Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine December 2022 Issue

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

During the holiday season, Providence Medical Group wants to make sure you don’t need to worry about your health care. Because life doesn’t always go as planned, we want to make sure you have access to care any time, anywhere. Whether it’s an in-office appointment with one of our specialties below, an ExpressCare Virtual visit in the comfort of your home or connecting with your provider online through MyChart — we make sure you have easy access to care.

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and safe holiday season from Providence Medical Group!

It’s time for mom to experience the thoughtful care she deserves.

You’ve been looking for a place where mom can thrive, one with exceptional dining, innovative programming, and an engaging social life. A community designed to enhance health and well-being. A setting that offers expert care for her, and peace of mind for you.

Offering refined residences for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, The Watermark at Napa Valley is just what mom needs and more than you envisioned. Call 707-244-3924 to schedule your private tour and experience our award-winning senior living community.

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Meet Pedro

Pedro came to OLE Health in 2020 after losing a job at a vineyard he’d had for 17 years, and with it, his medical insurance. Although he found new work, it came without health care — and being diabetic with high blood pressure, forgoing medical care wasn’t an option. Eventually, the financial stress of caring for his family took a toll — at age 46, Pedro had a stroke.

“I went to work, and out of nowhere, I started losing my speaking ability. After I left work, my arm began getting numb.”

Rushed to the hospital just in time, he faced a difficult recovery — he couldn’t use his arms to feed himself, let alone work. He needed physical therapy but couldn’t get it without insurance.

At OLE Health, a care team led by Denisse Maldonado, FNP, was with him every step of the way. Denisse helped him enroll in disability benefits, so he could pay his bills while he recovered.

Denisse connected Pedro to other OLE Health services — finding health coverage for physical therapy and enrolling him in a program to pay for diabetes medication. His new cost: $0.

Today, Pedro has the medications he needs, his blood pressure is under control, and he is back at work.

“After the stroke, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I’m so thankful for all that OLE Health has done for me. Thank you so much.”

Making Napa Merry

Dr. Mary Cooke is making Napa “Merry” one Holiday Season at a time! She and her family are full of holiday cheer and love to spread it around! Dr. Cooke (and her husband, Gary Awai) have been extensively decorating their home and our office for years! The office lightshow is dedicated to her late mother-in-law, Darlene Lance, a Napa teacher and principal, who was passionate about community and spreading lots of love.

Cooke Orthodontics will be hosting a special drivethru evening on December 15 at 3392 Solano Avenue in Napa from 6-8pm. We will be providing complimentary, delicious hot cocoa and treats to enjoy as you drive around our building, entranced by our famous light show. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa! A great way to kick off your holiday light tour throughout Napa! Make sure you also check out Dr. Cooke’s other favorite festive lights on Paradise Drive!

Dr. Mary Cooke has been a specialist of orthodontics in the Napa Valley for over 17

years, creating beautiful and functional smiles for people of all ages! Our office uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure a more comfortable and timeefficient treatment plan. Dr. Cooke takes pride in keeping up with new technologies and information, we implement these changes regularly in our practice to provide the best services for all our patients. Come check us out with a complimentary consultation! The end of the year is a great time to use any remaining FSA benefits before they expire. If there is new insurance that starts in January 2023, we would love to help you find out if there is an orthodontic benefit that may be utilized! Please contact our Financial Coordinator, Amber, Amber@cookeortho. com with any insurance or benefit questions!

Cooke Orthodontics has enjoyed giving back to the community since day one, and will continue to do so wherever possible! If you’d like to get a “sneak peak” of our lightshow, it will begin on December 1. We look forward to seeing you at the office on December 15 for lots of holiday cheer and fun!

Dr. Mary Cooke

Photo Credit: Hemlock House, Inc.

Darlene Lance

Happy Holiday Season!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS REFERRALS AGAIN THIS YEAR.

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A PASS TO OVER 20 Winter WineDerland

From Friday, December 9 through December 11, Napa welcomes WineD and its Winter WineDerland Weekend. One ticket grants the holder to a glass and bite pairing at more than twenty tasting rooms in Downtown Napa, good for all three days!

