Nor Cal Edition – Apr 6, 2012
Transcript of Nor Cal Edition – Apr 6, 2012
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REE
LOUIS M. MARTINIWINERYPAGE 22
CHARLES KRUGESTATE WINERY
PAGE 26
BALDACCI PINOT NOIWITH PULLED PORK
PAGE 30
TASTING ROOM:LOXTON CELLARS
PAGE 52
TREASURE ISLANDWINERIES
PASSPORT EVENTPAGE 63
Happy EastefromPrager
WINERY & PORT WORPAGE 20
Y O U R G U I D E T O N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A W I N E , T H I N G S T O D O , L O D G I N G & E V E N
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com APRIL 6, 20
n HOSPITALITY DE LOS CARNEROS PRESENTS n
APRIL 21-22
PAG
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W
INERY
FEATUR
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OF
THE
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FOOD
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
Charles Krug Estate Winer
Baldacci Pinot with Pulled Por
ON
THE
COVE
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20
Loxton Cellar
Prager Winery & Port Work
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A P R I L 6 , 2 0 1 2 I S S U E 1 2 V O L U M E 3 1
ON THE COVER
Page Winey & Pt Wks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SPECIAL COUPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
WINE COUNTRY NEWS
Nthen Calinia map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Winelgy by Len Naplitan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Wine Cunty Calenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18
WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYS
ovenight Accdatins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
SUISUN VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35
Suisun Valley Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-45
Dwntwn Napa map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
St. Helena map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45
SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-59
Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47
russian rive Aea Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Healdsbug map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-59
Sna Valley Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Sna Plaza map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Glen Ellen & Kenwd map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61
Lake & mendcin Cunties map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
LIVERMORE VALLEY Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
TREASURE ISLAND Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES . . 63-65
mnteey Bay/Santa Cuz muntains map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Salinas Valley Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67-78
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
NAPA VALLEY
ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5 BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House w/ad 25
CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 23 GOLDEN HAVEN Mud Treatment for 2, $54 per person 3 HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting for 2 with ad 4JESSUP CELLARS Complimentary tasting for two with ad 43 LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 37 OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad 45 PINK MANSION 15% off with ad at check-in 45 REATA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 4 RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad BACK PAGE
ST. CLEMENT WINERY2 for 1 tasting 7 ST. SUPRYExtra Library Selection, see ad 7 STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box 38 SUMMERS WINES 15% discount with ad 44 TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 19 WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 27SONOMA COUNTY
ALDERBROOK WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 51 ARROWOOD WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 55
BALLETTO VINEYARDS Complimentary tasting with ad 49 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 CELLARS OF SONOMA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 47 CHATEAU ST. JEAN 2 for 1 tasting with ad 56 FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 Classic Wines tasting with ad 72 FRITZ WINERYMention ad for $5 off wine tasting 48 KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY2 for 1 Reserve Tasting with ad 31 LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS Mention ad for upgraded tasting 59 MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49 MATANZAS CREEK 2 for 1 tasting with ad 59
RODNEY STRONG Complimentary tasting/20% discount with ad 51 VIANSA WINERY2 for 1 tasting & 10% off purchase with ad 55BAY AREA: TREASURE ISLAND/LIVERMORE
BODEGA WINE ESTATES Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 78 MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 62SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES
HAHN WINERYComplimentary tasting for two with ad 66 VINE HILL $10 tasting fee waived with ad 65
*See individual ads for details.
Special Coupons
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Aging wine in oak came about by accident. A few hundred yearsago, before the mass production of glass bottles, wine was sold in bulk
and transported in wooden barrels. Merchants, the majority in
England, would then resell the wine, keeping it in barrels the whole
time. Wood barrels were easy to move by rolling them and easy to
control their movement, because of the concave shape of the barrel,
and wood was relatively inexpensive.
In the course of transporting wine across the English Channel, the
wine would transform. A startling discovery came when people
noticed the difference in the color, flavor and texture of the wine after
spending time in contact with the wood. The wine also lasted longer
before spoiling when left to sit inside a barrel and take in the tannins
from the wood. Before long, wine producers realized the benefits ofmaking oak contact with the wine part of their normal winemaking
regimen.
Oaks inherent characteristics make it the obvious choice among
wood species. It is durable, yet can be bent into shape when heated.
It has good anti-leaking properties, yet it allows microscopic amounts
of air through it over time to enhance the wines structure without
spoiling it. When heated to high temperatures, the wood produchemical compounds that elicit flavors of vanilla, almond, cloves
spice, all of which complement many wines, to one extent or anoth
Today, wine is not only aged in oak, but sometimes also fermen
in oak. With a winemakers skill, the seamless integration of wine a
wood can create an attractive taste and aroma. The drawback to w
in oak comes when the flavors from the wood overtake those of
fruit. Not only does this hide the true varietal character of the gra
it also creates clashes when trying to pair the wine with food.
Red wines that almost always are aged in oak include Caber
sauvignon, merlot, (and blends of them), Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot N
and Sangiovese. The most popular white wine to age in a barre
Chardonnay, while other white wines may or may not, dependingthe grape and style of the winemaker.
Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT10
i n t e l l i g e n c e f o r t h e W i n e c o n S U M e r
by Len Napolitano
Len Napolitano lives in San Luis Obispo County and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators,
Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent con
with California winemakers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com.
Send your questions about wine to: [email protected] or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of
Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.
Why is wine aged in oak?
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by Jeffry Ross
The Skinny The Wine Garage is all about the juice. Its also about having funlike a kid in a candy store. The Wine Garage is, literally, a former gas station.
Todd, the wine buyer, travels far and wide to find top-shelf, affordably priced
wines. Inside, youll find more than 200 different labels neatly arranged in ca
on the floor and an engaging staff who are friendly, attentive and most impor
tantly, they know their wines.
Buzz Despite its funky space, the Wine Garage is a wine lovers best friend.Reminiscent of visiting your favorite record store (yes, kids, once upon a tim
thats where you had to buy your music), the fun is going through all the cas
and finding something youve never heard of. All the wines have been test
driven by the staff, so, whatever you select, you wont be disappointed.
Value Ultimately, the Wine Garage is about value. Its no secret that in NapaValley, its difficult to score a highly rated red for less than $65, but the Wine
Garage manages to do it all the time. The staff takes great pride hunting dow
unusual and lesser-known, limited-production wines and passing their haggl
finesse on to us.
Ten-second summary With the exception of Wine Garage labeled-awardwinning Cabernets, nothing in this hip hideaway is more than $25! The Wi
Garage is stocked with premium, small-lot wines that you wont find at BevM
Trader Joes or your local wine store (plus, they do a better job storing their
wines at the correct temperature).
Best bets In addition to all the labels the Wine Garage represents, they alsoproduce their own lip-smacking blends. My in-house favorites are: 2009 Joy
Ride (white blend), 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet, 2007 Napa Valley PetiteSyrah, 2008 Napa Valley Chihuahua Cabernet and 2006 Napa Valley Hside Cabernet.
Under-the-radar Go old-school with half-gallon jugs filled while you wait
using their specifically designed service station nozzles. Not only are the windelicious (and affordable), the jug is crazy fun conversation at the table. Its a
a cool gift.
Secrets For the next few weeks, receive an additional ten percent off thealready low prices when you purchase six bottles. Twenty percent on a case.
Better yet, the Wine Garage has the BEST wine club in the valley and they
ship just about everywhere.
Insider If youre a serious wino, get on the inside track for ultra exclusivedeals by hooking up with the Wine Garage on Twitter and Facebook (wine c
members get first crack to cream-of-the-crop finds).
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEW
1
Quality Wines All Under $2at Wine Garage, Calistoga
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
12 Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa
ONGOINGNapa Valley Wine Trainnapa, www.wa.m, 800-427-4124 Ap 6: M esap Ap 26: Pa Ba S A
ONGOINGTaste at Oxbow Wine and Chocolate Pairingnapa, tas 5 as w 5 ws, $20, 12-7pm Suday u tusday12-9 pm fday ad Sauday. rsvas mmdd. 707-265-9600.
