Nor Cal Edition – Dec 23, 2011

8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Dec 23, 2011

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NEW YEARS EVE ON THNAPA VALLEY WINE TRA

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SEQUOIA GROVEWINERYPAGE 38

CALISTOGAS WINTERIN THE WINERIES

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CHARLES CREEKVINEYARDS

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SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINGREAT WINE WEEKEND

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YOUR GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS DECEMBER 23, 20

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

4 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

FEATURED

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT

D E C E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 1 I S S U E 5 1 V O L U M E 3 0

ON THE COVER

Napa Valley Wine Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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

WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Northern California Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

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

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

SUISUN VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Suisun Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-45

Downtown Napa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

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

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

Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43

Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45

SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-59

Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47

Russian River Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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

Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-59

Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

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

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

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

Treasure Island Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Livermore Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63

Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-67

Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map . . . . . . . . . . 64

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

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

Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryTW


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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 31BLUE VICTORIAN $10 off any red wine purchase 34

BODEGA WINE ESTATES Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 60

BOUCHAINE 2 for 1 tasting with ad 27

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 58

ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 29

FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 Classic Wines tasting with ad 73

FRITZ 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

LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS Mention ad for upgraded tasting 59

LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 37

MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 61

MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49OLD 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 7

ST. SUPRY2 for 1 tasting Monday-Thursday 7

STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box10SUMMERS 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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Champagne, and all wines with bubbles, falls under a broad

category known as sparkling wine, but Champagne specifically comes

from the famous wine region in France of the same name. It is made by

the traditional labor and time-intensive method known as mthode cham-

penoise. In addition, the grapes that make genuine Champagne are

limited by French law to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Through international trademark law, it is no longer legal to identify a

sparkling wine that is made outside the Champagne region of France as

Champagne. A few American producers, grandfathered in, are

permitted to label their sparkling wine as Champagne if they choose to.

Some, out of respect to the French, will opt to use the more generic term

sparkling wine. There are no restrictions in the US as to the types of

grapes that must be used in these wines.

Sparkling wines around the world are identified with the countrys own

term for sparkling wine. For example, in Spain it is labeled cava and in

Germany its known as sekt. Italy calls it spumante and in France, outside

of its Champagne region, a sparkling wine is identified as crmant.

When reading any sparkling wine label, it might be helpful to see

whether it includes the words fermented in this bottle. This is an indi

tion that the wine was made using the traditional Champagne-making

method, widely acknowledged to produce a superior style of sparkling

wine, albeit at a higher cost.

Using mthode champenoise, California produces some world-class

sparkling wines that are bright and crisp with a delightful level of acidit

Most offer subtle flavors of apple, pear, and sometimes a mild toastines

that originates from the yeast of the second fermentation that occurs ins

the bottle and creates the bubbles. If the traditional method is not used

the label will usually indicate that either the Charmat method or

Transfer method was used. These are less expensive ways of producin

sparkling wine in larger volume.

One last thing to remember when shopping for Champagne or

sparkling wines: terminology used to describe the level of dryness may

confusing. Particularly unusual is the use of the term Extra-Dry, whic

in the lingo of the Champagne world, actually means a small amount o

sweetness is detectable on the palate. The following guide translates som

common Champagne categories:

Extremely Dry: Brut Nature or Extra Brut

Normal Dryness: Brut

Just a tinge of noticeable sweetness: Extra-Dry Normal Sweetness: Sec

Sweeter than normal: Demi-Sec

Extremely Sweet: Doux

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.

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

What is the difference between

Champagne and sparkling wine?


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

D 23: Mud Mysy D

D 31: nw Yas ev ta

ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards:

Tastings & Seminars

A 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, 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 appm

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

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Clos du Val

napa, 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

ONGOINGJefferson House Reserve Room Tasting

at Monticello Vineyards

napa, rsv W Sma, cy famy napa Vay $25rSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.cyfamynapaVay.m

ONGOINGV. Sattui Winery

S. 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 Winery

napa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/mmbs

www.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

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 Tastingsat 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 Toursat 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, $10

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

www..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

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

rua as, $10

rsv as, $35, Sa-Su

Asa s adda $7.50/ps

ONGOINGEducational Tours & Wine Tasting

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

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

tas y, $10-$25 Y u adu us, $1 5-$ 20 napa Vay nb Pam Pva ViP us

ONGOINGTastings & Seminars at St. Supryrud, 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

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

ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYSCooking Demonstrations at The DeBaun TheatreS. ha, cuay isu Ama a gys, 1:30-2:30pm, $20

W a samp p ad gys w

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

ONGOINGVisitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Wineryf das, www.bmdav.m, 888-rMonDAVi x2 t Sa u tu & tas t W tas Bass t exusv ca tas tas Byd Bass

t havs Jy tu & lu

ONGOINGVIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory TourBuassa Vyads, napa, M-f by appm, $15 md-wk spa

M s s, www.buassavyads.m, 800-499-2366

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

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTHBacchus That Rascalcs Pas, casa, , 2pm, Mu-mda psa hsy W

www.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

D 16: Wdam h W Ss

D 17: VoenA, Dumm By

D 22: A ca Bw csmas w Davd B

D 27: tusday n fks, Yak Dd Dady

Ja 3: Sdm S cma, t Way Bak

Ja 6: ry rs

Ja 10: Ma Pak Ja 15: Mux ru

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

ONGOINGLive at the Lincoln TheaterYuv, www.a.m, 707-944-9900

D 17-18: t nuak, naa ra Da cmpay w napa

Vay Sympy

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

D 16: gma rs tas

D 22-23: guw!

D 24: csmas ev A Sa D 30: nw Yas Spak Ws tas

Ja 27: Bak rm Bw ou XlV

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

o u fb 18: lk a Yu lk a M

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

D 16: Bad ca

D 17: t Bd Bys Aabama csmas Sw

D 31: ozma

Ja 15: DeVo

Ja 20: luda Wams

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Friday Night Pulse Tastings

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

ONGOING

Friday Night Winemaker Events

JV W & Sps, napa, 5-7pm, $2, www.jvw.m, 707-253-2624

D 16: Ps ad Madas

D 23 & 30: n tas Du hdays

ONGOING

Tasting Events at Wineries of Napa Valley

napa tw c, napa, 707-253-9450

www.apavas.m, k wbs ms & ps

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 16

Napa on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink

2d & cmbs S, napa

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

ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 3

Calistogas Winter in the Wineries

Vs 15 casa ws s passp pam. $50

www.casaVss.m, 707-942-6333

ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 30Abstract Visions,

A Brett Weston Retrospective at Turnbu

tubu W cas, oakv, A mpsv xb ba

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

DECEMBER 18

Holiday Tea at Domaine Carneros

napa, 11am-12:30pm, www.dmaas.m, 800-716-2788

DECEMBER 31New Years Eve DinnerDma cad, Yuv, 6pm

www.ad.m, 707-944-2280

JANUARY 13-152nd Annual Napa Truffle FestivalWs Vasa, napa, www.apausva.m, 888-360-8618

