NAPA TO NAPLES
CHEERS! Like many other Napa vintners who seek their place in the sun, Cal Nicholson and his wife, Pam, live part of the year in Naples. They arrived in 2007, purchased a home, and hope to move here full-time in the future. “Naples has everything you could ask for,” says Nicholson. “Better weather than California, of course, proximity to the water, and friendly people. We even like it here in the summer.” The Nicholsons own two wine brands: Napa’s Nicholson Jones, founded in 2003, and a new Coombsville estate called Covert. Both are small-production properties (1,200 and 700 cases, respectively) and are under the supervision of winemaker Julien Fayard, who trained at Château Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux and is a protégé of Napa superstar Philippe Melka. While there are differences in approach between the two wineries—Nicholson Jones buys fruit from leased vineyards, while Covert owns an estate vineyard producing Cabernet and Syrah—they share Fayard’s terroir-driven style. “Julien is the glue that holds everything together,” Nicholson says. “He deals with specific vineyards that farm to his specifications and works in an Old World tradition that reflects the character of each site.”
Part-time Neapolitans Cal and Pam Nicholson run both Nicholson Jones and Covert wine brands.
That style is resonating with consumers. The Nicholson Jones wines are featured at Naples restaurants such as The Continental, Bleu Provence, Sea Salt, and Fleming’s, along with selected retailers. A barrel of the Covert Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the top lots at Auction Napa Valley 2018. Nicholson has no plans to expand at the moment. “At this level of production, wine is personal,” he says. “It should be a fun adventure for our customers since it’s way too much fun for us to make it.” (nicholsonjones. com; covertestate.com)
NI ’s curated dining guide for Greater NAPLES THE LISTINGS The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights. = NI’s Dining Hall of Fame* *Dining establishments that have won three or more Dining Awards in the same category are inducted into NI’s Dining Hall of Fame.
Collins speciality cocktail, a riff on the Tom Collins. 360 Twelfth Ave. S., Naples (naplesbevy.com) BISTRO 821 A long-time favorite, thanks to executive chef Jesse Housman’s Natural Fusion menu. 821 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bistro821.com) BLUEBERRY’S RESTAURANT There’s something for everyone at Blueberry’s, from a hearty skillet to an egg white scramble to pancakes—available with blueberries, of course. 3350 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (blueberrys-restaurant.com)
BOKAMPER’S
AMERICAN 7TH AVENUE SOCIAL Eclectic Southern fare and craft cocktails with live music in the evenings. 849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (7thavenuesocial.com) BALEEN AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Dine amid elegant tropical surroundings indoors, or on the patio to soak up the view. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort.com) THE BEVY Everything old is new again at The Bevy (short for beverage). Be sure to try the Blackberry
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SPORTS BAR & GRILL Kim Bokamper may have retired from football decades ago, but he’s still scoring at his locations in Estero and North Naples. 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples; 8001 Plaza Del Lago Dr., Estero (bokampers.com)
as bison, lamb, and Florida alligator. 330 Ninth Street S.; 12655 Tamiami Trail E.; 845 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (brooksburgers.com) COOPER’S HAWK WINERY Signature dishes paired with Cooper’s Hawk wines. 11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (coopershawkwinery.com) HAROLD’S PLACE A fun, casual bar and grill that serves classic burgers, seafood, salads, and more in a tropical setting complete with a chickee bar. 2555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (naplesharoldsplace.com) HOBNOB Elevated comfort food in a modern yet warm atmosphere. 720 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (hobnobnaples.com) KC AMERICAN BISTRO As the name implies, American regional cuisine is on tap. 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (kcamericanbistro.com)
BRICKTOP’S Boasting classic American dishes and an outstanding brunch featuring gems like brioche French toast and a crab benedict. 5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (bricktops.com)
THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its brunch is one of the best in town. 5323 Airport Pulling Road, Naples (thelocalnaples.com)
BROOKS GOURMET BURGERS AND DOGS In addition to its half-pound Black Angus beef burger, Brooks augments its menu with exotic options such
M WATERFRONT GRILLE Contemporary decor, a view of the bay, and fine cuisine. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (mwaterfrontgrille.com) NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | MARCH 2019 109
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