ONGOINGLive Music Fridays at Taste at Oxbownapa, m vas, 707-265-9600, www.asaxbw.m
ONGOINGSeminars & Tastings at Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 10am-6:30pm, www.myva.m, 707-963-7777 Myva as, $15 rsv as, $35 W Ssy Sma, $45, fdays 12pm by app W & cs exp, $45, by app Smm gad rsv tas, $65, by app
ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYSBarrel Tasting & Tours at ReataBa as: 11am, 2pm & by appm, tus by appmnapa, www.aaws.m, 707-254-8673x119
ONGOINGJefferson House Reserve Room Tasting atMonticello Vineyardsnapa, rsv W Sma, cy famy napa Vay $25rSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.cyfamynapaVay.m
ONGOINGV. Sattui WineryS. ha, 9am-6pm, app. ssay, www.vsau.m, 707-963-7774 cass as, day, $5 Pmum as, day, $10 fd & w pa, M-tu, $18 Asa a & w pa, Sa-Su, $25 iaa Makpa w 200+ ss D w pa, sadws, abaks & m Wkd BBQ, wd-d pzza, yss, mzzaa ba 2 as -sadd p uds
ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYSFood & Wine Pairings at Etude Winerynapa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/mmbswww.udws.m, 707-257-5300
ONGOINGRombauer VineyardsS. ha, www.mbau.m, 707 963-5170 fday-Suday: op by adva appm y Mday-tusday 10am-5pm tas $10 W & cs Pa day by appm y, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $25
ONGOINGTastings at St. Supryrud, www.ssupy.m, 800-231-6116 Vyad gass, Saudays, 2pm, $50 S Supy hsa tas, Sudays, 2pm, $50 ca tu, fdays, 2pm, $50
Dad lbay tas, day, $25 u lbay tas, day, $25
ONGOINGTours & Tasting at ZD Winesrud, rSVP 800-487-7757, www.zdws.m tada tas, $10, day 10am-4pm Pm tas, $15, day 10am-4pm Pva gup tas, $20, by app ca tu & tas, $25, 1pm wkds & days, M-f by app Vyad Vw tas, $40, Sa-Su 11am, M-f by app Abaus tas, $600 4-6 pp, by app W ta, $180
ONGOINGTours and Tastings at William Hill Estate Winerynapa, 10am-5pm, by app., www.wamsa.m, 707-265-3024 tas napa Vay, $12 tas Svad B, $20 esa exusvs, $25 i Wam h esa tu ad tas, $25 t Wam h esa exp tu ad tas, $40
ONGOINGVineyard & Winery Tours at Raymond VineyardsS. ha, 11am (by app), $15, gup us avaab (by app)www.aymdvyads.m, 800-525-2659x620
ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Andretti Winerynapa, www.adwy.m, 877-386-5070x227 idvdua tass, $15
Pva Wy tu & tas, $20/ps by appm Vyad tus, $20/ps by appm
ONGOINGTasting at Grgich Hills Estaterud, 9:30am-4:30pm, tus a 11am & 2pm, $10W bay as/$30, Ba as ms fdays 2-4pmwww..m, 707-963-2784
ONGOINGTastings & Tours at Artesa Winerynapa, rSVP, 877-224-8309, www.asawy.m V Qus, W & cs exp, $40 Day gudd tus Vs & Ws, A Vyad tu, $40
ONGOINGEducational Tours & Wine Tasting
at Castello di Amorosa
casa, www.asdamsa.m, rSVP, 707-967-6272 rua u & as, $25-$40 rsv u & as, $35-$50 t as y, $ 10 -$ 25 Y u a du u s, $ 15 -$ 20 napa Vay nb Pam Pva ViP us
ONGOINGTastings at Silverado Vineyardsnapa, www.svadvyads.m, 707-259-6611, 800-997-1770x611 Saddbk Vyad tas, $75 lbay tas, $75 Day tas rm fs, esa/$10, Pm/$20 Pub tus & tas, 10:30am & 2:30pm, $15 Pva tu ad tas, 15-25 uss, $20/u, $25/u & as
ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Clos du Valnapa, day 10am-5pm, www.sduva.m, 800-993-9463 cass ass, $10: wavd w puas a b w.
rsv ass, $20: wavd w puas a b w. tus by appm w 24 u adva
ONGOINGWine Tasting Experiences at Benessere VineyardsS. ha, www.bssvyads.m, by app 707-963-5853x105 Psazd W fs, day, $10 Vyads Wak tu & tas, M-W, 10:30am, $15 fud Pa exp, Su, 10:30am, $15 Ba tas, rSVP, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $20 Ba tas & cu ras, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $25 Ba tas & Va, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $25 gup tas, Sa-Su, 1:30pm, $15
ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards: Tastings & SeminarsA ppuy papa a wd a x smas. 1 11am day; 2:30pm, Mday-fday & 2pm, Sauday & Suday. $40, xisa Bd/$60, /w ub mmbs. ta ass day, $ 2rSVP, 707-967-3720, das www.jpvws.m isa Bd W Ama ca S Vyad cabs fs & Pps Ba sma
ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYSCooking Demonstrations at The DeBaun TheatreS. ha, cuay isu Ama a gys, 1:30-2:30pm, $20W a samp p ad gys [email protected], www.a.du, 707-967-2320
ONGOINGVisitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Wineryf das, www.bmdav.m, 888-rMonDAVi x2
t S a u t u & ta s t W t as B as s t exus v ca tas t as Byd Bas t havs Jy tu & lu
ONGOINGVIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory TourBuassa Vyads, napa, M-f by appm, $15 md-wk spaM s s, www.buassavyads.m, 800-499-2366
THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTHBacchus That Rascalcs Pas, casa, , 2pm, Mu-mda psa hsy Wwww.spas.m, 707-942-4981
ONGOING SATURDAYSNapa Riverwalk with Historian George Webber
2 u u w as & d w napa, 10am, $20, 707-251-8500
SECOND SUNDAYSSecond Sunday Supper ClubAViA napa, napa, 5:30-7pm, $110
www.avas.m, 707-224-3900
ONGOINGNapa Valley Opera House1030 Ma S, napa, www.v., 707-226-7372 Ap 5: Da S. Pau Ap 6: hm Pasa Ap 10: Sdm S cma, tuyas Maa Ap 12: Paua Puds Ap 13: Bam Say Ap 14: gaa Bad 101 c Ap 17: Suza Va & Dua Sk Ap 20: Wm fuy cd
ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room Winesnapa, 5-9pm, www.bakmws.m, 707-226-1378 Ap 5: tas gad cu Buudy Ap 6: Bak rms Bubb Ba
Ap 12: W Ws fm t Sks tas Ap 13: Ud twv Buks a B tas
NAPA VALLEY
UPCOMING Daily: Vally firs tour
Daily: gri hills esa Winry tour
fri-Sun: Domain candon Winry tour
Sa: Vallys only evnin Winry tour
Mon-tu: Ambassador Winry tour
April 6: Mooligh esap
April 26: Piao Bar Sig Alog
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT
ONGOINGdi Rosanapa, www.dsapsv., 707-226-5991 o u Ju 10: hu lu, nw Wk Ap 4: As tak, hu lu Ap 28: Sp nau hk
ONGOINGLive at Uptown Theatrenapa, www.upwaapa.m, 707-259-0123
Ap 7: Jak g w rusd r Ap 15: Jmmy c Ap 18: Squz Ap 25: ca fus Ap 27: cs isaak
ONGOING FRIDAYSFriday Night Pulse TastingsAcMe f Ws, S.ha, 5-7pm, www.amws.m, 888-963-0440
ONGOING FRIDAYSBubbles Bar at 1313 Mainnapa, 9pm-12am, www.1313ma.m, 707-258-1313
ONGOINGFriday Night Winemaker EventsJV W & Sps, napa, 5-7pm, $2, www.jvw.m, 707-253-2624
ONGOINGTasting Events at Wineries of Napa Valleynapa tw c, napa, k wbs ms & ps
www.apavas.m, 707-253-9450
ONGOING WEDNESDAYSWinemaker Wednesdays at 1313 Mainnapa, 6-8pm, www.1313ma.m, 707-258-1313
ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 30
Napa Valley Arts in AprilVaus vs & as napa Vay!
www.ldaynapaVay.m
APRIL 12The Mozart Supremacynapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pm
www.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500
APRIL 12-15Live in the Vineyard Music FestivalVaus das & as napa Vay!
k wbs m ma, www.vvyad.m
APRIL 13-15Spring Release Weekend
Pju, rud, www.pju.m, 707-963-3600
APRIL 14Local Oysters & Bale Lane Sauvignon BlanRelease Celebration at St. ClementS. ha, www.sm.m, 707-265-5000
APRIL 14Budbreak Lunch in the Vineyardsat Beaulieu Vineyardsrud, 11am-2pm, cub Mmb ev, $45www.bvws.m, 800-373-5896
APRIL 14Art & Wine at Beaulieu Vineyardswith Artist Penelope Moorerud, www.bvws.m, 800-264-6918x5233
APRIL 14BASH from Appellation St. Helenacuay isu Ama, S. ha, 6-9pmwww.aspss.appasa.m, 7 07-967-1100
APRIL 14A Day of Bluegrassnav Ss gd Ws ha, S. ha10am-7pm, $15, www.sbs., 707-254-7567
APRIL 14Free Family Fun Day: Recycled Garden Artnapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 2pmwww.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
APRIL 15Off the Beaten Path at Pope Valley Winery
A W tas ev B S. Jud cd's hspaMus, b ba, s ss, p aa, s au & m!Pp Vay, 11:30am-4pm, $25/p pswww.ppvaywy.m, rSVP, 707-965-1246
APRIL 15Preferred Palates Day at The Estatefa Sps Wy, S. ha
www.asps.m, 707-967-6723APRIL 15
OysterFestDma cad, Yuv, 12-5pmwww.ad.m, 707-944-2280, $50
APRIL 16-22Arts in April Complimentary Art Tourrb Mdav Wy, oakv, 3pm, rSVPwww.bmdav.m, 888-766-6328x2
APRIL 17Pink Party at Etudenapa, www.udws.m, 707-257-5300
APRIL 212008 Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon
Release at Louis M. Martini Winery
S. ha, $30/mmbs, $40/usswww.usma.m, 866-549-2582
APRIL 21Lobster Fest at V. Sattui
S. ha, 6:30-9:30pm, $99/mmb, $109/usswww.vsau.m, 707-963-7774
APRIL 21Cabernet Blending Event at Beringer
S. ha, www.b.m, 707-963-8989x2036
APRIL 21Cooking ClassJ c Sa ot ad cs du Va Wycda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969
APRIL 21-22April in Carneros
hspay d s cas. Vs papa ws!10am-4pm, $39/adv, $45, www.asws.