JANUARY 21-22Cooking Classes: Robbie Burns Weekendcda gabs i, napa

www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

JANUARY 28V. Sattui Barrel Tasting Party

S. ha, www.vsau.m, 707-963-7774


14/8014 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

JANUARY 28Cooking Classes: Cooking the New Year Awaycda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160

www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

JANUARY 29Art Exhibit ReceptionPju, rud, 1-4pm

www.pju.m, 707-963-3600

FEBRUARY 11

Love Fest at Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 7pm, $150, rSVP qudwww.myva.m, 800-326-6069x429

FEBRUARY 11Valentines Day Cabernet & Chocolate atSummers Winerycasa, 11am-4pm, $15/vs 5 ws & a

www.summswy.m, 707-942-5508

FEBRUARY 11Valentines Pickup Party at Judds Hillnapa, 12-3pm, www.judds.m, 707-255-2332

FEBRUARY 11Cooking Classes: Valentines Dinner I

fau Sms Wy

cda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $175

www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

FEBRUARY 12Dusty Bottle Valentines Dinnercs du Va Wy, napa

www.sduva.m, 800-993-9463

FEBRUARY 21-242012 Symposium for Professional Wine WritersMadwd napa Vay, S. ha, www.wwssympsum.

MARCH 434th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathoncasa napa, www.apavaymaa.

MAY 63rd Annual Wine Auction on the Lawn atCharles Krug

S. ha, 2-5pm, www.asku.m, 707-967-2200

ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Sma

www.ds.m, 707-996-9779

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 PairingPrivate Tasting at ViansaSma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm

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

ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar Introduces

Thematic 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/mmbs

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

ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tastingat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbs

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

ONGOINGPrivate Wine Tastings

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

by 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, $20

A 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

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

ONGOINGFree Guided Winery Tour

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

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

Group Private Tastings

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

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

ONGOINGTerroir & History Tour at Chateau St. JeanKwd, 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 Room9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w as

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

ONGOINGWine Experiences at Chateau St. JeanKwd, 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, $25

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 & svas

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

ONGOING

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

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

www.kj.m, 707-571-7500

ONGOING SUNDAYSDomaine Carneros Sparkling Brunch

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

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

www.zwy.m, 707-894-3389

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH50 Mile AV Vintner's Diningg e, Ba as & od V P n & Syas m As Vya

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

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

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

ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAYUnique Food & Wine Pairings

at HKG Tasting Roomg e, 12-6pm, www.pkwy.m, 707-938-7622

ONGOINGMoondance Cellars & Orchard Station Wing e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10

www.mdaas.m, 707-938-7550

ONGOING THURSDAY-SATURDAYMichel-Schlumberger Winery Green Tourhadsbu, 10:30am, $25, www.msumb.m, 800-447-306

ONGOING MONDAY-SATURDAYRobert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours& Tasting in a Remodeled Grape Gondolagysv, 11:30am, $10, bx u pvdd $20

www.yw.m, 707-431-4811

ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYSCome Crush With Us at Icaria Creek WineryWmak J Sm ads a as bd & bad ws

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

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

www.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

D 16: ty B

D 17: Msw Bas nuak

D 20: Maaa tas csmas

D 22: Dav Kz & fds csmas

Ja 6: gadys K

Ja 7: Mybuss

Ja 8: lay K

Ja 11: fd gab iaab ta

Ja 14: Ja rvs

Ja 15: J edwads Psy Mdum Ja 21-23: Saa rsa Sympy S fu

Ja 24: t nw Saa cus

Ja 27: Mk Bba

fb 1: Sp Uada

fb 5: Ama Pam Sw 3

fb 10: Ay Buda & e rp

fb 11-13: Saa rsa Sympy S fv

fb 21: Muas Bauu Daus

fb 24: D f M i

fb 26: Pps ga Mvs, gad Pa

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

D 15-18: t Saaad Das

D 16-18: t nuak

SONOMA COUNTY


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


ONGOINGLive Shows at Hopmonk TavernSbasp, www.pmk.m, 707-829-7300

D 16: W fudad tm Pay

D 17: Su Wdd Qu

D 18: n Bay Py Sam

D 22: radm rab

D 23: 7 Aua Uy Swa csmas Pay

D 28: t B fa Ya ed Kss o cmdy Sw

D 29: Juk J Vay Busqu S

D 31: P Ma's Wsky Ja 5: Pau tmmma & Dm

Ja 6: es Ba

Ja 7: Jy Dw

Ja 12: Ps Ambassad & Bu

Ja 13: Wdbad 5

Ja 14: D's Umba

ONGOING THURSDAYSWinemaker Thursday Series at Big Bottom Marketguv, 6-8pm, www.bbmmak.m, 707-604-7295

ONGOING SATURDAYSSwirl, 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 SATURDAYSHarvest Concert Seriesladmak Wy, Kwd, 1-4pm

www.admakw.m, 707-833-0053

D 17: Sama Dua, pa & jazz vas

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 8Gabrielle Teschner Exhibit: Nothing et al.Va Ma lambx Wy, hadsbu, 11am-5pm

www.vmw.m, 707-431-4404

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 15Minutely PersonalQua gay, Duas Ms, www.Qua-gay.m, 707-865-0243


Ann Hollister Exhibitat Charles Creek Winery

Sma, 11am-6pm, www.ask.m, 707-935-3848

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, day

www.pwy.m, 707-528-Wine

lbad Vyads, hadsbu, 5-9pm

www.badvyads.m, 707-433-3473

DECEMBER 17St. Francis Winery Ode to Crab Dinner

Saa rsa, 6:30pm, $125, $99/mmbs

www.saswy.m, 888-675-Wine

DECEMBER 17Redwood Empire Sing-Along MessiahSaa rsa h S, Saa rsa

www.saasasympy.m, 707-546-8742

DECEMBER 17

Hike & Taste in the VineyardsKud famy esa, Kwd, 10am, $30, www.kud.m, 707-833-550