Each participating tasting room is excited to introduce one of their favorite wines alongside a bite made in-house or by a local chef. This event is designed by locals for locals

with the goal of creating a special holiday experience in downtown. Tickets can be purchased through Tock at $125 per guest. 25% of the proceeds will be donated to local charities, with the option to donate more. Winter WineDerland Weekend is a fun opportunity to give back to the community this holiday season.

WineD is a coalition of downtown tasting rooms whose mission is to promote, advocate and elevate the tasting room experience in Napa.

Created in 2018, WineD continues to grow and represent the tasting rooms in the evolving space of Downtown Napa. They emphasize community, partnership and are passionate about being the pinnacle experience for urban tasting rooms.

When Santa Claus comes to town on December 10, adults can celebrate along with their kids! It’s a great occasion to visit the new downtown tasting rooms while enjoying the Wanderland of Trees. WineD created

MAYACAMAS GUSTAVO

By Kathleen Reynolds

WINE TASTING ROOMS

a holiday themed destination for locals to sip, shop and give while wandering through Downtown Napa. From local chocolates paired with Napa Valley cabernets to holidayinspired delights, strolling the streets of Downtown Napa has never been merrier.

Downtown Napa is the home for diversity when it comes to wines, styles and backgrounds. From generational wine families to pioneers who have farmed the land

for 50 years, downtown tasting rooms have something to share and be savored.

The three-day event is designed to allow passholders to walk from tasting room to tasting room, savoring local delicacies while enjoying snippets of the stories we all like to share. Guests are promised current releases as well as library wines so patrons may enjoy the magic of the holidays. You can skip the snow and celebrate with

BRENDEL WINES

introductions to new locations and pairings that you may not have known were just minutes away.

With merlots and mistletoe, cabernets and candy, Christmas trees and chocolates, wrap a bow around the weekend as your holiday plans are now perfected!

Search the event at exploretock.com or visit donapa.com/event/napawinter-winederland-weekend.

BAZAN CELLARS

Holiday Season

CChristmas trees are probably the most ubiquitous icon of the holidays – one stands in virtually every house in America. The tradition of a decorated tree originated in Germany, where decorations included "roses made of colored paper, apples, wafers, tinsel and sweetmeats.” Moravian Christians began to illuminate Christmas trees with candles, which were soon replaced by Christmas lights once electricity was in use. Today’s decorations range from homemade, gifts from others, and store bought. To each family, their tree is unique, beautiful and worthy of long, lingering looks.

This Christmas, it’s going to be even better. You and the family can enjoy a Wanderland of Trees, strolling throughout Downtown Napa, checking out over fifty other beautiful trees. There is also a chance you could win $300 or $100, just for picking the ones you like the best.

Businesses in Downtown Napa will be displaying trees from December 3 until Christmas Eve. During that time, you and your family can visit as many as you wish. If you see one you like, you can vote for it. In fact, you can vote for as many as you wish as often as you wish. Each time you do, you’ll be entered into a drawing with the other people who ‘vote’ on trees, one entry each time you vote. From those entries, one will be chosen to receive $300 in gift cards, which can be redeemed anywhere. One runner-up will get a $100 gift card – just for looking at beautiful Christmas trees.

For a map showing the location of a Wanderland of Trees, visit DoNapa.com. Start anywhere and vote for all your

favorites. You will be impressed with how creative local shop owners can be.

And when you go downtown, be sure and stop by the 30’ tall lighted tree in Veterans Park. It’s a gift from the property owners in downtown through their PropertyBased Improvement District (PBID). It’s the perfect place for a family photo, to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, or just take in the beauty of the tree and the surrounding lights adorning the bridges on First and Third Streets.

Christmas is a great time to spend with family. Those of you who are keeping it local can enjoy one of 75 Downtown Napa restaurants, over 100 retail stores, and wine tasting at over forty unique tasting rooms. Most are owned by small business owners who live in town and hire locals. Your excursions will probably bring you face-to-face with neighbors. And those neighbors tend to spend the holidays the same way you do.