APRIL 22New DARE Releases & Paella Party at Viader
D Pak, 12-4pm, $60, www.vad.m, 707-963-3816
APRIL 26The Art of Costume Designnapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pmwww.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500
APRIL 27Sunsets on the Silverado Bench at
William Hill Estate Winery
napa, 5:30pm-sus, rSVP qudwww.wamsa.m, 888-909-9463
APRIL 27-29
Stags Leap District Vineyard to VintnerVaus vs & as, www.sasapds.m
APRIL 28Spanish Dinner at Artesa
napa, 6:30pm, $90, cub Mmb evwww.asawy.m, 877-224-8309
APRIL 28!WAR Arts in April Benefit at Hess Collection
napa, 3pm, $100, www.wmavu.mwww.ss.m, 707-255-1144
APRIL 28Farmers Market Lunch at Acacia Vineyard
napa, 11am-3pm, $40/mmbs, $50www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991x2
APRIL 28Kitchens in the Vineyard Home & Garden Tourtu ks napa Vay, 9:30am-4:30pmwww.apavaymus., 707-258-5559
APRIL 283rd Annual HALL Cabernet CookoffhAll S. ha Wy, S. ha, 11am-3pm$60, $48/mmbs, www.aws.m, 707-967-2657
APRIL 29Peju Art Exhibit Reception
rud, 1-4pm, www.pju.m, 707-963-3600
ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Smawww.ds.m, 707-996-9779 Ap 7: Da Das & nky D Paa Ap 14: Jaa Pz Ap 21: Jss Py Ap 28: Da Das & Jy ga
ONGOINGPrivate Tastings at Viansawww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470 iaa W & cs Pa,10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm,
$10/mmbs, $25
rsv W & fd Pa, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm/mmbs, $45
ONGOINGReserve Wine & Food Pairing PrivateTasting at ViansaSma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appmwww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470, /mmbs, $45
ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar IntroducesThematic Wine Programh a a w maks. Pus, a tusday, 6:30-8pm by w-ds. t ld a Sma, rSVP, www.dasma.m, 707-931-2042
ONGOINGVineyard Walk & Photography Workshopat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123
ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tastingat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123
ONGOINGPrivate Wine Tastingsat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Pk Bu v ws, 6-8 pp, $20-$40ppby appm, www.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700 Sms ts yu Sm Mmy W W lvs ws pad w Asa ss K rds ws pad w dd us ad as Mamak w ad d pa PVa tas ws pad w Asa cau pa cab t tas mpas ws m d vas
ONGOING FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYSTaste with the Count at Buena Vista
A 45-mu u ad w as, 11am & 12:30pm, $20A 90-mu tas w cu w rsv Bua Vsa ws cus la by cu. 2pm, $45, rSVP, 800-926-1266
ONGOINGWine and Food Pairingat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mamak, a a ad s ma ws w p d. 6-8 pp, $35pp, by appmwww.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700
ONGOINGFree Guided Winery Tourat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mday-Sauday, 10am, by appmwww.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700
ONGOING
Group Private Tastings
at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
hadsbu iuds 5 ws, 9-25 pp udud a, by
appm. $20 p ps, www.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700
ONGOING
Terroir & History Tour at Chateau St. Jea
Kwd, A vs caau S. Ja s a yu sss.
cmpmay, 11am-2pm, www.aausja.m, 707-833-4134
ONGOINGFood and Wine Pairing at the Mayo Reserve Ro
9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w a
$35, rsvas mmdd, www.mayamywy.m, 707-833-
ONGOING
Wine Experiences at Chateau St. Jean
Kwd, t ps mmum, 2 us, $50, by appm
www.aausja.m, 707-833-4134x5258
cq cpas Bd Sma, e ps mmum, 2 us, $75
cq cpas cmp tas, e ps mmum, 1.5 us, $2
Pva ViP W tas, 10:30am, 1 & 3pm, $25, 1 u
Bx lu Pam w tu
ONGOING
Tours, Tastings & Seminars at St. Francis Win
Saa rsa, t ps mmum, ca m ma & sva
888-675-Wine(9463)x255, www.saswy.m cau, day 11am-4pm, $25/$20 ub mmbs
W & fd Pa, $35/$28 ub mmbs
ONGOING
Guided Winery Tours at Gloria Ferrer
Sma, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $10, www.a.m, 707-996-7256
ONGOING
Wine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jackson
fu, Spa sv d & w as, 10am-4pm, $25
www.kj.m, 707-571-7500
ONGOING SUNDAYS
Domaine Carneros Sparkling Brunch
at the Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa
Sma, 9am-1pm, www.am.m.sma, 707-938-9000
ONGOING SUNDAYS
Sunday Brunch at the Centre du Vin
lds h, Sma, 9am-1pm
www.ds.m, 707-996-9779
ONGOING WEEKENDS
Wine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz Winery
cvda, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 as vs pa
www.zwy.m, 707-894-3389
LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
50 Mile AV Vintner's Dining
g e, Ba as & od V P n & Syas m As Vya
fds sud ay. 4-7PM, asws.m, rSVP, 707-935-3456
ONGOING THURSDAYS
Thirsty Thursdays at Anaba
Sma, ejy mpmay s & aks pa w yu w
as. 4-5:30pm, www.aabaws.m, 707-996-4188
ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAY
Unique Food & Wine Pairings at HKG Tasting Ro
g e, 12-6pm, www.pkwy.m, 707-938-7622
ONGOING WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY
Live Music at Cellars of Sonoma
Saa rsa, 7:30-10:30pm, www.assma.m, 707-578-1826
Wd: rky Aa ray
tu: Dus Say
f: J Pa
Sa: rb ha & By Ksbu (y aa vy Sau
SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
Comedy Night at Cellars of Sonoma
Saa rsa, 8:15-9pm, www.assma.m, 707-578-1826
SONOMA COUNTY
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT
ONGOINGMoondance Cellars & Orchard Station Winesg e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10www.mdaas.m, 707-938-7550
ONGOING THROUGH MAY 31Artist Robert Benson at Charles Creek
Tasting Room & Gallery
Sma, 11am-6pm, www.ask.m, 707-935-3848
EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY
Santa Rosa Original Farmers MarketSaa rsa Vas Bud pak , 8:30am-, 707-522-8629
EVERY FRIDAY MORNINGSonoma Valley Farmers MarketDp Pak, Sma, 9am-, 707-538-7023
EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAYThe Art of Winemaking WorkshopP Vyads, Sma, 10:30am-12pmwww.pvyads.m, 707-935-8311
ONGOINGCooking Classes at Ramekins Culinary School450 Ws Spa S, Sma, ck wbs sdu.www.amks.m, 707-933-0450
ONGOINGWells Fargo Center for the ArtsSaa rsa, wsaas., 707-546-3600 Ap 6: lsa lampa Ap 15: J rva Ap 17: Dsys c-c Su
Ap 19: hw Mad Ap 20: Mk Bba Ap 22: Pps tbu lads Mw Ap 27: rym cus
Ap 28: Ky rsONGOING
Spreckels Performing Arts Centerr Pak, 707-588-3400, www.spks.m, 707-588-3400
ONGOINGLive Shows at Hopmonk TavernSbasp, www.pmk.m, 707-829-7300 Ap 5: hyka & gy fas Ap 6: Day ck & t h Yas Ap 7: Bkdw Baksd Ap 9: Jada Bakkam & DJ cd Ap 13: Papads & gvda Ap 14: t B Sd Pays Ap 21: t M hps Ap 25: M Skd
ONGOING THURSDAYSWinemaker Thursday Series at Big Bottom Marketguv, 6-8pm, www.bbmmak.m, 707-604-7295
ONGOING FRIDAYSMusic at Vino di Amore Tasting Loungecvda, 7-9pm, www.vdam.m, 707-894-6166
ONGOING SATURDAYSSwirl, Sniff & Sip (aka Wine 101)B 3 W Ba, fam Sma Mss i & Spa, Sma10-10:45am, www.am.m/sma, 707-938-900
ONGOING THROUGH EARLY SPRING 201216th Annual Sculpture Exhibit FINALEat Paradise Ridge Wineryt Supu v a b s u dusk, wd by a ass w wys vada, w s spaua vw sus. 11am-5pm, dawww.pwy.m, 707-528-Wine
ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 4The Wall Show Wall Hung Works by 8 SculptorsA nw la gay, cs, Smawww.supus.m, 707-933-1300
APRIL 72011 Ros & Pinot Gris Release at B.R. Cog e, 12-5pm, www.b.m, 707-938-4061x124
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT
APRIL 29
Spring Antique Faire
Dww Pauma, www.paumadww.m
APRIL 29
J. Rickards Vineyards Winemaker Dinner
Va i & rsaua, M r, 6pm, $48, 707-865-0565
APRIL 29-30
Steppin Out with the Healdsburg Chorus
hadsbu cmmuy cu, hadsbu, 707-495-5620
EVERY SECOND SATURDAY
Food & Wine Pairings
Mnab rd tas rm, hpad, www.mabd.m, 707-744-1986
ONGOING
Skunk Train
f Ba, www.skuka.m, 866-457-5865
Ap 7-8: eas e expss
ONGOING FRIDAYS
Tuscan Village Music Art Series
t cas, lw lak, 6-9pm, www.as.m, 707-994-3354
APRIL 3Winemaker Dinner Series
Saw Sp Bs, Ksyv, 6-9pm
www.sawspbs.m, 707-278-0129
APRIL 8
Easter Brunch
Md h, Md, 8am-2:30pm
www.md.m, 707-937-0511
APRIL 14
Earth Day Family Festival 2012
BArrA Md, rdwd Vay, 11am-4pm,
www.baamd.m, 707-485-0322
APRIL 14
Pt. Arena Craft Fair & Bazaar
Su as S c, P. Aa, 9am-2pm
www.suasss., 707-785-3538
APRIL 15-22
Earth Day
hus Vyads, P, 10am-4pm
www.usvyads.m, 800-554-8724
APRIL 21
Earth Day Dog Hike
Saaa Vyads, hpad, 10am-1pm
www.saaa.m, 707-744-1671
APRIL 21
Noyo Food Forest 6th Annual Earth Day Festival
f Ba h S, f Ba, 12-6pm
www.yds., 707-964-0218
APRIL 21Earth Day Celebration
fy Vyads, rdwd Vay, www.yw.m, 707-468-7936
APRIL 22
Earth Day Celebration
Ykv cas, Ykv, 11am-2pm, $10
www.Ykvcas.m, 707-894-9177
APRIL 22
Hendy Woods Benefit
nava Vyads, P, 12-3pm, www.dywds., 800-537-9463
APRIL 22
Kronos Quartet
guaaa As, guaaa, 7-10pm, www.uaaaas., 707-884-1138
APRIL 28Wildflower Brunchca lak Sa Pak, Ksyv, 9am-
www.aaksapak.