DECEMBER 17A Festival of Lights Holiday Klezmer ConcertPauma hsa Musum, Pauma

$15, $10/ss & suds, www.jubkzm.m

DECEMBER 17-18Holiday CelebrationDu-gdd Wy, Sbasp

www.dudd.m, 707-827-3600

DECEMBER 17, 24, 31Wine & Food Pairing at Viansa

Sma, 1pm, $15/mmbs, $20

www.vasa.m, 800-995-4740


16/80


17/80

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ONGOINGWine Cave Tasting ExperienceW Vyads, lvm, 4pm Sa/Su, $10, $5/w ub mmbs

rSVP, www.wvyads.m/avs, 925-456-2405

ONGOING THURSDAY - SUNDAYWine & Cheese Pairingla r Wy, lvm, 12-4:30pm

www.lrW.m, 925-243-6442


Printmaking by Edmee Keeleesa Wy tas rm, W Vyads, lvm

www.wvyads.m, 925-456-2305

DECEMBER 17Mansion Winetaster Dinneres Vyads, Su, www.s.m, 925-862-2377

DECEMBER 18Members Barrel Tasting at Occasio Winery

lvm, 1-4pm

www.asswy.m, 925-371-1987

JANUARY 28-29Soup & Wine SOUPerbowl Weekendfsa Wy, lvm, 12-5pm

www.sawy.m, 925-447-5246

FEBRUARY 18-20

29th Annual Barrel Tastingfsa Wy, lvm, 12-5pmwww.sawy.m, 925-447-5246

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

D 16: Paua Puds

Ja 14: t Ks t

Ja 20: t Pk Abas

Ja 22: c 3: cassus gud iba & r

Ja 29: isa camb Pj

ONGOINGLive at Golden State TheatreMy, www.dsaa.m, 831-372-3800

fb 23: Ba Maa pss hd Pa

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, www.kmad.m, 831-624-6432

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSSweet Thursdays at Cannery Row

My, 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 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

www.aas.m, 831-625-5646

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 31New Years Eve Celebration

i a Spas Bay, Pbb Bawww.pbbba.m

Saa cuz Muas

JANUARY 14Barrel Tastings & Futures Open Housecaau Ju W esa, cam Vay, 11am-4pm

www.aauju.m, 831-624-2600, $15, mmbs/

JANUARY 15Surf City Wine University:

Bordeaux Wines with Mikael WarginMJA Vyads, Saa cuz, 12-2pm

www.suyvs.m, 831-818-1405

JANUARY 21Winter Passport Day

Saa cuz Muas Wws Assa

Vs papa ws! 11am-5pm, $40

www.smwa.m, 831-685-8463

JANUARY 22Wine & Crab Taste-Off

Saa cuz Muas Wws Assa

Vs papa sauas! 2-5pm, $49

www.smwa.m, 831-685-8463

FEBRUARY 3-12AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AmPbb Ba, www.pbbba.m

FEBRUARY 11Valentines Passport 2012

rv rad W ta, My

11am-4pm, www.vadwa.m

FEBRUARY 26Surf City Wine University:

History of the Santa Cruz MountainsWine Region & WinesJ emy, Saa cuz Mua Vyad; Jd oB, Sv Mua ad

Ma Ss, Ss cas, 334B ias S, 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

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

DECEMBER 16, 23Fireside Fridays Wine Tastingsh ls gas, ls gas, 5-6:30pm

$15/ 5 ws, 408-354-7700

JANUARY 21

Winter Passport DaySaa cuz Muas Wws Assa

Vs papa ws! 11am-5pm, $40

www.smwa.m, 831-685-8463

ONGOINGSierra Railroadoakda, www.saaad.m, 209-848-2100

D 31: nw Yas ev expss

ONGOING30th Annual Vintners Holidayst Awa, Ysm naa Pak

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

ONGOINGChefs Holidayst Awa, Ysm naa Pak

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

Ja 8-10: Sss 1

Ja 11-12: Sss 2

Ja 15-17: Sss 3

Ja 18-19: Sss 4

Ja 22-24: Sss 5

Ja 25-26: Sss 6 Ja 29-31: Sss 7, A cabav D t M Bav tVs tp c

fb 1-2: Sss 8, A cabav D t Wm Bav tVs tp

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOINGSacramento River Trainwww.saamva.m, 800-866-1690

D 17-23: csmas ta

D 31: Sus D w Mus

D 31: nw Yas ev expss

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

D 18: Ama Ba Sss

Ja 5: Sa fas Sympy

Ja 9: Pa

Ja 14-15: Ax Ky, v & hda hua, pa

Ja 19-20: Sdad Ba & n fama

Ja 25-26: Ad rduz t

Ja 27: rya Pam osa

Ja 29: Axad S Qua

Ja 30: tsa

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 16Barrel Burning & Zinfandel Barrel Tasting

Vz famy Vyad, Susu Vay W cub Mmb evwww.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

Check the website for more eventswww.winecountrythisweek.com

Email Your Events [email protected]

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wks pio o h da o you v. ev lisig

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18/80Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT

WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Rings in Season Long Holiday in the Vines Celebration

Sonoma Valleys Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) has

announced the contestants in the 6th Annual Sonoma Valley Winery

Gingerbread Competition where wineries create edible replicas of

their wineries. This signature event kicks off the Holiday in the

Vines, a calendar of Sonoma Valley winery events including Open

Houses, Winemaker Dinners, visits from Santa, Toy Drives, and

musical events. For the complete list of festivities, visit the Events

Calendar at www.sonomavalleywine.com.

Each year, Ramona Nicholson of Nicholson Ranch challenges the

Sonoma Valley wineries to pick up their spatula and join the fun.This years creation by Tasting Room Manager Charles Whittaker is

taking over the entire Nicholson Ranch Art Gallery overlooking the

Tasting Room and creating a pure gingerbread exhibit of at least six

full-sized gingerbread pieces of art. Some classic artworks will be

created (Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh) and some winery related

art as well (a still life of grapes, the Nicholson Ranch Chapel, a

portrait of the Nicholson family, etc.). It should be a show stopper!

Throughout the month of

December, visitors can pick up

a map and a ballot at any of the

participating wineries and votefor their favorite gingerbread

creation. As an added bonus,

each time voters cast a ballot

either at the wineries or on the

Sonoma Valley Grapes & Wine

Facebook page, theyll be

entered into a raffle to win a

case of fabulous Sonoma Valley

wines.