Looking for something to do while the family is all together? Santa Claus will be visiting First Street Napa on Saturday, December 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, December 18, Santa Paws will visit Milo and Friends Pet Boutique. Finish those Christmas wish lists, take some time with The Jolly Old Man, and plead your case. He’ll be outside of Compline near the Cork Oak (if it rains, Santa will likely move inside – check FirstStreetNapa.com for details).

Be sure and take a look at all those Christmas trees, and Happy Holidays to you all!

Downtown Napa Holiday Guide

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A Christmas Parade

WWhen the Downtown Napa Association took over organizing and running the Napa Christmas parade in 1997, we were told it was to be the 37th Annual Parade. No one questioned that, and we just kept adding another year to the registration form. We now claim to be hosting the 58th annual parade this year.

in 1963 because of the Kennedy assassination. “However, it took place again in 1964 and by 1987 was called the Santa Claus parade. In 1993 the paper reported the 30th annual Christmas parade, another change in names. In 1994 it jumped to the 32nd annual Christmas Parade. Apparently no one like the number 31,” said Smith.

By Craig Smith

“Does that mean Napa didn’t have a Christmas parade before 1964?” asked Bill LaLiberte, upon joining the DNA management team. “That just doesn’t seem likely.”

Turns out, it isn’t.

According to Sheli Smith of the Napa Historical Society, the parade was cancelled

If that logic followed, this would be the 2nd annual Christmas parade, since 2020 was a COVID-cancellation. But that’s getting a little silly.

More importantly, for the first time in at least thirty years, the parade will NOT take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but will instead begin at 5 PM on December 10th. The

reason for the change is two-fold, but primarily has to do with safety. “Since we made it a nighttime parade seventeen years ago, a lot more people attend,” said Connie Anderson, president of the Downtown Napa Association, which has been organizing the parade for twenty-six years. “The City provides the volunteers necessary to make the event a safe one, and as the parade gets bigger, so do the volunteer needs. Finding enough people on Thanksgiving weekend has gotten to be too much.”

The “important” parade elements won’t change. Cash awards of $500 each will be given to the parade judges’ choices in three categories: Best Use of Lights, Best Theme-Oriented, and Best Use of Music. “A lot of Napa non-profits have benefited from these awards over the years,” said Allison Hallum, GM at Eiko’s, Napa Noodle and Eiko’s at Oxbow and the past president of the Downtown Napa Association. Count on both the Napa High and Vintage bands to march. Santa has also been asked to join the fun.

Anyone can enter the parade, and it’s free. Whether you choose to build an elaborate float, simply march along with your group, or just watch, the Napa Christmas parade is a hometown tradition that has grown over the years.

The parade begins on Second Street at School, heads east on Second to Brown, then north to Third, and

finally west back to School Street. Judging takes place on Third Street in front of the courthouse, across from the Second Street garage. All groups are recognized and introduced at the stage.

Kiwanis Float

Old Saint Nick will set up shop in the Napa Valley Welcome Center at 1300 First St, Suite 313, near the intersection of First and Randolph, as soon as he wraps up the Christmas parade, probably about 6:30. He’ll bring a staff of Elves from Vintage High who will pass out candy canes, and the Welcome Center will have plenty of hot chocolate on hand for everyone. All the little ones have to do is bring their wish list and tell Santa what they want.

The Grand Marshal this year is former Mayor Jill Techel. It is an honor to be able to have her lead the parade and represent Napa.

Last but not least, some of the photos supporting this article are courtesy of Sofia Oliveira. Sofia is a student at Vintage High School and is in the Multi Media Production program, taught by JP Castillo. The students will be taking photos and videos at this year’s parade, all of which you’ll see in 2023.

Entry in the parade is free. Parade applications and information about it can be found at DoNapa.com or by calling 257-0322.

PHOTO BY SOFIA OLIVEIRA

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Nancy Heine, Suzanne Shiff and Sally Gordon. Jersey Mike's Subs donating to Queen of the Valley Foundation.

Presley, Izzy and Teagan at the West Park Jog-A-Thon.

Soaring Wings Napa Infant Care and Preschool children and teachers at CRC No Sweet Trick-or-Treat event.

