Nor Cal Edition – Dec 2, 2011

8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Dec 2, 2011

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REE

TRENTADUE

ESTATE FAMILY

WINERY

PAGE 20

LOUIS M.

MARTINI

WINERY

PAGE 38

HOLIDAY WREATHS

AT CASTELLO

DI AMOROSA

PAGE 44

SONOMA

OLIVE

FESTIVAL

PAGE 56

WINERY S

TREASUR

ISLAND

PAGE 60

NEW YEARS EVE

ON NAPA VALLEY

WINE TRAIN

PAGE 31

YOUR GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA WINE, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS www.WineCountryThisWeek.c

DECEMBER 2, 20

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Trentadue Family Estate Winer

Mark Beringer, Artesa Winer

ON

THE

COVE

R

28

Louis M. Martini Winer

Prager Winery & Port Work


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D E C E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 1 I S S U E 4 9 V O L U M E 3 0

ON THE COVERPrager Winery & Port Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

SPECIAL COUPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

WINE COUNTRY NEWSNorthern California Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wineology by Len Napolitano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18

WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYSOvernight Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

SUISUN VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Suisun Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-45Downtown Napa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

St. Helena Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41

Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45

SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-61Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47Russian River Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Healdsburg Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-59Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Sonoma Plaza Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Glen Ellen & Kenwood Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

TREASURE ISLAND TO LIVERMORE VALLEY . . . . . . . . . 60-61

Treasure Island Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Livermore Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-66Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map . . . . . . . . . . 64

Salinas Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68-78

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

ALDERBROOK WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 50

ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5

BALLETTO VINEYARDS Complimentary tasting with ad 49

BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House with ad 33BLUE VICTORIAN $10off any redwine purchase 34

BODEGA WINE ESTATES Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 60

BOUCHAINE 2 for 1 tasting with ad 31

BRANNAN COTTAGE INN Call for special rates 44

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

ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 10

FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 Classic Wines tasting with ad 73FRITZ WINERYMention ad for $5 off wine tasting 48

GOLDEN HAVEN Mud Treatment for 2, $54 per person 3

HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting for 2 with ad 4

HAHN WINERYComplimentary tasting for two with ad 66

JESSUP CELLARS Complimentary tasting for two with ad 43

KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY2 for 1 Reserve Tasting with ad 19

LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 37

MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 61

MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad49OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad 45

PINK MANSION 15% off with ad at check-in 44

RAYMOND WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 6

REATA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 4

RODNEY STRONG Complimentary tasting/20% discount with ad 51

RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad BACK PAGE

ST. CLEMENT WINERY2 for 1 tasting 6

ST. SUPRY2 for 1 tasting Monday-Thursday 7

STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box 35

SUMMERS WINES 15% discount with ad 44

TASTE AT OXBOW Complimentary tasting 79

TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 29

VEZR FAMILY VINEYARD $10 off any red wine purchase 34

VIANSA WINERY2 for 1 tasting & 10% off purchase with ad 55

VINE HILL $10 tasting fee waived with ad 67

WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 33

*See individual ads for details.

Special Coupons


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Any chef who also loves wine will tell you never to use a wine in

your recipe that you dont think is good enough to drink. One thingmost agree on is to not use wines labeled as cooking wine. These

wines contain salt and do not have the complexity of flavor that youneed from this vital ingredient.

Using a quality wine doesnt necessarily mean that it has to be

expensive. It would make no sense to use a rare vintage of Bordeaux,either. However, you do want something with style, flavor and depth.

Depending on the type of wine, it could cost under $10 and stillprovide quality.

Wine used in cooking will gradually lose some of its alcoholic

strength as it is cooked. The longer it cooks, the more alcohol will beevaporated. What will remain are the basic flavors of the wine, which

marries with other ingredients in the pan. When choosing a wine for a particular dish, try to match the

primary flavor components of the wine with those of the dish. Here

are some dry table wines commonly used for cooking and their typicalflavor contributions:

Chardonnay: Green apple, butter, butterscotch, vanilla

Sauvignon Blanc: Herbal, vegetal, citrus Pinot Noir: Mushroom, red cherry, truffle

Merlot: Blackberry, cocoa

Zinfandel: Jam, blackberry, black pepper Cabernet: Cassis, black currant

Another factor to consider when cooking with wine is the timof the addition of the wine. The earlier the wine is added in

cooking process, the more alcohol will be evaporated. But there

cases when the alcohol is desired in the recipe. A splash of wine adnear the end of the process will retain nearly all of its alcohol conte

If youre thinking of using fortified wines like genuine Sherry, PMadeira and Marsala wines, be aware that they contain eleva

alcohol levels to begin with. Most also will retain a good amoun

their sweetness, although some can be fully dry. Wine will boil at a lower temperature than water, around

degrees versus 212 degrees. So, if you substitute wine for water irecipe, remember to add cooking time to compensate for the low

boiling temperature.

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 co

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.

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

Which wines are best for cooking?


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by Jeffry Ross

TheSkinny 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 stationTodd, the wine buyer, travels far and wide to find top-shelf, affordably pricedwines. Inside, youll find more than 200 different labels neatly arranged in caon 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 timthats where you had to buy your music), the fun is going through all the casand finding something youve never heard of. All the wines have been testdriven 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 WineGarage manages to do it all the time. The staff takes great pride hunting dowunusual and lesser-known, limited-production wines and passing their hagglfinesse 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 BevMTrader Joes or your local wine store (plus, they do a better job storing theirwines 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 JoyRide (white blend), 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet, 2007 Napa Valley Petite

Syrah, 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 theyship 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 cmembers get first crack to cream-of-the-crop finds).


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, 800-427-4124, www.wa.m

D 9, 23: Mud Mysy D

D 10: M esap D

D 12-14, 17-24: Saa expss

D 15: hday S-A w Adw M

D 31: nw Yas ev ta

ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards: Tastings & SeminarsA ppuy papa a wd a x smas. 1 us

11am day; 2:30pm, Mday-fday & 2pm, Sauday & Suday. $40, xp

isa Bd/$60, /w ub mmbs. ta ass day, $25

rSVP, 707-967-3720, das www.jpvws.m

isa Bd W Ama ca

S Vyad cabs fs & Pps

Ba sma

ONGOINGTaste at Oxbow Wine and Chocolate Pairingnapa, tas 5 as w 5 ws, $20, 12-7pm Suday u tusday

12-9 pm fday ad Sauday. rsvas mmdd. 707-265-9600.

ONGOING WEEKENDS EXCEPT 4TH WEEKENDSeminars & Tastings at Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 10am-6:30pm, 707-963-7777, www.myva.m

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 appm

napa, 707-254-8673x119, www.aaws.m

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Clos du Valnapa, day 10am-5pm, 800-993-9463, www.sduva.m

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

ONGOING

Jefferson House Reserve Room Tastingat Monticello Vineyardsnapa, rsv W Sma, cy famy napa Vay $25

rSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.cyfamynapaVay.m

ONGOINGV. Sattui WineryS. ha, 9am-6pm, app. ssay, 707-963-7774, www.vsau.m

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 Winery

napa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25 /mmbswww.udws.m, 707-257-5300

ONGOINGRombauer Vineyards

S. ha, 707 963-5170, www.mbau.m

fday-Suday: op by adva appm y

Mday-tusday 10am-5pm

tas $10

W & cs Pa day by appm y, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $25

ONGOINGTours & Tasting at ZD Wines

rud, 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. 707-265-3024, www.wamsa.m

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)

800-525-2659x620, www.aymdvyads.m

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Andretti Winerynapa , 877-386-5070 x227, www.adwy.m

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, $10

W bay as/$30, Ba as ms fdays 2-4pm

707-963-2784, www..m

ONGOING

Tastings & 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

ONGOINGTours & Tasting at Black Stallion Winerynapa, 10am-5pm, 707-253-1400, www.baksawy.m

rua as, $10

rsv as, $35, Sa-Su

Asa s adda $7.50/ps

ONGOINGEducational Tours & Wine Tasting

at Castello di Amorosacasa, 707-967-6272, rSVP, www.asdamsa.m

rua u & as, $25-$40 rsv u & as, $35-$50

tas y, $10-$25 Yu adu us, $15-$20 napa Vay nb Pam Pva ViP us

ONGOING

Tastings & Seminars at St. Supry

rud, www.ssupy.m, 800-231-6116

W & cs Pa Smas, 11am, aa Saudays

ca Pa, 11am, aa Saudays

cab lbay tas, 11am, aa Saudays

W 101 a S. Supy, 11am, Sudays

ONGOING

Wine Tasting Experiences at Benessere Vineyards

S. ha, by appm

707-963-5853x105, www.bssvyads.m

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

ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Cooking Demonstrations at The DeBaun Theatre

S. ha, cuay isu Ama a gys, 1:30-2:30pm, $20

W a samp p ad gys w

707-967-2320, [email protected], www.a.du

ONGOINGVisitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Wineryf das, 888-rMonDAVi x2, www.bmdav.m

t Sau tu & tas t W tas Bass

t exusv ca tas tas Byd Bass

t havs Jy tu & lu

ONGOING

VIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory Tour

Buassa Vyads, napa, M-f by appm

$15 md-wk spa. M s s.