Larson Family Winery, last

years winner, will again have their structure created by R

Fanucchi of Sweet Treats who plans to depict a Sweet Snapshot B

in Time. The ever creative Kelly Cleaver is taking on B.R. Coh

theme of Gold Records and Gold Ribbons featuring edible gold

well as Chateau St. Jeans structure based on a Classic Christmas T

which promises to be very unusual and colorful. Marina Mayer

Gundlach Bundschu is designing their entry which will depict t

tasting room. The ladies of Kenwood Vineyards are creating a str

ture with a theme of Christmas in the Vineyards. Lori Ferguso

creating A Tropical Paradise (including Santa in a swimsuit!)

Paradise Ridge Winery and the team at Roessler Cellars are creata Winter Wineland-themed structure.

Be sure to visit all the participating wineries and cast your vo

B.R. Cohn, Chateau St. Jean, Gundlach Bundschu, Kenwood V

yards, Larson Family Winery, Nicholson Ranch, Paradise Ri

Winery and Roessler Cellars.

Additional Holiday in the Vines events are being added d

For more information, visit the event calendar on the website

www.sonomavalleywine.com.

6th Annual Sonoma Valley Winery Gingerbread Competitio

B.R. Cohn Winerys Gingerbread Competition entry from 2010

Nicholson Ranch Winerys 2009 entry Larson Family Winerys 2009 entry

Last years entry from Larson Family Winery

18


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20/8020 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

FEATURE STORY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

by Josh Stein

Imagine a fifteen-hundred-acre vineyardthat occupies its own valley inside of thesurrounding Napa Valley. And then imagineits just one of the vineyards owned by thelargest, estate-producing family winery in

Napa. Add in being the largest Napa GreenCertified Land Holder, and youve got thefundamentals of St. Supry winery: estatevineyards which do not involve fruit, produc-tion, or any other influences from offsite.What you get, in other words, is a snapshot ofthe lands carefully nurtured, uncontaminatedbounty in each annual bottling from one ofNapas best winemaking teams.

St. Suprys two vineyards are the Ruther-ford Estate and the Dollarhide Ranch on theeast side of Howell Mountain. The latter vine-yard, the Dollarhide Ranch, really is quiteunique amongst the various small valleyswhich make up the surrounding NapaValley in that its self-contained 1500 acres areplanted to fewer than five hundred acres,which allows for selecting the best areas forcultivation while maintaining the rawness andsustainability of the ranch attributes forwhich it has been known historically.Founder Andrew Jackson Dollarhide ran asuccessful horse and cattle ranch during theGold Rush era, and he is well remembered

around the Valley for doing things his ownway. Its probably not a surprise that the Skalliskept the name when they purchased the ranchin 1982 given their methods indeed,between Dollarhide Ranch and the RutherfordEstate Vineyard, the winery has just 521 acresplanted to vines with more than one thousand

lying fallow. Thats one way to definitely dothings your own way in wine country!

Dollarhide Ranch, really then, is a worldunto its own, with seven lakes onsite,providing homes to an array of wildlife,insects and bees. There are so many nativebirds that the Audubon Society makes aspecial visit as part of its annual New Yearcensus. Actively working the vineyards meansbetter canopy management and not having touse fungicides. Composting of the pomace post-fermentation skins, seeds and stems means the vineyards are annually renewed viaorganic material originally from the vineyarditself, and all of the irrigation is via reclaimedrainwater, guaranteeing the water table isntdrained by the vineyard. Because of thesixteen different soil types, each parcel isplanted to match rootstock, clones, soil andcultivation and is farmed individually, makingsure nothing is homogenized along the way.Since the Dollarhide Ranch is a bit moreextreme than the main Valley, the slightlywarmer days and cooler nights provide

luscious but crisp wines, making them staout from other Napa releases. Drop the woDollarhide Ranch into a conversation wthe wine savvy or locals to see what I mean

This careful monitoring and sustainamanagement of the land is the key to Skfamily wine success worldwide. The Ska

have been an international wine family nine decades, with grandfather Robert-establishing vineyards in Algeria in the 19and father Francis adding production in South of France at Fortant de France,Chteauneuf du Pape at Skalli Grand VinRhone, and on the island of Corsica at Terra Vecchia estate in the 1960s. It was similiarity of the Dollarhide Ranch to south of Frances Languedoc region whattracted grandson and current owner Robto the Napa Valley in the late-1970s. And long pedigree in the wine business doesnt include the owners. Winemaker MichScholz is himself the sixth generation of family to make wine, and he is actually onsecond stint as St. Suprys head of wproduction, having been winemaker fr1996 to 2001 before returning to the winin 2009. Well known for mastery of wwines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, he has produced any number of gold-medal, 9reds, too.

The resulting wines from this combinat

St. SupryTwo Estate Vineyards Mean Lots of Options for Wine Lover



WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATUR

of many hundreds of years ofwine expertise include single-vineyard releases like theDollarhide Sauvignon Blanc, theRutherford Estate Cabernet andsmall bottlings of Estate PetitVerdot and Malbec. Equally, there

is the lu red blend and the Virtwhite blend, combining the bestof each years production, as wellas the winery-only Moscato. Thewinery itself has been designed toallow views of the full productionprocess, but the second floor ArtGallery provides some of the bestvantage points on the crushpad,fermentation area, barrel cellarsand bottling in addition to lotsof fantastic art. The various

tasting spaces have been thought-fully designed to be welcomingand to encourage lingering, andwith so much to enjoy, thats nothard to do.

Available daily are twodifferent library tastings, andtheres a reason its hard to findthese offerings around the Valley:most wineries cannot or do notwant to provide access to theirolder wines. Given whats gone

into them, St. Supry, as with somany other things, doesnt minddoing what others wont, and theDollarhide Library Tasting andlu Library Tasting dont disap-point. The former lets you tastemultiple past vintages of thewineries renowned single-vine-yard estate Cabernet, and thelatter grants access to olderbottlings of the lu red blend,going back a decade. Remember,

space is extremely limited foreach of these special experiences,so making reservations, even forthe same day, is an absolute must.

If you ask around, just abouteveryone in the Valley will tell youSt. Supry is a gem that shouldntbe missed. Come taste for your-self and find out why. I promiseyou: youll be glad you did.Enjoy!


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22

Every year, the Napa Valley Wine Train throws an amazing NewYears 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 fabulous

party. 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 Michael

Holmes Designs has graciously agreed to create the ambiance in theWine 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 stylinthe station, he has also agreed to contribute one of his highly sou

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 w

away 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, Schramsberg Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, T-Vine Ceand more. And of course the Wine Train is contributing to

drawing and has teamed up with the Napa River Inn to create a tnight, get away package for four people.