SAN FRANCISCO
ONGOING
The Walt Disney Family Museumt Psd Sa fas, Sa fas, 415-345-6816
www.wadsy.
ONGOINGSeasons Swirl
fu Sass h, Sa fas, 5:30-7:30pm
www.usass.m/saas, 415-633-3838
ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 22Matter + Spirit, The Sculptureof Stephen De Staebler
d Yu Musum, Sa fas, www.ams.
ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3Arthur Tress: San Francisco 1964
d Yu Musum, Sa fas
www.ams., 415-750-3531
ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 17The Cult of Beauty: The V ictorian Avant-Garde
l h, Sa fas
www.ams., 415-750-3531
ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 17Childrens Books from the Victorian Eral h, Sa fas
www.ams., 415-750-3531
ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 7Macys 66th Annual Flower Show Presents Brasil:Gardens in Paradise
Mays U Squa, Sa fas, , p du s us
ONGOING THROUGH AUGUST 9The Fashion Word of Jean Paul Gaultier:
From the Sidewalk to the Catwalkd Yu Musum, Sa fas
www.ams., 415-750-3531
APRIL 24Chalone Vineyard Wine Tasting & Dinnercamp Pa, Sa fas rb ck, Wmak
www.ajs.m/saas, 415-955-5574
APRIL 28-29Treasure Island Fleao Avu Pams, tasu isad, Sa fas, 9am-4pm
www.tasuisadfa.m, 415-898-0245
MARIN COUNTY
ONGOINGMarin Center in San Rafael
www..ma.a.us, 415-499-6800 Ap 2, 5: Ma Spaks Ss, gd Bw
Ap 6: A Aus ev w ov r
Ap 15: Mak ludm, lau s n luxuy
Ap 21: t rms, rya famy gua
Ap 22: Dbb ryds
APRIL 2122nd Annual Great Chefs & Wineries
fmas fud isua cmpay, nva
www.asadws.
APRIL 2810th Annual Artists of Issaquah Show
issaqua Dk, Sausa, 11am-5pm
www.assssaqua.m, 415-331-8989
SAN MATEO COUNTY
APRIL 28-2922nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Showfsva Ma Masha M Bay Ap, ha M Baywww.mamavs.m, 650-726-2328
ALAMEDA COUNTY
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH APRIL 253rd Annual Berkeley Wine Festivalt cam h cub & Spa, Bky, 6:30pmwww.bkywsva.m Ap 4: Sv oak, $165 Ap 11: opus o, $195 Ap 18: cakbad cas, $125 Ap 25: Jus Vyads, $125
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
ONGOINGTastings at PrimaWau ck, www.pmv.m, 925-735-7780f: 5:30-7pm, $20, $10/mmbsSa: 3-5pm, $20, $10/mmbs
APRIL 5Wine Pairing Dinner: Award Winning Wineshaa n Vyads, Bwdwww.vws.m, 925-240-2463
LIVERMORE
ONGOINGBankhead Theatrelvm Vay Pm As c, lvmwww.vmpmas., 925-373-6800 Ap 6-7: t Vaa Mus Ap 13: Paua Puds Ap 14: had/Mza Ap 15: 2012 ra Sas Ap 20, 22: Swa lak Ap 21: eda W Ap 27: Maa S d Mx Ap 28: Az K lineS Ba
ONGOINGWine Cave Tasting Experience
W Vyads, lvm, 4pm Sa/Su, $10, $5/w ub mmbsrSVP, www.wvyads.m/avs, 925-456-2405
ONGOING THURSDAY - SUNDAYWine & Cheese Pairingla r Wy, lvm, 12-4:30pmwww.lrW.m, 925-243-6442
APRIL 7Artist Reception: Carol MaddoxW Vyads, lvm, 1-3pmwww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2305
APRIL 7Eggstravaganzacda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-1pm, rSVPwww.damuawy.m, 92 5-373-6636
APRIL 7-8Les Chenes Celebrates 5 Years
ls cs esa Vyads, lvm, 12-4:30pmwww.ssv.m, 925-373-1662
APRIL 151040 Soup Kitchencda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $5www.damuawy.m, 92 5-373-6636
APRIL 15B.Y.O.B. - Fill Your Own Bottlecda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $8www.damuawy.m, 92 5-373-6636
APRIL 21-22TriValley Conservancy Eco Toursca Vyad, lvm, 12:30pm, $10www.avyad.m, 925-456-2505
LAKE/MENDOCINO
BAY AREA
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
18
APRIL 22Earth DayW Vyads esa Wy, lvm, 11am-4pmwww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2450
APRIL 27Ruby Fridayruby h Wy, Pasa, 6:30-9pm, $10www.ubywy., 925-931-Wine
ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmelcam, www.sus.m, 831-620-2048 Ap 12: taj Maja t Ap 14: Dadaus S Qua Ap 22-23: My Sympy, c 6, fm f gud Ap 25: t Am, Aa Ap 26: Maa S d Mx Ap 28: 1964t tbu
ONGOINGLive at Golden State TheatreMy, www.dsaa.m, 831-372-3800
ONGOINGLive Music at KRML Radiot easwd Bud, cam, www.kmad.m, 831-624-6432
ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSSweet Thursdays at Cannery RowMy, famy u, mus, d & a dsus, 4-8pm831-649-6690
ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSMonterey Museum of ArtMy, ev mus, w ad s d'uvs, 5-7pm, 831-372-5477
EVERY THIRD WEEKEND OF THE MONTHPair Your Wine with Ice Cream at Kirigin Cellarsgy, Pa yu mpmay w as w a V d Ma icam Suda! Ad sk a 30% 6 b puass & 50% ass.www..kas.m, 408-847-8827
EVERY TUESDAY
Focus on Monterey County Winescpa W Ba, ra cas, cam, 3-8pmwww.aas.m, 831-625-5646
EVERY WEDNESDAYWine Down Wednesdaysf Wy, gy, 5-8pm, , www.wy.m, 408-842-3305
ONGOING THURSDAYSExploring Winela m abu w & w appa, as a ws !cam rd Wy, cay rw, My, 4-6pm, $40www.amd.m, 831-324-0035
APRIL 2-6Comcast Spring BreakSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590
APRIL 5Battle of the BandsSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590
APRIL 8Easter BrunchBadus ld, cam Vay, 11am-3:30pm, $75, $32/5-12yswww.badus.m, 831-658-3400
APRIL 12In Your Own Backyard Series: Get Savory with ElenaSalsedo from Sweet ElenasSp, Sw, Sav & lahma ra tas rm, cam Vay, 6pmwww.maa.m, 831-659-2640
APRIL 12-15Pebble Beach Food and WineVaus vs & as Pbb Bawww.pbbbadadw.m, 866-907-3663
APRIL 14Vintage Affaircaau Ju, cam Vay, 11am-4pm, $15, $10/mmbswww.aauju.m, 831-624-2600
APRIL 14
Wine, Art & Music WalkDww Pa gv, 6-9pmwww.pav., 831-373-3304
APRIL 14-1555th Annual Good Old DaysDww Pa gv, 9am-5pmwww.pav., 831-373-3304
APRIL 20-22Wildflower ShowPa gv Musum naua hsy, Pa gv10am-5pm, www.pav., 831-648-5718
APRIL 21St. Marys By-The-Sea Annual Spring Book SaleS. Mays By-t-Sa epspa cu, Pa gv9am-2pm, www.pav., 831-373-4441
APRIL 28
Wine Country Tapas at Hahn EstatesSdad, rSVP, www.asas.m, 831-678-4555
APRIL 28Just Run! Just Kids 3Klvs P, Pa gvwww.bsm., 831-373-3304
APRIL 29Big Sur International Marathoncam, 6am-1pm, www.bsm.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
ONGOINGTasting Room TuesdaysSaa cuz Muas Wws Assa, t fam Sa Js, Sa JsWy psav w pu & b avaab v ak. 5-7pmwww.am.m, www.smwa.m, 800-441-1414, 831-685-8463
APRIL 22J. Lohr Down to Earth Celebration
J. l Sa Js W c, Sa Js, 6-9pm, $75www.j.m, 408-918-2176
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
ONGOINGThursday Night Music SeriesBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pmwww.ba.m, 831-475-2258x11
APRIL 7Spring Barrel Strollcs la ca Wy, Sa Mawww.s.m, 800-itS-Wine
APRIL 7-8Eggstraordinary Egg Huntra camp raad, f
www.aamp.m, 831-335-4484
APRIL 21Passport Wine TastingSaa cuz Muas Wws AssaVs papa ws, 11am-5pm, $45www.smwa.m,831-685-8463
APRIL 28Morgan Hill Downtown Spring Wine StrollDww Ma h, 1-5pm, $25/adv, $35www.s.m, 800-487-9463
APRIL 29Rivers of Chocolate Festivalt Mua Wy, Saaa, 1-5pmwww.muawy.m, 408-741-2822
ONGOINGSierra Railroadoakda, www.saaad.m, 209-848-2100 Ap 12, 17, 24: S lu Ap 21: Mud Mysy D
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
ONGOING
Sacramento River Trainwww.saamva.m, 8 00-866-1690 Ap 7: eas e expss Ap 8: eas e expss Ap 14: Mud Mysy Ap 28: ga ta rbby Ap 28: Sus D
ONGOINGMondavi Center for the Performing ArtsU.c. Davs, www.mdavas., 866-754-ArtS Ap 9: ex lv Ap 11: Sma Ax Ap 13: By laV Ap 14-15: Zpp Ss, Pms m f Ap 17: Auska Saka Ap 18-21: t Bad Pus Ap 19-22: t impvsd Sakspa cmpay Ap 22: empya esmb, Ss, Wsps, tas & Uas, nw
Wks V Ap 23: t Ss Ap 25:Suba Sus Ap 28: lys S Qua Ap 28: Maya Bs Ap 29: Uc Davs Baqu esmb& Davs h S
Baqu esmb
SUISUN VALLEY
ONGOING SATURDAYS$5 Wines by the GlassWawk Wy, fad W & mpmay pzza 1-6pmlv mus 2-5pm, www.wawkwy.m, 707-428-6977 Ap 7: t Ukd Bus Bad
Ap 14: Pa Wd
APRIL 154th Annual SVGGA Passport SundayVs Susu Vay ws! 11am-4pmwww.susuvayws.m, 707-864-0730
APRIL 2725th Annual Solano Wine & Food Jubileenu t cmpx, Vaav, 6:30pm, $75/adv, $100www.waddjub., 707-646-3133
SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ& MONTEREY COUNTIES
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
SOLANO COUNTY
Check the webste e eventswww.winecountrythisweek.com
Email Your Events [email protected]
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
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BY Michelle J. BAKer
What could be a more fitting complement to holiday meals,
cheese plates or sweets and treats than the delicious Ports fromNapa Valleys Prager Winery & Port Works? Port doesnt have th
foothold in the United States that it does in the Iberian Peninsu
but a taste through the Ports at Prager will make you a believer!