800-499-2366, www.buassavyads.m

ONGOING

Tastings at Silverado Vineyards

napa, 707-259-6611, 800-997-1770x611, www.svadvyads.m

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

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Bacchus That Rascal

cs Pas, casa, , 2pm

Mu-mda psa hsy W

707-942-4981, www.spas.m

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Napa Riverwalk with Historian George Webber

2 u u w as & d w napa

10am, $20, 707-251-8500

SECONDSUNDAYS

Second Sunday Supper Club

AViA napa, napa, 5:30-7pm, $110www.avas.m, 707-224-3900

NAPA VALLEY

UPCOMING Daily: Vally firs tour

Daily: gri hills esa Wiry tour

fri-Su: Domai cado Wiry tour

Sa: Vallys oly evi Wiry tour

Mo-tu: Ambassador Wiry tour

D 12-14, 17-24: Saa exprss

D 15: holiday Si-Alo wi Adrw Moor

D 31: nw Yars ev trai


13/801www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT

ONGOINGNapa Valley Opera House1030 Ma S, napa, 707-226-7372, www.v.

D 3: Ba Bads

D 6: Sdm S cma, i a B Wd

D 7, 16: ma, smy & Voco

D 10: la Ma d n, napa Vay Ba

D 13: cmdy Ss, Dav Bu

D 14: nw cuy camb osa

D 16: Wdam h W Ss

ONGOINGLive at theLincoln TheaterYuv, 707-944-1300, www.a.m

D 3: Quy Js Pss Ad rduz t au nkk Yasky

D 4: cmpaa fama d Js P

D 11: napa Vay Sympy Baqu f hdays

D 13: Quy Js Pss Ad rduz t au rad Ba

ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room Winesnapa, 5-9pm, 707-226-1378, www.bakmws.m

D 1: tas Ws Dd Dauau

D 2: ca-r W Wak-Aud tas

D 8, 15, 29: tas Ws o gd

D 9: B a is & gd B n

ONGOINGdi Rosanapa, 707-226-5991, www.dsapsv.

o u fb 18: lk a Yu lk a M

ONGOINGLive at Uptown Theatrenapa, 707-259-0123, www.upwaapa.m

D 10: t Was

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Friday Night PulseTastingsAcMe f Ws, S.ha, 5-7pm, www.amws.m, 888-963-0440

ONGOINGFriday Night Winemaker EventsJV W & Sps, napa, 5-7pm, $2, 707-253 -2624, www.jvw.m

D 9: hday Bubbpaza! (campa)

ONGOINGTasting Events at Wineries of Napa Valleynapa tw c, napa, 707-253-9450

www.apavas.m, k wbs ms & ps

ONGOING THROUGH DECEMBER 15Toys for Tots at Turnbull Wine CellarsB a da w uwappd ys & v mpmay as &

a daw!

oakv, 707-963-5839, www.ubuws.m

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 16Napa on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink2d & cmbs S, napa

$12/uds ska a. www.apa.m.

ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 3Calistogas Winter in the WineriesVs 15 casa ws s passp pam. $50

www.casaVss.m, 707-942-6333

ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 30

Abstract Visions,A Brett Weston Retrospective at Turnbul

tubu W cas, oakv, A mpsv xb ba

100 bday. www.tubuWs.m, 707-963-5839x15

DECEMBER 2-4White Barn Winter FairS. ha, 510-594-7614, www.wba.

DECEMBER 2-17The Twelve Days of ChristmasMadwd napa Vay, S. ha

www.madwd.m, 800-458-8080

DECEMBER 3Grgich Hills Wine Club Pick Uprud, 11am-3pm, www..m, 707-963-2784


14/8014 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


DECEMBER 3Holiday Winemaker Dinner in the

Cask Room at Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 7pm, $150, rSVP, 800-326-6069x429, www.myva.m

DECEMBER 3St. Clement Annual Holiday Open HouseS. ha, 11am-4pm, $15/mmbs, $20/a

www.sm.m, 707-265-5000

DECEMBER 3Beaulieu VineyardsHoliday Tree Decorating Partyrud, 2-4pm, $25/mmbs & uss

www.bvws.m, 800-373-2896, rSVP

DECEMBER 3Spotlight Holiday Party & Tree Lightingrb Mdav Wy, oakv5-7pmwww.bmdav.m, 800-rMonDAVi

DECEMBER 3Calistogas Lighted Tractor ParadeDww casa, 7pm, www.casaVss.m, 707-942-6333

DECEMBER 3Napa B&BHoliday Tour & Taste EventVs s s napa! 3-7pm

www.apadayu.m

DECEMBER 3-4Holiday Shopping WeekendSvad Vyads, napa, 10am-5pmwww.svadvyads.m, 707-259-6617

DECEMBER 3-4Rutherford Appellation Wineries Winter PassportVs papa ws d & w pas!

rud, 11am-4pm, www.ud-appa-ws.m

DECEMBER 3-4Rutherford Passport Weekendat Beaulieu Vineyardsrud, www.bvws.m, 800-264-6918

DECEMBER 46th Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny &

Wine Club Pick Up Party at Judds Hillnapa, 12-3pm, www.judds.m, 707-255-2332

DECEMBER 4Pickup Party at St. Supry

rud, W cub ev, www.ssupy.m, 866-612-2582

DECEMBER 10Chateau Society Holiday Dinner

at Domaine Carnerosnapa, 7:30-10pm, 800-716-2788, www.dmaas.m

DECEMBER 10Holiday Barrel Tasting & Pick Up Party

at Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 1-4pm, $25, /mmbs

707-963-7777, www.myva.m

DECEMBER 102nd Annual Crab Feed & Release Partyat Acacia Vineyardnapa, 11:30am, $55/mmbs, $75

www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991

DECEMBER 10

Ehlers Estate Holiday Open HouseSip, Shop & SparkleS. ha, 10:30am-4pm, mpmay

www.ssa.m, 707-963-5972

DECEMBER 10Beaulieu Vineyards Wines for the Holidays Seminar

rud, 2-4pm, www.bvws.m, 800-373-2896, rSVP

DECEMBER 10Urban Wine CrawlVs 12 napa Uba Ws, 10am-4pm

www.ubawaw.m, 707-252-8665

DECEMBER 10Annual Holiday Candlelight Tourt casma Sy napa. tu 9 ms napa, 3-7pm

www.apauyadmaks., 707-255-1836

DECEMBER 1019thAnnualFestivalof Trees Fashion Show& Luncheonnapa Vay Sympy lau

Ma rs, napa, 10:30am-2:30pm, $90

www.apavaysympyau.

