT U R E S S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 / / T H E F A S H I O N I S S U E

Story: 24 Cover Napa Retailer Fixes a Familiar Fashion Problem

28 Napa Valley Fashion 48

30 32 34 36

Fashion Guide Ella Pritsker Caddie Resort Senses by JCB

American Viticultural Area (AVA) Series Above the Fog – Howell Mountain AVA

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FASHION ISSUE

PLUS+ Napa Wom en Invents Tu kked Summer Music Festi vals Senses by JCB Open s

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SOLD $552,000 On a quiet street in Napa’s Bel Aire neighborhood, you’ll find this 3BD, 2BA, 1,160 sqft. charmer.

Many thanks to all involved in the smooth transaction, allowing my buyers to call this house their home.

IN ESCROW - $689,000 Offset your mortgage with this enchanting 3-Story Cottage + rental unit at the top of Howell Mountain AVA. A whimsical blue door invites you into this 2,880 sqft. home, with original hardwood floors and architectural details.

New Berber carpet in bedrooms. Large, eat-in kitchen needs your inspiration. Permitted 1BD1BA rental. Garage, 3 driveways, solarium, patio, and BBQ area on 0.74 acres.

Start living YOUR Napa Valley life.

Jennifer Klingbeil | Realtor® | Top Producer J.Klingbeil@ggsir.com | m 707.492.0435 NapaLifeProperties.com | Lic.# 02067543 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 12 NV Scene The Napa Valley scene of recent parties, concerts, celebrations and events

14 Calendar

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

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16 Things To Do 50th Annual Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series Play Ball – Silverados Baseball Festival Napa Valley

22 What’s Hot Style Knack Twist on Old and New Calmére Estate Jelly Belly

38 NVL Wine & Winery Spotlights 38 William Cole 40 KrisTodd Vineyards 42 Red Cap Vineyards 44 Rudius Wines

46 NVL Wineries 46 Rutherford Ranch Wineries 52 Spence Vineyards

54 Piña 56 Caldwell Vineyards 62 Clif Family Vineyards 64 Haber Family Vineyards 66 Summit Lake Vineyards

68 People & Art

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Vincent Thomas Connors

70 Money & Wealth Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

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72 Health & Wellness Olé Health Opens New Facility

74 NVL Food 74 Shackford's Kitchen Store 80 Chef Valentina Guolo-Migotto

76 Dining Guide 6

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Kenzo Estate

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BRICK & MANTEL HOME | STAGING | FURNITURE | DESIGN

742 CALIFORNIA BLVD. NAPA www.brickandmantel.com

NVL publisher's letter

the fashion issue W

elcome to our first fashion issue. Though Napa Valley agricultural community can be casual as a whole, fashion in the valley is casual chic with a twist. Whether you are attending a fundraiser, music event or wine tasting, dress nice and casual, and you will fit in. Women who like to wear stilettos might want to think of alternative foot wear since most Napa Valley summer happenings are outside and grass likes to engulf those pointy heels. For more tips, I talked to fashion icons Helen Lyall and Karen Caldwell on what is trending this year.

Napa resident and I-Elle Boutique owner, Chelsea Cortese thinks she has found the solution to the chest gap in women’s button down blouses.

She has invented the TUKKED shirt in three different styles, colors and fabrics that could revolutionize women’s apparel since Spanx hit the market. Her blouses are available exclusively at her Yountville store or direct to consumer on her website. See page 24 for the details. Chelsea would like to put Napa Valley on the map for a fashion statement besides its already popular food and wine.

Vintner and entrepreneur, Jean Charles Boisett continues to expand his brand and offerings. His newest creation is Senses by JCB, which finishes off his JCB Village in Yountville. The entire store is set up to evoke one’s senses and provide opportunities for individual style. JCB is also introducing his own sunglasses, perfume and skincare line later this summer. The second floor opens up to a Medi Spa overlooking the Vaca Mountains. Not only can you get a new look, you can leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated. See the story on page 36.

Looking for something to do this summer, the Margarit Mondavi Summer concert series and Festival Napa Valley fill up July or you can attend a professional baseball game in your own backyard. The Napa Silverados play at Napa Valley College bringing the old baseball tradition back home.

Enjoy the good weather that summer brings and don’t be afraid to step outside the box when it comes to fashion in the Napa Valley.

Kari Ruel with Chelsea Cortese.

Cheers,

Kari Ruel Your Publisher

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Kari Ruel kari.ruel@napavalleylife.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal 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

707.259.0762

ADVERTISING/SALES Kari Ruel – 707-738-9698 kari.ruel@napavalleylife.com Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com ACCOUNTING/BUSINESS OFFICE 707-738-9698 CONTRIBUTORS Kari Ruel Lowell Downey Janna Waldinger Fran Miller

www.NapaGeneralStore.com

Laura Larson

OPEN DAILY 8AM-6PM

Michael Koehn Eve Bushman Suzanne Becker Bronk ABOUT THE COVER Retailer Chelsea Cortese has invented a new blouse to fix a common fashion problem.

Photo by C.M. Elle Studios

Napa Valley Life Magazine is published six times a year.

We have four quarterly publications and two annual publications.

P.O. Box 865, Napa, CA 94559. 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

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NV Scene

NV scene

The Napa Valley scene of recent parties, concerts, celebrations and events APPELLATION ST. HELENA bASH Appellation St. Helena (ASH) hosted bASH, their annual wine and food pairing competition, at the Culinary Institute of America. Over 30 ASH wineries teamed up with ‘Rising Star’ students and esteemed winery and St. Helena restaurant chefs to create their perfect pairing. Attendees and a panel of industry professionals served as judges, voting on their favorite combinations.

34th ANNUAL NAPA CHOCOLATE & WINE FESTIVAL

Salvation Army crew

# PHOTOS BY KARI RUEL

Over 500 people attended this annual chocolate and wine pairing held at the Meritage Spa & Resort to raise over $60,000 for the Napa County Foster Kids. Over 36 wine country wines were poured along with over 25 chocolatiers and local restaurants.

Steve Callis and Jonjie Lockman 99.3 FM's Good Morning Bob St.Laurent

Vintner Steve Brady and wife

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Musicians Michael Franti and Victoria Canal with Founder Bobbii Hac Jacobs

$253,000 RAISED AT REACH FOR THE STARS, THE QUEEN’S CELEBRATION This year’s event honored vintners and philanthropists, Gayle and Jack Daniels, and featured 39 models, all of whom are cancer patients and/ or cancer survivors. The models spent weeks practicing for their turn on the runway, having been coached by a dedicated team of volunteers and fashion experts. Proceeds will fund support services for individuals diagnosed with cancer, including participation in Queen of the Valley’s Cancer Wellness Program

Michelle and Robin Baggett of Alpha Omega

Michelle Judith

Vineyards view at the Harvest Inn

Kary and David Duncan of Silver Oak

INAUGURAL SIP NAPA WAS A HUGE SUCCESS # | PHOTOS BY KARI RUEL

In March four Napa Valley wineries and a hotel played host to the Inaugural Songwriters In Paradise (SIP) NAPA. The concept was founded by Tennessee born, South Carolina bred, Nashville based singer, songwriter & artist, Patrick Davis in 2013. He met Silver Oak Vintner, David Duncan and decided bring the concept to Napa. It was a big hit. Davis offered up an alternative idea of bringing some of his fellow songwriters for a performance “in the round” acoustic set.

That is where each artist takes turns performing a song on stage in groups of three or four. After two or three songs each, another group takes to the stage.

The music backdrops included Gargiuilo Vineyards, Alpha Omega Wine, Silver Oak, Brasswood Village and the Harvest Inn. www.songwritersinparadise.com Gayle and Jack at the Reception

Michell Veronica Mikyla

SIP Founder Patrick Davis is presented with 6-liter bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet

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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

Festival Napa Valley performer Sheku Kanneh-Mason Photo by Glen Thomas

June 15 – Sept 8, 7:30pm

TRANSCENDENCE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS 2019 "BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS"

The season opens with the awardwinning Broadway musical "A Chorus Line," an annual summer series of four extraordinary outdoor shows featuring accomplished Broadway and Hollywood professionals performing on the most beautiful stage in Wine County.

Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen in Sonoma County, 877-424-1414. www.BestNightEver.org Friday Nights, June – August, 6-10pm

11TH ANNUAL NAPA CITY NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Free family entertainment in downtown Napa each Friday evening at the beautiful Veterans Memorial Park amphitheater in downtown Napa. www.napacitynights.com

Thursday Nights, June – August, 6:30-8:30pm

CALISTOGA CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Aseries of FREE concerts, presented by the Calistoga Beverage Company scheduled every Thursday night.

Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic dinner to enjoy this Calistoga favorite summer celebration. Adult beverages are allowed (for those 21 and over) and select, local wines available for purchase, highlighting a different winery each week. Pioneer Park – 1308 Cedar Street, Calistoga www.visitcalistoga.com/venue/ calistoga-concerts-in-the-park/

FREE CONCERTS

Every other Thursday, in the city of St. Helena, enjoy a series of free concerts in Lyman Park, St. Helena, CA. www.sthelena.com

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Saturdays in July

50TH MARGRIT MONDAVI SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Five Saturdays during the summer enjoy a variety of musicians and bands surrounded by vineyards. www.robertmondaviwinery.com Saturday, July 27, 2-6pm

REID FAMILY VINEYARDS PRESENTS THE FIFTH ANNUAL CRUSH MS WINE TASTING AND AUCTION The fund raiser celebrates a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. All proceeds are donated to MS research and MS related programs. 1020 Borrette Ln, Napa www.crushms.org

June 5-8, 2019

Sunday, July 28, 12:00 – 5pm

The 8th Annual Brian Culburtson Jazz Getaway is four days of top jazz performers. www.jazzgetaway.com

Out of the garage and onto to the porch.

Napa neighbors and friends join together on over 40 porches in Downtown Napa to enjoy local music and food. www.napaporchfest.org.

NAPA VALLEY JAZZ GETAWAY

July 12-21 June - August

Festival Napa Valley performer Diavolo Photo by Sharen Bradford

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

The 10 best days of summer with world-class performances paired with culinary and wine pursuits staged in iconic wine country settings www.festivalnapavalley.org

NAPA PORCHFEST

August 1-4

ANNUAL V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION

Over 100-million dollars raised at past events have enabled the V Foundation to provide over 600 cancer research grants

nationwide to date. Bay Area recipients include the Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center at St. Helena Hospital, Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Stanford University School of Medicine and UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Join coach Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski and other celebrity hosts for special intimate dinners, the popular Friday night “Rock the V” party and Saturday Gala. www.winecelebration.org

September 23-29

Friday, August 2, 6-9pm

November - December

Oxbow Public Market and Judd's Hill Winery present the 9th Annual Uke-A-Palooza at Oxbow, an action-packed, island-style, comedic evening of musical entertainment for the whole family. The evening includes a raffle to benefit Voices of Napa, and a performance on the Oxbow River Deck by The Maikai Gents. Uke-A-Palooza guests are encouraged to bring their own ukulele and perform. Polynesian-themed specials will be offered by Oxbow merchants, vintage beach and Polynesian clothing provided by Melissa Gruenhagen of Retro Diva will be for sale, and other exciting surprises await guests during this eighth annual Polynesian evening event at Oxbow Public Market. Free Admission. www.oxbowpublicmarket.com

The town of Yountville twinkles with thousands of lights, with events including free carriage rides, a holiday movie series, wreath-making, and of course food and wine. www.yountville.com/holidaysin-yountville/

UKE-A-PALOOZA AT OXBOW

Saturday, August 25, noon – 6pm

BLUES, BREWS & BBQ

Downtown Napa, features live blues music, over 30 hard to find microbrewed beers, and finger lickin' BBQ food from great BBQ masters. www.donapa.com Sunday, September 9

CALISTOGA'S HARVEST TABLE

Approximately a dozen local restaurants and 40-plus wineries will once again welcome visitors and locals to 1,000 feet of tables in the center of the city’s picturesque downtown.

Calistoga AVA wines will be the focus of a 4:30 p.m. social hour open to the public. Once the dinner bell rings at 6:00 p.m., those holding a ticket will take their seat at the table for an unparalleled culinary experience. Tickets for the sixth annual Calistoga Harvest Table® will go on sale on Monday, July 15, 2019 at noontime PDT. Tickets for the 2018 event sold out in 102 minutes. www.visitcalistoga.com/calistogaharvest-table/

SAFEWAY OPEN

A PGA golf tournament, as well as a concert series and food-and-wine festival to be held at the Silverado Resort & Spa, Napa. Admission to live music after golf on Thursday, Friday and Saturday is included with your golf event ticket. Enjoy The Brew Loft, Spirits Lounge, Beers for Birdies and the Safeway Food & Wine Pavilion. www.safewayopen.com

HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE

November 12-17

NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

Premiers of films from small Indies to potential Oscar nominees. www.cinemanapavalley.org

Beyond the Valley July 10 – 12

DENVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL Denver’s International Wine Festival is the premier wine and food festival in the Rocky Mountains.

Recently named one of Food & Wine Magazines “Best Wine Festivals Across America”. Come celebrate wine and cuisine, educational seminars and tours of local wineries and a distillery. denverwinefest.com

October 19

NYC AUTUMN WINE FESTIVAL Highlighted by Grubstreet and New York Magazine as a “destination wine and food event”, the NYC Autumn Wine Festival showcases over 100 wines curated by their experts. Come and taste delectable wines from all of the world’s major wine regions.

Located in Manhatten at the Landmark Altman building in Chelsea.

r e p u S ser ving Napa Valley

with information, entertainment and music!

Good Morning Bob!

Middays with Big Rick

DriveTime with Julie Morales

Weekends with Gabriela

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NVL things to do

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Thievery

Matt Nathanson

50th A NNUA L

Margrit Mondavi

Summer Concert Series Presented by Inside Access from Chase

St. Paul & The Broken Hearts

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The Struts

Robert Mondavi Winery, in association with BottleRock Presents, announces that St. Paul and the Broken Bones, The Struts, Thievery Corporation, Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Matt Nathanson will headline the 50th Annual Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series.

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ickets are on sale for one of the most beloved wine, food and music events in Napa Valley. Presented by Inside Access from Chase, the concert series begins June 29 with the soul music of Alabama natives St. Paul and the Broken Bones, with opener Langhorne Slim & The Law. The winery’s annual fireworks display will top off the evening ahead of Independence Day celebrations the following week. English rock band The Struts will bring down the house on July 6, with special guest Welshly Arms. Electronic world music duo Thievery Corporation will perform on July 13 with special guest Royal Jelly Jive. On July 20, guitar virtuosos Rodrigo Y Gabriela take the stage with their rock and flamenco-influenced acoustic guitar music. Special guest Chris Pierce will perform. Closing out the series on July 27 is folk and rock and roll artist Matt Nathanson with special guest Tyrone Wells. Inside Access from Chase will offer exclusive opportunities each week for United MileagePlus® Cardmembers to attend the concerts with special pricing and dinner seating.