Jim Prager has been a believer since 1979, when he and wife
Imogene, moved to Napa Valley and opened the winery after Jim
successful career as an insurance broker in Southern California.
The winerys first vintage included Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay and Zinfandel, plus a Cabernet Port, which gave th
winery something unique that its Napa Valley neighbors werent
producing.For more than 30 years Prager has been a true family-run
winery, with Jim and Imogenes five grown children now runnin
everything from the books to the bottling line. Son, Jeff, is thewinerys general manager; Peter is the winemaker; John handles
wine sales and distribution; daughter, Katie is the chief financial
officer, Mary handles the wine club and special events, and
Richard, Marys husband is cellar master.
You dont see dad, Jim, around the winery much anymore si
he retired. According to Jeff Prager, Once we got a computer in
here and then started playing Led Zeppelin, Dad said, thats it, I
done! Mom, Imogene, stays busy in the kitchen, making the
sweet and savory nuts that go famously with any Prager Port. Ston most days youll get at least a couple of Pragers to entertain y
in the tasting room.
Napa is known world-wide for its winemakers, who havemanaged, through several generations of hard work and reserac
to produce still, dry wines in an astounding array of flavor profi
However, almost no one has used those techniques to produce t
same kind of range of sweet wines except the Prager family, th
is who have used that same winemakers eye for detail but res
sentative-of-the-vintage Port wines. And, not just with one or tw
Currently the Prager Port-folio includes a total of five Ports, all o
which are distinctly balanced and downright delicious. The flag
ship Port at Prager is the Royal Escort, a big boy made from 100
Petite Sirah grown right in St. Helena. The current release vintag
2006 is an intense wine that can be laid down for a long time o
enjoyed in its youth paired with rich dark chocolate, dried fruit
strongly flavored cheeses.The 10-year-old Tawny Port, dubbed Noble Companion, w
produced from Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2000 vintage. Th
wine was left in French Oak barrels to oxidize as a good tawny
does never topped up, never racked. The result is an amber
beauty with nutty, caramel and vanilla notes, great acidity and ju
enough sweetness to pop its luscious flavors.
In their Toms Port, the Pragers use the traditional Portugue
ON THE COVER
PRAGERWINERY & PORT WORKS
PRAGER WINERYAND PORT WORKS
tasis by appim m 10:30 a.m. ui 4:30 p.m. daiy1281 lwi la i S. ha.
(707) 963-7678 | www.pap.m.
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Port varietals Touriga, Tinta Cao
and Tinta Roriz grown just up
the road in Calistoga. Toms is
an elegant, softer style Port that
will pair nicely with holiday
fruit and cheese plates. The Aria
White Port is quite similar to
the Portuguese version of whitePorts, which are often paired
with lunch fare such as soups,
bisques and seafood. Who says
you can only have Port after a
meal? The Aria White Port
makes a great apertif to sit
around the fireplace before a
holiday meal.
While Prager may be best
known for its Ports, theres a
Petite Sirah in the house that
will impress folks who love a bigred wine. The Pragers is an old
school Petite Sirah, aged for two
and a half years in American oak
barrels, which gives this wine a
great spicy character and plenty
of backbone. Drink it now with
a juicy steak or sock it away as
its sure to improve for many
years.
Beyond their great selection
of wines, Prager has lots of other
fun gifts for the holiday. Youllfall in love with Imogenes Sweet
and Savory Caramelized Walnuts
and Sweet and Savory
Caramelized Pecans. These deli-
cious nuts, made by Imogene
Prager, make a great accompani-
ment to holiday fruit and cheese
plates alongside a Prager Port.
For the chocolate fanatic,
Prager also offers a Chocolate
Port Drizzle ($17.95) to pour
over fruit or ice cream (or,shhhh, drink straight out of the
bottle!) and Chocolate Port Truf-
fles ($13.50 for a box of 12).
Both of these confections are
made with Prager Port.
For a more savory gift, try the
Prager 12-year-old Port Balsamic
Vinegar, made from Prager Port
and aged in cherry and oak
wood.
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For three generations, the Martini family has been making exceptional wines,
dating back to 1906, carrying on the winemaking tradition today. As you look a
the vintage photos, hanging at the entrance of the Louis M. Martini Winery, you
feel a sense of nostalgia for the past. Through the years, the Martini men are
pouring wine together, Louis M. Martini, Louis P. Martini and Michael Martini,
sharing what they know and love, a delicious glass of wine.
Their story is a fascinating one, starting in 1899, when Louis M. Martini
emigrated from Genova, Italy to join his father in San Francisco. By 1906, they
made their first wine together and wanted to make more. Louis Martini returned
Italy to study home winemaking and perfect his craft amongst the masters. He
returned to California in 1911 and over the next seven years made his first and
finest selection of Martini wines.Louis M. Martini was an enterprising man. During the prohibition era, Martin
formed the L.M. Martini Products Company and produced sacramental wines an
grape concentrate for home winemaking. At the end of prohibition, Louis M.
Martini built his own winery in St. Helena, California, the heart of Napa Valley.
continued his passion for buying premium vineyards, and purchased the Goldst
Ranch, on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains, renaming it Monte Ro
for its red, volcanic soil.
A pioneer in the region, in 1943, Louis M. Martini was one of the founders of
Harvard Club, which developed into the Napa Valley Vinters Association where
winemakers could exchange ideas and collectively work together to overcome
LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERYop Daiy 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
2 1 tasi wi ad, s pa 37
254 Su S. ha hiway, S. ha707-968-3362 | www.uismaii.m
LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERYThe Best Grapes, The Best Vineyard, The Best Wines!BY MonicA l. DAShWooD
Louis P, Louis M and Michael Martini
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEE
challenges in the industry. Amongst the photos, Louis M. Martini
stands with the founders of the wine industry during the mid-
1900s with, Brother Tim, Christian Brothers, Robert Mondavi,
and Jacob Beringer, just to name a handful.
He welcomed his son into the business. In 1951, Louis P.
Martini, an inventor at heart, is the first to design and use wind
machines to combat frost in the vineyards. Shortly after, Louis P.
Martini took over the reins as winemaker from his father. In1968, Louis P. Martini was the first winemaker to bottle Merlot as
a varietal in the industry.
A decade later, winemaker Michael Martini took the helm and
brings an old world, European influence to his wines. Given his
inclination to work with the technological advancements of
winemaking, he was granted his own micro-winery by the Gallo
family, friends of the Martini family, to produce stellar Cabernet
Sauvignon wines.
At the winery, Louis M. Martini offers a selection of tasting
flights, highlighting wines produced from the finest growing
areas in Sonoma and Napa counties including the Monte Rosso
Vineyard. Their first class, award-winning wines include the2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet, 2009 Gnarly Vine Zinfandel,
2008 Lot No.1 Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as newly released
vintages, the 2007 Monte Rosso Cabernet, scoring 95 points
from Robert Parker Jr. and the 2009 No. 254 Petite Syrah. They
can be sampled in the rustic red, underground cellar with tours
offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by reservation. There, you
will have rare access to their premium wines offered through
their exclusive wine clubs. The winery tour gives you a rich taste
of their family history and confirms their dedication to making
the best wines. The Louis M. Martini park grounds are beautiful,
an Italian piazza, lined with Cypress and Citrus trees, picnic
tables, wood benches, climbing ivy and market lights.For more than 75 years, the Martini family winemakers have
crafted unforgettable Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The founder,
Louis M. Martini worked from a simple, honest premise: The
best grapes make the best wines. And after you taste Louis M.
Martini wines you know, that his philosophy still holds true
today!
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For the international wine tourist this is very good news. No more
worrying about how to get your wine purchase home. No morepaperwork or hassles with customs.
Wineflite provides a door-to-door service for any wine traveler
wanting to purchase wine, and ship it back to their home.
Napa and Sonoma are known the world over as one of the most
fruitful and beautiful areas of the world to experience wine. Anyone
who ventures a visit is not only taken aback by the views and vistas, but
most importantly by the amazing variety and quality of the wine.
Now with Wineflite and their amazing fully automated website, the
wine traveler has a way to ship their wine and track their wine from
pickup to their door 24/7.
This service is making inroads into all wine growing regions of the
world. With an easy online system, used by a network of wineries, wine
shops, tour operators, and hotels.