Drawing tickets are three for $25 and can be purchased onlin

WineTrain.com/holiday/new-years-eve. You do not have to attthe 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

has become known as one of the Bay Areas best New Years events. 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., dancing 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.

Napa Valley Wine TrainThe Black, White and PinkBall: A Party With a Purpose


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24 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

Foyt Family Wines is releasing a Napa Valley premium 2008

Cabernet Sauvignon entitled No. 77 just in time for the holiday

season. The No. 77 Cabernet Sauvignon was named for the year A.J.Foyt won his fourth Indianapolis 500 in 1977, becoming the first

driver in history to win Indy four times. The vintage received a 93-point rating at a pre-release Mt. Veeder Appellation wine tasting.

In addition to receiving a premium quality wine, purchasers of

this selection will also be making a contribution to the Dan WheldonFamily Trust Fund. Foyt Family Wines will donate $10 per bottle for

every bottle purchased online through the companys website:

www.foytwines.com, as well as every bottle purchased in the Mead-owcroft Wines tasting room.

Wheldon, a two-time Indy 500 winner who won this years 100thanniversary 500-Mile race, lost his life in a tragic multi-car accident

at Las Vegas Motor Speedway while driving the No. 77 Indy car inmid-October. The 33-year-old left behind a wife and two young sonsfor whom the trust fund was established.

We had planned to release our No. 77 wine the week after that

tragic race but held off until now because of those circumstances,said Chris Perry, managing director of Foyt Family Wines. Larry and

A.J. Foyt IV wanted to do something to help Dan Wheldons familyand the fact that Dan was driving a No. 77 car, we thought this

would be a way to help out his young family and honor Dan e

though the wine is named after A.J.s record-setting Indy victoryThis latest offering is not to be confused with the Foyt Fam

Wines No. 77 Collector Series Reserve Cabernet, a 2007 premi

vintage released last year. Bottled with a special label depicting Foyt after he won his fourth Indianapolis 500 race in 1977,

limited offering proved to be very popular with both w

aficionados and race fans alike.Since I began working with the Foyt family several years ag

learned that the Indy car drivers are all about competition, s

Tom Meadowcroft, winemaker for both Meadowcroft Wi

(www.meadowcroftwines.com) and Foyt Family Wines, but whalso discovered is that the drivers are all about compassion as w

I am proud to be associated with the Foyt Family and the family

Indy car drivers.The holiday season is traditionally a time to enjoy family a

friends and express gratitude. It is also a time to remember those

fortunate. With the purchase of the No. 77 Cabernet Sauvignon, rfans will have an opportunity to do just that by making a contri

tion to this worthwhile cause. In doing so, they will honor a r

driver whose talent on the track was exceeded only by his warmoff of it.

Foyt Family Wines may be enjoyed and purchased at the Meowcroft Wines tasting room at 23574 Arnold Drive/Hwy 1

Sonoma. The tasting room is located within the CornerstSonoma complex that also features 24 world-class gardens

gourmet caf, art galleries and cutting edge design shops all

among acres of vineyards.Meadowcroft Wines is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. T

venue is available for private parties, private tastings, wine dinn

and other events. With plenty of free parking at CornerstSonoma, the area is a perfect setting for any type of event, b

indoors or outdoors. For more information, call (707) 934-4090

Foyt Family Wines Releases No. 77 Cabernet SauvignoCompany Donates $10 per bottle to Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund


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2


26/8026 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


A first encounter with the Candlelight Inn is a bit like love at first sight! As you approach the

beautifully maintained and landscaped Tudor Mansion built as a residence in 1929 it appears to

straddle Easum Drive, a modest residential area. The street not far from Napas Town Center

ends as you park in the welcoming front courtyard. Right here, in the bustling epicenter of every-

thing that makes the wine country so desirable, the luxurious ten-room inn sits on its own private,

one-acre, secluded park. It is bordered by Napa Creek and nestled beneath towering redwoods.

Here, a spacious pool/cabana is surrounded by meticulously landscaped flowering shrubs, bushes

and rock gardens. Noticeable sounds are birds and rustling leaves.

Originally designed for an active familys enjoyment, Candlelight Inn is now a private retreat for

discriminating visitors to the wine country. Many guests, who were smitten by that first impression,

now return year after year to relax and renew their enjoyment of all the region offers. On each visit,

there is more to do. In recent years, Napa has become a hub for world-

renowned chefs, and each year brings more restaurant openings. At the

inn, guests can enjoy complimentary wine and hors doeuvres as well as

snacks and drinks at all hours. A three-course breakfast featuring local

and seasonal foods is served each morning. Most rooms have a deck orbalcony, a two-person marble Jacuzzi tub and a fireplace. All have air

conditioning, TV, telephone and wireless internet access. Each is unique

and tastefully designed. An on-site concierge provides personalized

dining and wine country touring recommendations. The concierge also

helps guide you to the numerous attractions of wine country hiking

and bicycling, kayaking, bird watching, cultural attractions, balloon

rides and spa services. The inn has received numerous awards and been

featured in USA Weekend and National Geographic Traveler.

The Candlelight Inn is located at 1045 Easum Drive, Napa. For

reservations, call 1-800-624-0395 or visit www.candlelightinn.com.

Candlelight Inn


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2


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Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa28


Along a winding country road, up an unpaved

drive and past Gus, a big, friendly, chocolate lab and

Bella a German shorthair, youll find one of the most

unpretentious, down-to-earth tasting rooms around.

The Pope Valley, one of the California wine regions

hidden treasures, is home to the Pope Valley Winery.

This serene, bucolic setting offers a wine tasting

experience far, far away from the ostentatious fare to

be found at some of the more well-known winecountry destinations. Here, you will be treated less

like a visitor and more like a friend. To reach the

Pope Valley Winery requires a leisurely country drive

that is, in itself, a significant part of the experience. Wending through

picturesque fields, undulating vineyards and oak-studded hills, one

gets the feeling of being transported back in time. The pace here is

slower, more peaceful than the flurry and commotion found along the

main thoroughfares of the Napa Valley. Photo opportunities present

themselves around every bend in the road.

A visit to Pope Valley Winery allows wine lovers to step back in

time and experience 40 acres of history. The bubbling sounds of Haus

Creek can be heard as you roam the grounds of this historic winery.

The original farmhouse still graces the property, as well as a black-

smiths workshop, complete with the tools of the trade. The winery

itself is housed in an historic building that was designed; before elec-

tricity was brought to the site. It was fashioned as a three-story grav-

itational flow winery with a hand-dug cave, to allow the wine to flow

from crusher, to press, to barrel.