In addition to the musical performances, guests will enjoy food from local vendors including A16 Neapolitan pizzas, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and others. Robert Mondavi Winery wines will be available for purchase.

Three ticket options are available for the concerts: General Admission, Reserve Patio and Dinner tickets.

General Admission grants access to the main lawn in front of the stage, and ticketholders are invited to bring low-back beach chairs or blankets. Reserve Patio offers assigned seats on the patio adjacent

to the Vineyard Room, with wine bottle service. Dinner tickets include a wine reception in To Kalon Cellar, a seated dinner with wine pairings in the To Kalon Vineyard, and elevated seating during the concert.

The Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series began 50 years ago when Mrs. Mondavi brought her passion for the arts to the big stage in 1970. In its 50-year history, the series has raised over $2.5 million to support many Napa Valley-based charitable music organizations.

In keeping with this tradition, Robert Mondavi Winery will donate all proceeds from this year’s ticket sales to the Napa Valley Unified School District’s music programs.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with performances beginning at 7 p.m. at Robert Mondavi Winery, 7801 St. Helena Highway in Oakville, California. For transportation needs, Napa Valley Tours and Transportation is offering a 15-percent discount using the promotional code “Mondavi Concert.”

Call 707-251-9463 to activate the discount.

FOR MORE INFORMATION and to purchase tickets visit www.robertmondaviwinery.com or www.eventbrite.com. For additional inquiries contact concerts@robertmondaviwinery.com.

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Helping family pursuing life passions giving back Call today to schedule a free financial review Jacobson Wealth Management 1030 Seminary St., Suite A Napa, CA 94559 (707) 224-7424 info@jacobsonwealth.com www.jacobsonwealth.com

Best Financial Planner Investments and Financial Advice offered through United Financial Services (UP), Member FINRA, SIPC. 76Planners NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM JWM and UP are independent companies SUMMER 2019

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NVL things to do

PLAY BALL

FORMER PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYER STARTS TEAM IN NAPA PHOTOS BY BOB MCCLENAHAN

“Who would have ever thought we would end up in Napa operating a professional baseball team?” asked Tito Fuentes Jr. “Well as history has it, this is exactly what we’re meant to be doing.”

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uentes Jr. and his wife Alma own the Napa Silverados, Napa’s professional baseball team, a member of the sixteam Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs, an independent professional baseball circuit. Fuentes Jr. was born into a Major League Baseball Life.

The son of San Francisco Giants legend Tito Fuentes, Fuentes Jr. always desired to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Last year he was asked by Bruce Johnston, the founder

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of the Napa Silverados, to take over the team.

Johnston founded the David Hallo ran, Alma Silverados in 2018 with a Eugenio Fu entes, Tito Fuentes Jr. goal of bringing professional baseball to Napa. According to Fuentes Jr., Johnston never intended on ownership group owning the team in perpetuity. He was a is Tito and Alma Fuentes, David Halloran, ‘caretaker,’ only to pass the team to a new local business owner of Sound Advice, ownership group who had the knowledge each of whom attended every Silverados and passion to continue its growth. That

game working in different capacities – Tito/ Field Manager, Alma/Tito Fuentes Baseball Academy managed Beer/Wine concessions, and Dave/Volunteer. They all had one sentiment in common – keeping professional baseball going in Napa.

“My wife and I have many long night discussions of why we are doing this,” said Fuentes Jr. “We aren’t going to get rich doing this for sure, but we do it because it brings the beautiful nostalgia of old-fashion baseball back to life.

“Indy ball has been around for quite some time, but many people aren’t familiar with it,” said Fuentes Jr. “There are a multitude number of Indy leagues across the country where teams serve as a platform for ballplayers to compete, improve their skills, and showcase their talent in front of scouts hoping to land a professional contract.”

Fuentes Jr. enjoys the gratification of owning and running a professional baseball team, but he admits that it comes at the heels of very hard work. “The glory does not come from pride of ownership but truly is buried in gaining a sponsor support after a daily grind of selling; its in hearing the closeness of players to their host moms; it’s when I go to the A’s game and see one of my interns working for an affiliated team; it’s in that moment a player is asked to sign on with an affiliated team.”

Silverados games feature players who can compete with affiliated baseball players. The venue is fun and affordable. Fuentes Jr. admits that it might take some time for it to catch on in Napa, but he hopes that it one day may look like the New Jersey Jackals or the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League where the average game is attended by 1500 fans.

“ The games and the atmosphere are addictive and sports fans get hooked after going to just one game,” said Fuentes Jr. The 2019 season features a number of returning players. They are hosted by their same, first season local families. “This says a lot about the great relationships that were created between team and community,” said Alma. “The host families are the most important people in this whole equation. If

not for them, we wouldn’t have a season.

The average cost of running an Independent team is approximately $250,000. It really boils down to $250,000 worth of passion.

Passion for baseball, passion for players’ futures, passion from the community to support us, and passion from the owners to financially support it.”

40 home games are played at Miner Family Field at Napa Valley College baseball field. The season runs June through August; weekday home games start at 5:05pm and weekend games start at 1:05pm. The 35 road games are local, played in Sonoma, San Rafael, and Vallejo, allowing fans to follow along.

“We are excited this season to feature some exciting promotional events like

Shackford’s 90th birthday celebration, where we will be signing Mr. Shackford to a 1-day contract making him the oldest person to be signed to a professional contract,” said Fuentes Jr. “He will manage the game alongside me on June 15th.

Another great event will be the signing of our 2019 players at Miner Family Wines, one of our founding sponsors who continue to support us this year.

“We want Napa to know that professional baseball is in their town! The great thing about professional independent baseball is that it is played in the summer months.

There isn’t a better family outing in Napa.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.silveradosbaseball.com SUMMER 2019

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Festival Napa Valley Summer Concert Series Featuring Seal, Patti LuPone, Star Wars: A New Hope Live with Orchestra, and Exclusive Appearance by Havana Chamber Orchestra with Royal Wedding Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason; Season Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing

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DIAVOLO Photos by Sharen Bradford

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estival Napa Valley, recognized for transforming California Wine Country into a cultural destination, offers a rich program ranging from symphonic concerts, opera, film, and dance to chamber music and jazz, July 12 – 21. The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing will be celebrated with more than 60 concerts and events in a season of innovation, exploration and discovery.

In addition to presenting the finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley is committed to supporting underserved members of the community by providing over 6,000 free tickets to students, veterans and seniors. The Festival is expanding its educational program with Arts for All camps for 1600 Boys & Girls Club youth ages 6-18, and a tuition-free music academy for 90 pre-professional musicians from around the world. Proceeds from the event also support Festival Napa Valley’s Blackburn Music Academy, attracting 90 college and postgraduate students from around the world, the Festival's Arts for All summer camps for Boys & Girls Club students, and the festival’s continued investment in Napa County public school arts education, which to date has exceeded $1 million.

“We are honored to dedicate this season to celebrating one of humanity’s transcendent achievements and our passion for continued exploration and discovery,” said Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley. “From Holst’s The Planets to Diavolo’s Voyage to the Moon, we will take our guests on an unforgettable journey.”

Sheku Kanneh-Mason Photo by Christian Meuwly

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: Italian tenor Francesco Demuro and Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze kick off the 14th season on the fairway at Meadowood Napa Valley with Opera Under the Stars.

Four-time Grammy Awardwinner Seal Headlines Wine Country’s biggest arts charity event, the Arts for All Gala at HALL Napa Valley.

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, 2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year, makes his Bay Area debut with the Havana Chamber Orchestra at Far Niente.

Broadway legend Patti LuPone performs in a private evening at Calistoga Ranch.

Festival Live! Chamber Series returns with 12 free concerts at locations throughout Napa Valley.

The popular Bouchaine Young Artist Series showcases the next generation of classical music artists.

Festival Orchestra Napa performs John William’s Academy Award-winning score to Star Wars: A New Hope while the iconic 1977 film is projected on a giant screen.

Rising stars – cellist Sophia Bacelar, violinist Charlie Siem, and percussionist Mitya Nilov – shine in Grand Cru Concertos with the Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra at Castello di Amorosa. Opera at the Castello features Bastianello, John Musto’s hilarious one-act opera about marriage and wine.

Festival Orchestra Napa performs Song to the Moon, a concert on the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing featuring works

by Holst, Dvorak, Getty and Strauss. Rising star soprano Andriana Chuchman joins Maestro Joel Revzen for this performance.

The legendary jazz fusion band The Yellowjackets perform a free Community Concert at Napa Valley College.

Havana Chamber Orchestra Photoo by Charles Letourneau

The renowned Los Angelesbased dance company Diavolo | Architecture in Motion performs two inspiring works: Voyage, about a trip to the moon, and Trajectoire, a voyage of destiny and destination in the Festival’s Dede Wilsey Dance Series.

Rock and roll party band Wonder Bread 5 headlines Taste of Napa, Festival Napa Valley’s signature celebration of food, wine and music.

Karen LeFrak’s multimedia orchestral work, based on her eponymous children’s book Sleepover at the Museum, marks its California premiere at the Concert for Kids.

The Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra performs a lively admissionfree Sunday at the Symphony concert.

Postmodern Jukebox star Robyn Adele Anderson brings her sassy interpretations of modern hits in the *Season Finale will be held at Alpha Omega Winery in St. Helena.

Single concert tickets starting at $39 are now on sale. For an elevated Festival Napa Valley experience, Patron Passes including access to exclusive lunches, dinners and lounges are also available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

including the full schedule and to purchase passes, visit www.FestivalNapaValley.org

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NVL what's hot

A Twist on the Old and the New Six generation Buhman Ranch and Buhman Estate Vineyards is collaborating with #TrendingWine to create Napa Valley’s most immersive vineyard and wine tasting experience coming late this summer.

Plans are also underway to renovate and create a new tasting room at the 275-acre estate.

This Napa Valley bloodline has a history dating back to the 1870’s. Partners Don Buhman and Suzanne Javorina, who are the

Style Knack For effortless, versatile style, Napa native Carrie Gehrke Fashion & Wardrobe Stylist of Libby Simone creates style for your everyday life. The Academy of the Art University San Francisco graduate envisioned a business that would allow Napa Valley Women who wanted to look their best and feel equally confident a local style professional to work with. “Clothing can be like magic it can visually transform your body and literally transform your life. What you can accomplish once you are feeling confident, strong and beautiful is beyond rewarding.” Ready to begin?

Book your personal style consultation by visiting www.libbysimone.com

proprietors of Buchanan Wine, join enterprising new-world wine pioneer and founder of #trendingWine, Jason Elkin to become the “Leaders of the New Old-School.”

Calmére Estate Winery and Tasting Room More than 35 years after Tony and Herta Peju founded Peju Province Winery in Rutherford, daughters Lisa and Ariana Peju have opened Calmére Estate Winery and tasting room in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. In 2016, the Peju family purchased the 100-acre estate and winery and this spring have re-launched the property as Calmére Estate Winery.

“The name Calmére (pronounced ‘cahlm-air’) comes from the French words for calm (calme) and sea (mer), reflecting our serene location and spectacular views of San Francisco Bay,” explained Lisa Peju. www.calmereestate.com

Jelly Belly Visitor Center The Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield is home to Jelly Belly® jelly beans and a free, self-guided factory tour! Explore a ¼-mile-long corridor while observing the factory below. HD/4K videos offer a close-up look, and exhibits and interactive games add to the fun. Tours end with free samples. Also enjoy the Jelly Belly store, Jelly Belly Café, and Chocolate & Wine Experience. Daily tours 9:15 a.m. – 4 p.m., no reservations. 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, 800-953-5592 or visit JellyBelly.com.

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Brilliant Mistake Sauvignon Blanc...

Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

summertime in a bottle

brilliantmistakewines.com SUMMER 2019

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NAPA RETAILER DESIGNS A

BUTTON-FRONT SHIRT TO FIX A FAMILIAR PROBLEM  BY KARI RUEL | PHOTOS BY C.M. ELLE STUDIOS

Napa retailer, now fashion designer, Chelsea Cortese believes she has solved a long-time fashion faux pas of the “Boob Gap” women experience when wearing a button-front shirt.

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“I have no idea where the idea came from,” said Cortese. “It was January 2, 2018, I was lying in bed with my two kids and I was thinking about another idea I wanted to invent and it was like divine intervention, the idea just popped into my head.”

Cortese said she ran downstairs and googled for a product that would solve the problem of button-front shirts pulling and revealing one’s bra, but she couldn’t find one. Astonished and amazed that no one thought of her idea, the next day she reached out to her father-in-law, Joe Cortese, who used to do upholstery.

“He was the only person I knew that I could trust and knew how to sew,” Cortese said. “I took him one of my blouses and said ‘Pops, don’t ask any questions, but here is what I need you to do’ and he said okay.”

A week later Cortese tried out her newly designed prototype and Tukked Shirts was born.

“Pops brought me the shirt, I tried it on and it was perfect,” she said. “There was nothing I had to change about it. It worked exactly how I had envisioned it.”

All Tukked Shirts are patent pending designs. The front placket of buttons is sewn shut to permanently eliminate the gap that happens at the breast-line for most women. The top three “functioning” buttons allow for the consumer’s personal style choices. The blouse easily slips over the head and zips with ease down the back with a hidden zipper. This stretch cotton blouse offers two body types, the classic straight body and a “rouched” style that is very flattering at the waist. There are three sleeve options; long sleeve, ¾ sleeve and sleeveless.

“The hidden zipper in back starts at a woman's bra line, which makes putting on the shirt a breeze,” she added. “Most women can reach around their back to where their bra connects.”

Within a week, she reached out to a patent attorney, contacted a pattern design company that helped take her designs and put them into patterns for each size. A year later, her quiet little

secret that only her husband and few close friends knew about is about to be unveiled. The first 300 test shirts are expected to arrive in her retail stores, I-Elle in Yountville and Simplicity in Sonoma, in late spring. If they match Cortese’s strict quality standards, she will begin selling the shirts direct to consumer at tukkedshirts.com.

“Tukked Shirts can be found only at my retail stores and online,” said Cortese. “By selling direct to consumer and eliminating the wholesaler, I can keep the cost of the shirts around 80-dollars.”

Cortese said every aspect of this new business has fallen into her lap.

Through an acquaintance, she was introduced to a former CEO of a big fashion company, who happens to live in Napa. The two met and he told Cortese that Tukked Shirts was going to be the next biggest thing to happen to women’s fashion since Spanx.

“That was exciting to me because Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, is an inspiration to me and I feel our stories are similar.”

“I’m connected to our customers,” said Cortese. “I hear the complaints and I hear the issues that women have. I know what kind of fabrics they like and how much they are willing to spend. I have taken my life experience and have formulated a blouse for my customer. I’m not a designer sitting in a studio somewhere completely disconnected from those I’m trying to sell my product to.”

She said every woman is a potential customer.