How it works
When visiting a winery or wine shop, and wishing to ship wine back
home, the first question to ask is: Are they part of the Wineflite
network?
If they are, then you can relax and enjoy your wine, and Wine
will take care of the rest.They handle all the details, and paperwork. Businesses love it. T
sell more wine and reduce the need to ever say no to a wine trav
when asked the proverbial question, Do you ship wine to my count
The answer in most cases now is, Yes. With no fear of what w
happen to the shipment, and a super quick 10- to 15-day deliv
directly to their door, what could be better?
Wineflite is the only dedicated wine shipping company in the wo
for the international tourist.
Wineflite is the brainchild of Greg McLaughlin, a 30-year veteran
the Freight & Logistics Industry. With the help from Gary For
extensive consumer user experience they have propelled Wineflit
become the #1 wine shipping service for the international tourist.If the winery is not part of the Wineflite network, cont
[email protected], and theyll arrange everything, or
1-800-285-1135. Check www.wineflite.com for up-to-date pricing
destinations.
You can reach Greg or Gary by calling (415) 491-1095, or by em
WINEFLITE Wine Shipping Made Easy for the International Tourist
24
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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
26
CHARLES KRUG ESTATE WINERYNow at Year 151!BY JoSh Stein
Eponymously named for the twenty-seven-year-old Prussian who founded it in 1861
Charles Krug, the man, was an innovator many times over: he opened the first tastingroom in California in 1882. He introduced the cider press to winemaking, making it
considerably easier to press wines and separate liquids from solids. A true pioneer, he
made careful study and selection of rootstock, varieties, and vineyard locations, a total
rarity for the next one hundred years. Over time, the winery fell into other hands and w
eventually far worse for wear--which is where the Cesare and Rosa Mondavi family cam
into the picture during World War Two.
Cesare Mondavi, Peter Mondavi Sr.s father, emigrated from Italy in 1906 and came t
Lodi during Prohibition, building a successful grape- and fruit-shipping business and
partnering in Sunny St. Helena Winery (now Merryvale).He purchased the Charles Kru
Winery in 1943 for $75,000, revitalizing it from its Prohibition-era neglect. One could s
the future of the region as the Napa Valley hung in the balance of that purchase, thougno one realized it at the time.
Peter took over as President in 1976, and his efforts have resulted in enological,
viticultural, and marketing revolutions, which include the vintage-dating of varietal win
cold fermentations of white wines; cold sterile filtration of wines; leading the planting o
Carneros to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties; conducting fermentations in small
French oak barrels. The family also produced the first winery newsletter, Bottles & Bins
1949 and creating the annual Tastings on the Lawn concert series in 1951, the first win
industry tasting events for the general public. For these successes and more, Peter was
justly named by the Napa Valley Vintners Association as one of its twelve Living Legen
in 1999. He modestly says, We worked at it. We did a lot of research in our day. And
CHARLES KRUG ESTATE WINERY
op daiy 10:30 a.m. 5 p.m.cu ass a $15 p ps
rsv ad limid ras asi a $25 p psBa tasi by svai
2800 Mai S S ha, cA 94574
(707) 967-2200 | www.asku.m
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2
those efforts, Governor Gerry Brown proclaimed September 10th,
2011 as Charles Krug Winery Day.
The latest accolade bestowed on the nonagenarian and spry
luminary is his induction into the Vintners Hall of Fame at the
Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, just opposite the
entrance to the winery.
Change in the name of better wines continues to this day with
the third generation of Mondavis leading the way. Peters sons,
Marc and Peter Jr., led a nine-year, $22-million initiative to
replant more than four hundred acres of estate property and
upgrade the winery to twenty-first-century equipment. Those
upgrades in combination with new winemaker Stacy Clarks
vision are already producing distinction: the current 2008 releases
have received a slew of 90+ scores and Gold, Double Gold, and
Best of Class awards. Produced from eleven vineyards and
encompassing four AVAs Carneros, Howell Mountain, St.
Helena and Yountville across 850 acres, the wines are clearly
amongst the best the Valley has produced. Balance and structurein the name of wines for the dining room table are always the
goal, says Peter Sr.: When you have a nice dinner, you want a
wine that is drinkable but wont overpower it.
The various wine tiers carry out these ideals. The Napa Valley
and Carneros releases all are made to accompany food and
include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir,
Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. The Family Reserve Generations
utilizes special vineyard blocks, and the Vintage Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship bottling, only having been
produced in special years since 1944. The Limited Release wines
are small-lot, one-hundred-to-five-hundred-case wines only
available directly from the winery and display a real sense of
adventure. There are several different Cabs including the very
special 150th Anniversary Cab in 1.5 liter magnum bottles
Pinot Noir, a Red Blend, Zinfandel and Zinfandel Port.
The tasting options for these wines, current releases, Family
Reserve and Limited releases, all take place, literally, inside of
history. As you wander, youll see the original cider press, wine
bars made from the same redwood as the tanks, and lots of
historical artifacts. Now on the National Register of Historic
Places and a California Historic Landmark, the newly restored
Redwood Cellar holds the state-of-the-art barrel room, holding
the Family Reserve wines and serving as the location for special
ninety-minute barrel tastings. As Peter Jr. says, Youre in the
room where wine is aging in oak barrels, and youre trying wine
that came from those barrels. Fruit and cheese are provided to
accompany this very unique tasting experience, and it is limited
to eight people at a time.
As you can tell, the winery has never shied away from trying
new things nor going where others cannot or will not go; befitti
the enormity of a 150th anniversary, the winery has been
conducting a search for the oldest pre-Prohibition or Peter
Mondavi Family-era (1944 onward) bottle of Charles Krug winThe search yielded submission from across the nation, with rich
stories from folks who had fond memories of their visits to the
winery. Joe Smith from Pope Valley, CA, submitted the oldest
documented bottle, a 1946 Napa Valley Pinot Noir. Think abou
how few wineries anywhere could even contemplate such a que
its quite impressive to basically be conducting two at the same
time one for the oldest bottle produced by the man himself an
one for the oldest produced by the propertys longest running
caretakers.
And that really is what todays and tomorrows Charles
Krug-Peter Mondavi Family Winery is all about. The family
doesnt want to forget its past, celebrates it in fact, but it also see
to move ahead to new ways of growing and making even better
wines. Go taste for yourself and see why wine lovers have made
the journey since the nineteenth century. Enjoy!
Continued
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OYSTERS MIGNONETTE
recpe b Che Cal Cavall,
Sna metge matn oste Ba & Gll
miGNoNETTE:
4 teaspns Chapagne vnega
3 teaspns nel chpped shallt
Pnch casel gund black peppe
2 teaspns Gla fee Exta But
reseve Cuve
1 teaspn nel chpped esh chves
oySTErS:
1-1/2 cups kshe the case salt
1 dzen sall stes, such as Kuat Hg island, shells scubbed well and
stes let n the hal shell, the lqu
eseved and stes pcked ve shell
agents
1 sall cluste Chapagne table gapes
2 nel dced seedless ed gapes
miGNoNETTE:
St tgethe vnega,
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peppe and let stand30 nutes.
oySTErS:
St chves nt
gnnette. Dvde
salt between 2 plates
and aange 6 stes
n each. Spn 1/4
teaspn gnnette
ve each ste and
spnkle stes wth
gapes.
Pair with Gloria Ferrer
Extra Brut
Reserve Cuvee
Oysters mignonette and sparkling wine makes for a beautiful marriage and
an even better food pairing. Sparkling wine should be enjoyed weekly and the
limited production 2004 Gloria Ferrer Extra Brut Reserve Cuvee is very
pleasing. This recipe is from Executive Chef and Owner Carlo Cavallo of
Sonoma Meritage Martini and Oyster Bar who has a long-standing partnership
with Gloria Ferrer. His menu focuses heavily on fresh seafood and his wine
list features Gloria Ferrer wines.
The crisp, exquisitely dry sparkler has bright layered flavors of Meyer lemon
citrus, Granny Smith apples with toasty complexity that crescendo into a bril-
liant, silky and dry finish that perfectly complement the oysters mignonette.
Sparkling wine winemakers reverently speak of Extra Brut as the ultimate
expression of their art and vineyard. Not surprisingly, few are made and only
in vintage years. At Gloria Ferrer, they start theirs with only the first, most
gentle pressing of their finest Carneros estate fruit. They increase cellar-aging
of more than six years for this limited-production Late Disgorged 2004
Carneros Extra Brut cuvee to enhance its sublime effervescence, tiny bubble
trails and delightfully fragrant mousse. This wine takes 7- years to develop
from the time the grapes were hand-picked to the point it reaches your glass.As the first sparkling wine house in Californias Sonoma Carneros region,
Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards was established in 1986. Gloria Ferrer
embodies Spanish winegrowing history, time-honored tradition, and centuries-
old sustainable practices in creating exceptional sparkling and estate varietal
wines blended to pair perfectly with food.
Their Visitor Center is located in Sonoma and is open daily from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. The winerys sun-drenched Vista Terrace overlooks breathtaking estate
vineyards providing the perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling or still wine
with savory Spanish and local cheeses, meats, almonds and other delicacies
that are available from their gift shop. Tours are also available daily at 11 a.m.,
1 and 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and includes two sparkling wine
tastes and one estate varietal. For large groups, reservations are required and
can be made by calling (707) 933-1931.
Dont miss Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards 20th annual Catalan Festival
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 21st and 22nd. This is a celebration of the
winerys Spanish roots and the opening of the winery in July 1986. Join Gloria
Ferrer for a day of Spanish food, wine and entertainment with lively classical
guitar, passionate flamenco dancing, a festive grape stomp and traditional folk-
lore surprises. Stroll and enjoy savory tapas, paella demonstrations and wine
seminars as you sip the acclaimed California Carneros sparkling and estate
wines. Tickets are available on their website at www.gloriaferrer.com.