The Pope Valley Winery was founded in 1897 by Ed Haus as

Burgundy Winery & Olive Oil Factory. A century later in 1997, the

Eakle family, purchased the historic winery and gave it a new life as

Pope Valley Winery. In 2009, the next generation

Eakles stepped in to continue building and furthe

the familys vision for Pope Valley Winery as a

winemaking establishment. Currently siblings, Da

Eakle as winemaker along with consulting wi

maker Shaun Richardson and Diana Eakle Hawk

as general manager, are making great strides

bringing Pope Valley Winery to the next level.

Youll enjoy the drive to the Winery, but the prize comes when you arrive at Pope Valley Win

This isnt just a pretty place; this is where some tr

amazing wine is made. Pope Valley Winery produ

high-quality, handcrafted, single-varietal wines. The winerys viney

include more than 80 acres planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sau

gnon, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel and Merlot. The rich, intense

flavorful wines are created by combining superior fruit and oak ba

aging in the century-old cave. Although located off the beaten tr

Pope Valley Winery has definitely been discovered by wine critics

fact, five medals were awarded to Pope Valley wines at the 2010

Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition alone, including a double g

for the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve.

Come visit Pope Valley Winery and experience more than

years of history. The winery has picnic grounds, a bocce ball co

and a horseshoe pit for guests enjoyment as well as cheese baskets

sale.

To visit Pope Valley Winery, turn left and go back 100 years

6613 Pope Valley Road in Pope Valley. Complimentary and rese

tastings are Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For m

information, visit the website at www.popevalleywinery.com or

(707) 965-1246.

Pope Valley Winery




UPCOMING

January 20

Hall Napa Valley

February 17 Kendall-Jackson

Winery

March 16

Ferrari-CaranoVineyards & Winery


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New San Francisco venue for Grand Tasting and Epicuria

On January 28, The Grand Zinfandel Tasting (held

during the 21st Annual Zinfandel Advocates &

Producers Festival in San Francisco) will take on a fresh

personality with a new home the carpeted, stylishexpanse of The Concourse at 8th and Brannan a

vibrant SoMa neighborhood easily accessible by public

transportation. The move to the spacious Concourse

will allow winery stations to be spread out on different

levels, enabling friendly, interactive conversations

between winemakers and attendees.

Epicuria, ZAPs Zinfandel and food pairing extravaganza, will also

relocate to The Concourse in 2012. The Concourse is conveniently

located in downtown San Francisco, offering not only the ease of

public transportation and lots of cabs, but also ample parking. The

Concourse is ideally suited to the scope and purpose of this magnifi-

cent annual event, says Rebecca Robinson, Executive Director of ZAP.The change from the two warehouses at Fort Mason in past years to

bringing all the Zinfandel winemakers and avid fans under one roof is

wonderful, she adds. We all agree the energy and quality experi-

ence will be amazing.

Also new in 2012 are coordinated tasting events during the days

before the Festival at Beverages & More, K & L Wines, Ferry Plaza

Wine Merchants, Piedmont Grocery, Napa Valley Winery Exchange

and The Press Club.

The 2012 Zinfandel Festival encompasses four compelling events

in San Francisco from January 26, through January 28.

GRAND ZINFANDEL TASTING

on Saturday is the largest andmost enthusiastically received single varietal tasting in the world, with

over 200 wineries pouring more than 600 different Zinfandels. The

new venue at The Concourse allows ZAP to offer more workshops

than ever before on a range of topics such as the differences in the

regions where Zinfandel is grown and different approaches to

Zinfandel winemaking. ZinTracks, an innovative quick-reference

tasting guide, will offer lists of wines by appellation, barrel samples,

old vines, price point, vintage, vineyard designates and farming prac-

tices as well as a few fun and whimsical tracks, such as wine-

makers pets. This allows each attendee to personalize their tasting

experience and leave the Tasting having made numerous discoveries

about the uniqueness of Zinfandel.EPICURIA is the new name for the extremely popular Thursday

evening Zinfandel and food pairing event, which will also take place

at The Concourse. This is an intimate way to explore the magic of

matching food and Zinfandel, whether its Swan Oyster Depots shrimp

cocktail or lamb lollipops from Ruths Chris Steak House. Epicuria is

a way to meet and converse with 50 Zinfandel vintners and 50 San

Francisco Bay Area chefs and restaurateurs whove worked together to

offer very specific food-wine matches. There is no better way to expe-

rience the wide range of Zinfandel styles and the broad scope of food

that Zinfandel can be paired with in a more intimate setting, explains

Robert Biale, President, Zinfandel Advocates

Producers. Epicuria also includes The ZinKitch

where chefs will demonstrate how to prepare t

dishes and explain why it synchronizes so well w

Zinfandel. The ZinKitchen chefs include Chef MDommen and Sommelier Tonya Pitts from One Mar

Restaurant and Chef David Taylor and Somme

Shelley Lindgren from A16.

FLIGHTS is a seminar and tasting during whic

panel of Zinfandel experts will taste along with part

pants and explore the superior quality, terroirs and distinctive cha

teristics of the varietal. For 2012 Flights will take place at the We

St. Francis Hotel in San Franciscos Union Square.

WINEMAKERS DINNER is the lively benefit auction and wi

maker dinner with a Las Vegas theme. Winemakers from 28 renow

wineries pour their Zinfandels for guests during a reception follow

by a live auction of one-of-a-kind Zinfandel-related items ranging frspecial VIP winery experiences and travel, unique Zinfandel-them

art works and rare and large format bottles. At dinner, guests

seated with the winemakers and enjoy the opportunity to conve

ask questions and interact with those responsible for making

worlds finest Zinfandels. Proceeds benefit ZAP programming, edu

tion and Heritage Projects, including UC Davis, Sonoma State Univ

sity and City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts. For 2012 T

Winemakers Dinner will take place at the Westin St. Francis Hote

San Franciscos Union Square.

Tickets and a complete schedule for all four Zinfandel Fest

events are available online at www.Zinfandel.org. Most events sell

weeks before the Festival, so you are encouraged to purchase th

early.

ZINFANDEL

Zinfandel is considered Americas heritage wine because of its

history; plantings of Zinfandel in California represent some of

oldest vineyard plantings in the world adding further to Zinfan

critically important role in the world of fine wine. While the Zinfan

grape originated in Europe, the Zinfandel name is truly America

the earliest documented use of the name was when a Boston nur

owner advertised Zinfandel for sale in 1832. Zinfandel was introdu

to California during the Gold Rush at some point between 1852

1857 and became widely planted because it thrived so well in

states climate and soil. Today, Zinfandel is the third leading wine gr

variety in California, with nearly 50,000 acres planted, according

the 2010 California Grape Acreage Report.