“There isn’t a person out there that doesn’t have a use for a button-front blouse, from people in the service industry to professional women to women who love that classic Ralph Lauren look,” she said. “The blouse is so versatile with a vest, a sweater and a jacket and you can style it however you want. The blouse will come in a variety of colors and every season we will have a limited edition of colors and prints for all styles. During fall, holiday, spring and summer we will offer new twists on the design. The body of the shirt will always stay the

“ This shirt keeps a woman looking professional without worrying about adjusting her shirt all day,” said Cortese.

“Like Spanx, I want to gives a woman the immense sense of freedom in their clothing. They don’t have to look down and readjust their top, which has become second nature to most women. Every aspect of my design is methodically thought out, every little detail measured with purpose, intention and it’s easy to wear.”

Born into the fashion industry, Cortese has been in the trenches since she could walk. Cortese worked side by side with her mother, absorbing decades-worth of industry knowledge. Levine passed away three years ago, and it was then that Cortese took over the family business.

same, but we will switch it up with different colors, sleeves, pleating down the front or use different fabrics. The classics will always be there. We will carry sizes XXS to 3X.” Cortese said women just want to be confident in what they are wearing.

They are moving and grooving going through life and now their blouse is perfectly in place.

“No more ‘peek-a-boo’ from the side with my shirts,” Cortese said. “I hope to potentially put this Valley on the map for fashion, in addition to wine. This is an iconic fashion piece.

Everyone wears the button-front shirt, but they have never fit well, until now.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit tukkedshirts.com. The full brand will launch on the website by the end of July where customers can

purchase their entire line in all styles and multiple colors options.

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a p a N y e l l Va

FASHION

Talk to any high-end clothing retailer or designer in the Napa Valley and they all agree fashion here is definitely “Casual Chic.”

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“Casual chic with a twist,”

said Karen Caldwell, who designs clothes for movies and theater and dresses women for Napa Valley events. “We are an agricultural community.

Formal business attire is not seen often here. The weather is beautiful in the summer.

Add a glass of wine and people are happy and want to have fun. Their clothes reflect that.”

For the most part, the weather in the Napa Valley is warm and dry during the Summer. The exception a few years back when a down pour hit the annual Napa Valley Wine Auction and women adorned rubber boots with their cocktail dresses, but that altered fashion statement added to the fun.

“We are so lucky to live in natural surroundings and

festivals and wine-related release parties and previews to harvest so how do you fit in fashion wise in the Napa Valley?

“ Never follow trends,” laughed Caldwell. “Try to be different in the crowd because you need something that will bring people to converse with you. If you have something you are wearing that will encourage people to make a beeline to you, that’s the best thing you can do.”

it inspires us to dress more colorful,” said Caldwell. “Napa Valley is not formal at all. We have a European or Mediterranean feel here, which puts people in good moods. There is a natural feeling of French and Italian spirit and that comes out in the way we dress.”

The season is filled with fund-raising events, music

Caldwell added that it’s important to be an individual and don’t be afraid to mix it up. She has a collection of over 1000 jewelry pieces including costume jewelry, vintage pieces and classic jewelry that she is happy to loan out to customers and friends.

“I always think about what fun custom jewelry would go great with the outfit I want to wear,” said Caldwell. “Don’t get me wrong. I never turn down real jewelry, but sometimes you need something that eyepops. Even if you are wearing a simple black dress always wear some kind of color or object that makes people want to start a conversation with you.”

Prints especially animal prints are in this year according to Caldwell.

“I’m seeing more colorful prints this year because it’s becoming easier to make fabrics,” she said. “Animals prints are always in. Leopards and cheetah prints are my favorites, but too much is not a good thing. If you are wearing an animal print go simpler on the jewelry. The print is your statement.”

Most summer events in the Napa Valley are outdoors and that means uneven ground that loves to eat thin high heels.

Helen Lyall of Helen Lyall Clothes for women has been dressing women from head to toe for over 45-years. She said it’s okay now to wear boots and even a cute tennis shoe with a cocktail or black dress.

“Never underestimate the tennis shoe,” said Lyall.

“Spiked heels look good on even ground, but can be a challenge at grassy events.”

Lyall agrees with Caldwell that the Napa lifestyle suits mixing styles.

“You take a blazer and wear it for business, but if you roll the sleeves, you can wear it with torn jeans,” she said.

“You get double wear out of the blazers this year.”

“We feel dresses are back,” she added. “Lots of color and lots of prints. Mixing of prints is very strong. Unusual mixing of prints. ‘Suitings’– Pant suits are popular this season.

Novelty items. Embroideries with interesting prints or leather with mesh mixed with jackets. You can wear them with everything from a torn jean to evening pants or dress.

They are great in a wardrobe because you can mix them easily.

You may even notice a 70’s look is back according to Lyall.

“Bell Bottoms, halter tops and wide-legged pants are in this season,” said Lyall. “But leggings are still number one.”

If your activity is winetasting, Caldwell suggested paying attention to the waist up after all you will most likely be sitting at a winetasting bar.

“That’s how you are going to be visualized,” said Caldwell.

“If you look good from the waist up you might even get an extra pour from the server from behind the bar.”

What about men?

“Men’s fashion here is also influenced by the good summer weather, said Caldwell. “Men are not restricted to wear ties in the Napa Valley. They tend to wear a collared shirt with a sports coat or by itself.

Day events, you will even see collared shirts with jeans. We have a lot of stylish men in this Valley. Color and collar makes a look for a guy.”

If you are wearing a casual sports coat, Caldwell recommends adding a splash of color and kerchief will do the trick. She also believes men are starting to wear more necklaces and bracelets.

Though Napa Valley has beautiful weather in the summer, the evenings can turn cool. For that reason, Lyall suggested wearing thin layers that you can add or take off.

Caldwell said of all the fashion trends or individual looks, the best accessories is your smile.

“A lot of women, in my opinion don’t smile enough,” said Caldwell. “Just smile and have a good time. If people see that, they will feel comfortable approaching you.”

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T H E

FASHION GUIDE JOANIE CHAR

Fashion designer Joanie Char, creates beautiful garments that flatter, enhance and help woman to feel self-confident for any occasion. The Joanie Char look has captured the imagination of women across the country. These go-anywhere looks are perfect for special occasions, travel getaways, or building a working wardrobe. JOANIECHAR.COM

DAISY CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

NAPA SOAP COMPANY

If you are a conscious consumer – and are aware of what goes into the products you use on your body – Napa Soap Company products are for you. The company hand makes their soaps and skin care products in small batches using local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Ingredients – the ones you can’t pronounce – are not in their products. NAPASOAP.COM

HELEN LYALL CLOTHING FOR WOMEN Helen Lyall has been dressing women head to toe for over 45-years. Her unique fashion eye keeps her clients up to-date with the classics, trends and individual pieces to give them a complete look that flatters their figure.

HELENLYALL.COM

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Celebrating 12 years of fashion, Daisy Clothing Boutique is located on Main Street in St. Helena.

Daisy offers unique-tothe-wine-country Joseph Ribkoff apparel, as well as a mix of casual, formal and premium denim brands.

Complete your look with fun accessories and timeless leather handbags from Hobo. New collections arrive daily and the friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you look your best, so stop by and say hello!

DAISYCLOTHINGBOUTIQUE.COM

MARIO'S

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. Make a fashion statement at the next Napa Valley summer event. MARIOSNAPAVALLEY.COM

PEARL WONDERFUL CLOTHING

Serving St. Helena, Napa Valley for 17 years, Pearl Wonderful Clothing has told a story to its loyal customers of contemporary fashion, presented by knowledgeable staff in a unique and refined setting. Find the “experts of Napa Valley Lifestyle” at Pearl every day of the week.

PEARLWONDERFULCLOTHING.COM

NUCIANO

ZANETA

Photo by Alex Rubin

With a limited number produced, a Zaneta handbag is an exclusive bag that you won’t see on the shoulder of every woman in the Napa Valley, but you may see on the shoulder of an empowered woman anywhere in the world as our bags –made with Italian and French leather - are sold globally. ZANETAOWENS.COM

LUCK LAFAYETTE

Want an award-winning handbag? High quality handbag? A handbag with uncompromised luxury?

Who doesn’t? What Nuciano offers is all that – without the excessive price. Made for today’s woman that is looking to express both her own taste and independence.

Seek out a Nuciano handbag, in one of many “fierce” color options, for yourself. A brainchild of Joy Egbejimba, Nuciano is derived from the word "Nnukachiano" and resonates the freedom to BELIEVE & EXPRESS yourself as an independent woman. NUCIANO.COM

Ladies, does craftsmanship, attention to small details and luxurious fabrics matter to you when selecting new additions to your wardrobe? Then you should definitely try your "luck" at Luck Lafayette. From tops to bottoms, and everything in between, Luck has you covered. Delivery is also exclusively available to Luck shoppers, locally (for free) and throughout the U.S. (shipping rates apply). LUCKLAFAYETTE.COM

WUNDER BOUTIQUE + SALON

Wunder Boutique + Salon is the place to make yourself feel “wunder”-ful.

Shop for yourself, purchase gifts, or have your hair done by one of their talented stylists. They carry an assortment of women’s accessories including jewelry, purses, hats, scarves, sunglasses, as well as gift items. People will ask, “Did you get it at Wunder?”

WUNDERNAPA.COM

SCOTT LYALL CLOTHING FOR MEN

Men, don’t be afraid to wear a pop of color this summer. Scott Lyall has the perfect shirt and pant for any wine country occasion. Make a statement with the wild Robert Graham line or more conservative with Haupt. Accessorize with a hat and shoes.

SCOTTLYALLCLOTHES.COM SUMMER 2019

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Inspires EAST COAST napa valley

DESIGNER Ella Pritsker had a dream of starting her fashion business and helping women feel beautiful and confident in what they wear. After years of hard work and dedication, working to build her business in the Baltimore area and surrounding communities, she is regarded as one of the region’s most notable women’s couture designers.

E

lla Pritsker's business focuses on constructing custom, one-of-a-kind women’s apparel through her Ella Pritsker Couture line, educating students on how to pursue their passion through her design school, the Maryland Center of Fashion Design, and inspiring others to dress for success with her collaborative conference series titled “BrandBuildHers”.

Ella Pritsker came to the United States 29-years ago as a refugee from Russia. Shortly

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after arriving in this country, Ella was featured in an article in The Baltimore Sun about her immigration to the US. In the story, Ella commented on how much she missed her sewing machine. The day after the article was published, Ella awoke the next morning only to discover five sewing machines sitting on her doorstep.

Humbled by the generosity of the American women, Ella kept one machine and shared the others with women who loved to sew.

This welcoming gesture made a profound and lasting impression and impact on Ella and at that point, she dedicated herself to helping other women.

With machine in hand and a strong desire to dress the women of the Baltimore region, Ella began accepting clients, and her business grew organically. Most of her clients are referred by other satisfied customers and as a result, her business has grown exponentially over the years.

Ella has dressed countless notable women, including political figures and numerous executive business women in the area.

In addition to expanding her business, Ella has also expanded her dream by cofounding the Baltimore Fashion Alliance (BFA), an organization that provides professionals in the local fashion industry access to education, networking and resources within the Baltimore community and beyond. A cornerstone of the Alliance is giving back through charitable programs and contributions. BFA’s members have helped dress thousands of homeless men and women for job interviews, and helped to instill the confidence they need to secure employment leading to better lives.

Ella Pritsker Couture is recognized for their timeless designs, outstanding workmanship and elegant style, creating pieces that are made to last for decades. Ella strives to construct garments that empower women, boosting their self-confidence.

Dressing women influential in business, law and finance, she designs wardrobes that allow these women face their workdays and tasks with assurance and poise.

The process of working with a new client always begins with a conversation.

Ella can customize her work when she connects with the client understanding their personality and lifestyle. She presents them with a choice of fabrics and design options as well as her specific vision for

their wardrobe. Everything she creates is one-of-a kind, timeless and perfectly fitted.

In addition to her passion for beautifully made clothing, Ella Pritsker has a passion for the Napa Valley and its wines – particularly Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon and Hess Chardonnay. Ella is always excited to visit this beautiful region and is inspired by the incredible scenery,

the vibrant colors and the art and musical offerings of the Valley. The time-honored traditions of wine making, baking of artisan breads and the pressing of olive oil remind Ella of her European roots and her quest to create something unique. While she has travelled the world, Ella continues to be drawn to California and the artisan community there.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.ellapritsker.com

SUMMER 2019

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NVL fashion

CADDIE RESORT COLLECTION

JILL JOHNSON IS ONE CHARMING DESIGNER. IF HER POSITIVE ATTITUDE ALONE DOESN’T GRAB YOU, HER COLORFUL, SUSTAINABLE AND UNIQUELY TALENTED DESIGNS – IN GOLF CLOTHING – DEFINITELY WILL.  BY EVE BUSHMAN

J

ill Johnson is a clothing designer, but not plain and simply, she has successfully broken the mold of one of sport’s most unchallenged and conservative field: the world of golf clothing. Sure, she can design separates like everyone else does for your golf wear. Instead, Johnson has trail blazed something entirely new: comfortable dresses with bold colors, classy styles and comfort crafted from hemp. And she didn’t stop there, she also created a Heartbeat Collection and a “sustainable community through resort wear.”

Let’s break this down. For the clothing, think bright, happy, colored dresses over tight-at-the-waist separates, complementary printed collars that combine colors to make “your outfit fun.” Johnson said that her line is “comfortable, as well as sexy and flirty on and off the golf course.”

“Almost like you’re wearing sweats…but it’s a really comfy golf dress.” Johnson said. If being sexy and comfy from the golf course and beyond doesn’t just make you happy this will: Caddie is a supporter of The First Tee for elementary 34

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their business while reaching new customers.”

Johnson designs apparel and accessories for men, women, and children.

But her heart is definitely rooted in changing the look of the golf fashion industry.

and high school kids. They also support Sustainable Food Groups and Farming initiatives that provide natural resources for clothing and accessories.

Since 2002 the Caddie Resort Collection uses natural fabrics to create clothing that is fashion forward, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.

The Caddie Resort Collection on Instagram makes sure that the public is aware of what they

stand for and support in their use of hashtags: #cyberbullying #bullyingawareness #nobullying #kindnessmatters and “Shop for Good”.

The Caddie Resort Collection was a past finalist in the Belk Competition, which holds an “annual Southern Designer Showcase, seeking fashion designers who have a deep connection to the South and want an opportunity to grow

“The greatest thing I’m doing is bringing fashion into the golf industry…” and is striving to be “a fashion golf mogul.”

One more thing that sets Johnson apart, she proudly proclaims that she is the “only African American female golf designer in the industry.”

Jill Johnson is a star to watch. From the golf course and beyond.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.caddieresortcollection.com www.instagram.com/ caddieresortcollection

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

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Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 206-8055

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

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NVL fashion

SENSES by JCB

OPEN at the JCB VILLAGE  BY KARI RUEL | PHOTOS BY LOWELL DOWNEY / ART & CLARITY

I

ndulge your senses at the new Senses by JCB boutique located in the JCB Village in Yountville. Owner Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB) said all the “alchemy of the senses” (also the title of his new luxe book and national tour) came into play when he established this 3,500square foot Napa Valley destination.