DECEMBER 10-11Annual Santas Helper Holiday Gift Fairenapa Vay exp, napa, 707-257-7144

DECEMBER 11

Holiday Barrel TastingVad Wy, D Pak, 12-4pm, $35, mmbs/

www.vad.m, 707-963-3816

DECEMBER 14Holiday Celebration at Mumm Naparud, 6-8pm, rSVP, www.mummapa.m, 800-686-6272

DECEMBER 18Holiday Tea at Domaine Carnerosnapa, 11am-12:30pm, 800-716-2788, www.dmaas.m

DECEMBER 31Black, White and Pink BallDa n Away ad Supp la Bas ca Pas

napa Vay W ta, $55pp, p://wa.m

ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Sma, 707-996-9779

www.ds.m

ONGOINGPrivate Tastings at Viansa

www.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

Private Tasting at Viansa

Sma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm

www.vasa.m, 800-995-7470, /mmbs, $45

ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar Introduces

Thematic Wine Programh aa wmaks.Pus, atusday,6:30-8pmby w-

ds.t lda Sma,rSVP, www.dasma.m,707-931-2042

ONGOINGVineyard Walk & Photography Workshop

at B.R. Cohn Winery

g e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbs

707-931-7924x123, www.b.m

ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tasting

at B.R. Cohn Winery

g e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbs

707-931-7924x123, www.b.m

ONGOING

Private Wine Tastingsat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Pk Bu v ws, 6-8 pp, $20-$40pp

by appm, 707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

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 appm

707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

ONGOINGFree Guided Winery Tour

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mday-Sauday, 10am, by appm

707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

ONGOINGGroup Private Tastings

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu iuds 5 ws, 9-25 pp udud a, by

appm. $20 p ps, 707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

ONGOINGTerroir & History Tour at Chateau St. JeaKwd, A vs caau S. Ja s a yu sss.

cmpmay, 11am-2pm, 707-833-4134, www.aausja.m

ONGOINGFood and Wine Pairing

at the Mayo Reserve Room9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w a

$35, rsvas mmdd, 707-833-5504, www.mayamywy

ONGOINGWine Experiences at Chateau St. JeanKwd, t ps mmum, 2 us, $50, by appm

707-833-4134x5258, www.aausja.m

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

ONGOINGTours, Tastings & Seminars

at St. Francis WinerySaa rsa, t ps mmum, ca m ma & sva

888-675-Wine(9463)x255, www.saswy.m

Wy tu & tas, 1.5 us, $25

Vyads tu & tas, 1 u, $20

Bd Sma, 1.5 u, $65

ONGOINGGuided Winery Tours at Gloria FerrerSma, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $10, 707-996-7256, www.a.m

ONGOINGWine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jacksonfu, Spa sv d & w as, 10am-4pm, $25

707-571-7500, www.kj.m

ONGOING SUNDAYSDomaine Carneros Sparkling Brunch

at the Fairmont Mission Inn & SpaSma, 9am-1pm, 707-938-9000, www.am.m.sma

ONGOING SUNDAYSSunday Brunch at the Centre du Vin

lds h, Sma, 9am-1pm

www.ds.m, 707-996-9779

ONGOING WEEKENDSWine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz Winerycvda, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 as vs pa

707-894-3389, www.zwy.m

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH50 Mile AV Vintner's Diningg e,Ba as& odVPn& SyasmAsVya

fdssud ay. 4-7PM, rSVP,707-935-3456,asws.m

ONGOING THURSDAYSThirsty Thursdays at AnabaSma, ejy mpmay s & aks pa w yu w

as. 4-5:30pm, 707-996-4188, www.aabaws.m

ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAYUnique Food & Wine Pairings at HKGTasting Rog e, 12-6pm, 707-938-7622, www.pkwy.m

SONOMA COUNTY


15/801Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan!

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT

ONGOINGMoondance Cellars & Orchard Station Wines

g e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10

707-938-7550, www.mdaas.m

ONGOING THURSDAY-SATURDAYMichel-Schlumberger Winery Green Tourhadsbu, 10:30am, $25, 800-447-3060, www.msumb.m

ONGOING MONDAY-SATURDAYRobert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours

& Tasting in a Remodeled GrapeGondolagysv, 11:30am, $10, bx u pvdd $20

707-431-4811, www.yw.m

ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYSCome Crush With Usat IcariaCreekWineryWmak J Sm ads a as bd & bad ws

rSVP, 707-486-9623, www.aawy.m

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAYSanta 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-12pm

707-935-8311, www.pvyads.m

ONGOINGCooking Classes at Ramekins Culinary School450 Ws Spa S, Sma, ck wbs sdu.

707-933-0450, www.amks.m

ONGOING

Wells Fargo Center for the ArtsSaa rsa, 707-546-3600, wsaas. D 9: Psada navda

D 10-12: Saa rsa Sympy S t

D 13: Davd Aua

D 15: rdy ca

D 16: ty B

D 17: Msw Bas nuak

ONGOINGSpreckels Performing Arts Centerr Pak, 707-588-3400, www.spks.m

D 3: VoenA

D 3-4, 8-11, 15-18: t Saaad Das

D 9-11: t nuak

D 16-18: t nuak

ONGOING

Live Shows at Hopmonk Tavern

Sbasp, 707-829-7300, www.pmk.m

D 9: t Pusas

D 10: Da Smk

D 16: W fudad tm Pay

ONGOING THURSDAYS

Winemaker Thursday Series at Big Bottom Market

guv, 6-8pm, 707-604-7295, www.bbmmak.m

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Swirl, Sniff & Sip (aka Wine 101)

B 3 W Ba, fam Sma Mss i & Spa, Sma

10-10:45am, www.am.m/sma, 707-938-900

ONGOING THROUGH DECEMBER 11

Popd From the Panel

cas M. Suz Musum, Saa rsa, www.SuzMusum.

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 15

Minutely Personal

Qua gay, Duas Ms, Qua-gay.m, 707-865-0243


16/80


17/80


18/80Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT

ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmelcam, 831-620-2048, www.sus.m

D 2-3: Smu Ba hday Pam

D 9-11: nuak

D 16: Paua Puds

Ja 14: t Ks t

Ja 20: t Pk Abas

ONGOING FRIDAYSFromage Friday at Taste Morgant cssads cam ejy a spa s samp w yu as

Ma & l famy fam ws. 3-5pm

www.mawy.m, 831-626-3700

ONGOING SUNDAYSLibrary Sunday at Taste Morgan

t cssads cam A ppuy as sm d vas m

Ma Wys a. 2-5pm, 831-626-3700, www.mawy.m

ONGOINGLive Music at KRML Radiot easwd Bud, cam, 831-624-6432, www.kmad.m

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSSweet Thursdays at Cannery RowMy, famy u, mus, d & a dsus, 4-8pm

831-649-6690

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSMonterey Museum of ArtMy, ev mus, w ad s d'uvs, 5-7pm, 831-372-5477

EVERY THIRDWEEKEND OF THEMONTHPair Your Wine with Ice Cream at Kirigin Cellarsgy, Pa yu mpmay w as w a V d Ma i

cam Suda! Ad sk a 30% 6 b puass & 50% ass.

www..kas.m, 408-847-8827

EVERY TUESDAYFocus on Monterey County Winescpa W Ba, ra cas, cam, 3-8pm

831-625-5646, www.aas.m

EVERY WEDNESDAYWine Down Wednesdaysf Wy,gy, 5-8pm,, www.wy.m, 408-842-3305

ONGOING THROUGH DECEMBER 18Every Christmas Story Ever ToldPa rpy ta, 831-622-0100

c ta, cam, www.pap.

DECEMBER 2Gryphon Piano Triocam Mus Sy

A Sas epspa cu, cam, 8pm

www.ammus., 831-625-9938

DECEMBER 2Carmel Holiday Tree LightingDvd Pak, cam, 4:30pm

DECEMBER 2Holiday Open Housecam Paza, cam, 5:30-7:30pm, 831-624-1385

DECEMBER 2-4

Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music FestivalMy c c, My

www.mywby., 800-722-9652

DECEMBER 3Barnyard Holiday Festivalt Bayad Spp Va, cam

www.bayad.m

DECEMBER 318th Annual Stillwells Fun in the Parkcada Pak, Pa gv, 10am-4pm

www.pav., 831-373-3304

DECEMBER 4Holiday Spectacularcaau Ju, cam Vay, 2:30-:30pm

www.aauju.m, 831-624-2600, $40, $30/mmbs

DECEMBER 4The Inns of Distinction Tourcam ha Sy, Vs s cam

www.ama., 831-624-4447

DECEMBER 9The Little BIG Holiday Partyt Ba & ts cub, Pbb Ba

www.pbbba.m, 831-622-6528, 7-11pm

DECEMBER 102011 Jingle Bell Run/Walk

lvs P Pak, Pa gv, 8-11am

www.pav., 831-620-1699

DECEMBER 11Surf City Wine University:Sparkling Wine with Barry Jacksonequx/Ba, Saa cuz, 12-2pm

www.suyvs.m, 831-818-1405

DECEMBER 12-13Holiday Boutiquef Wy, gy, 11am-5pm

www.wy.m, 408-842-3305

DECEMBER 31New Years Eve Celebrationi a Spas Bay, Pbb Ba

www.pbbba.m

JANUARY 15Surf City Wine University:

Bordeaux Wines with Mikael Wargin

MJA Vyads, Saa cuz, 12-2pm

www.suyvs.m, 831-818-1405

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

ONGOINGThursday Night Music SeriesBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pm

831-475-2258x11, www.ba.m

NOVEMBER 29

The Mountain Winery U WineDemystified

Saaa, 6-8pm, $65, 408-441-2822

DECEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23

Fireside Fridays Wine Tastingsh ls gas, ls gas, 5-6:30pm

408-354-7700, $15/ 5 ws

DECEMBER 3-4Loma Prieta Pinotage Release Party

ls gas, www.mapawy.m, 408-353-2950

DECEMBER 3Chocolates & Desserts DemonstrationBadus ld, cam Vay, 1-3pm

www.badus.m, 888-648-9463, $85

DECEMBER 3-4Artin the Historic CellarsBa Wy, Squ

www.ba.m, 831-475-2258

DECEMBER 9

15th Annual Truffle DinnerBadus ld, cam Vay

www.badus.m, 888-648-9463

ONGOINGSierraRailroadoakda, 209-848-2100, www.saaad.m

D 2: fday n D

D 3, 10: Sauday n D

D 4: csmas Bu

D 9: Mud Mysy D

D 11, 16-23: csmas ta

D 31: nw Yas ev expss

ONGOING30th Annual Vintners Holidayst Awa, Ysm naa Pak

www.YsmPak.m/Vs, 801-559-4903

D 4-6: tabas ck Vyad, hu Ba Ws, Bks Vyad

faa Ws & tuy W cas D 7-8: cja Vyads, Kay Wy, tsa Wy & caau M

Wy

ONGOINGChefs Holidayst Awa, Ysm naa Pak

www.YsmPak.m/cs, 801-559-4903 Ja 8-10: Sss 1

Ja 11-12: Sss 2

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOINGSacramento River Train800-866-1690, www.saamva.m

D 3, 10: Sus D w lv Mus & ev D w Da

D 4, 11, 17-23: csmas ta

D 31: Sus D w Mus D 31: nw Yas ev expss

ONGOINGMondavi Center for the Performing ArtsU.c. Davs, 866-754-ArtS, www.mdavas.

D 7-10: ta fu Qua

D 8-9: Maa S d Mx d Js hadz

D 11-12: laa Dws famy c D 15: Bd Bys Aabama csmas Sw

D 18: Ama Ba Sss

SUISUN VALLEY

ONGOING SATURDAYS$5 Wines by the GlassWawk Wy, fad W & mpmay pzza 1-6pm

lv mus 2-5pm, www.wawkwy.m, 707-428-6977

DECEMBER 3Cooking with Liz Show & DinnerVz famy Vyad, Susu Vay

www.vzamyvyad.m, 888-823-Vine

DECEMBER 16

Barrel Burning & Zinfandel Barrel TastingVz famy Vyad, Susu Vay W cub Mmb ev

www.vzamyvyad.m, 888-823-Vine

DECEMBER 26-27SVVGA Anniversary CelebrationSusu Vay Vs & gws Assa

Vs papa ws! 12-5pm

www.susuvayws.m, 707-864-0730

SOLANO COUNTY

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

NORTH CENTRAL COAST


18

Check the website for more eventswww.winecountrythisweek.com

Email Your Events [email protected]

for bs rsuls, snd your mails a las 6 o 8

wks prior o h da o your vn. evn lising

ar r, and publishd as spa is availabl and a

h disrion o Win counry this Wk.


19/80 1www.WineCountryThisWeek.com



20/8020 Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

by Charles Neave

You have a number of options when you

visit the fabled Trentadue Winery, a breath

of Tuscany, in Sonoma Countys Alexander

Valley. But the one thing you can be assured

of when you visit in addition to the

inescapable fact that you are going to

sample first-rate wines in a beautiful rural

setting is that one of the winerys profes-

sional (not intimidating, but friendly, always

accommodating and knowledgeable) tasting

room staff will pour and educate visitors in

a very relaxed and charming Northern Cali-

fornia setting.

You can check into the chocolate and

wine pairing, done by special request,

which might define, in a very nice way, the

word decadent. The La Storia Reservetasting room is available for groups of from

six to 20 There you can sit, relax and taste

half-a-dozen different varietals of their

impressive wines. A professional from the

tasting room will pour and educate you in a

comfortable lovely setting. Reservations in

advance are required, but it is well worth

the little bit of planning involved for the

resulting enjoyment.

The winery also offers their special

gondola tour of the vineyards. You can

arrange this by calling ahead and making a

reservation (also required, and note that

there is an eight-person minimum). This

tour of the surrounding estate vineyards

touches on the history of the winery, and the

history of the Alexander Valley, and whatmakes it such a unique and special place to

grow grapes and make wine. It is a unique

experience for both the experienced wine

lover as well as newcomers to the lasting

charm of the grape. It is also a memorable

experience for a group of friends, family or

business associates.

The property has also become very well

known as a venue for parties, dinners and

especially weddings. With spacious grounds,

a grand lawn, fountains, plantings, mature

trees, a modern commercial kitchen,barbecue and a large indoor room if al fresco

is not what you want, or if the weather

doesnt cooperate. All of this in a setting that

is surrounded by vines, with the hills in the

distance to the east and to the west.

The winery is in the country but very

accessible from any direction by back road or

a four-lane interstate. And considering the

Trentadue heritage (detailed in a fascinating

memoir by Leo Trentadue titled My Nine

Lives) it should come as no surprise that

influence, both inside and out, is ov

whelmingly Italian, while being both eleg

and what I always think of as wine coun

casual.

When Leo and Evelyn Trentadue, at t

time fruit growers from Santa Clara Counpurchased this property in 1959, about

percent of the 200 acres were plum trees. T

other 50 acres was planted with old v

Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane. So

after they made the land their own, the fam

began replacing the fruit trees with vin

However they did not start making wine u

a decade later, when they held back some

the fruit they usually sold to other winerie

start their own Trentadue label.

Since the earliest years, their wines h

been known for consistency and quawinning a wall full of awards. What

means to the consumer is that it places th

among the top ten percent tier of wineries

Trentadue winemaker Miro Tcholakov s

For the last decade Trentadue wines h

changed dramatically, and in a positive di

tion. We just dont brag about it! And for

these years I have really enjoyed mak

great wines from our estate fruit, especi

the reserve La Storia wines.

Trentadue Family Estate Winery



WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATUR

The roster of their wines

i n cl ud e t he G ra nd C uv ee

California Sparkling wine,

plus Zinfandel, Petit Sirah,

Sangiovese, Viognier, a bistro

style blend labeled Old Patch

Red, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

and a desert wine called Angelica.

The La Storia Cuvee 32 is a blend

of Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese

and Montepulciano.

There is also a Port made

from Zinfandel grapes, one from

Petite Sirah and a very rare Viog-

nier Port, one of less than a

handful that I have ever encoun-

tered over the years. Perfect for

the holidays to pour at home

or to give as a special gift is theChocolate Amore, made from

Merlot-based Port and infused

with chocolate extract. These are

all available at the winery tasting

room and through their assort-

ment of wine clubs, including

one that focuses solely on Ports

and another that is built around

shipments of the coveted La

Storia Reserve Estate bottlings.

As the winerys tasting room

manager Royalene Mancini has

often remarked, Trentadue

makes incredible award-winning

wines that are available at very

affordable prices. Its all about

quality for value!

The Trentad ue Winery

tasting room is located at 19170

Geyserville Avenue just outside

of the small town of Geyserville.

They are open every day from

10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For moreinformation on the winery, tast-

ings, tours, the wine clubs and

special events, their telephone

numbers are (707) 433-3104

and 1-888-332-3032, or go to

their comprehensive website at

www.trentadue.com. Look for

them on Facebook and become

a fan. The winery is also dog

friendly.