ZINFANDEL ADVOCATES & PRODUCERS

As The Association of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (Z

celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2011, ZAP looks back upo

profound legacy while anticipating a revealing future for Zinfan

Together with historians, growers, producers, researchers

consumers, ZAP is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Zinfan

ZAP Enhances Zinfandel Festival Tasting in 201

Z I N F A N D E L

A DV O C A T E S

& P R O D U C E R S


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while promoting its prospects. ZAP also has funded a number of other

projects, including the development of the Zinfandel Aroma Wheel,

publication of Resource Guide To Zinfandel as well as other educa-

tional events and materials.

JOIN ZAP!Zinfandel Advocates & Producers welcomes Advocate members

as well as wineries! Members come from all walks of life educators,

wine trade, students, professionals, wine drinkers, wine collectors and

those who just love Zinfandel! ZAP members have unique opportuni-

ties to explore Zinfandel, meet other Zinfandel enthusiasts and

discover new wineries. An annual membership is $44 (for two people)

and includes numerous special and behind-the-scenes events and

resources. Members have early entrance to the Grand Zinfandel

Tasting at ZAP's Zinfandel Festival, plus winemaker workshops held

in the exclusive Members' Lounge, as well as ticket savings for

Festival and other events, including cruises, invitations with spe

pricing to wine events, a seasonal eNewsletter with news artic

member stories, recipes, discounts and special offers at selec

wineries and more.

Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan! 3


Continued


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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

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LEDSON HOTELluxuy 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 1-800-541-77888 00 Hi ghway O ne, Bod ega Bay w ww .InnattheTid es.com

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HILTON GARDEN INN

2200 Gateway Court, (707) 426-6

Fairfield www.hiltongardeninn

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316 Pittman Road (707) 864-3

Fairfield www.hiexpress

LONE OAK LODGE

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

1-800-283-5663 www.loneoaklodge

SONOMA COUNTY NORTHERN

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


32

Bottle to be part of history exhibit at Napa Valleys first winery

In time for the 150th anniversary of Napa Valleys first winery this

year, the Peter Mondavi Sr. Family announces a search for the oldest

Charles Krug Winery bottle in existence. Founded in 1861, Charles

Krug Winery is the birthplace of the Napa Valley wine industry and

has been in the Peter Mondavi Family for nearly 70 of its 150 years.

Peter Mondavi Jr. puts his family winerys history in perspective:

Charles Krug was founded the year President Lincoln was inaugu-

rated and the year the Civil War began. At the time, Napa Valley was

essentially the Wild West. Charles Krug first planted Mission grapes

on his St. Helena estate but he soon replanted to European varietals

which he felt would make better wine. Wines made at the time would

have likely included claret, sherry, Madeira, sweet tokay and riesling,

the latter hugely popular with many of the German immigrant

winemakers in Napa Valley in the late 1800s.

Readers are encouraged to scour their wine cabinets, cellars, closets

and caves for Charles Krug wine bottles, empty or full, dating either

from pre-Prohibition or the Peter Mondavi Family era which began

with the 1944 vintage. Bottles deemed contenders will be authenti-

cated by experts in the wine department of Sothebys auction house in

New York. The Peter Mondavi Family may purchase the winning

bottle for display at the winery.

Plans are for an exhibit of historic artifacts from Charles Krug

Winery, which will include a towering 9000-gallon vintage redw

fermentation tank and Charles Krugs original basket press, which

used to crush the first harvest at his fledgling winery. The esta

Redwood Cellar will house the exhibit. The huge structure with

many-gabled roof and impressive belvedere was built by Charles Kin 1873 after his original cellar burned to the ground. On the Natio

Register of Historic Places and a California Historic Landmark,

Redwood Cellar was restored recently to hold the Peter Mond

Familys reserve barrel aging room. The Cellar will eventually ho

the winerys new tasting room and visitors center with construct

beginning in early 2012.

To submit an entry, visit Charles Krug on Facebook expl

about your bottle and post a photo, or send it in an email it

[email protected] by December 31, 2011. Contend

for the oldest bottle will be contacted with next steps.

Charles Krug Winerys 150-year history traces the transformatof the Napa Valley from Wild West to Wine Country destinati

With a legacy of nearly 70 years at Charles Krug, the Peter Mond

Family is dedicated to ecological stewardship in order to preserve

land for their children and future generations. Those efforts

steward the land and preserve the winerys historical legacy are earn

new respect for a family long identified with California wine. To le

more about Charles Krug Winery and the vision of the Peter Mond

Family, visit Charles Krug Winery online.

Search for Oldest Charles Krug Wine Bottle Announce


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The Napa Valley hangs its hat on crafting great wine and food from

farm-fresh ingredients, and in January, more than 50 of the regions

famed restaurants and hotels invite diners to celebrate Napa Valley

Restaurant Month and welcome the new year with 30 days of hand-selected menus and offers.

Michelin-star menus from the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, La

Toque, Solbar and Bouchon cast a spell that adds to offers from culi-

nary greats like Fish Story, Bottega Napa Valley, Coles Chop House,FARM, Brix, Brannans Grill and Mustards Grill to create a magical

culinary adventure worthy of extended exploration.

Highlights of the restaurant offers include prix fixe menus at theRestaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Boon Fly Caf, FARM and Kitchen

Door for $20.12; an indulgent All Truffles menu at La Toque; a two-course lunch with a glass of wine at Brix for $19; half-off all bottled

wines at Fish Story and $1 oysters at Pearl Restaurant.

Whats more, special Dine, Stay & Play lodging packages make iteasy to stay longer. To start your mouthwatering adventure and

explore all of Napa Valley Restaurant Months exciting offers, visit

www.LegendaryNapaValley.com.Following are some highlights of creative collaborations that serve

up both convenience and value for travelers this January:River Terrace Inn presents a Stay and Dine package with Cuve

Restaurant. In addition to dinner at Cuve, guests booking this

package are offered romantic potions fireside, a blankets on thebalcony amenity, cheese board and a bottle of Cabernet. The

following day Indulge Your Senses with a wine tasting at Monticello

Vineyards. Room rates start at $349 per night/double occupancy.