“ The idea is this Taj Mahal of elegance,” said JCB. “Choose your religion from the epicenter of style, culture, fashion, texture, fabric, beauty and fragrance.”

Customers will arrive through the snake-handle doors, representing earthliness, then walk into a space where the ceiling is adorned with the shimmer of a Baccarat crystal chandelier.

Mannequins flank jewelry cases, inspiring guests with pulled-together looks. A fashion runway projected on the south wall brings the inspiration of the rhythm of fashion, the season and the elegance of color.

Even the cash register in the center of the store is affixed with white roses and a large letter “S”, which stands for Senses, as well as sensuality and style.

Senses offers clothing, jewelry, accessories, scarves, sunglasses, t-shirts, hats and a plethora of bags including a collection of vintage purses from top designers — all enticing customers to use their imagination for a unique stylish look.

“Ashley went crazy on the family credit card buying unique items for the store,” joked JCB about Director of JCB Luxury Retail Operations Ashley Amaral. “Napa chic is introduced in Napa. There are no three-piece suits. Instead, we have impulse items that can embellish any of us rapidly.”

In keeping with his theme of inspiring his patrons’ imaginations, there are a flock of birds floating from the ceiling (sky) as well as a unicorn acquired from a nature museum in Paris flanks the east wall.

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“The birds will help you travel through fashion, beauty and fragrance metaphorically,” said JCB. “You can get on a wing of a bird and travel. Hasn’t it been everyone’s dream to fly? It has been mine since I was a baby.”

“The unicorn represents beauty, power and energy,” he added. “The roses present the freshness of nature stylized by the fashion.”

JCB said his team has spent a tremendous amount of time studying style, color, shape and the meanings behind the pieces in Senses as well as how they fit into various periods of fashion. Many of their pieces are going to be timeless. Senses by JCB will feature over 150 brands as well as 19th-century accoutrements.

“Isn’t it cool, you own something from your mom or grandparents and you decide you want to sell it,” said JCB. “We will be open to evaluate the piece and possibly buy it to resell in the store.”

JCB, as a vintner and entrepreneur, has a keen sense of smell. Senses by JCB is also offering a one-of-a-kind experience to blend your own fragrance with JCB’s base ingredients to choose from at their Perfume Bar. “Enter my favorite world of fragrance,” he said. “We are representing the phenomenal noses from around the world. Some of the best brands we thought would be appropriate for the Napa Valley including very unique, rare, hard-to-find fragrances as well as my own JCB brand that will be out for my birthday in September.”

“There are no perfume machines like this anywhere in the world at this size,” said Amaral, explaining the osmologue that will enable customers create custom scents. “We will do a sensory exploration with our customers. The guest will start with our base ingredients and then add floral or woodsy notes. We provide a final perfume on a swatch and then plug in the final combination and the machine directly extracts the essential oils.”

“This has been my dream and I will be here all the time,” mused JCB. “I love tasting, but I really like smelling. The whole idea was to create a boutique that is a dream with everything we love and everything we adore besides wine. It’s all part of that lifestyle package that we delve into in our world. Every item is carefully selected. You will be dazzled by what we have. You won’t see the typical brands you see everywhere.”

Having grown up around wine and vineyards, JCB said only five to ten percent of a grapevine is used. At Senses by JCB he will soon feature his own line of skincare made from by-products of the vineyard as well as 26 unique ingredients including diamond dust, an ingredient used by the ancient Egyptians and the Greeks. The line will include a new anti-aging serum that he has been formulating and testing since 2001.

The second floor of Senses by JCB houses a medi-spa with licensed, certified estheticians offering treatments including facials, microdermabrasion, hydrafacials and microcurrent treatments.

The medi-spa and the clinical aesthetic therapies offered comprise a fully equipped skin care suite with state-of-the-art treatments to reduce signs of aging, control acne, improve sun-damaged skin and complexion irregularities. The treatments complement facelifts and other rejuvenation procedures. Because the medi-spa

staff is extensively trained in advanced clinical skin care, they can provide clients with the best of both worlds: safe, effective treatments in a tranquil and restorative environment in a space that has views of the Vaca Mountain range.

JCB said the completion of the JCB Village has been a dream.

“The village is a place where you can enjoy everything in one place. A traditional French village has a bakery, the fish seller, the butcher and everything dealing with the food,” he said. “Now we offer everything that is great for the body, great for the mind, great for the taste, great for the house. This is the world I love. I have traveled the world and I haven’t seen anything like this. The Valley has great wineries, great restaurants, great landscapes, but today we have an opportunity to express ourselves and bring a sense of style. It’s all about your senses, the energy, the vibration!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION 6505 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599 // Boutique – 707-948-6907 // Medi-Spa – 707-948-6908 // www.sensesbyjcb.com

SUMMER 2019

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NVL winery spotlight

Going Back to the Future

WILLIAM COLE VINEYARDS  BY LAURA LARSON

| PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA LITLE

Bill, Jane, Claire and Cole Ballentine

W

illiam Cole Vineyards lies hidden as one of Napa Valley’s most historic properties, tucked away just north of Deer Park Road and Highway 29. Its roots trace back to 1869 when John C. Weinberger and his wife Hannah acquired the 240-acre estate from Charles Krug and built the first stone winery in St. Helena. When William (“Bill”) and Jane Ballentine purchased a five-acre parcel of the original estate in 1999, the old gravity flow winery’s upper level had been converted to a residence.

Committed to preserving the property’s iconic history, Bill and Jane began an extensive three-year renovation of the stone winery to produce handcrafted, quality wines.

The Estate has three-acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, which Bill and his son Cole grow, produce and bottle. Bill leverages his fourdecade career working at every capacity in the wine business to know the value of keeping the operation small to allow for complete control over each stage of the process. Each vintage of 500-700 cases is crafted in small lots ranging between 20-30 per year, which are harvested and vinified individually to capture the nuances of the terroir. Bill says “Our lots are like a family of kids. They all have their unique characteristics, but you can tell they are all one family”.

Bill takes great pride in the family structure he has built around the William Cole label, named after him and his son. His wife Jane and daughter Claire, whose names grace their Cuvee labels, are also deeply engaged in the business. Their sense of family carries on with their customers, most of whom were introduced by word of mouth and have become “friends for life.” Bill is impassioned by 38

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Red Lake on Howell Mountain

his commitment to quality and is always looking for ways to evolve and offer his loyal customers something more.

Bill’s ancestors developed a rich legacy in Napa Valley beginning in 1922 when Bill’s grandfather purchased 160 acres and a winery in the hills of Howell Mountain. For over four generations the family pioneered the land and developed what is now known as Deer Park, named after their family farm in Ireland. In 2015, Bill seized the opportunity to reach back to his family roots and take William Cole to the next level. He acquired forty-one acres of land high on the slopes of Howell Mountain, near where his family built their foundation.

The property has seven acres of vines planted on Red Lake Vineyard, which are dedicated to William Cole’s new label, Predecessor. The label pays homage to the family’s heritage and means, “The One Who Came Before.” Like generations past, small lots (less than 300 cases) of 100% single varietal Estate wines that exemplify the big, extracted flavors of Howell Mountain fruit are produced. The wines exhibit exceptional quality and are well balanced and voluptuously elegant, while exhibiting the expressiveness of the rocky soils and warm climate. Allocated exclusively to club members, future plans include building a winery and tasting location so customers may experience the magic of the property first hand. Predecessor is the optimum next step for William Cole Vineyards. It takes the Bill’s multi-generational family legacy from the past century and brings it into what is destined to be a very bright future.

WILLIAM COLE VINEYARDS

www.williamcolevineyards.com www.predecessorestate.com

THANK

you!

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

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SUMMER 2019

39

NVL winery spotlight

A Passion for Quality

KRISTODD VINEYARDS  BY LAURA LARSON

K

ristine and Tod Ratfield’s vintner journey began in 2009 during a milestone birthday celebration weekend in Napa Valley.

Kris and Tod were East Bay Area residents who visited Napa Valley on weekends when they needed a break from their private law practice. As avid wine lovers, a favorite pastime was exploring new wineries and tasting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, especially the rich, elegant wines coming from Howell Mountain. On that particular weekend, their pastime became a passion, and they decided they needed to plant roots there.

They set out on a mission to find a home with enough land so they could plant vineyards. After a year-long search, they found a parcel high on a rocky slope on Howell Mountain disheveled with dead trees and overgrown brush with a dilapidated old home in need of renovation.

Almost immediately, a business associate introduced them to their vineyard manager, Jason Ray, of Napa Select Vineyard Services and they became fast friends. With a reputation managing many of Napa Valley’s premier vineyards, Jason rolled up his sleeves to oversee the planting of approximately three acres of two different French Cabernet Sauvignon clones. Soon he introduced the Ratfields to winemaker Massimo Monticelli, known for his talents making wine

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are the reason they had to increase production to 150 cases because it sells out every year.

The Ratfields take great pride in their KrisTodd Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are barrel aged from 22 to 30 months in new French oak, and the best barrels hand-selected and blended for each vintage creating bold, balanced and elegant wines. Their focus is on quality. Kristine and Tod believe their limited production gives them the ability to stay personally attentive to the entire creative process. For each meticulous step Kristine and Tod have taken to fulfill their passion

for BWise, Strala and Monticelli Brothers, a label Massimo owns with his brother.

During the years their Estate vineyard was under development, Kris and Tod launched KrisTodd Vineyards. They starting making wines with grapes sourced from one of Howell Mountain’s premier vineyards. In 2014, they released their first vintage of 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet and 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, both in limited production.

In 2016, Kristine asked Massimo to make her a “personal batch” of Rose’ she could enjoy at the pool. He set to work and made three barrels of free run style Rose’ comprised of 98 percent Cabernet and 2 percent Refosco, an Italian varietal Massimo donated from his family property. Its subtle tannins and spicy finish are dubbed Massimo’s “secret sauce” and according to Kristine,

to live, grow and produce wine in their favorite place on earth, they’ve done so without taking any shortcuts. They firmly believe it’s not about the quantity of how many bottles they produce, but only about the quality of what’s inside them. Their tasting room is located at Vintners Collective, 1245 Main Street, Napa, California.

KRISTODD VINEYARDS

707-225-7855 // www.kristoddvineyards.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.

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7/11/18 11:55 AM

SUMMER 2019

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NVL wine spotlight

MADE for FAMILY and FRIENDS

RED CAP VINEYARDS  BY LAURA LARSON

Tom and Desiree Altemus with Roscoe Photo by Ron Soliman

Hand-farming at Red Cap Vineyards / Photo by Benny Villareal

I

n 1998, Tom and Desiree Altemus made a leap of faith when their good friend and winemaker Rudy Zuidema told them about a 10.5-acre parcel he discovered while scouting for vineyard property on Howell Mountain. At the time, they had been looking to move out of their small home in Napa after the birth of their second child. Tom was working as a chef in St. Helena and had developed an appreciation for wine while preparing great wine country cuisine and pairing food with wines from some of Napa’s most prominent vintners. Tom and Desiree saw the potential opportunity of the Howell Mountain property, and asked Rudy to come on board as winemaker and help achieve the vision.

The land starts at an elevation of 1900 feet and has rich, rocky, red soil which provided the inspiration for the name, Red Cap Vineyards. After a few years of painstaking planning, in 2003 they planted their first vines of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tom manages the vineyard himself, which is no small task. The undulating rows 42

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of organically grown vines require the meticulous attention of hand-farming due to the grapes various stages of ripening. Tom believes Howell Mountain is the perfect place to grow Cabernet and does not like the idea of blending. He says “I like black coffee, I drink straight whiskey and I like my Cabernet pure so I can taste the character of each vintage.” Tom and Rudy share the same passion for demonstrating the natural diversity of the vineyard and are laserfocused on making the fruit the star.

In 2006, Red Cap Vineyards produced its first commercial vintage, 300 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. After spending ~2.5 years in French Oak, each vintage is well balanced and aromatic with deep red fruit and layers of complexity. Easily drinkable upon release these wines really shine with cellar aging. In addition to the Estate Cabernet, they rounded out the portfolio with a gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc made from fruit from the McGah Family’s Alsace vineyard in Rutherford.

Over the years Red Cap has developed a close following of customers and club

members who discovered them the “old school Napa way”– by word of mouth. The Red Cap team shares that commitment and takes the time to pay attention to each one individually. Even though their member list is in the hundreds, Tom personally contacts each customer for the yearly wine release and Michael Nguyen, Red Cap's Marketing Director, maintains the personal connection through social media. Many members plan their trips to wine country around Red Cap’s annual “Family Reunion”, a vineyard celebration of friends, food and wine.

The Red Cap label, an etching of a boy on a tree swing, was designed to inspire a special nostalgic feeling of carefree times, family and real people. For Tom and Desiree, it represents the very foundation of what Red Cap Vineyards is all about, “Treating our customers like friends and our friends like family.”

RED CAP VINEYARDS

www.redcapvineyards.com // info@redcapvineyards.com

707.258.2337 • 902 Main St • DOWNTOWNJOES.COM

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River View Dining • Pet Friendly Patio Sports Bar • Tap Room • Local Wines • Great Food Onsite Brewery • Dancing • Live Music • Full Bar 902 Main Street, Napa

707.258.2337

www.downtownjoes.com

SUMMER 2019

43

NVL wine spotlight

RUDIUS WINES A Strong Sense of Place  BY LAURA LARSON

| PHOTOS BY MAT MORRIS

G

rowing up in Alabama, Jeff Ames never imagined he would catch the wine bug by working in a wine shop. Originally on a path to become a lawyer, a part time job during graduate school ended up becoming a passion that changed his life forever.

During his wine shop days, Jeff became intrigued with Rhone varietals. He loved their diversity in style and the richness they portrayed in the wines. When he was presented an opportunity to serve as an intern for Lynn Penner-Ash, he jumped on the offer, moved to Oregon and immersed himself in the winemaking process.

Eventually he moved to Napa Valley and ended up working in various capacities within the wine industry. In 2001, the opportunity of a lifetime came along to become Assistant Winemaker for Thomas Brown.

During his tenure under Brown, he was involved in making wines for premier labels such as Schrader, Tor, Maybach, and Outpost. It wasn’t long before Jeff became anxious to go out on his own, and in 2005 he decided to start his own wine business. As an homage to his newfound freedom to create wines in his style, he named his label Rudius, after the wooden sword presented to Gladiators retired from battle and freed from the Roman Empire.

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Jeff’s style is focused on a hands-off approach, letting the wine evolve and express itself naturally.

In his early vintages, he concentrated on Rhone varietals, such as Grenache and Syrah, and produced small lots of deep, rich single vineyard wines from Russian River, Sonoma County, and Mendocino.

Entrenched in his world of winemaking, Jeff was not as comfortable when it came to the business side of things. In 2007, at a chance meeting at a

local gym, he met Brittany Coy, who he now calls “the brains of the operation.”