22/80


WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

22

by Alexandra Charsley

The holidays are right around the corner and at

Joseph Phelps, they have put together three

outstanding wine combinations that will surely

impress your friends and family. This year, if you

want to send something from Napa Valley or just

some award-winning wine, look past all the usual

kitschy items and head to Joseph Phelps for some

wonderful wine sets. The wines featured in each set

have all scored 90+ points from Wine Enthusiast,

Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.

The first holiday set being offered is one bottle

each of Joseph Phelps 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon,

Napa Valley and 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena,

Napa Valley for $88. The 2008 Cabernet reveals

aromas of plum and blackberry intertwined with

graphite, forest floor, dark chocolate and curry

notes. The fruit and spice carry through on the

palate adding to the multilayered texture of this

wine. Supple, integrated and age-worthy tannins

create a long, lush finish. The 2010 Sauvignon

Blanc is 100% estate grown in St. Helena. It has arich, round mouth-feel and subtle oak influence

while preserving the inherent balanced acidity and

elegance in the finished wine.

The second holiday set features one bottle each

of 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley and

2008 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus

Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley for $450. The

Insignia, their flagship wine, is recognized as one of

the worlds great wines and has been collected and

enjoyed for years. This wine boasts aromatic layers

of dark roasted coffee and graphite. The seduc

mouth-feel has excellent length, intensely

black fruit, minerality and creaminess that

together seamlessly on the palate. The 2

Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard has beaut

aromatics of dried flowers, cassis, blueberry, bl

cherry and licorice. Flawless texture, minera

and concentrated flavors create a balanced

intense long finish.

Their last gift set comes from their Sono

Coast sibling winery, Freestone Vineyards,

includes one bottle each 2008 Freestone Pinot N

and 2009 Freestone Chardonnay for $110.

2008 Freestone Pinot Noir boasts deep

enticing aromas of spice cabinet, black tea, dr

violets, pomegranate liqueur, balsamic reduc

and cedar box. The 2009 Freestone Chardon

has great concentration, weight and intensity w

vibrant, focused flavors of honeysuckle, quin

orange blossom and a touch of apple skins to tem

the palate. This wine is full-bodied, has great len

and possesses a tangy, citrus finish with trem

dous precision and minerality.Starting this month, all gift sets will be av

able for purchase by calling their excell

Customer Service department at 1-800-707-57

and will be offered at the Joseph Phelps Vineya

Guest Center in St. Helena. The Joseph Phe

sets will be available for purchase online

www.josephphelps.com.

The Freestone vineyards wine set will be av

able for purchase at the Freestone Vineyards Gu

Center and online at www.freestonevineyards.co

Holiday Gift Giving at Joseph Phelp


23/80


24/80

www.WineCountryThisWeek.co


24

by Ronda Giangreco

What do latkes, surfing tunes and jelly

donuts have in common? Not even theall-informative internet will give you

the answer to this one! To discover

the scrumptiousness of traditional

Jewish potato pancakes, the

groovin sounds of the beach and

gooey confections all in one place,

you have to take a drive to the

hippest, most jocular winery in

the Napa Valley.

The Sixth Annual Hanukkah

Hootenanny takes place at the Judds

Hill Winery, located just a mile north

of the town of Napa on the Silverado

Trail on December 4th from noon to three.

The friendly folks at Judds Hill will be

pouring their fabulous current

vintages, as well as some of

their coveted library wines to

accompany an extravagant

display of beef brisket and

latkes with all the trimmings.

Guests will feast on this tradi-

tional Jewish Hanukkah fareat the winerys famous Latke

Bar. The time-honored custom

of consuming copious

amounts of finger-licking

good jelly donuts will also be a

highlight of the event, a benefit for the Childre

Health initiative of Napa County.

Guests can rock out to the swing

tunes of the surf, provided by MeshuBeach Party, a Jewish instrumental s

rock band. What the heck is a Jew

surf-rock band, you might ask?

high-energy display of sht

Meshugga Beach Party offers

favorite Jewish melod

performed in a retro-cool s

music style. Dressed in black co

and long black beards, the g

and gal perform synchroni

dance moves, deliver the dead j

scrolls groaner lines in the fin

tradition of the Catskills and gener

get the crowd up on their feet

swaying. The band features guitars, org

bass and drums and the occasional holler

good measure. You may have caught the bands ac

Bay Area Jewish heritage festivals, the famous Bay to Break

and hipster havens like Lebowski Fest, Forbidden Island Tiki Lou

and the Hubba Hubba Burlesque Revue. If not, this is your chanc

some serious Hava Nagila shenanigans. To get an idea of the hila

that awaits you, check out their uproarious clip on YouTube.

Be sure and make your reservations early, as this event is alwaysell-out. Judds Hill Wine Club members are free, while non-memb

ticket prices are $40. Obviously, if the outstanding wines wer

enough alone, this is a great reason to join their club.

To ensure your place at the Latke Bar, call the winery at (707) 2

2332 today. Or, visit their website at www.juddshill.com.

Dont Miss the Judds Hill Hanukkah Hootenanny

Bunnie and Judd

Meshugga Beach Party


25/80



2




by Charles Neave

Their winemaking philosophy is to be

admired. As legendary winemaker Michael

Richmond explains, its all about using the

cool and foggy mornings and warm and

sunny days of the Carneros region in

northern Napa to craft Pinot Noir and

Chardonnay, the varietals that thrive here.

The property has vineyards that surround it

and climb up a hill where on a clear day you

can see Mount Tamalpais and the taller build-

ings in San Francisco; most every day you can

look down on the Napa River and parts of

San Pablo Bay, which accounts for a large part

of the regions microclimates.

As to history, Bouchaine Vineyards is the

oldest continuously operating winery in theregion. The original winery was built in the

late 1920s and today is a model for using

sustainable vineyard practices to make

distinctive wines. The wood that faces the

winery buildings comes from old fermenta-

tion tanks that were removed and soaked

until they could be straightened. By any

measure it was quite a feat.

The wines show lingering flavors and

depth, a smooth texture and just the right

level of acidity to pair with food.

The Pinot Noirs taste of berries and cher-

ries, coffee, smoke and spices. When it comes

to the Chardonnay it comes down to

fragrance, texture and finish. It is about

combining the best of Los Carneros and Napa

fruit.

What it really comes down to is your own

preferences. When you visit you can have

your samplings in the attractive tasting ro

where on cooler days the wood burning f

place will be going, and where youll likely

offered a choice of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris

a Pinot Meunier. If they have it on hand, d

miss the Ros of Syrah from the Rockin

Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. They

make a dry Riesling, a Sonoma Syrah an

Carneros Pinot Blanc.

Outside there is a wood deck fac

gardens, a well-trimmed lawn with a ho

shoe pitch and olive trees with vineyards j

a few yards beyond. There is no doubt th

you plan to visit the area, a stop at Boucha

is certainly a fine move. It is relaxing, enj

able, sociable, friendly, fascinating

secluded and there is a new twist at ev

turn.The tasting room at Bouchaine Vineya

is open every day from 10:30 a.m until 5

p.m. Located at 1075 Buchli Road less t

15 minutes from downtown Napa, their t

phone number is 1-800-654-WINE, or g

www.bouchaine.com. They are also on Fa

book and Twitter. Tours of the vineyards

winery are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. a

reservations are required. Dogs on a leash

welcome, by appointment.

Bouchaine Vineyards


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Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa28


by Josh Stein

Napa is world-known for its winemakers,

who have managed through several genera-

tions hard work and research to produce still,

dry wines of an astounding array of flavor

profiles. However, almost no one has turnedthose techniques to producing the same kind

of range of sweet wines except for the

Prager family, that is, who have used that

same winemakers eye for detail but applied it

in a different fashion, honoring the tradition

of long-lived, long-aging, always-repre-

sentative-of-the-vintage Port wines. And

not just with one or two. How about six,

ranging from dry to off-dry to sweet.

Ask anyone you come into contact with

about sweet wines in Napa, and almost to a

person, theyll point you to the three genera-tions of Jim Pragers family who have been

making wine in St. Helena for more than

three decades. Jim himself was raised in

Orange County back when it was obvious

how agriculture produced its eponymous

name. He and wife Imogene first found the

Napa Valley when a wine and food society to

which they belonged visited in 1974. They

fell in love with the Valley and relocated,

harvesting and then crushing their first grapes

in 1979 in an 1865-built carriage house on

their property in south St. Helena. Their first

releases were Cabernet, Chardonnay,

Zinfandel, and the Noble Companion

Cabernet Port all 120 cases of it.