Olivia and Molly at the Historic Napa Mill gardens before the Napa High Homecoming Dance.

Jennifer, Brad, Alex and Wednesday at Downtown Napa Christmas Tree Lighting.

Mayor Scott Sedgley and Napa City Councilmember Liz Alessio at Tree Lighting in Veterans Park.

Holly, Talia and Moxie enjoying Napa’s Tree Lighting festivities.

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Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April, 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

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THE RETURN OF NAPA COUNTY LANDMARKS Holiday Candlelight Tour

By Rebecca Yerger

STREET

Trecent pandemic, the 31st Annual Holiday Candlelight Walking Tour will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 2 to 6pm. This iconic Napa County Landmarks event promises both its traditional showcase of local historic homes, as well as, some special features in celebration of its comeback.

the name of our event ‘Candlelight’ and its special ambiance,” said Ernie Schlobohm, Napa County Landmarks president. He added, “The tour hours will also provide some daylight hours for those who would prefer natural light while touring the open houses.”

Elm and Franklin Streets. Schlobohm mentioned, “This neighborhood has not been featured before as a Holiday Candlelight location. It has its own architectural character that is different from the other historic neighborhoods of Napa.”

1440 SPRUCE

Event chair and Landmarks board member, Austene Hall, added, “The tour participants will see architectural details never or rarely seen locally, such as special design elements.”

Dan Cutright, a Landmarks board

ranging from 1905 to 1949, including the 1930s Devita subdivision.” He continued, “With its abundance of charm, enveloping cozy feeling and architectural style rarely found locally, the Devita (tract) is one of the most

sensitively remodeled to maintain the sense of their original era while accommodating today’s residential needs. However, some Devitas have been preserved down to their original and genuine features.

home owner, Victoria. She loves it as it is, and didn’t, and doesn’t, want to mess it up by making any changes. She still has and uses the original 1930s stove! It’s pretty amazing! It is a time capsule yet it’s relevant to today and quite livable.”

Schlobohm said, “I have noticed a lot of pride on the part of the Tree Streets neighborhood property owners for not only their own homes and preserving

their historic integrity, but also for their family-oriented and safe neighborhood.”

He continued with sincerity, “I want to give recognition to the property owners who have agreed to open their homes for the Holiday Candlelight Tour, their courage to do so, andtheir commitment to preserving their properties and neighborhood.” Schlobohm added, “We are indebted to them for their support of Landmarks and its mission of

historic preservation. Without them, the long-standing and popular community tradition, the Holiday Candlelight Tour, would not be possible!”

Another attractive detail of many of the Tree Streets properties is their deep and spacious lots. Schlobohm said, “The houses are modest to small and compact. But when you go outside into the backyards, wow, there is so much space.

180 FRANKLIN STREET

Most of them are beautifully landscaped. The individual garden-scaping plus the lot size makes these properties impressive.”

The featured tour homes are also the embodiment of the evolution of architectural styles and periods, lifestyles, societal trends, philosophies and events experienced by those who have called this neighborhood ‘home’ over time. Cutright said, “This neighborhood is not comprised of the grand mansions built for Napa’s elite. The Tree Streets is the neighborhood of the homes of teachers, Mare Island, Basalt and Kaiser Steel workers.” He added, “It’s a little different slice of Napa history and what local life was like in the 40s, 50s and 60s.” Cutright added, “Landmarks values not just the 19th Century Victorian mansions, but also the modest to small scale, working class residences as found within the Tree Streets district.”

This neighborhood and Cutright have a special connection. His childhood home is located on Elm Street. He has many fond memories of this place of his youth, especially his school, Shearer Elementary.

He said, “Shearer was, and remains, the anchor of this neighborhood.” Cutright continued, “I can recall the many hours

I played baseball after school with my friends at Shearer’s ball field.”

He also spoke of his favorite teacher. “I have vivid memories of Miss Lonnie Bunch, my sixth-grade teacher. She was ‘Miss Napa County’ in 1961, the first pageant for that title. She was just so lovely, tall and blonde. She drove a ‘64 Mustang and lived the ‘American Girl Dream.’”