Brittany had an established career in business and finance, and as a Napa native, she had been around wine most of her life. Upon meeting Jeff, she became impassioned with his story and saw the potential opportunity for his brand. They agreed to become partners with Jeff managing the business from the vine to the bottle and Brittany from the bottle to the glass.

Over the past fourteen years, Jeff developed a specialty

for creating single vineyard designate Cabernet Sauvignon from premier vineyards in Napa. Along with the two-acre Savory Estate vineyard on his property on Howell Mountain, Rudius produces 200-300 case vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon from Farella Vineyard in Coombsville, “Kaley Elizabeth” (named after Jeff’s daughter) in Oakville and Panek Vineyard in St. Helena. They also produce small case productions of Estate Viognier, a rich Napa Valley Cab Franc, a spicy Syrah from Hudson Vineyard in Carneros and for the “closeted Rhone lover” a well-structured Zinfandel based field blend from Bedrock Vineyard in Sonoma.

Rudius is a winery with a mission to make wines that portray a strong sense of place. Each wine is intended to stand on its own and showcase its natural origin by varietal and terroir. The team is small but the wines are mighty, and although Rudius represents newfound freedom, their wines are known to captivate.

RUDIUS WINES

www.rudiuswines.com

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NVL wineries

Rutherford Ranch Winery SIP, SAVOR & STROLL  BY LAURA LARSON

Summer Patio

Tasting in the Olive Grove

Sustainability Demonstration

R

utherford Ranch Winery is one of Napa Valley’s betterknown family owned and managed winery and Estate vineyard properties. Located in Rutherford, the charming property lies hidden in an alcove at the Silverado Trail and Conn Creek crossroads. The winery was founded in 1978 by Ernie and Virginia Van Asperen and their business partner, Charlie Abela. In 1987, they built Round Pond winery

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Vine to Glass Barrel Tasting

and produced several labels, which included Rutherford Ranch. In 2000, Ernie retired and sold the winery to wellknown California farmers, Marko and Theo Zannovich. The Zannovich’s partnered up with winemaker Jay Turnipseed, and over the years have acquired over 300 acres of vineyards that are harvested for Rutherford Wine Company, a portfolio of wines produced throughout all of California.

Eventually the Round Pond property was renamed Rutherford Ranch Winery and repositioned to focus 100-percent on producing boutique style wines from the eleven-acre Abele Vineyard planted on the Estate. Many of the vines are over 30-years old and planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, and Malbec. The Rutherford Ranch Estate wine portfolio is primarily sold directly to customers and with some vintages, exclusively to wine club members.

Experiences at Rutherford Ranch invite guests to explore each nuance of the property, with focus on the outdoors. There are three patios and with conversational seating areas and shaded tables which can be situated for an intimate party of two or can be set up for larger groups. The 100-year-old olive grove is popular on warm summer days, where visitors can relax and sip a seasonal selection of Rutherford Ranch wines.

This summer Rutherford Ranch launched its popular “Vine to Glass” Experience, which takes guests out for a full property excursion. The tasting begins under the shady olive trees with an introduction to the winery and the history of the property accompanied with a sample of Rutherford Ranch’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc from their Pope Valley vineyard. Uniquely aromatic from its aging in Natural French Oak, its tropical notes and long crisp finish make it a perfect accompaniment for a warm summer day. After the Sauvignon Blanc, guests are treated to a richly styled Rose’ Reserve, (a blend of 90-percent Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 10-percent Merlot) and led on a stroll through the vineyards and production facility. Most notable is a demonstration of how the winery’s sustainable farming practices help limit environmental impact, increase soil and plant health and vigor, resulting in higher quality fruit. The family takes great pride in their ecological efforts to allow areas of the land to remain in a natural, pristine state to support indigenous plants and

wildlife. In the vineyards, they minimize the use of synthetic substances by using natural predation to help control insects and animals that are harmful to the vines.

The rigor they apply to implementing these practices has garnered industry accolades, including Sustainable Winery of the Year in 2018.

After the vineyard tour, visitors are escorted to the crush pad and barrel cellar, where production activity is often underway. A guided description of the winemaking process is explained, followed by an individual barrel sampling of next vintage Cabernet from various oak profiles. The shady picnic table awaits with an inviting line up of current vintage Estate wines accompanied by a curated cheese and charcuterie board.

Although it may vary depending on the season, the portfolio usually includes an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a sampling of one of their single vineyard Bordeaux varietals or structured blends.

Overall this unique ninety-minute vineyard property experience offers an up-close educational overview of one of Napa Valley’s most historic properties, state of the art farming and production practices paired with elegant, wellbalanced wines representative of the Rutherford AVA’s unique terroir. Under the shady olive trees, the full immersion experience offers any level wine lover an appreciation for the bounties of the property as well as a perfect respite on a warm afternoon.

If you aren’t interested in a vineyard tour, Rutherford Ranch offers other types of tasting experiences which are hosted indoors in their club room overlooking the vineyard or outside on one of the patios.

One experience that has generated much acclaim is the Wine and Chocolate pairing.

Partnered with Vintage Sweet Shoppes, chocolates are created to pair with Rutherford Ranch wines based on varietal and seasonality. Some popular summer pairings include white lemon chocolate paired with the Sauvignon Blanc, or Strawberry Chocolate to accompany the Reserve Rose’.

Celebrating its 40th harvest year, Rutherford Ranch has something for everyone.

Great for small or large groups, and club members, all visitor types are welcome, including your canine pals.

With so much to choose from, it’s easy to understand why Rutherford Ranch has developed such a devoted following for the past forty years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

1680 Silverado Trail S. St. Helena, CA 707-968-3200 www.rutherfordranch.com

By Appointment Only

SUMMER 2019

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PART

THREE

of

the

AVA

SERIES

Above the Fog

HOWELL MOUNTAIN  BY MICHAEL KOEHN

O

n the days when Napa Valley is socked in, a premium grape-growing region up in the eastern hills rides comfortably above the fog. It’s an area of land of about 10-miles long and less than two-miles across at its widest point located in the Vaca Mountain range on the northeast side of Napa Valley centered around the town of Angwin. Back in the early eighties when local American Viticultural Areas (AVA) were being determined, this parcel of land, the Howell Mountain AVA, was the first subappellation designated within the larger Napa Valley AVA. With its unique hillside setting and volcanic terroir, Howell Mountain has become one of the most esteemed wine growing regions in the world, and currently has more than 50 members actively involved in the Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Association (HMVGA).

The AVA was formalized in 1983, thanks to research primarily done by Bill Smith, former owner/winemaker of

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La Jota Vineyard Co. and W. H. Smith Wines, and Mike Beatty, proprietor of Howell Mountain Vineyards. In terms of its territorial designation, vineyards in the Howell Mountain AVA are planted between 1,400 feet and 2,500 feet above sea level, well above the lower elevations in Napa Valley that are most affected by the cool fog and winds from the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 13,074 acres within the Howell Mountain AVA, with only 1,164 acres currently planted with producing vines, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, just a tiny fraction of the 44,671 acres of vineyard planted in all of Napa Valley.

With viticulture, as with any premium real estate, location and climate can be everything.

“During the growing season, the average temperature during the day is ±10ºF cooler than the valley floor and our nighttime temperatures are ±10ºF warmer,” explained Matt Lamborn of Lamborn Family Vineyards. “This contributes to our ability to achieve the highly coveted ‘hang time’ one always reads about in wine literature.

Plus, our fruit is largely protected from the wild heat swings and temperature spikes that can degrade fruit quality and harm the phenolic compounds that contribute to a wine's unique character. Not to mention much of the AVA is covered in the Aiken Loam series, which is a soil type characterized by well drained volcanic soils that make grapevines exceptionally happy.”

Where rivers, creeks and property lines usually define an AVA’s border line, Howell Mountain is the exception, with boundaries defined by a 1,400-foot elevation contour line, which places it “above the fog.”

“The whole concept of being ‘above the

Clif Family Winery, Cold Springs Vineyard Photo by Carolyn Burgess

Duckhorn Vineyards

fog’ makes Howell Mountain unique,” said winemaker Laura Bennett of Clif Family Winery. “We get some cooling from both the elevation and the exposure to the fog layer. However, we are often sitting above the fog, which allows us to capture the morning sunshine while the valley AVAs are still under cloud cover.”

Historically, long before the appellation, Howell Mountain was a vibrant winemaking region in the 19th and early 20th century.

According to Sam Peters, Executive Director for the HMVGA, chief among those moving early onto the mountain to establish vineyards were Jean Adolph Brun and Jean V. Chaix—two experienced vintners who planted hundreds of acres of vineyards and were among the most successful local wine businesses during the boom of the 1880s.

Other famous winegrowers who moved to the area were Charles Krug, W.A.C. Smith, Frederick Hess, and W.S. Keyes, who started Liparita Vineyards and then built

Lamborn Family Vineyards Photo by Matt Lamorn

Cakebread Cellars, Dancing Bear Ranch Vineyard // Photo by Robert Holmes

another stone winery, known as La Jota Vineyard Co. today.

In 1889, the Howell Mountain region made history when Brun & Chaix won a bronze medal at the Paris World Competition with a red wine from Howell Mountain. Tenyears later, Keyes took gold and bronze with another red wine, while Hess walked away with bronze for his La Jota Vineyard Co. Blanco table wine. Later, in 1904 at the St. Louis Exposition, Keyes went on to top his Paris accolades by winning the grand prize for his renowned red wine. Collectively, these medals proved the longstanding reputation of Howell Mountain wines.

Prohibition eventually shuttered all of the wineries on Howell Mountain.

“Renewed interest in the area took place in the 1960’s and 1970’s with Randy Dunn, Bill Smith, Bob Brakesman, Bob Lamborn, Mike Beatty and others,” stated Jon Larson, owner/winemaker at Angwin Estate Vineyards. “The AVA designation

was obtained due to research conducted

by Bill Smith then owner/winemaker of La Jota Vineyard Co. These early founders of the Howell Mountain AVA, laid out the 1,400-elevation boundary that defines the AVA today.”

One of the first winemakers to focus on quality Cabernet Sauvignon was Randy Dunn who bought a 5-acre vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon on Howell Mountain in 1978. The 1979 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon was released to sterling reviews and effectively branded Howell Mountain as a source of outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Over the years, Dunn's huge but balanced Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons have earned a reputation as being among Napa Valley’s most highly regarded wines.

“I am often asked why I chose this area,” Dunn said. “I chose the area because it is a beautiful spot, and I thought that it would probably grow good Cabernet. There was SUMMER 2019

49

very little Cab being grown up here.

It was predominantly Zinfandel. The economics of being a small producer of Zin are not nearly as favorable as that of Cab. So, the rest is history. Our first bottling of the '79 was about 650 cases; now we are about 5000.”

Just as important as climate, terroir can have a significant effect on the quality and flavor profile of grapes. This is especially true on Howell Mountain, where there are two prevalent soil types. The first consists of decomposed volcanic ash, called “tufa”, and the second is red clay that is high in iron. Because these soil types are nutrient poor and drain well, they are actually ideal for producing wine grapes as they stress the vines, forcing them to produce small, intensely flavored grapes, rather than plump, watery fruit and leafy foliage. The grapes produced on Howell Mountain are full of fruit intensity, with thicker skins providing tannic structure and aging potential. These produce robust and complex, yet approachable, reds with tasting 50

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notes that refer to mineral, cassis, spice, black currant, and cherry flavors.

What also makes Howell Mountain unique is its array of varying microclimates, sometimes existing within the same vineyard block, according to Larson. “The high altitude, afternoon winds, rocky volcanic soil, and acute (potentially) sun angle combine to create wines with distinct characteristics within the AVA. The great wines from around the world are (primarily in my opinion) hillside wines grown on mountains which have diurnal ocean breezes but are not too close to the ocean.

This combination is magical when it comes to complexity, balance, age-ability and world-class Bordeaux varietals and Clarets.

The Zinfandels can also be alluring.

I grew up here, and as I learned about what makes great wine, I grew to appreciate the uniqueness of Howell Mountain as a world class spot for Cabernet Sauvignon.”

“The brands that I work with are Aloft for Cabernet and Dark Matter Wines for Zinfandel and what is so unique about Howell Mountain is the diversity of growing conditions,” Angelina

Mondavi explained. “That forces me, as a winemaker, to really allow the grapes to speak to me. Each vineyard will respond to conditions differently and even though our vineyards may only be a mile and half apart, each one is a uniquely different property based on soil structure, shade and average temperatures and that’s what makes Howell Mountain so unique in terms of a growing region.”

Over the years, Howell Mountain has been a reliable source of exceptionally bold, full-bodied, well extracted Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandels and Merlots. Among the most highly rated labels with their rootstocks in Howell Mountain are Dunn Vineyards, Robert Foley, O’Shaughnessy, CADE, Lamborn, Outpost, Ladera, Beringer, La Jota, Robert Craig, Turley, Karl Lawrence, Lakoya, Howell at the Moon, Abreu, W.H. Smith, Arkenstone, Duckhorn and Cakebread Cellars. The wines produced from Howell Mountain vineyards, primarily reds, are often described as being “big,” with a lot of concentrated fruit and tannins, which allows the wines to be crafted for the long run. Expect these wines to hold their own for a good twenty years if laid down, which means when you buy a wine produced from Howell Mountain grapes, you’re not only buying into a significant piece of Napa Valley history, you’re also investing in something that will only improve in quality and value as it ages.

“A good way to get acquainted with our wines is to attend our signature wine tasting event, Taste of Howell Mountain, that we hold every year,” says Frank Doztler of Outpost Estate Winery and the current HMVGA President. “It will be held at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena and everybody pours. We also have gourmet small bites and there’s an auction filled with wines and winery experiences. It’s a great way to sample the wines from our AVA, which all come from the same general area and are maybe made with the same grape varietal, but you can really tell the difference with the nuances of each vineyard and vintage and you can really understand, by sampling the final product, what this place is all about.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

or to purchase tickets for the Taste of Howell Mountain visit www.howellmountain.org

NVL wineries

SPENCE VINEYARDS With More Than a Decade of Howell Mountain Winemaking, Spence is Napa’s Best Kept Secret  BY EVE BUSHMAN

N

e s t le d at o p Howell Mountain, at an altitude of 1,900-feet, lies a hidden three-acre vineyard of exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Spence Vineyards has been quietly crafting wines on Howell Mountain for over a decade. As a result of their hands-on approach, attending to every detail of the process, they have developed a thriving club membership and the word is getting out.

Allen and Jacalyn Spence didn’t buy their property on Howell Mountain originally to make wine – although they were aware Howell Mountain had a strong reputation for producing world-class wines.

After pruning the original Concord grape vineyard on the land and having no use for 52

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

the grapes they decided to plant wine grapes.

In 1998, it all started with a winning bid at a local school auction. With 1000 pounds of Howell Mountain Cabernet and the generosity of a local renowned vintner to guide them, the journey began. The following years the Spences continued their Garagiste (garage) winemaking with purchased grapes and guidance from several established winemakers. In 2005, Allen was unknowingly volunteered to be the winemaker for the Home Winemakers lot from the same school auction. The Cabernet Merlot blend was an outstanding hit.