Oysters Mignonette Paired
with 2004 Gloria FerrerExtra Brut Reserve Cuvee
Perfect Pairs BY ALEXANDRA CHARSLEY
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PULLED PORK
1 and 1/2 chpped ellw nns
1 cup ketchup
2/3 cup apple cde vnega 1/2 cup bwn suga
4 tablespns papka
1/2 tablespn caenne peppe
4 tablespns Wcesteshe sauce
4 teaspns salt
3 teaspns black peppe
5 punds pk butt
1. rub the salt and black peppe n the cut eat
2. Cbne the eanng ngedents n a slw cke and
x well. Add pk t the slw cke and place ld n tp.Ck 7-8 hus n lw untl pk s tende enugh t
easl pull awa bne.
3. reve pk slw cke. reve the eat the
bne. Usng a k kne shed the eat t desed thck-
ness. retun the pulled pk t the slw cke and let t
sak n the juces/sauce whle sevng.
Seve n lls u chce add cleslaw as a tppe an
elegant pen-aced sandwch
Its springtime and that can only mean one thing; barbecue
season is upon us! Just as the weather warms up, I look forward
to a lighter wine and the 2010 Baldaccci Family Vineyards
Elizabeth Pinot Noir is perfectly paired with pulled pork. This is
a family recipe from Meredith Grcina, Direct to Consumer
Manager at Baldacci Vineyards. She said, We came up with this
pairing because our Pinot is very unique in the sense that its a
bold Pinot with strong flavors that can stand up to bigger meals.
Pinot Noir tends to be a softer wine with very delicate flavors.
The Elizabeth on the other hand, is a fuller bodied, darkercolored Pinot that offers a complexity and range of flavors
making it a great food pairing wine. Because Pinot tends to be
paired with lighter dishes, we wanted to experiment a bit and
pair it with a more daring meal. The smoky and red berry
characteristics along with the earth undertones makes it a great
wine to pair with any sort of roasted or grilled meats. We decided
to go with the pulled pork because we are entering spring and
pulled pork is really an all-American barbecued picnic dish.
Pinot is a great springtime wine because its not too warm outside
to render a white, however its a bit lighter and more refreshing
than a Cabernet.
The 2010 Elizabeth Pinot Noir continues the Baldacci Familys
tradition of rich, fruit-forward wine from their estate vineyard in
Carneros. The wine has aromas of strawberry, graphite, sweet
smoky cranberries and mouth-watering flavors of pomegranate,
red berries and hints of baked vanilla custard. While the wine is
delicious now, this balanced and structured wine will age well for
three to five years. The Elizabeth Pinot Noir from their Carneros
estate vineyard has always been called a Pinot for Cabernet
lovers. One sip and you will not be disappointed and since their
wines are only sold at their tasting room or online, its the perfect
time to discover this family winery.
Baldacci Family Vineyards is located in the famed Stags LeapDistrict in Napa Valley and includes 17 acres of Estate Cabernet
Sauvignon grapevines. In addition to their Estate Cabernets, their
winemaker Rolando Herrera makes wines for the Family
Collection using grapes carefully sourced from unique vineyards
in Napa and Sonoma. Their Carneros estate vineyard is planted
with the Family Collection varietals of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah,
Gewrztraminer and Chardonnay. Their tasting room is open
daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only. Reservations
can be made by calling (707) 944-9261 or visiting their website
at www.baldaccivineyards.com.
Pulled Pork Paired withBaldacci Family Vineyards 2010Elizabeth Pinot Noir, Carneros
Perfect Pairs BY ALEXANDRA CHARSLEY
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3
April in Carneros is an exciting multi-winery open house
event featuring nearly 20 wineries in the Carneros region of
the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Each winery will open its
doors to visitors and invite them to join in on a variety of
activities, including food and wine pairings, live music, art
or craft shows, special tastings (barrel, reserve, library and
new release), discounts or special pricing and more activities
unique to each winery.
Tickets are $39 per person when purchased online at
www.CarnerosWineries.org or by calling 1-800-366-2806
by April 19th, or $45 per person the day of the
eventdesignated drivers are $10! Some activities at select
wineries may have additional fees, but all participating
wineries have generous offerings for April in Carneros
participants included in the cost of admission. Proceeds
from April in Carneros help fund scholarships at Santa Rosa
Junior College and Napa Valley College.Participating wineries include: Adastra, Anaba Wines,
Bonneau Wines, Ceja Vineyards, Cline Cellars, Enkidu
Wine, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Homewood Winery,
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Keating Wines, Larson Family
Winery, Meadowcroft Wines, Robledo Family Winery, Schug
Carneros Estate, Talisman Wines, Tin Barn Vineyards and Ty
Caton Vineyards.
April in Carneros, April 21-22
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PINK MANSIONth prf napa wi asig xpri. Vally or fors viws from ah room,
lavish brakfas ad afroo wi asig, larg idoor had pool ad Jauzzi,
i-room massag ad faials availabl. 1-800-238-74651415 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga www.pinkmansion.com
BRANNAN COTTAGE INNSx spaus, mab ms w ad vws, pva as, pva bas,qu-sz bds ad a a. tw m-sus av s ms w v-ss as w. A d ad as su m du summmvss. Dw ms ad pas zy ad ma vs.109 Wapoo St, Calistoga [email protected] (707) 942-4200
LEDSON HOTELSluxuy suad s Sma Paza. Sx dvduay dad msw k-sz bd, wp bas, pa ad bas.Appd w aqu adu pad w md ams. (707) 996-9779480 First Street East, Sonoma www.ledsonhotel.com
INN AT THE TIDESBay vws, wak dsa spp, sauas; swmm p, ub,ss , saua; ms w vws ad pas; massa avaab;a bakas 1-800-541-7788800 Hi ghway O ne, B od ega B ay w ww .InnattheTid es.com
VINTNERS INNfy-u spaus ms ad sus w bas pas;
suudd by vyads. 1-800-421-24350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa www.vintnersinn.
CALDERWOOD INNA s Va i a hadsbu
25 W. Grant Street, Healdsburg [email protected] 707-431-1
HILTON GARDEN INN
2200 Gateway Court, (707) 426-6
Fairfield www.hiltongardeninn.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES
316 Pittman Road (707) 864-3
Fairfield www.hiexpress.
LONE OAK LODGE
W mus aquaum, ws, My hab, spp, avs, sauas, .
1-800-283-5663 www.loneoaklodge.
SONOMA COUNTY NORTHERN
MONTEREY BAY/CENTRAL COAST
FAIRFIELD/SUISUN VALLEY
SONOMA COUNTY COAST
SONOMA COUNTY SOUTHERN
NAPA VALLEYNAPA VALLEY
CANDLELIGHT INN
Priva bahs; tV/pho ad Ac; wo-prso
marbl jauzzis ad firplas; balois or
dks; hr-ours gourm brakfas, hors
douvrs, wi ad shrry i h vig; luxu-
rious 30'x60'; swimmig pool
1045 Easum Drive, Napa
1 -80 0-624 -03 95 candlelig htinn.com
L O D G I N GLook for more lodging options o
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32
Celebrate The Napa Valley Collection with Four Weeks ofWinery Art Crawls, Tours and Tastings in The Legendary Napa Valley
Throughout the month of April, the second annual Napa Valley
Arts in April celebrates The Napa Valley Collection: the famed
wine regions other collection of priceless vintages significant 20thand 21st century artwork. Winery art collections include work by
notable contemporary painters Francis Bacon and Jean Dubuffet, as
well as sculptors George Rickey and Richard Serra. Napa Valley Arts
in April 2012 celebrates the Napa Valley Collection by letting mad-
about-art winemakers collaborate with collection curators and
favorite artists to turn the Napa Valley into a month-long art and wine
crawl, made up of a variety of interactive art programs, curator-led
tours, special exhibitions and inspired tastings. Many winery art
activities are complimentary, and neighboring lodging establishments
and spas welcome guests to complement Napa Valley Arts in April
happenings with special offers from the best in wine, food and well-
ness.The Napa Valley Arts in April festivities progress geographically
week by week; beginning with Calistoga (April 1-7), followed by St.
Helena and Rutherford (April 9-15), Oakville and Yountville (April 16-
22), and finally Napa, Carneros and American Canyon (April 23-30).
Calistoga, the Valleys northernmost region kicks off Napa Valley
Arts in April on April 1. Throughout the Calistoga week, local wineries
showcase impressive collections including the amazing sculpture,
painting, and decorative objects collection at Clos Pegase.
From April 9-15, wineries around St. Helena and Rutherford
center stage, featuring an exclusive exhibition of photography
Markham Vineyards by photojournalist Baron Wolman, Rolling St
magazines first chief photographer. This week only, original consheets belonging to Mr. Wolmans personal collection will be on vi
From April 16-22, wineries in Oakville and Yountville show
permanent and rotating exhibitions, such as Robert Mondavi Win
permanent collection that holds work by Francis Bacon and a rota
exhibition space currently showing Napa Valley artist Nancy W
monotypes and paintings.
April 23-30, Napa, Carneros and American Canyons art-focu
wineries include The Hess Collection, which is displaying a selec
of Donald Hess personal modern and contemporary collec
including artwork by artists Robert Motherwell and Magda
Abakanowicz (see page 36).
A full list and detailed map of participating wineries, as well variety of art viewing and wine tasting special offers, can be dow
loaded at the official Legendary Napa Valley website. Maps and in
mation are also available at all participating wineries, the Napa Va
Welcome Center, all chambers of commerce offices and many o
locations throughout the Napa Valley.
For more information on Napa Valley Arts in April special of
and opportunities, visit www.LegendaryNapaValley.com.