Cutright also clearly recalled, “I remember during second, third and fourth grades, waiting backstage to go on for the annual school Christmas show.” With a laugh, he added, “We, the boys, had to wear a shirt, tie and sweater, and of course, I had my hair slicked back.”

This place of nostalgia for Cutright is also the site for the 2022 Holiday Candlelight Tour ticket check-in, reception with refreshments, silent auction, live music entertainment and one-of-a-kind murals exhibited in the adjacent school office.

Each of these murals depict a classic nursery rhyme, such as, Little Red Riding Hood. Dating to the early 20th Century, they were beautifully hand-painted by local artist, Louise Tessin Roats. These rare works of art were saved prior to the demolition of the 1922 Shearer Elementary School, the pivotal moment that forged Cutright’s dedication to historic preservation. He noted, “It was a tragic loss that still saddens me!”

This year’s featured neighborhood, its homes and school may be the most relatable tour to date for the contemporary participant. It may best reflect their nostalgic look back onto their own childhood memories. For many, the 2022 Holiday Candlelight Tour will be like going home of the holidays!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit napacountylandmarks. org or call the Landmarks office at 2551836. Ticket pricing: advance purchase $35, Landmarks members $40, nonmembers and day of the event $45.

METIN

kitchen door

Familiar Faces in New Places

By Linda Bausch

At the Corner of Clay and Randolph, easily identifed by the vibrant red doors and clear signage.

tTodd Humphries has every reason to be proud of his stylish Napa restaurant, Kitchen Door, which relocated in June of this year from its original location at the Oxbow to First Street Napa. From the professional and pleasant staff, from the front of the house and back . . . to the eclectic, global menu, creative cocktail list and a very impressive wine and liquor list—a top-notch dining experience was much appreciated.

Kitchen Door, at the corner of Clay and Randolph, is easily identified by

the vibrant red doors and clear signage. Guests are welcomed promptly and seated where they prefer—indoors at a table or booth, at the twenty-seat bar, or outside on the patio—a new seating option afforded by the recently expanded space. We sat at a comfy, tall booth on the back wall, facing a couple of talented bartenders and the openview concept overlooking the kitchen. Watching the evening scene unfold in front of us set the comfort level high. There’s a sense of quality and confidence in this kitchen. Add a few

1300 First Street, Suite 272 Napa | (707) 226-1560 | kitchendoornapa.com

friendly bussers, a couple of engaging managers, and Julia, a knowledgeable server who has been with the restaurant for over seven years—our evening was off to a great start.

When it comes to enjoying a cocktail, the extensive beverage menu at Kitchen Door did not allow for a quick decision. It wasn’t an easy choice and watching the bartenders work their show, mixing exotic drinks on the other side of the bar made it even harder. One of our guests enjoyed a cocktail named Golden Fleece, which she found to be seasonal and refreshing. I decided on a coffee drink called a Carajillo; this was very tasty and made me want to ask for it in the future.

On to the main event . . . we were hungry, and after perusing the menu wishing we could just order everything, we made some solid decisions. The Beginnings list was ample and varied in offerings. At the top was Deviled Eggs (4/$10.75), which everyone agreed were tender and very satisfying. I look forward to the sweet crunch of any sort in a Deviled Egg filling, and in this rendition, a sweet tang and crunchy texture were both present, thanks to the pickled red onions.

We shared a small Caesar Salad which was plenty for the three of us to get a good taste and have room for something else. An addition of chicken or shrimp is offered for an additional charge. Seeing a couple of items on the menu with a flexible price point, i.e. small salad at $8.50 vs large at $13.50, is appreciated when a group wants to try a variety of items and not break the bank.

We ordered one of the gluten free options, Classic Buffalo Wings with chilled blue cheese dressing and celery sticks ($12.95). Another (gf) choice was Beef Carpaccio with crushed Himalayan truffle, arugula, crispy potato and truffle aioli ($18). The Arugula Salad (gf) (v) includes shaved apples, Point Reyes blue cheese, candied walnuts and mustard vinaigrette (small $9, large $13.75).