Following their new passion, the Spences went back to school to study both viticulture and enology. Every subject in

the program was applied to the design of the vineyard and the developing talent for winemaking.

Although there were rave reviews with their homemade wine, going commercial was a different ballgame. They hired Ted Osborne, a world class winemaker with experience across the globe as well as locally at Cakebread Cellars, Storybook Mountain and Olabisi Wine, as their winemaker. The couple, along with Ted, believe that “a winemaker’s job is not to ruin what nature has provided.” It's all about what happens in the vineyard.

Next, after buying adjacent vineyard property on Howell Mountain the Spences built their own winery. This allowed them to “dial in” further to the nuances of their vineyard with fermenting and barreling each Cabernet clone separately. Understanding how each individual barrel affects the wine lets them “create something unique and wonderful.”

“We planted in 2000, our first vintage was 2003, and decided to sell commercially,” the Spences said. “We created a hand-crafted, intensely rich, full-bodied 100-percent Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.” And the journey has continued.

Now, in their 12th vintage with their 2015 Howell Mountain Cabernet, they have also added a Reserve Cabernet Atelier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and Rosé to the benefit of loyal club members. Find their Cabernet at several Napa Valley restaurants and wine shops from Calistoga to Napa as well as in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County. So, finding a bottle from Spence Vineyards is not a complete secret – if you are willing to look!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

920/994 White Cottage Rd N, Angwin, CA 94508 707-965-3416 spencevineyards.com

NVL wineries

PIÑA

Authentically Napa Valley

The Piña Family- Ranndy, Rickie, Larry and Davie  BY LAURA LARSON

P

iña is one of Napa Valleys’ secret wineries perched above the Silverado Trail east of Rutherford.

The winery was founded in 1979 by sixth generation farmers and winemakers John Piña and Arline (Glos) Piña and their four sons-Larry, Ranndy, Davie and John (now represented by his wife Rickie after his passing in 2017). Both the maternal and paternal sides of their family have a formidable history in the Napa Valley which began in the 1850s when their mothers’ great-great-grandfather Moses Stice migrated to California by wagon train from St. Louis, Missouri and began farming grapes. Each generation that followed continued to work in the wine industry, both in farming and winemaking.

In 1960 John Piña and Arline (Glos) Piña started Piña Vineyard Management, and over the years grew the business to manage over seventy well-known vineyards all over Napa Valley, including Frank Family Winston Hill vineyard, Seven Stones Cabernet vineyard, and Davis Estate Phase V Cabernet Vineyard. Since the very beginning, the Piñas developed close partnerships with many of their vineyard clients and as a result, established an invaluable opportunity to gain access to

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some of Napa Valley’s highest quality fruit. complete control offers them the unique advantage to plan each vintage with the This distinction contributed to their decision final product in mind. to establish the family winery in 1979.

The Piña family takes great pride in Under the skillful oversight of winemaker their family’s heritage of farming and Anna Monticelli, their primary focus is winemaking passed along over many producing small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon generations, and they make it easy for Napa from five single designate vineyards which Valley visitors to share the experience. showcase the personality and pedigree of There is no appointment necessary to each location’s respective climate and soils. taste their wines in the barrel room at The vineyards span the full range of Napa their Rutherford winery. Guests have the Valley from the foothills of Atlas Peak to the opportunity to sample three or more of Buckeye Vineyard high atop Howell Mountain their exquisite single vineyard Cabernet and include the Ames vineyard in Oakville, Sauvignon labels, their Burgundian style the Wolff Vineyard in Yountville, and their Oak Knoll District Chardonnay, and if it’s estate Firehouse Vineyard, which is located available, their limited just above their Rutherford production “Taps” Portwinery. The vineyard is named style Cabernet Sauvignon. after the outpost Davie (Fire In the luxury Cabernet Chief, Rutherford Volunteer Sauvignon market where Fire Department) built on access to wines from Napa the property as an alternate Valley’s most premier site East of Napa River to vineyards are becoming house the two Fire Engines to more exclusive, the Piñas ensure coverage during flood are focused on creating and conditions. presenting wines by way Pina Vineyard Management of their family traditionfarms all of the single vineyard approachable and authentic. fruit from planting to harvest.

Producing only between FOR MORE INFORMATION Winemaker Anna Monticelli 2,000 & 3,500 cases, having www.pinanapavalley.com

poke bar

now open

voted top 3 best asian in napa!

625 IMPERIAL WAY #1, NAPA, CA 94559 707-252-2250 • ROBERTCRAIGWINE.COM

1124 1st street napa, ca 94559 napanoodles.com (707) 492-8079 SUMMER 2019

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NVL wineries

CALDWELL VINEYARD Caldwell Vineyard is Known for Their Extraordinary Collection of Single-Vineyard and Clone-Specific Wines. And with John Caldwell, A.K.A The Smuggler, at the Helm, They’re Just as Well-Known for Making Mischief and Taking Chances, Too.  BY EVE BUSHMAN

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| PHOTOS BY SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

When it comes to amazing stories, the Caldwells have a few. Yes, John Caldwell smuggled some special vine cuttings into the United States from France to establish his vineyard back in the 1980s, and ultimately became the first licensee for French grapevine clones in North America. He and his wife Joy also hired the only Master Barrel Cooper in the United States to make specialized oak barrels in-house, and hired a rising star winemaker to craft their wines on the rim of a former volcano in Coombsville.

Vintner, Smuggler, Clone Expert, Maverick, John Caldwell If you know Caldwell, or much about Napa Valley, you’ve heard about John’s “Smuggling Story.” John bought 125 acres in Coombsville in 1974, and within a few years decided he needed to leave the shoe business (where he met his wife Joy), and get into wine.

Brand new to the industry, he had a lot to learn and in SUMMER 2019

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1982, paid a guy to take him to France to learn some of the basics about vineyards from the best in the business at the time.

During his visit to Château HautBrion he learned about their clonal program, and it was one of those “ah-ha” moments that forever shaped the trajectory of his vineyard and his legacy.

So what are clones and why are they special? Well, all living things, over time, go through a process of natural mutation. If a grapevine variety goes through a mutation that presents with favorable characteristics such as early ripening, or particular aromatic features, a clonal researcher will mark the vine and begin propagating the cuttings in their grapevine clone program to see what it produces over the course of a number of years.

After 15 years or so of monitoring and vineyard trials to prove the vine is disease-free and can consistently deliver the desirable characteristics, researchers will seek to have the clone registered with the appropriate government agency as a new clonal selection (FPMS in the United States, ENTAV in France). If accepted, the clone will be assigned a number to identify it (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon 337, is a very popular clone of Cabernet Sauvignon used in Napa Valley.)

According to Caldwell, legal importation of a new clone or root stock takes a minimum of seven years to get through a stringent international quarantine process which includes growing the clone over many trials before you can plant the vines. But in 1984, John was ready to plant the first four acres on his property, and couldn’t wait seven years to get started. So he took matters into his own hands and snuck a bunch of French ENTAV-INRA clones (including Cabernet Sauvignon 337 and 15, Merlot 181 and Cabernet Franc 332) through the Canadian border, 58

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and planted his vineyard. Little did he know that this made him an agricultural outlaw, and began his legacy as The Smuggler.

Over the next 10 years, Caldwell approached ENTAVINRA about licensing the clones in North America in exchange for royalty fees, and in 1998 he and his wife Joy signed the very first international licensing agreement for French clones.

Under this agreement, Caldwell imported over 60 clones that are still sold today at three ENTAV-INRA certified grapevine nurseries in California. During this process, Caldwell wrote the book on grapevine clones in the United States, both figuratively and literally. In fact, his book, originally titled Wine Grape Clones For Professionals, will be released as a new edition after 25 years sometime in 2020.

Written for the wine lover and winemaker alike, the updated version serves as a definitive resource book, but also showcases Caldwell’s penchant for storytelling with lots of great anecdotal tales about both his clones and colleagues in the American wine industry.

Caldwell’s wife Joy, who has helped bring her husband’s

visions to life, has vision of her own. This summer she’s releasing an extraordinary French Champagne under the Caldwell Vineyard label.

Finding a Champagne worthy of this distinction took some research and, during their last trip to France, took tasting more than 60 different Champagnes before they found and fell in love with the wines produced at the Philippe Gamet Champagne house. “I’m a huge Champagne fan,” says Joy, “so being able to release something I love under our own label is like a dream come true. I can’t wait to share it.”

To round out the portfolio of products the Caldwells love to drink, they’re also launching a JFC Cognac (from Cognac, France), and a JFC Bourbon – both named for John’s alias, “John F*ing Caldwell.” “We buy 3-, 6-, 10-, 12- and 16-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, bring it all to California, and then we finish the bourbon in our own Pedro Ximenez seasoned Oloroso sherry, port and cognac casks.

We have a great selection of barrels – none smuggled. It’s just yummy; no water or ice needed,” says John.

Rising Star Winemaker, Marc Gagnon Marc Gagnon is an experienced winemaker with a pedigree that includes time at Screaming Eagle, and most recently, at Bryant Estate. Gagnon said, “The vineyard comes first and will define the wine program as we take things forward for the next generation.” He doesn’t believe in manipulating the wines, but rather embraces vintage-to-vintage variation.

Gagnon wanted to be a winemaker since he was 14, but his parents thought it would never happen – ranking the likelihood of success down there with becoming a successful musician or chef.

But Gagnon “never wanted to be normal.”

In that regard, Gagnon and the Caldwells saw eye to eye the moment they met.

Gagnon’s winemaking style emphasizes dividing up the vineyard by clones and rootstocks, and fermenting different blocks separately. By keeping everything separate until the

end, Gagnon and Caldwell are able to produce something unique, instead of something merely average. “The vineyard will be here long after I’m gone,” Gagnon says, and he wants to showcase its highest expression during his time.

A Coombsville fan, to say the least, Gagnon explained that the Caldwell Vineyard perches at the highest altitude in Coombsville (300-600 feet), tilted towards the afternoon sun.

He explained that this area was once a volcano – eight million years ago – which collapsed and fell in on itself to create a caldera. The first two and a half feet of earth in the vineyard are rocky volcanic soil, great for drainage, and when you dig a bit deeper, it’s pure, mineralrich ash.

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This type of soil is far more typical at higher elevations, like Pritchard Hill looking over Lake Hennessey. So in this regard, too, Caldwell Vineyard is singular and remarkable.

Public awareness of the Coombsville region has grown significantly in the six years since it was established as an official AVA, and its reputation is just now hitting its stride.

Gagnon believes the area offers great quality and diversity for visitors, just 10 minutes from downtown Napa. This region is generally about five to ten degrees cooler than other parts of Napa Valley, with dramatic daily shifts in temperature. Cooler weather with large diurnal shifts helps ensure slower ripening and more expressive fruit. Instead of big and jammy, the wines are structured and elegant, but still have the benefit of California sunshine.

Master Cooper and Barrel Boss, Ramiro Herrera Caldwell Vineyard is the first U.S. winery to employ a full 60

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time Master Cooper for their in-house French oak barrel program. Ramiro Herrera is one of only 34 people in the world who have earned the Master Cooper title – and the only one in the United States.

He spends two months each year building wine and cognac barrels in France, developed and crafted specifically for the Caldwell winemaking style, and ships them home to the winery in Coombsville. As an in-house Master Cooper, Herrera makes barrels exclusively for Caldwell, which helps to showcase and amplify the Caldwell house style.

Herrera started his career at the Napa Seguin Moreau Cooperage. They sent him for a four-year training in Cognac, France. “I owe them a lot.”

Herrera began. “Now instead of working in a mass production facility making thirty thousand barrels a year, I only need to focus on three hundred perfect barrels for Caldwell.”

The small scale of Herrera’s work allows him to devote greater attention to toasting for consistency and flavor. Herrera explained that a whopping fifty percent of the flavor of a

wine comes from the barrel; with bourbon, it’s 95%. It takes focused time and attention to toast a barrel properly. For the first 30 minutes of toasting, every barrel aroma is the same. But every seven minutes after that, you notice different aromas developing, from vanilla to mocha, coconut, spice, chocolate and coffee. You “need to be by that barrel every minute, to stop the toasting process when you note the aromas your winemaker wants.” For example, if the winemaker wants notes of mocha and chocolate, Herrera stops toasting when those aromas begin to appear.

A Master Cooper keeps a low fire, and long turns of the barrel so that the toasting will penetrate about a quarter-inch into the barrel stave. This way, the wine stays in contact with the toasted wood at all times.

A wine with big tannins, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot, will need to be “cooked all in oak” to soften the texture.

“Every single wine we make,” Herrera commented, “sees time in oak – including our Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé.

Our reds are fermented in

barrel and the bourbon takes the heaviest toast and the longest aging. John doesn’t like an oaky taste so getting the oak profile right for fermentation and aging of all these wines is a bit of an art form.” Herrera adds, “There are less than 10 wineries in the world with their own cooperage – and he [Caldwell] wanted to be the first in Napa. Château HautBrion is John’s inspiration.

From his first visit in 1984, he recognized that having a Master Cooper for the project made all the difference in the wine.”

During the Master Coopers’ four-year training, everything is done by hand – no electrical tools are allowed. The result is true mastery of the craft, and unmatched attention to detail.

Herrera said you could request a visit with him during a Caldwell Tasting Experience if you’d like to go deep on the art of cooperage, and learn what having a Master Cooper in the house really means.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-255-1294 www.caldwellvineyard.com 270 Kreuzer Lane, Napa, CA 94559 By appointment only

The Caldwell cave is an underground sanctuary built into the side of a steep mountain on the edge of an ancient volcano. The walls in their round, private tasting room have been left exposed to show the earth in which these storied wines grow.

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NVL wineries

Always an Adventure

CLIF FAMILY WINERY  BY LAURA LARSON

Cold Springs Vineyard / Photo by Carolyn Burgess Photography

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lif Family Winery is owned and operated by outdoor enthusiasts Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford.

Driven by their passion for food and adventure, when they originally founded Clif Bar & Company in 1991, their mission was to create convenient, portable delicious food for today’s busy lifestyles. When they moved their family to Napa Valley in 1997, what started out as a country home in Pope Valley launched an exciting new adventure in winemaking and sustainable farming.

The Clif Family Farm is comprised of two properties: “Home Farm” and “Croquet Estate”. Both are farmed to olive and fruit orchards and extensive herb and vegetable gardens. The farms are dedicated to local, organic & sustainable farming practices and their bounties provide a portion of the fresh, seasonal ingredients into packaged food or dishes prepared in their celebrated “Bruschetteria” food truck most often found parked outside their St. Helena tasting room. Each Estate property is 62

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planted to vineyards that produce Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon and present lush, well-balanced fruit that complement the attributes of the soil, elevation, and microclimates of each unique terroir. Their third Howell Mountain property, Cold Springs Vineyard, is located on the south side of the mountain. Its 1660-foot elevation and rich, volcanic soil offer the perfect growing conditions for the opulent composition of their Cold Springs Single Vineyard

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The small production Estate Cab and Zinfandel from these properties are offered exclusively to direct customers and club members.