Over the next three decades, the produc-

tion has increased commensurate with thePragers expansion of their offerings such that

now available are three table wines and six

Ports, presenting the full array of whats

possible with this winemaking philosophy,

though each is no more than about eight

hundred cases of production. The long-aging

Royal Escort Port (and, only released in

special years, Royal Escort Vintage Port) is

made from Petite Sirah; and the Noble

Companion Tawny Port, aged in oak for a

decade or more, is ready for drinking right

away. The Tomas Port is made from thePortuguese varietals Tinto Cao, Touriga and

Tinta Roriz, which are almost never seen in

California. Going even further into rare

production territory, the Aria White Port is

made from Chardonnay, and the Alyssa

Golden Dry Port you read that right is

made from the white Verdelho grape. The still

wines are equally out of the ordinary: Petite

Sirah and two late-harvest Rieslings, the fruity

and crisp Sweet Claire and the lightly forti-

fied Madeline. Also available are three vi

gars Balsamic, Cabernet and Port cho

late Port drizzle, Port-filled chocolates a

Imogenes sweet and savory carameli

walnuts and pecans. If it can be done with

fortification process or if it can incorporate

end product, youll probably only find ithe Winery and Port Works. The goa

always to show how Port goes with anythi

Concurrent with the growth of

winerys offerings has been the inclusion

the six members of the familys next gene

tion, who have taken over the daily ope

tions from their parents and in-laws. Pe

graduated from CSU Fresno and is wi

maker, his brother Jeff acts as Gen

Manager and their brother John coordin

sales and distribution. Sister Mary coo

nates events and the wine club and husband, Richard, is the Cellar Mas

working closely with Peter on product

Sister Katie is CFO everything has to p

muster with her before it proceeds

waiting in the wings are twenty-two gran

kids, guaranteeing the winerys success w

into the future. And that sense of a fam

working in concert together pervades eve

thing about the winery and its products.

Indeed, pulling into the slightly hid

Prager Winery and Port WorksHonoring a Different Winemaking Tradition in Napas St. Helena


29/802www.WineCountryThisWeek.com


dirt lane, one doesnt know quite what to expect. What youll find is

tucked away past a garden representative of the Valleys bounty and

through the barrel cellar redolent with the winerys efforts. The tasting

room is rustic but casual, reflective of an older, more agricultural

sense of the Valley. As you might imagine, discussion of the Port-

making process often takes place, but in a truly relaxed manner

befitting a long-successful family-run winery. I dont want to giveeverything away, but several totally unique tasting room displays

await visitors, as does explanation of the fortification process and how

and why the Pragers produce the least sweet Ports in California.

Believe it or not, its possible to produce dry and off-dry Ports, but you

have to visit the winery to find out the secrets of this process from the

makers themselves.

Its probably not a surprise by now, but the Pragers also make avail-

able something else fairly unique: they provide custom etched and

sand-carved bottles of their releases. There are often a few of these

kinds of items in different places around the Valley, but almost no one

else can provide them to order for any special event or occasion. Its

just another side-benefit of working with a family business, whereeven single-bottle requests can easily be handled. In the same vein, for

those wanting an inner-circle experience, the Prager Port Club offers

access to everything the winery makes at a discount, biannual wine

shipments without an enrollment fee, and invitations to exclusive

events at the winery, like the annual lobster feed. Its impressive to see

what one family has produced through their combined efforts, and its

a privilege to have access the products of their labors. Come up to

Prager Winery and Port Works in St. Helena to see for yourself. As

they say around the winery, Step off the beaten path. Trust me, you

wont be sorry when you do.


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by Josh Stein

The key to staying impactful in any commercial endeavour is the

ability to pivot and move onto the next iteration of the business, and

the wine business is certainly no different as wine and winemaking

styles rise and wane and consumer interest is equally as cyclical.

Artesa Vineyards and Winery, founded in 1991 in the then-unfashion-

able Carneros region just north of the San Pablo Bay by Spains

Ravents family, owners of the Codorniu Winery among others and

makers of wine for seventeen generations, has stuck around into its

third decade because the folks in charge recognized this early on, and

in bringing Mark Beringer in as VP of Production and Winemaking

two years ago, the winery has accelerated its ability to make a wide

range of great wines consumers love as its everyday practice.Artesas history is one which began with a vision of the Jewel of

Carneros, and Barcelona architect Domingo Triay delivered on that

vision with a pyramidal structure built into its surroundings. An

expansive terrace provides full-circle views extending out to San Fran-

cisco on clear days. Water, fountains, soundscapes and more greet you

on the outside, and light-filled, contemporary spaces adorned with

modern artwork, sculptures and installations greet you on the inside,

turning the wine tasting into an experience. Like a vision of todays

Spain itself, the space and wines work well together to emphasize a

mixture of modern and classic sensibilities, for which the winery has

been justifiably celebrated many times over the years.

So, why then turn to Mark Beringer? Who better than a fifth-gener-

ation California vintner, great-great-grandson of eponymous winery

founder Jacob Beringer, to help a family whos been in the wine busi-

ness themselves for 460 years to modernize their California wine-

making and help to develop new wines? Mark started in the business

as a preteen, stocking shelves and dusting bottles in his parents

wineshop. Not content with sales alone, Mark learned the range of

wine production activities while attending classes in Sonoma County

before receiving his degree in Enology from Fresno State in 1990.

Mark spent time at Glen Ellen Winery before being recruited by Dan

Duckhorn to help with that winerys growth, and he was key to the

launch of the Paraduxx and Goldeneye brands (and then separatewineries) for the Duckhorns. In 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle

named Mark Winemaker of the Year for these accomplishments, and

by 2008, Mark created a successful consulting business making lots of

different wines along the way.

It was the skills complimented by acknowledged success which

made Mark the perfect fit for Artesas resurgence. Indeed, while Artesa

was well known for its focus on vineyard location, under Mark

Beringer these ideas have been taken to the next level, focusing on

small-lot production; slower, more gentler winemaking which utilizes

gravity flow and temperature control; and a series of limited-release

and reserve bottlings which allow the winery to stretch its techn

legs and try new things. Using grapes from the best vineyard

Carneros, Alexander Valley, and Atlas Peak doesnt hurt, either,

neither does the same philosophy of minimal impact via sustain

agriculture at those sites.

The results have been quite impressive thus far. New winemak

programs have produced different tiers of wines, allowing for dozof releases, something most wineries simply cannot do. Mark

brought one particular vision, but he has embodied it in a far-rang

number of bottlings. Most wineries have neither the wherewithall

the experience to handle the logistics, let alone the actual skill ne

sary. The attention to place, to showcasing where a wine is from,

become key; as Mark states, We are putting Carneros back into

wines. We are bringing Carneros back to the place it needs to b

Equally, Marks small-lot fermentations allow for complexity

subtlety to mix doing Pinot Noir, for example, in half-ton lots

upright barrels guarantees a range of expression in the resulting wi

These light touches produce more food-friendly wines. As Mark noIts not just a wine style but a chef style. To achieve this, blend

these various pieces is key, akin to the instruments in music, a ca

Mark considered before wine: its the same mixing with the com

nents for a wine.

Unsurprisigly, the origins and the current resurgence of Ar

Vineyards and Winery lie in its name, which means handcrafted

Catalan, and with Mark Beringer now at the winemaking helm, th

truly what is taking place. Do yourself a favor and come to Carne

to see for yourself whats begun to spring up once again under Ma

guidance. Cheers!

Winemaker Profile:ArtesaWineryMark Beringer


31/80

Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan! 3


Every year, the Napa Valley Wine Train throws an amazing New

Years Eve celebration. From the caviar and the sparkling wine, to

the gourmet meal and live band, everything is planned andexecuted to perfection. This year though, the Wine Train has

decided that New Years Eve shouldnt just be about a fabulousparty. So instead of simply throwing an amazing celebration, theyveadded a new component: raising money for local breast cancer

patients.We polled our Facebook fans early this year, and they over-

whelmingly voted for a Black, White and Pink ball that included a

donation to support breast cancer patients. The toga party, disco andan End of the World theme (2012) didnt have a chance next to the

run away winner, said Kira Devitt, Wine Trains Social Media Strate-gist.