I spoke with a few friends prior to our dinner date, and the one item almost everyone mentioned was the Cream of Mushroom Soup with toasted croutons and scallions ($11.95). I’ll definitely try that the next time we visit.

We ordered three main dishes, starting with a Pepperoni Pizza ($20.95) which was very well prepared and baked.

The base had that unique pizza dough flavor and a good chew. The sauce to cheese to pepperoni ratio was wellbalanced. The Korean Ribs ($33) may have been the best choice of the night, if I had to pick a favorite. Thinly sliced, perfectly marinated, grilled ribs covered the surface of a large dinner plate while smothering a very generous portion of luscious, bacon mushroom fried rice beneath, and long strips of omelette brought a distinct richness to the dish.

The third of our dinner choices was the 1/2 pound, Grilled Creekstone Farms Beef Cheeseburger ($18.95). The wine-stewed onions stole the show with this burger; while the melted Swiss cheese and a secret sauce added a complimentary dimension. The thinly sliced French Fries (gf) were tender inside and cooked outside to a gratifying crisp. To fill out our meal we ordered the Seasonal Vegetables (gf) (v) orange and purple carrots with peas, a colorful bowl of roasted goodness dressed with tarragon butter ($9.50). The Mashed Potatoes were blended smooth and served on the side with a boat of savory, green peppercorn gravy.

Free parking at Pearl and Coomb Streets.

Pad Thai

During this dinner we didn’t order from the “Global” section, however, a few days later I was lucky enough to be invited to the Kitchen Door for lunch and I enjoyed a mouth-watering, tangy bowl of Pad Thai (gf). It was unlike any that I have had before - which have always had a predominant peanut/sauce component. In this dish, the peanut was present, but ever so lightly. The seasoning on the noodles was unique, fresh and bright. The crispy tofu held up well, adding a good texture along with the omelette; the pickled Fresno pepper provided the expected kick while the bean sprouts, fresh scallions, an herb salad and crispy fried shallots topped the dish off. Once again, the portion was very generous and attractive in presentation.

Don’t miss the daily selections on “Today’s Special”— from pizza specialities to Shoyu Duck Ramen ($21.95), and a Fisherman Stew ($36) to a “Dacquoise” Sundae made with hazelnut-almond meringue chocolate ice cream, toffee bourbon caramel and Chantilly cream for dessert—need I say more?

The menu ends with The Reward and we all know that means dessert, which as I mentioned, we did not order this time around. But, we all truly enjoyed our time and meals at the Kitchen Door. The quality of the service matched the quality of the food on our plates. Excellent job! Todd Humphries and his crew have upped the game as far as Downtown Napa dining goes—for locals and visitors—giving us all something to go home and talk about. (707) 226-1560 | kitchendoornapa.com

Deviled Eggs

ADJUNKT

“A collection of non-essential things that support an essential lifestyle.”

By Craig Smith

Longtime Napa artist recently opened Adjunkt in First Street Napa. Located next to the Kitchen Door, Von Saal describes the business as, “A collection of nonessential things that support an essential lifestyle.” He has been making and creating furniture, lighting, rugs, and other artwork virtually his whole life, and Adjunkt is a collection of that plus new works he’ll introduce. Regular visitors will find an expanding collection that includes the work of other artists whose works, “Catch

my eye and pair well with my style,” Von Saal said. He’ll also add a bespoke fashion area – “Come in and let us bespoke your wardrobe.” You’ll find instruments, an area for live painting with a community canvas that anyone can add to before it’s framed and sold. Then, all who touch it will get a cut of the sale. “Adjunkt welcomes people to the space for an experience to enjoy as much as the art.”

Space is incredibly important to Von Saal. Textures, colors, how

furniture adds to it, the way lighting plays off of everything else – Von Saal is almost obsessive about all of it working together. As a kid, he constantly rearranged his room. “I had a roommate in my twenties,” said Von Saal. “He told his friends that when he came home, he never knew what the house would look like.”