In addition to the Estate fruit on Howell Mountain, Clif Family sources grapes from growers in Napa, Mendocino and Anderson Valley, and in 2018, they purchased a 40acre vineyard in the Oak Knoll District.

In 2022, they are looking forward to harvesting their first vintage of CCOF certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Tasting Experiences at Clif Family Winery are designed to offer versatility and a sense of adventure. Whether it’s a simple wine tasting or cyclists returning from one of their hosted biking tours, the Tasting Room on Highway 29 in St. Helena is always bustling. For the foodie aficionado, don’t miss the notorious “Bruschetteria,” a gourmet food truck operated by Executive Chef John McConnell. Inspired by their friends’ bruschetta restaurant in Northern Italy, Gary & Kit re-created a way to bring people together through delicious food. Always brimming with an everchanging menu expertly created from the seasonal bounties of Clif Family Farm, the Bruschetteria has gained industry acclaim as one of the top food and wine experiences in Napa.

The Clif Family mission is to craft distinct, regional wine and food experiences using practices that care for the earth. Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford have proven providing a more vibrant and healthy food community should be part of any food and wine lovers unique adventure.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.cliffamily.com

Photos by Briana Marie Photography

“Crafting new world wines in an old world tradition” Kara and Mike Dunn, Napa Valley natives, created Retro Cellars in 2003 as a secondgeneration brand at their family’s winery, Dunn Vineyards on Howell Mountain.

Their small-lot winemaking features “alternative varietals” of old vine Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah and Rosé from the Peloursin grape (the genetic mother of Petite Sirah). They are a family-run, old school winery that is truly authentic.

Come visit us by reservation by contacting kara@retrocellars.com or calling 707.965.1042

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 SUMMER 2019

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NVL wineries

HABER FAMILY VINEYARDS Vintners Ron and Sue-Marie Haber Are Passionate About Howell Mountain, Winemaker Tim Milos and Their Extended Family at Haber Family Vineyards  BY EVE BUSHMAN

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oth Habers, Ron and his wife SueMarie, were bitten by the wine bug in their youth, became collectors in the 1990s and fans of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon at a special event in 2003. Staying at various times at a friend’s 20-acre farm on the mountain, they made their own decision to buy Howell Mountain property before they retired from Ron’s successful glass business in New York.

As the Haber Family Vineyard plans and brand developed, and the farm grew, they made the decision to move full time to the property. Ron’s title on his business card reads, “Retired 2B Tired”.

“Instead of slowing down in retirement we have found the vintner’s life very challenging and rejuvenating.” Ron said.

Sue-Marie worried that Ron would not have enough to challenge him in a different and slower lifestyle when they finally moved to their Howell Mountain property. This change of business and lifestyle was the best thing for this loving couple that loved Howell Mountain.

And one thing about Howell Mountain, besides its well known terroir that includes the perfect climate, soil, fog and altitude that all contribute in getting outstanding

Cabernet Sauvignon - the Habers, in the very beginning put their focus on the clones. They started with two clones that they knew and loved and their winemaker, Tim Milos, added a third to their 2.5-acre vineyard making for the complexity of their 100-percent Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

“You’ve got to trust your winemaker – Tim Milos has been with us since the beginning - and also the entire farming team,” Ron said. “That way you are doing it right from the start. My dad taught me to not be scared to always surround yourself with the best of what you do not know.”

Their label was designed to pay homage to Ron’s father – who started a very successful glass and window business in 1944 that Ron and his brother took over – in every label on every bottle of wine. Coming from the world of glass the Habers never wanted to use the customary paper label, which hides the characteristics of glass – instead, each one is screen-printed or etched. The Haber bottle is a scene viewed through a four-paned window – paying homage to the 70-year old family business – and is a view of mountain tops peeking out above a layer of valley fog, topped by a starry night blue starry sky (not

visible to Ron in New York) and a crescent moon above Venus.

The Habers are passionate about sitting with Milos every year tasting through the wines as they progress, and only deciding when the wines are ready when it “speaks to everyone’s heart. We craft our wines in a style that we both like because if we can’t sell it we have to drink it.”

The couple is passionate about having this second career and keeping it small, so they resist the urge to get bigger. And because of this they have been lucky enough to meet ninety percent of all of their private members that are spread across the U.S., from Howell Mountain to New York City and Europe.

“We keep our club memberships open for extended family.”

The pair said in unison. And the club is aptly called Friends of the Vineyard.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Brasswood Estate // 3111 Saint Helena Highway N, St Helena // 707-302-5101 // www.haberfamilyvineyards.com

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

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

l o c h a n dSUMMER u n i o2019n . c 65o m

NVL wineries

SUMMIT LAKE VINEYARDS

A Family Story Built from the Ground Up  BY LAURA LARSON

esman, 1989

Bob and Sue Brak

B

ob and Sue Brakesman spent the early days of their relationship together on cross country road trips in their Dodge Van. While traveling through South America, they fell in love with the seductive wines of Chile and Argentina, and knew then they wanted something more.

On November 12, 1971, Sue received a birthday gift that would change her life forever. Bob presented her with a deed to Summit Lake Vineyards, a 28-acre vineyard “Estate” on the top of Howell Mountain. It sounded like paradise, but when she first arrived, she found it was overgrown and in disrepair. She went to bed anxiously realizing 66

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Bob, Danny, Heather and Brian Brakesman Photo by Stacy Gleason Photography

what was required to bring the place to a habitable state. When she awoke the next morning, her breath was taken away when she discovered a beautiful, pristine blanket of snow had fallen during the night and transformed the property into a truly enchanting place.

Bob and Sue immediately set to work resurrecting the old six-acre Zinfandel vineyard and adding thirteen new acres of vines. With the help of friends and family, the vines were rooted and grafted by hand, a three-year project which usually involved beer, late-night dinners, dancing, and sleeping bags.

During each stage of the process, they each took on jobs that offered them handson access to learning opportunities, from working at a nursery grafting vines to installing drip irrigation systems. In the mid 1970’s, Bob took a cellar position at Freemark Abbey where he learned how to perfect his winemaking skills from then winemaker

Jerry Luper, who became a close friend and mentor. In 1985 Summit Lake Vineyard & Winery was bonded, and the Brakesman’s released their first commercial label, a 1978 Estate Zinfandel.

During the renovation years, their children Heather, Brian and Danny were born. From the beginning, they were always part of the action, either strapped on Sue’s back while she worked or supervising the melee placated in an empty stock pot. Young Brian always knew he wanted to be part of the business. He studied Engineering at Cal Poly and after graduating, started making wine with Paraduxx and Ledson. In 2009, he took the reins as winemaker for Summit Lake Vineyards so Bob could focus on farming.

Heather left the ranch in her twenties to start her own family and returned in 2003 after Sue’s unexpected passing. Today she manages the sales and hospitality functions of the business.

A visit to Summit Lake Vineyards is one to remember. Always hosted by a family member, guests are seated at the family picnic table next to the vineyard and offered a selection of delectable wines from their 1200 case production— A rich Cabernet, a spicy Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, a blended Rose’ and a Zinfandel Port, all named after Bob’s granddaughters.

From the beginning, Summit Lake Vineyards has been a family operation built on love and community support. While producing hand-crafted quality wines is what Summit Lake Vineyards is all about, what’s most important to the Brakesman family is that they are doing it together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.summitlakevineyards.com

A

Hidden Gem

IN THE

Wine Country

The Only Private Golf Club in Napa Valley

One of the oldest golf and Country Clubs in California, Napa Valley Country Club 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 setting of 181 acres.

Full or Single Golf • Tennis • Social Junior • Corporate Non-Resident • Wedding Destination • Special Events Membership Opportunites are by Invitation Only.

INQUIRIES WELCOME: Jeanne Johnston, General Manager • 707.603.3486 • jeannej@napavalleycc.com

www.NapaValleyCC.com

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NVL people & art

“ The complete obliteration of my studio, tools and work up until that point allowed me to start fresh, like a blank canvas, unencumbered by my previous work.”

H

VINCENT THOMAS CONNORS  BY EVE BUSHMAN

Losing His Devaux Ranch Studio in the 2017 Tubbs Fires Was a Blessing in Disguise for this Napa Artist 68

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aving established the “Devaux Ranch Studio” in 2015 as a permanent creative space, Connors primarily focused on painting and photography in the Carneros setting, until the fires leveled the studio.

Pending the rebuild on the original site, he has been given a new creative site through the generous patronage of Steltzner Vineyards and Heron House wine gallery, in Yountville.

“This new ‘Heron House Studio’ has had its own influences on my creativity. Built originally as a machine maintenance shed for farming, it included some existing welding and woodworking equipment. While continuing to paint, I now also utilize the new tools available to create three dimensional work. Using metal collected from the vineyards and wood from trees felled during the fires, my work continues to branch out, into outdoor sculpture and industrial design; and continues to be influenced by the local landscape and industry.”

Vincent Thomas Connors began his career in Fine Art as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he earned an MFA from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco where he focused on Textiles and Fashion Design.

From there he continued to work in the textile industry in New York City and eventually moved to Shanghai, China to continue that work.

Finally in 2014, he and his young family settled in the Napa Valley.

Connors married Rebecca Rowan while the pair was in graduate school in San Francisco.

Rowan, originally from Napa, owns Devaux Vineyard in Carneros. They have two young children in elementary school.

“Napa is an ideal place to live and work as an artist. The wine industry is such a positive benefit for the valley already, and I think the collaboration of wineries and artists is just as natural,” Connors began.

“People come to this valley for the wine, the food, and the scenery – they should come for the art as well. Wineries are contemporary galleries, and Napa deserves to be a global destination for art. Food, wine, art and music, it’s all wrapped up in the culture of the Napa Valley.”

Look for Vincent Thomas Connors' work during Open Studios Napa Valley in September and permanently at:

Heron House 6484 Washington Street Unit G Yountville, CA 94599

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:

Heron House Studio 5882 Silverado Trail Napa, CA 94558 415-595-6574

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.vincentconnors.com

SPECIAL SECTION

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE:

“FEATURED CLIENT SPOTLIGHT”

The 29 Napa:

Navigating the Napa Valley  BY VALERIE OWENS

G

uided by passion and a thirst for knowledge in viticulture, Mike Casey and Brent Pennington founded The 29 Napa in 2016. Established in a valley known for its virtuosity, the online publication pays homage to the regions artistry and vitality. An evolving hub for winery information, event listings and destinations, The 29 Napa provides locals as well as tourists, with an expansive guidebook capturing the history and stories of the world renowned, Napa Valley.

With over 12,000 followers on Instagram, a dynamic website and an upcoming mobile app to be released in

early spring, The 29 Napa offers an intuitive approach to exploration through experience driven content.

“We want to provide access to a full spectrum of experiences,” said, Founder, Mike Casey. “We started as a blog and are evolving. We not only want people to find ideal vintners that match their taste in wine but also surprise them with discovering ones less expected.”

From New York to San Francisco, Mike and Brent traveled and basked in the beauty of viticultural excellence and the culinary arts. Together, they found a home in Napa and instantly fell in love with the character and the community. Fascinated by the heritage and cultivation of the region, the two entrepreneurs embarked on a journey which would educate and inspire.

“It’s the learning and the sharing that I love most about The 29 Napa. I’ve lived in the valley so long but feel like I’m barely scratching the surface,” expressed, Casey.

“I want to share the stories, the history and reveal how remarkable and enjoyable living in the Napa Valley is.”

Offering an information based platform designed to engage viewers through stories and educational content, The 29 Napa provides access to local events, winery experiences, restaurants and itinerary suggestions to help navigate through the prodigious, Napa Valley.

“Mike and Brent are yet another example of how fun it is to work with our local business owners. It’s Napa Valley living at its best,” expressed Aaron Kennedy, Senior Partner of New Aspect Financial Services. “With the amount of wineries, events and activities the Napa Valley has to offer, it’s nice having a trusted resource for recommendations.”

p: 707 346 7601 | f: 707 260 6131 e: info@newaspectfs.com 1475 Fourth Street, Napa, CA 94559

New Aspect Financial Services, LLC. is licensed to sell insurance in AZ, CA, IL, MA, MI and MN, and is registered to offer securities in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, NY, OH and TX. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor. New Aspect Financial Services, LLC. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities Frank Trozzo Elephants Painting

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NVL money & wealth

SHOULD YOU PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE?  BY RICH JACOBSON

O

ne of the most frequent questions from clients and friends, alike, is whether it makes sense to pay off a mortgage early, prior to retirement. As desirable as this might sound, it is worth considering carefully, especially here in Napa Valley where housing prices can be up to five times that of the rest of the U.S. The reason advisors recommend paying off a mortgage prior to retirement is pretty simple; it stops the monthly outflow of dollars that could otherwise be used for living expenses or leisure activities, like travel. Paying off a mortgage is also good for one’s psychological wellbeing. There is security and peace of mind knowing that the “bank” won’t foreclose due to lack of payment.

In the past, some have avoided paying off their mortgage due to very low interest rates and the tax benefits available from deducting mortgage interest on the tax return. Afterall, if you have a 3% interest rate and are deducting mortgage interest, the net aftertax “cost” of that borrowed money may be a low as 1.6% (for someone in a 40% marginal tax bracket). All things being equal, it is a pretty easy bogey to beat when deciding whether to invest money for the long term in a balanced portfolio or put this money toward the mortgage and save 1.6% aftertax interest.

Most times the balanced portfolio will handily beat that mark by a wide margin.

However, times have changed and tax reform implemented in 2017 has now changed the calculus on whether to itemize

or just take the standard deduction. It is estimated that those itemizing will drop almost 60%% from previous years because the standard deduction has almost doubled, making the standard deduction more valuable than itemizing. This is even more likely the case in California, a high-tax, highproperty value state where the cap on state and local tax deductions of $10,000 will limit what most people can deduct. Without itemizing, the mortgage interest deduction is lost, eliminating the tax advantage of maintaining a mortgage.

It’s also important to remember that paying down a mortgage to exclusion of all other considerations may be very unwise.

We’ve all heard the expression “house rich and cash poor”. In retirement, as in earlier phases of life, there is an important need for liquidity- cash that you can access readily and without penalty or administrative hassle.

If all of your money is tied up in real estate and you suddenly have a dental emergency that will cost $3000 and then you get hit by an uninsured motorist on the way to the dentist where are you going to get the money you suddenly need? Unless you have an emergency fund and adequate liquid investments, you may be forced to make some very painful decisions!

How much liquidity you need and how much is wise to put toward the mortgage will depend on your own unique situation; i.e. goals and objectives, time horizon, need for portfolio growth, insurance, tax considerations- even your health! Speaking with your financial advisor about this strategy prior to putting more money into your home could be one of the smartest decisions you ever make!