After the theme was decided, we immediately started looking

for a partner to help us create a successful event and to get the

raised funds into the hands of local patients. The Queen of theValley Medical Foundation was a perfect match. The Foundations

main goals are to serve the community, and provide quality medicalcare.

Michael Holmes, renown local designer and owner of MichaelHolmes Designs has graciously agreed to create the ambiance in the

Wine Train station. These types of events are so very important to

me, he said, It is very meaningful to be a participant in the fight

against cancer. Holmes contributions dont end with the stylin

the station, he has also agreed to contribute one of his highly soug

after events as one of the prizes for the evenings drawing.There have also been a multitude of magnums donated for on

the evenings benefit drawing items. Some lucky winner will waway with delicious Napa staples like Whitehall Lane, JeriCanyon Vineyard, Amuse Bouche, Calistoga Cellars, ZD Win

Judds Hill, Grgich Hills Estate, Benessere Vineyards, Tudal Fam Winery, Romillily Wines, Duckhorn Vineyards, T-Vine Cellars

more. And of course the Wine Train is contributing to the draw

and has teamed up with the Napa River Inn to create a two-nigget away package for four people.

Drawing tickets are three for $25 and can be purchased onlineWineTrain.com/holiday/new-years-eve. You do not have to att

the gala to win, nor do you have to be present at the drawing.

The Wine Trains New Years Eve party is always a great time a

has become known as one of the Bay Areas best New Years Eevents. This year, it is going to be even more special.

Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., the after party begins at 10 p.m., adancing goes until 1 a.m. Ticket prices are $235 per person

dinner and party; $50 per person for the after party only.The in-station reception will begin at 5 p.m., the dinner train

board at 6:30 p.m. and depart at 7 p.m. The after party will begi

10 p.m., and entertainment will continue until 1 a.m.

UPCOMING

December 9

Iron Horse Vineyards

January 20

Hall Napa Valley

February 17

Kendall-JacksonWinery

The Black, White and Pink Ball: A Party With a Purpos

Turnbull Wine Cellars is proud to partner with the loca

chapter of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in support of thei

annual Toys For Tots campaign.

Through Thursday, December 15th, bring your Toys for Tot

donation of new unwrapped toys to the Estate Tasting Room t

bring holiday joy to a child in need. You will be rewarded with

complimentary tasting of estate wines and enter you in th

December 16th drawing for a magnum of Turnbull 2008 Nap

Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. (This offer only applies to those 2

years of age and older.) If you bring your toy on Saturday

December 3rd, Santa Claus will be here to thank you for helpin

him to bring joy to the children in need! Turnbull Wine Cellar

is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Turnbull Cellars Holiday Toy Drive


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PINKMANSIONthe perfe napa wie asig experiee. Valley or fores views from eah room,

lavish breakfas ad aferoo wie asig, large idoor heaed pool ad Jauzzi,

i-room massage ad faials available. 1-800-238-74651415 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga www.pinkmansion.com

BRANNAN COTTAGE INNSx spaus, mabms w ad vws,pva as,pva bas,qu-szbds ad a a. tw m-sus avs msw v-ss asw.A dad assu mdusummmvss.Dw ms ad pas zyad ma vs.109 Wapoo St, Calistoga [email protected]. bran noncottag ein n.com (707) 942- 4200

LEDSON HOTELluxuy suad sSma Paza. Sx dvduaydadmswk-sz bd,wp bas,paad bas.Appdw aqu adu padw mdams. (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; m assa avaab;a bakas 1-800-541-7788800 Highway One, Bodega Bay www.InnattheTides.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

Witi miutst aquaium,wiis,Mty hab,sppi, tavs,stauats, t.

1-800-283-5663 www.loneoaklodge

SONOMA COUNTY NORTHERN

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Privae bahs; tV/phoe ad Ac; wo-perso

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deks; hree-ourse gourme breakfas, hors

doeuvres, wie ad sherry i he eveig; luxu-

rious 30'x60'; swimmig pool

1045 Easum Drive, Napa

1-800-624-0395 candlelightinn.com

L O D G I N GLook for more lodging options o


32

Luxury resort recognized for excellence

in the wine tourism guest experience

The international jury of Great Wine Capitals Global Network hasannounced Meadowood Napa Valley as the 2012 International Best Of

Wine Tourism award recipient for the San Francisco/Napa Valley

region at its annual meeting in Mainz, Germany. This is the first time

Meadowood Napa Valley has earned this honor.

Each year, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network recognizes

hospitality leaders in nine international wine regions, including San

Francisco/Napa Valley, with the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. There

are seven categories in which Best Of awards are presented regionally:

accommodations, restaurants, architecture and landscape, art and

culture, innovative wine tourism experiences, wine tourism services,

and sustainable wine tourism practices. Regional honorees are thenentered to earn one of nine international awards, one presented to each

region.

Criteria for selection include excellence in guest experience, restau-

rant programming and cuisine, and support of wine tourism

throughout the year. Meadowoods commitment to wine tourism

includes the support of a fulltime Master Sommelier at the hotels three-

starred Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood, and hosting

innovative annual wine-focused events which include Auction Napa

Valley and the Napa Valley Symposium for Professional Wine Write

We are so thrilled to be recognized with this honor by a group

our international peers, explains Alain Negueloua, General Manage

Meadowood Napa Valley. Our team lives and breathes wine, food

providing a world-class guest experience. We are so proud to know

the greater wine tourism community can see our passionate work.

Meadowood Napa Valley Awarded 2012 InternationaBest of Wine Tourism for San Francisco/Napa Valley


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The Napa Back Road

S U I S U NV A L L E YW I N E R I E S

S U I S U N V A L L E YIf 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 andtake the road less travelled through Suisun Valley The Napa Back Road.We all no doubt have our favorites, but we are always looking to one upour friends back home. Yes, that never ending search for something newand refreshing, but still preserving all that made you first fall in love withthe whole Wine Country Experience.

If you are staying in Downtown Napa, do you realize you are justapproximately 15 to 20 minutes away from a valley that preserved whatNapa was in the 1960s? However, the wines at such places like VezerFamily Vineyard and the Blue Victorian Winery take advantage of both theold traditions, such as 100% hand punched down wines, along withimplementing the important new techniques learned from those great Cali-fornia winemakers 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 iswhere they go to still experience those old feelings of days gone by. SuisunValley is where you can find wines that would sell for over $150 a bottle atthe popular better known tourist destinations in Napa, for $30 to $60.These same wines have 94, 95 and 97 point rankings and medals from thegreatest national and international competitions!

Come make your own dreams come true in Suisun (Sue-soon) ValleyNapas Little Sister Sui.

Visit Napas Little Sister, Sui


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Visitors Invited to Enjoy a Weekend of Hearty Farewith 18 Award-Winning Rutherford Wineries

The Rutherford Appellation Wineries invite the public to take a

wine tasting journey through Napa Valleys famed Rutherford regionduring their semi-annual Winter Passport Weekend on Saturday,

December 3 and Sunday, December 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pass-port holders can experience the wineries of the Rutherford appellationwith hearty winter foods paired with the amazing wines produced

within the Rutherford Appellation. Each winter, Passport holders

offered barrel tastings, providing the opportunity to purchase fut

releases and try samples of what is yet to come.The event highlights and celebrates the wineries of Rutherford

the historic heart of Napa Valley. Each winery will feature its o

unique wine and food pairing experience aimed to teach visitors abRutherford varietals, Napa Valley terroir and how the wines pair w

different, select food dishes. Eighteen wineries are slated to host gufor this special two-day event, including many that are not norm

open for public tastings. Certain wineries will also be offering spe

wine discounts to Passport holders. Participating wineries are AlOmega Winery, Beaulieu Vineyards, Chaix*, Elizabeth Spencer, Fr

ciscan, Honig, J. Moss*, Lieff*, Meander*, Mumm Napa Valley, Pe

monte*, Peju Winery, Pia Napa Valley, Raymond, Sawyer CellarsSupery, Tres Sabores and Vice Versa Wines. (Wineries marked with

asterisk will be pouring at Rutherford Grange.)Weekend passports are av

able for $75 per person for weekend, or $60 for Sunday onA limited number of passports

available to purchase online

www.rutherford-appellatiowineries.com and will be av

able for pick-up on Decem3rd and 4th, 2011 in Rutherfo

Proceeds from the win

Passport Weekend will donated to a local Napa Val

charity. Since its inception, Rutherford Appellation Wine

has donated more than $40,0

to local charities from PasspWeekend ticket sales, includ

the Rutherford Grange, N

Crime Stoppers, the RutherfRiver Restoration project, Qu

of the Valley Commu nOu treach Service and

Rutherford Volunteer F

Department.To learn more about

Rutherford Appellation Wine

visit www.rutherford-appellatiwineries.com.