The odds are good that most people have seen Von Saal’s work. He and fellow artist John Bonick designed the first BottleRock. “We

Richard Von Saal

placed the stages, booths, art and everything else.” He did the same thing for the Napa Valley Film Festival. He’s also designed numerous tasting rooms, including Ghost Block, Prisoner, and Covert. Recently added to his portfolio is the newly opened Serial Wines Tasting Lounge in downtown Paso Robles, which USA Today named as “one of the best new wineries in North America.” He designed the spaces for JaM Cellars, John Anthony’s offices and the John Anthony Mansion. And Von Saal’s contributions aren’t limited to just the rooms – in most cases he designs and builds the furniture and the lighting for all his projects. He is also responsible for the look of the Napa Opera House –recently added to his portfolio.

Von Saal may very well be an artistic genius, but as a kid, school was never his strength. “I was held back in the fifth grade. My grades were great, but the teacher justified it saying that I was emotionally immature. I was ten. How mature was I supposed to be?” His confidence in the system was shaken but he was to face more serious challenges. A doctor recommended amputating his arm after a serious freak accident when he was 19, and he faced a bout with cancer at 23, for which both chemo and radiation were prescribed. In both cases, he chose to manage his own recovery. With the cancer, diet and juicing became a big part of his self-prescribed treatment. It also shaped his early business career.

Walking in downtown St. Helena one day, he came across a store that included a juice bar, which the owner was closing. Von Saal talked to the man for a while, then bought the business on the spot. A couple of years into it, he opened Mixers Eclectic Café on Jefferson Street in Napa, originally as a juice bar and which he later expanded into a full restaurant. “I had no experience whatsoever with restaurants, but was excited about the project,” he said. He also completely designed the store space and built all the furniture and countertops. “I was self-taught about every aspect of it.” He loved design, but never thought about that as a career path.

That changed when a customer gave him a book, “A Home for the Soul.” He opened it to the Vedic proverb, “Place is more important than strength.” It struck Von Saal to his core. “I thought about it a while, and decided that I am an artist/designer.” Soon after, he told his employees that he was closing the restaurant to become a designer. And he did just that, starting RVS Designs.

A friend suggested that Von Saal could make a lot of money as a hairdresser as he built his design business. For the next few years, he did hair by day and designed furniture at night. “I always thought of myself as a designer who does hair, not as a hairdresser who does design.” He also knew that when he’d reached a certain level of success, he would put down the scissors and hair dryer for good.

Serial Wines

One day, he met a woman who told him she was having dinner with a winery owner and his wife, and invited Von Saal to join her. By the end of the meal, RVS Designs had its first client – he designed the winery owner’s home and later a wine cellar. He did all the work by hand, and when neighbors saw it, he had more clients.

The TV show Trading Spaces heard about him, called him for a series of auditions, and offered him a spot on the show. “It required being in LA for two weeks, and I didn’t want the distraction from building my business.” Many, included the show’s producers, thought he was crazy, but it was outside of his grand plan, and he politely declined.

Soon after, his discernment was rewarded. He got a call from a cave digging contractor who said, “I had never made a door. “I’ve always talked my abilities up and never had any fear that I couldn’t figure it out.” He got the job, and then he had to produce. “I designed a door that looked like a wine barrel was being pushed out of it from the inside. The client loved it.” Von Saal has done wine cave doors for Bella Vineyards in Healdsburg, Six Sigma in Lake County, and Keever in Yountville.

Since then, Von Saal has enjoyed a successful twentyplus years in design. He said that all his careers in life have been about helping others. “People are relying on my creativity to succeed in their own business. I take that very seriously.” He’s also a Napan through and through. “I love my town. I want to help build it in any way I can.”

Stop by Adjunkt Tuesday through Saturday. If nothing else, you’ll enjoy meeting Von Saal.

“I love my town. I want to help build it in any way I can.”