Rich Jacobson is a Registered Principal Offering Securities and Investment Services through United Planners Financial Services, Member: FINRA, SIPC. The views expressed are those of the presenter and may not reflect the views of United Planners Financial Services. Material discussed is meant to provide general information and it is not to be construed as specific investment, tax or legal advice. Individual needs vary and require consideration of your unique objectives and financial situation.

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NVL health & wellness

OLÉ HEALTH

OPENING THREE-STORY, FLAGSHIP CLINIC TO EXPAND PATIENT SERVICES IN NAPA

T

he opening of a new patient-centered, stateof-the-art healthcare clinic in Napa highlights how far OLÉ Health has come since its humble beginnings in 1972.

The new facility located at 300 Hartle Court is named the Napa Valley Vintners South Napa Campus, in honor of a generous donation of $6 million by the Vintners that kickstarted a capital campaign to raise $15 million for the project. A donation of $2 million from Trinchero Family Estates, as well as significant contributions from individual donors, also helped the campaign reach its goal. The Gasser Foundation donated the land on which the

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new facility was built and also contributed funds to the capital campaign.

After breaking ground more than two years ago, OLÉ Health invited the community to attend a Grand Opening & RibbonCutting event celebrating the opening of the new facility in May. The public was invited to tour the facility and learn more about OLÉ’s many services.

Local establishments including NapaSport Steakhouse, Southside Café, Napkins Bar + Grill, and NakedWines.com donated wine and small bites for the event. OLÉ Health expects to begin seeing patients at the new location in early June.

“ This building was designed with our patients in mind and was uniquely created to support our team-based model of care that puts the patient at the center of a team who work in close proximity to one another and allows us to integrate the services we provide in a seamless way,” said OLÉ Health CEO Alicia Hardy.

OLÉ Health, founded more than 45-years ago with a small number of volunteers from local hospitals who provided basic health care and flushot services, now has nine locations in Napa and Solano counties, employs more than 220 people and serves more than 37,000 patients each year. OLÉ Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and the only nonprofit community health clinic in Napa County. One in four children in the Napa Valley receive care through OLÉ Health, and one in six adults. Fees for services are calculated on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away. All patients are treated regardless of lack of insurance or inability to pay.

The new 29,000-square-foot location has 18 patient exam rooms, nine dental operatories, and 10 consult rooms for integrated behavioral health, nursing, nutrition and clinical pharmacy services. At each of its existing locations – and at the new location – OLÉ Health will continue to offer primary care providers, registered dietitian nutritionists, comprehensive perinatal health workers, dentists, behavioral health providers, clinical pharmacists, care coordinators, pharmacy services, laboratory services, and more. The new location also will offer the addition of optometry services, a triage unit, a teaching kitchen, and a community garden, the latter of which was almost entirely funded by Darioush Khaledi of Darioush Winery.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.olehealth.org

Ultrasound Breast and Ovarian Cancer Screening of the Napa Valley

I

t is truly amazing that it seems like only yesterday I started my private practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Napa.

That was 39 years ago. And what an honor it has been to assist with over 6000 births.

Now, as we continue to improve our services in women’s health and gynecology, we’re also expanding ultrasound based screening, a procedure that is literally life-saving.

What is exciting today is how this technology connects the dots of women’s health better than ever. Our practice now focuses on and specializes in wellness and the early detection of breast and pelvic cancers, especially ovarian, fallopian tube and uterus.

We have learned so much in the last 20 years about effective and practical ways to screen for breast and pelvic cancers. All roads lead to in-office ultrasound technology combined with seasoned experience. We have performed thousands of these examinations providing the foundation for highly accurate interpretation. The best and largest clinical trials all agree that through early detection, before symptoms occur, we can substantially reduce the dreadful morbidity and 67,000 deaths annually attributed to these diseases in the U.S. alone.

And what is so extraordinary about the latest technology is how the image quality keeps getting better (just as with TV images and the evolution of 4K, 8K, UltraHi Definition, etc.). This in turn accurately detects earlier (smaller) cancers and eliminates the concern about false positive results. In essence, we are finding more

cancers earlier with fewer biopsies. Most women who are screened properly are free of cancer and can be reassured.

The other truly beautiful part of ultrasound is the inherent safety and comfort. There is no radiation exposure and no compression or squeezing involved. With added convenience and no waiting, all results and recommendations are summarized in one visit.

The law in most states now requires women with dense breasts determined either by mammography or professional examination (almost everyone) to be informed and offered additional supplemental screening if they choose. The obvious go-to test is ultrasound, proven to detect small cancers often missed by the mammogram. Using both mammogram and ultrasound together, we see an 80% improvement in early detection over mammogram alone. MRI for supplemental screening is impractical, expensive, usually not covered by insurance and requires IV radioactive contrast.

Candidates for screening are women ages 25 to 95 with a 3-year life expectancy or more. A simple risk assessment guides the frequency of testing, though this usually averages 6 to 12 months. The office visit and testing is generally covered by health insurance.

All experts agree, we need to stand up to cancer before it gets its grip. With enhanced screening, we are fulfilling the slogan of the American Cancer Society,

Early Detection Is Our Best Protection...

And Early Detection Saves Lives.

And we are simply following grandmother’s wisdom: ”An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Now that the dots are connected, I think she would be pleased.

– John Armstrong MD MS

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT call 707-257-4317 or visit

www.JohnArmstrongMD.net SUMMER 2019

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SHACKFORD'S KITCHEN STORE TA K E S O N K N I V E S

The carpenter has a hammer, and plumbers have wrenches‌Chefs have knives. Knives have been used for hunting, protection, and cooking for more than 4,000 years. Knives and forks were used by civilized people in 4th century Greece and the Byzantine Empire.

The single blade knife became a staple of the table setting in the French Court of King Louis XIV (year, 1630). To reduce violence and add more decorum to the court, King Louis XIV banned all double-edged knives in not only the French royal dining rooms, but also in dining rooms throughout France.

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T

he traditional knife centers in German and Thierry, France have been supplemented by knives from Osaka and Seika Japan, that are mass produced by manufacturing centers in China, India, and Brazil.

Knives can come in a variety of materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, composite, plastic, or ceramic. Each knife has a unique feel and purpose.

Japanese knives are very function

specific, German knives tend to be more utilitarian, while French knives are long and sleek. Some knives are bowed at the front, others have soft steel and develop a patina. Knives can be stamped out of big sheets of steel or handmade by an Artisan.

Knives can cost a few dollars or hundreds of dollars, while custom knives can cost thousands.

Nesmuk Jarhundert Messer, made in Germany, costs $98,934 and is made from 640 layers of steel, has a 5,000-year-old Oakwood handle, and is bejeweled with 25 diamonds.

Culinary Students are given a complete set of knives on the first day of training and taught how to care for and maintain their tools. Knives are a very personal decision for the chef.

What knives should every house or kitchen have? Chefs usually start with a basic set of three or four knives including a Chef's Knife, Santoku style knife, Slicing Knife, Paring Knife, and Boning Knife.

Some advice on buying knives BUY KNIVES FROM SPECIALTY CUTLERY AND KITCHEN STORES

In Napa Valley, there are several options.

Shackford's Kitchen Store has a wide range of knives from all the major knife brands.

Going to a specialty store will ensure that you have a selection of knives to look at.

BUY KNIVES BY FUNCTION

Not all knives do the same thing. All knives cut, mince, slice, and dice. The right knife will make the job easier and safer. Some knives have specific functions.

Don’t use a Sashimi knife to carve a turkey.

Bad things will happen.

DON’T WORRY IF THE KNIVES ARE MADE BY DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS

Buy a Kikuichi Santoku, a Lampson Chef Knife, Victorinox, MAC paring knife, and a Tramontina serrated knife. Spend the money on the knives you will use the most, this is an investment in your kitchen.

BUY THE BEST KNIFE AT THE PRICE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH

Consider buying the best knife at a price that makes sense for your budget. Prices can vary considerably.

Understand that not all knives are equal.

Knives even with the same brand name may actually be different.

If there is a big difference in price, we can assure you that there is a big difference in the knife.

BUY THE KNIFE THAT FEELS BEST TO YOU

Best advice for buying a knife. Buy the knife that feels the best in your hand. Test the knife before you buy it.

Ask for advice on the steel and balance. At Shackford’s all knives are tested by our Chefs before they are sold in the store. If a knife feels comfortable in your hand, the grip fits, the weight and balance feel good, then buy the knife.

A good kitchen knife is the most valuable tool in the kitchen. Everything revolves around the knife and how you use it to prepare the meal. The right knife for the right job will ensure not only safety, but will give all food preparation that little extra.

“RUN by Cooks and Chefs FOR Cooks and Chefs”

ARRIVING SUMMER 2019

“The Backyard Pizza Oven”

1350 Main Street Napa, California 94559 707-226-2132 www.shackfords.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

707-226-2132 // www.shackfords.com // 1350 Main Street, Napa SUMMER 2019

75

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/

挀漀漀欀

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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

瀀椀稀稀攀爀椀愀

ITALIAN AMERICAN GRILL & BAR BAR + GRILL DOWNTOWN JOES style grillexperience united withthrough quality food, and freshness. Our IL POSTO TRATTORIA - We offer- An theAmerican traditional italian TAVERN &the PIZZERIA isNapa acooked cozy, brick-walled with table & barWe seating menu is locallyinresourced then withOur themenu flairgastropub that is true Napa Valley. served in a COOK casual setting beautiful Valley. offers a variety slecfor seasonal American and Italian dishes and neapolitan-inspired pizza .house Perfectmade for proudlysalads, featurepizza’s salads,along burgers, steaks, decadent tion of antipasta’s, withsandwiches, freshly madeseafood, pasta dishes. friends and families can stoppub in after work and enjoy a true tavern atmosphere. desserts, and more modern grub.

4211 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94559 707-251-8600 | Main www.ilpostonapa.com 1304 St,Napa, St Helena, CA 94574 902 Main St, CA 94559 707-963-8082 707-258-2337 || www.cooktavern.com www.downtownjoes.com

special special dining dining section section NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

FOODSPRING & WINE2017 2017

TRADITIONAL ORGANICITALIAN ITALIAN

CA' MOMIisOSTERIA is downtown Napa's food Obsessively Authentic experience, CA MOMI a traditional Italian & organic restaurant servingItalian premium, locallyserving locally-sourced, ingredients, Pizza Napoletana, local sourced,up organic ingredientsorganic whenever possible certified in support of local purveyors and& Italian wines,businesses garden-to-glass house-brewed organic beers & live music like-minded acrosscocktails, Napa Valley. each weekend.

1141 First Street, Napa, CA 94559 707-224-6664 www.camomi.com 1141 First Street| Napa CA 94559 (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/ 76

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

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discover dining+

80 70

AMERICAN CUISINE MEXICAN / TEX-MEX GASTROPUB & NANOBREWERY

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.

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

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

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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

80 70

discover dining+

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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

NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM THE

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MEDITERRANEAN AMERICAN EATERY SMALL WORLD - A world of flavor awaits at Small World Restaurant, where thebreakTHE GRILL AT SILVERADO, is a one-of-a-kind Napa Valley restaurant, serving menu features the and vibrant of the Mediterranean and theWine Middle East. Falafel, fast, lunch, dinner bar cuisine appetizers.

The restaurant features Country Cuisine, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Schwarma, Pita Sandwiches, Garden Salads,Napa, and the emphasizing fresh and sustainable products.

Just minutes fromFresh downtown Fresh-Made Baklava.

Grill overlooks one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth and offers a respite from the daily routine for everyone who visits.

928 Coombs Street (Downtown Napa), Napa, CA 94559 1600 Atlas Peak|Rd, Napa, CA 94558 | 707-257-5400 | www.silveradoresort.com 707-224-7743 SmallWorldRestaurant.com

AMERICAN CUISINE AMERICAN CUISINE NAPKINS - An American cuisine restaurant with an exciting scene for locals and travelers who happen upon them.Weekend brunch (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

SUMMER 2019

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1147 1st Street CA 94559 www.napacigars.net 1147Napa, 1st Street Napa, CA 94559 www.napacigars.net FOOD & WINE 2017

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2017 61 2017 SUMMER SPRING 2019 79SPRING

NVL food

UP CLOSE & PE RSONAL WITH NAPA VALLE Y CHE FS

VALENTINA GUOLO-MIGOTTO Chef and Chief Evolutionary Officer of Ca’ Momi Osteria  BY KARI RUEL

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self-taught chef raised in the kitchen of her Veneto, Italian home, Valentina Guolo-Migotto focuses all her attention on being authentic and preserving the traditional Italian recipes that grandmothers made 50-years ago.

“In Italy, you don’t celebrate anything without food or wine,” said Valentina.

“Mangia Mangia. Eat Eat. You leave the table stuffed. Coming together around the table is what it’s all about.”

She moved to California in 1997 with an entrepreneurial spirit and needing a change. She co-founded Ca’ Momi winery with Stefano Migotto and Dario De Conti in 2006. In 2010, an opportunity came along to open a tasting room at the Oxbow Public Market and Ca’ Momi Enoteca was born.

“In Italy, you can’t have food without wine and vice versa so we wanted to offer small bites,” said Valentina. “We started with Italian pastries and Pizza Napoletana and it exploded two months later. Guests were asking for more. Six months later, we turned Ca’ Momi into a restaurant, trying different formulas because the space was limited.”

Ca’ Momi means “House of Momi.”

Momi was the previous owner of Valentina’s Italian home and was quite famous for being obsessive and protective of his property.

“He lived off the land and he was in love with his property,” she said. “I was inspired by his passion and dedication for his property. We run our restaurant with that same kind of mentality and culture and we wanted to recognize the Italian tradition of self-efficiency.”

In 2015, Valentina and her partners outgrew the Oxbow location and opened Ca’ Momi Osteria on First Street.

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“Innovative flavors or fancy plating are not what we are about. Ca’ Momi exists to preserve the culinary traditions and culture of old Italy,” Valentina added. “I look for the oldest, most authentic versions of recipes. None of the recipes are mine. I want to guarantee authenticity. I take pride in being a caretaker of the recipes that get lost in translation here and abroad, and in sharing Italian food culture.”

Valentina pointed out that the traditions are not only being lost in translation here in the United States, they are being lost in Italy.

“Every time I go back to Italy, it’s heartbreaking because it’s becoming harder and harder to find grandma’s old dishes or traditional recipes,” she said.

Ca’ Momi is not your typical American Italian restaurant. “If the guest is open, we can take them on a journey through the regions of Italy and serve the dishes in the order we are accustomed to in their most authentic form,” said Valentina.

Pizza, a street food born in Naples, is individual, according to Valentina. “Pizzas are not shared in Italy. They are served whole. The customers are encouraged to use their hands and rip pieces off, fold them over and enjoy.”

All produce is grown locally in their organic garden and includes ingredients hard to find in the U.S., like Italian baby lettuces, puntarella and heirloom radicchio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 1141 First Street, Napa 707-224-6664 // www.camomi.com Hours: Tues-Thurs 5-10pm // Fri-Sun 11:30am-10pm Reduced menu 10pm-midnight, Fri and Sat nights

SUMMER 2019

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