Rutherford Appellat Wineries was established as

direct-to-consumer market

arm of the Rutherford DSociety (www.rutherforddust.o

to educate the public about

significance of the Rutherfappellation as Napa Valleys p

eminent grape growing area.

3Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | NAPA VALLE

N A P AD O W N T O W N

Rutherford Appellation Passport Weekend, Dec. 3-4


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Hess was selected as the Art & Culture choice because of its

continued success and leadership in connecting the worlds of wineand art in a unique combination that allows guests an experience that

touches the senses in many ways, according to the award citation.

Additional awards were presented in categories for accommodations,

restaurants, architecture & landscape, innovative wine tourism expe-

riences, wine tourism services and sustainable wine tourism practices.

The annual Best of Tourism awards serves as an industry bench-

mark for excellence, and recognizes leading wineries and wine-

tourism related businesses distinguishing themselves with innovation,

service and sustainable practices.

In selecting Hess, the judges noted With a combination of perc

tion, passion and insightfulness, Donald Hess personally selects wo

of international contemporary art, creating a collection that is b

thought provoking and inspirationalrepresenting an extraordin

and ever-expanding, in-depth look at over 60 artists, acknowledge

one of the largest collections of its kind.

The Hess Collection is open daily for visitors beginning at 10 aVisit The Hess Collection for details.


Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa36

S T . H E L E N A

The Hess Collection Earns Best of Tourism Award Great Wine Capitals Regional Art & Culture


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3


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Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

NAPA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Tasting Room of the Week:

Louis M. Martini Wineryby Alexandra Charsley

If you are looking for a winery that is

steeped in history and produces distinct

Napa Valley Cabernets, look no further

than Louis M. Martini Winery in St.

Helena. Founded in 1933 by Louis M.

Martini, the winery is still family run with

Michael Martini, third generation wine-

maker, carrying on the tradition of

making exceptional wines.

Located just off Highway 29, the Louis

M. Martini tasting room showcases at

least ten different wines from their familys

cellar year-round. Their tasting room dcor represents their philos-

ophy on wine. Here, you are surrounded by deep red walls like the

color of their rich Cabernets. Velvet curtains and a dark wood barround out the interior. This traditional tasting room is unpretentious

so as not to detract from their focus on wine. A large outdoor court-

yard for tastings or packed picnics sits adjacent to the tasting room.

Michael Martini has developed his own style to bring balance and

rich texture to the familys Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Mike and his

team of winemakers make small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon at Cellar

254, their micro-winery located on the property. With a nod toward

the winerys address, 254 St. Helena Highway, Cellar 254 is devoted to

making handcrafted wines. It is here that their flagship small lot wine,

Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon and the No. 254 Petite Sirah is produced.

Their ten-acre Thomann Station V

yard sits directly behind the win

Named for the Southern Pacific Railr

fruit packing stop, the soil here is id

for growing Petite Sirah and was plan

entirely to this varietal in 1996. Th

grapes are used to make the ne

released Cellar No. 254 Petite Sirah

their Petite Sirah Port.

Just in time for the holidays, Loui

Martini is releasing two spectac

wines this month; the 2007 Monte Ro

Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009

254 Petite Sirah. The 2007 Monte Ro

Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded 95 points by the Wine Ad

cate and retails for $85. This wine is 100% old vine moun

Cabernet grapes from the Monte Rosso vineyard in Sonoma Counthas elements of lush dark fruits and vanilla underscored by spice

noticeable earthiness. The 2009 No. 254 Petite Sirah is a decad

blend of milk chocolate and blueberry syrup aromas, with de

tannins and hints of toasty oak on the finish. This wine retails for

and is exclusive to their tasting room.

Let the warmth of their tasting room draw you in and you

experience distinguished wines from a historic, family run winery.

winery is located at 254 St. Helena Highway in St. Helena. Th

tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Winery tours

also available by advance reservation by calling (707) 968-3362.

38

MichaelMartini


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www.WineCountryThisWeek.co40

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15

casaAxadVay

25

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4089SilveradoTrail

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(707)253-1400

Funandeducationalwineseminars.

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(707

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200Taplin

Road,St.Helena

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1091LarkmeadLane

4milesnorthofSt.Helena

OpenDaily10-5(707)942-0859

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NAPA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

One Winemaker, Two Visions:Napa Cellars & Folie Deux Wineryby Josh Stein

Who says you cant have the best of both winemaking worlds, clas-

sically styled releases and wines that walk on the wild side? If youre

Napa Cellars and Folie Deux Winemaker Joe Shirley, you absolutely

get to have both and the results are fantastic wines in an environ-

ment designed for their enjoyment rather than pretension.

The story of todays Napa Cellars and Folie Deux Winery really

begins with Joe Shirley himself, which isnt so surprising given hes the

winemaker for both wineries, and its his sensibilities youre tasting in

the glass! California native Joe Shirley was born in Long Beach and

raised in Napa. Joe was initially set on a pre-med sports medicine

track at Occidental College in Los Angeles, but a barbecue at UC Davisprofessor Maynard Amerines (yes, that Amerine!) house changed all

that: Joe returned to Northern California and received an MS in

Enology from UCD. After graduation, he worked for Sonoma Cutrer

before moving on to Trinchero Winery, initally as enologist, then

named winemaker in short order. When the Trincheros wanted to take

Napa Cellars and Folie Deux to the next level, Joe was the natural

choice since he puts emphasis on the vineyards, with decisions about

them driving eveything else: I spend a lot of time in the vineyards

making harvest decisions. I find that every hour spent at harvest has

way more impact than an hour spent in the cellar in the winter.

With Joe at the helm, Napa Cellars philosophy is to put a modernpolish on classic Napa Valley wines. As the folks at the winery like to

say, these are delicious wines that possess all the character youve

come to expect from Napa and with an attitude and price youll find

rather refreshing. The goal is pure varietal expression from the wines

the Valley is most known for without any of the negatives sometimes

associated with other producers: classic, artistic and enjoyable wines

without attitude. These are the wines people come to Napa to find,

and they dont disappoint: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot,

Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, as well as reserve

releases of vineyard-designated wines.

In contrast, Folie Deux began, as the name itself proclaims,

passion of two. The two being psychiatrists who loved wine,

passion being driven to highlight the best little nooks of Sono

Countys vineyards: fog-shrouded Russian River Valley, vital for a

worthy Chardonnays; Alexander Valleys graveled soils, perfect

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; and Dry Creek Valleys Mediterran

climate, necessary for field-blended Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,

Carignane. Rather than seeking to go where others have been, Fo

Deux gets to be as playful as possible. As the man tasked with ma

taining both visions, Joe is well aware of the dichotomy, noting N

Cellars has built its reputation on a very traditional style of Napa Va

wines, but we can push the stylistic boundaries of Folie Deux.

And it is in the tasting room, with its laid back vibe and rock-n-

soundtrack, that all comes together into something much more th

its parts, and the thinking behind the duo makes a real kind of sen

you get different styles of the same varietals in some instan

allowing you to taste the differences in winemaking protocols, as w

as wines which do not overlap because they cover different grow

areas. And being poured at one of the coolest looking tasting bar

the Valley doesnt hurt, either. Equally, designed for contempo

sensibilities, the winery invites strolling around the property, explo

the grounds, taking a nap on a blanket or enjoying the sights fr

under the large oak tree adjacent to the tasting room; picnic grouare available, too, so bring lunch with you when you come. T

winery is next to nationally known Mustards Grill on Highway 29

Oakville, so you can easily plan a complete days enjoyment of

valley with little in ultimate need of planning.

Most wineries have a tough enough time just putting out relia

solid releases year after year. Under Joe Shirley, Napa Cellars and F

Deux are doing most of the Valley one better: two different vision

great wines, neither focusing on any

Nor Cal Edition – Dec 2, 2011

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