~ Richard Von Saal

NAPA VALLEY EVENTS DECEMBER

DECEMBER 1-JANUARY 1

HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with over 100 events, activities and performances for the whole family! yountville.com

DECEMBER 1-31

CANDO’S NAPA VALLEY GIVE!GUIDE 2022

Inspiring a community of givers. Give $10 or more to your choice of dozens of remarkable Napa County nonprofits, now through midnight December 31. candogiveguide.org

DECEMBER 2-18

A NAPA VALLEY CHRISTMAS CAROL

It’s back for more Christmas joy! In Napa’s high stakes wine business, Alexander Yuge is a financial success but his heartless attitude earns him few friends. Even his loyal nephew Joe Patchett wonders what’s gone wrong. But a familiar yet mysterious group of Christmas Eve visitors help Yuge remember what really matters. Written by Lucky Penny co-founder Barry Martin, with original music and lyrics by Rob Broadhurst. luckypennynapa.com

DECEMBER 2-10

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Napa Valley College Theater Arts presents this beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that

brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Adapted by Joe Landry. Directed by Jennifer King. performingartsnapavalley.org

DECEMBER 2

SENATOR BILL DODD’S 23RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

This year’s holiday party beneficiary is Justin-Siena. Enjoy a reception, silent and live auction, dinner, and dancing to Wonderbread 5 at The Meritage Resort and Spa. billdoddholidayparty.com

DECEMBER 3-24

WANDERLAND OF TREES

card. View a map with participating merchants online. donapa.com

DECEMBER 3-18

SAVING SANTA

Another new creation from Lucky Penny for Christmas! This time it’s a show made for kids. Show times will be different from the usual Lucky Penny show times, so please take note of this when purchasing tickets. luckypennynapa.com

DECEMBER 9-11

WINTER WINEDERLAND WEEKEND

WineD presents a Winter WineDerLand Weekend – a pass to over 20 wine tasting rooms in Downtown Napa. Each participating tasting room will be introducing one of their

am to 5

in the Chardonnay Hall at the Napa Valley Expo. santashelpers-napa.com

DECEMBER 10

SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN

Take free photos with Santa at Bel Aire Plaza from 11 am to 2 pm at Heritage Eats, and enjoy street entertainment, a holiday choir and much more! belaireplaza.com

DECEMBER 11

NAPA HIGH JAZZ

BAND

Jazz up your Sunday with great tunes from the Napa High School Jazz Band at Blue Note Napa. Doors open at 2 pm and 5 pm. Shows start at 3 pm and 6:30 pm. Proceeds benefit the band's Southern California tours. bluenotenapa.com

DECEMBER 16

NAPA VALLEY YACHT CLUB

HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

Festive boats decorated with holiday lights visit downtown Napa, River Park and Napa Yacht Club at 6 pm on the Napa River. nvyc.org

DECEMBER 31

NAPA BINGO EMPORIUM DABBA DABBA NEW YEAR

30 game program, free dinner, midnight non-alcoholic toast, and a performance by Napa High music students. Select games pay $1,000 and up! Support Napa youth nonprofits at the Napa Expo. Napa United Soccer, Fridays at 6:30 pm; Napa High Band Boosters, Saturday at 6:15 pm; and Vintage High Music Boosters, Sundays at 4 pm. Must be 18 years or older to play. 252-5420

DU CT S E AL ING/ RE PLA CE MENT

About 20–30% of the air that moves through ducts can be lost due to leaks and poor connections. Proper sealing or replacement solves the problem.

Rebate: $200- $800

I NSULA TI ON

This is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Rebate: $0.70–$0.75/sq. ft. up to $1,000

HE A TI NG AN D C OOL ING E QU I PM ENT

solutions for reliable year-round comfort and energy savings.

Rebate: $300–$1,000

EL ECTRI F IC A TI ON APPL I AN CE S

Replace your natural gas range with an induction range or cooktop. Replace your natural gas clothes dryer with an efficient heat pump clothes dryer.

Rebate: $300-$750

WA TER HE A TER UP GR A DE S

A high-eiciency water heater can save the average household compared to standard models.

Rebate: $400for gas, $1,000 for Electric Heat Pump

In addition to Home+ rebates, a Home Energy Score can check the efficiency of your home on a scale of 1-10. Rebates of up to $250 are available. A Home Energy Score assessment includes customized recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades. Find an assessor at BayREN.org/HES or visit BayRENresidential.org for more information on Home+ rebates. For additional information contact deborah.elliott@countyofnapa.org or (707) 259-5969.