Napa Valley Arts in AprilTMJoins Fine Wine with 20th, 21st Century Ar
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In honor of Cinco de Mayo the Rutherford Appellation Wineries
will hold their spring passport event, a Rutherford Passport to Fiesta,
on the weekend of May 5th and 6th. Eleven wineries will offer special
tastings and comida to those who purchase a two-day passport for $75
or a Sunday-only passport for $60.
Each winery will offer a unique tasting experience such as barrel
samples, limited-edition wines or tastings with the winemaker, all
accompanied by festive Cinco de Mayo fare. Participating wineries
include Alpha Omega, Beaulieu Vineyard, Conn Creek Winery, Honig
Vineyard & Winery, J. Moss, Peju Province, Pia Napa Valley,
Raymond Vineyards, St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, Sawyer Cellars
and Tres Sabores.
Who doesnt love a fiesta? says Regina Weinstein, Director of
Marketing and Retail for Honig Vineyard & Winery. This should be a
good weekend for guests to come to Rutherford in the heart of the
Napa Valley and enjoy great wines paired with wonderful food. Wereready for a party!
As always, profits from the event will be donated to a local charity.
Passports may be purchased online and will be available for pick-up
at the Rutherford Grange on Saturday, May 5th.
For more information or to purchase a passport, visit the website at
www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com.
About Rutherford Appellation Wineries
Rutherford Appellation Wineries was established as the direcconsumer marketing arm of the Rutherford Dust Society (www.ruth
forddust.org) to educate the public about the significance of
Rutherford appellation as Napa Valleys preeminent grape-grow
area. This consumer-focused organization was created to promote
uniqueness of the area and encourage visitors to experience person
the quality of the wines produced in this special place.
Rutherford Appellation Wineries Rutherford Passport to Fiesta
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Wine Tasting inS U I S U N V A L L E Y
S U I S U NV A L L E YW I N E R I E S
Visit Vezr Family VineyardsVezr Family Vineyards is one of the more picturesque and
inviting of the Suisun Valley wine region. Owned by the famouslyfriendly and welcoming Frank and Liz Vezr, the winery is a
refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of their more well-
known neighbors over the hill. With a climate that boasts of sun-
drenched days and sweet foggy nights, the grapes of the Vezr
Family Vineyards enjoy near perfect growing conditions. Their
winery is best known for the luscious Petite Sirah that they produce,
as well as their hearty, fruit-forward Zinfandel and a little known, but
magnificent blend, La Salette. While lacking the big name appella-
tion, these wines are by no means also-rans. In fact, the region is
rated as the oldest and best in the State of California by the U.C
Davis University. These are seriously good wines.
The Vezr Family Vineyard tasting room is located in the tinyvillage of Mankas Corners. The town was originally established by a
local miner in 1846. Hints of its old west history can be seen in the
old general store and surrounding buildings. The tasting room is
open seven days a week and no appointment is necessary. The ten
dollar tasting fee is waived with a wine purchase. But, to really get the
most out of your visit, opt for their VIP Barrel Blend Tour. At a
bargain price of $35, this tour is well worth the extra investment.
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The 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubilee will celebrate its 25th
anniversary when the event returns to the Nut Tree Complex inVacaville on April 27. In honor of this silver celebration, event
organizers promise an array of enhancements that should make
the Wine & Food Jubilee already Solano Countys must-do
social event of the year an even hotter ticket to obtain.
The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee is the primary fund-raising
event for the programs of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, and
over the past 24 years the gala affair has raised more than $2
million. These funds have enabled NorthBay to provide physical,
emotional and spiritual care for the terminally ill, allowing these
patients and their families to live their final days as peacefully
and as comfortably as possible.
The Jubilee, as the areas premiere food and wine tasting event,will offer ticket-holders an opportunity to spend hours tasting an
array of sweet and savory foods from the regions most notable
restaurants and food merchants, paired with pourings from
numerous top-flight wineries and breweries.
There are also several exciting new 25th anniversary twists
planned, including a raffle with $35,000 in cash and prizes. The
top prize in the raffle is an Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle
in Vivid Black donated by Harley-Davidson ($23,999 MSRP), and
$11,000 in additional cash prizes. Making this deal even more
enticing is the buy two, get the third free offer.
The 2012 Silent Auction is sure to include many 25-themed
items, including such things as signed movie posters, an entire
start-up wine cellar, sporting event tickets, exotic jewelry, artwork,
travel opportunities and wine-tasting events.
The Time Bandits, the areas most popular and in-demand
band, returns for the 2012 event. This nine-piece rhythm and
blues and rock band is known for their mastery of dance tunes
from the 70s to today, and they may be joined by several speciaguests.
As in the past, the event will be held under an enormous ten
through a joint arrangement with Total Home & Garden Show.
This year, the show will be held at the Nut Tree the weekend
before the Jubilee, from April 20 to 22. This large venue means
there will be plenty of food, wine and brew vendors on hand.
Organizers will also offer a limited number of VIP Table for
Eight packages that include many of the benefits afforded VIP
ticket-holders early admittance, special treats on arrival, and
access to the VIP Lounge for $1,000. This reserved package
must be purchased before March 23, 2012.
The Solano Wine & Food Jubilees Presenting Sponsors for2012 are Patt & Al Shaw, Dr. Lee Freeman, Burger King Restau-
rants, Golds Gym, Iron Steed Harley-Davidson and the Nut Tre
The event benefits NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, which
provides its services to all regardless of their ability to pay, and
includes access to an integrated program of physical, emotional
and spiritual care for the terminally ill.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and for a
minimum of $1,000 a sponsor can enjoy early entrance to the
Jubilee, an invitation to a private reception at the event, hotel
accommodations and limousine service.
The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, a black tie-optional affair
(denim discouraged), gets under way at the Nut Tree Complex
beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, for those ages 21 and over, mu
be purchased in advance and are $75 each, or $100 at the doo
if still available. To purchase tickets, call (707) 646-3133, or go
online at www.wineandfoodjubilee.org.
Its a Silver Celebration for 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubile
If this is one of your many visits to the wine country, you are
no doubt looking for something a little different. So why not
change things up and take the road less travelled through SuisunValley The Napa Back Road. We all no doubt have our favorites,
but we are always looking to one up our friends back home. Yes,
that never ending search for something new and refreshing, but
still preserving all that made you first fall in love with the whole
Wine Country Experience.
If you are staying in downtown Napa, do you realize you are
just approximately 15 to 20 minutes away from a valley that
preserved what Napa was in the 1960s? However, the wines at
such places like Vezer Family Vineyard and the Blue Victorian
Winery take advantage of both the old traditions, such as 100%
hand punched down wines, along with implementing the impor-
tant new techniques learned from those great California wine-makers over the last 50 years.
This Suisun Valley has been a long-time held secret in the wine
country. In fact, many of the locals try to continue this secret,
simply because it is where they go to still experience those old
feelings of days gone by. Suisun Valley is where you can find
wines that would sell for over $150 a bottle at the popular better
known tourist destinations in Napa, for $30 to $60. These same
wines have 94, 95 and 97 point rankings and medals from the
greatest national and international competitions!
Dont Miss Suisun Valley Wine Country
The NapaBack Road
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MATERRAComfort on Main StreetBY JoSh Stein
Napa Valleys newest tasting room is doing things the Old Napa way with
emphasis on the land and pure expressions of its fruit in a relaxed, comfortable
setting. While founded a short five years ago in 2007, the beginnings of the
Cunat familys desire to produce great wines stretch back to the 1960s, when
co-founder Brian Cunat worked on a farm and dreamed of a life centered on th
land. Years later, the successful land developer and youngest-ever Kiwanis
International president and his brother, John, turned to the Napa Valley after
tasting great wines in other highly regarded viticultural areas around the world
The goal would be to produce the best wines possible through honoring the la
which is where the name Materra literally Mother Earth comes from.
The land they settled on is in the heart of the Oak Knoll District, which is oof the newest-recognized viticulture areas in the Valley, and it was delineated a
distinctly separate locale for winegrowing because of its difference from Valley
spots to both the north and south. OKD never gets to the vine-punishing
temperatures of the north Valley, nor does it recieve the potentially vine-
damaging frosts of the regions on the Bay. Its balance allows for the winery to
produce a range of bottlings.
The family is involved at all levels, with daughter Neena Cunat Heitz
managing the new tasting room and her sister, Amie, doing creative design wor
for the releases. The Cunats have also brought together a team of Valley veteran
to help create dreams-come-to-life. Winemaker Bruce Regalia brings his
experiences with Duckhorn, Goldeneye, and Madrigal; Winemaker Mike Truji
is past president and winemaker for Sequoia Grove and his own label, KarlLawrence; and Vineyard Manager Chris Madrigal brings his familys seventy-fiv
year history to bear on acreage of the OKD property, guaranteeing Bruce and
Mike have the best starting conditions possible great wines can only come fro
great grapes, after all.
The winery currently offers seven releases, four red and three white. You can
taste 2007 and 2008 Cabernets; 2007 and 2008 Merlots; and 2010 Chardonna
Sauvignon Blanc, and rare-for-Napa Viognier. The wines show off their origins
with the reds especially displaying a recognizable similarity while allowing for
vintage differences. Open Thursday through Sunday plus by appointment the
rest of the week, the Materra tasting room is next to the Wydown Hotel on Mai
Street in St. Helena. The intimate tasting lounge has a homey feel to it, with maof the furniture pieces coming from the Cunats themselves. Besides a tasting ba
with counter, there is an area for sitdown tasting at the Cunats dining room tab
and a lounge area with a couch and leather chairs, giving great views of the St.
Helena world going about its business outside the window. Neena presents a
comfortable, self-paced enjoyment of the wines, for sure.
As you can see, the wines currently in bottle and their family-inspired
surroundings evince a belief in the power of nurturing what is most important
the world of wine: emphasis on the land, emphasis on enjoyment. Anything el
just gets