Four Sisters Inns Maison Fleurie and Lavender properties areoffering a Bon Appetit package, starting at $175. The packageincludes a one-night stay; $50 gift certificate to one of the innkeepers

favorite restaurants: Hurleys, Bouchon or Bistro Jeanty; complimen-

tary VIP tasting at V. Sattui Winery; signature Four Sisters Inns break-fast as well as afternoon wine and hors doeuvres. Sister property

Blackbird Inn is offering a Downtown Napa version of the pack

with $50 dining certificate to Allegria or Bounty Hunter, breakfast

afternoon wine and hors doeuvres.

The Grill at Meadowood Napa Valley welcomes guests to enjothree-course lunch with Napa Valley wines paired for $38 per peror a four-course dinner with paired wines for $68 per person. Din

booking a stay at Meadowood on the same evening will enjoy a gu

anteed upgrade to a guest room with a fireplace, a complimenbottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon upon arrival and com

mentary sports (tennis, golf or croquet) during their visit.

Napa Valley Opera House welcomes theatergoers to visit Dowtown Napas cultural capital with 25 percent off of January tickets, p

25 percent off of pre-theater dinner across the street at Carpe DWine Lounge. The nearby Napa River Inn also offers preferred pri

for Opera House ticket-holders throughout the month.

The Harvest Inn celebrates with A Taste of Winter Romanpackage. The offer includes accommodations in a King Vineyard V

room with fireplace; $100 gift certificate to Tra Vigne Restaur

welcome bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon; two 60-minute massages; bof chocolate truffles; wine country breakfast delivered in-room;

complimentary wine tastings for two and more. The package start$469 per night. Minimum two-night stay required.

The historic and comfortable Brannan Cottage Inn has teamed w

several local Calistoga restaurants and wineries to offer two spepackages during Napa Valley Restaurant Month. Both include lod

(one or two nights), and dinner at Flat Iron Grill or Barolo Restaur

and a special wine tour and tasting at either Vincent Arroyo Winer

Lava Vine Winery. The two-night package includes additional winactivities and dining. Rates start at $219 for one night/$459 for nights, per couple.

For additional Napa Valley Restaurant Month offers and lodg

specials, visit www.LegendaryNapaValley.com. Napa Valley RestaurMonth is part of California Restaurant Month.



3

Second Annual Napa Valley Restaurant Month PutsMichelin Stars, Lodging Packages Beyond Par on the Men


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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 and

take 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 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 important new techniques learned from those great

California winemakers over the last 50 years.

This Suisun Valley has been a long-time held secret in the winecountry. 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 rank-

ings and medals from the greatest national and international competi-

tions!

Visit Suisun Valley Wine Country


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Add Jarvis to the Napa Valley

stations for electric car charging.The new charging station,

offering both 220 and 110

charging options, is free for all

visitors to the winery. It is run

completely off Jarviss solar panels

that are hidden in the hills along-

side the winery. The charging

station is located in the parking

meadow with unobstructed views

of the natural beauty of the prop-

erty.

Jarvis Estate Winery, oftenreferred to as the original cave

winery in California, is

completely underground. Most

wineries build caves just for wine

storage but here at Jarvis the

entire winemaking facility isunderground: fermentation tanks,

wine storage and even the admin-

istrative offices. An underground

waterfall and stream keep the

moisture in the cave which is

great for barrel storage.

Green has not replaced red or

white as the most important color

in deciding which wines to buy,

but our wine friends have started

to think about the color green.

Words like bio-dynamics, naturaland sustainable are increasingly

resonating with consumers, not

just because they are only

concerned about health and the

environment, but because they

believe these green methodsmake better wine.

Jarvis is certified Green. The

Jarvis program, administered by

the California Land Stewardship

Institute, has the right to use both

the Napa Green Certified and

Fish Friendly Farming Environ-

mental Certification logos. Jarvis

Estate Winery is always looking

for more ways to protect the envi-

ronment and lead the way in

eco-friendly practices. So, stop

by, charge-up and enjoy some

remarkable Napa Valley wines!

For more information about

JARVIS or its green practices, call

1-800-255-5280, extension 154

or go to www.jarviswines.com.1

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

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | NAPA VALLE

Hungry?Sa h Qr od wih you

SmaPho app o

Pd rsauas

i napa Vally!

N A P AD O W N T O W N

Jarvis Estate Winery Installs New Electric VehicleCharging Station Adding to its Green Practices

William Jarvi

Chevrolet Vo

at the

charging

station


36/80

PRESS Restaurant, St. Helena, makes history as the destination for

the most extensive list of Napa Valley wines to be found at a restaurant

anywhere, with two recent acquisitions led by sommeliers ScottBrenner and Kelli White. Over the past several months PRESS haspurchased more than 2,000 bottles, going to auction twice, to acquire

more than 250 new selections of vintage Napa Valley wines, making

for a total of more than 1,200 different Napa Valley wines available.Selecting the best Cabernets, as well as some whites and sparkling

wines from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Brenner and White have

taken PRESS one giant leap closer to being the repository for rare andolder Napa vintages that PRESS owner Leslie Rudd has envisioned.

Brenner and White who make up the sommelier team for PRESS have attended the two most recent Bonham and Butterfields wine

auctions in order to find the rare and older vintages theyve been

seeking. Before attending the first on June 18th, 2011, the auct

house allowed them to sample some of the wines in advance a

finding them to have excellent provenance, the duo has swept auction twice over the summer. They have acquired legendvintages such as the 70 Mayacamas, 74 Freemark Abbey Bosch Vi

yard, 74 Caymus, 82 Mondavi Reserve and the 62 BV Georges

Latour, upon which both Andre Tchelistcheff and Mike Grgworked, and White describes as in beautiful condition, drinks incr

ibly well. Just magical. However, even with the auction lots,

majority of PRESS verticals have still been sourced directly from wineries themselves, since there is no better guarantee of provena

than the wine coming straight from the winery.The pair also purchases a great deal of older wines from Blic

Pierce in St. Helena (also known as BP wines), who are brokers b

for current market releases as well as private cellars they hpurchased. Stefan Blicker states, As specialists in older vintage wi

of excellent provenance to the countrys top restaurants, we kn

immediately that the addition of Kelli and Scott at Press was a gamchanger. In less than one month, they became BPWines single lar

purchaser of older California wines. Their commitment to buildinglist to this new level is impressive, to say the least!

When asked to explain the characteristics people should look

in aged Cabernets White says Balance, perfume, tastes of earth. Ttannins should soften and integrate into the wine. Young Cabern

are delicious but sometimes the amount of fruit and alcohol

tannin can be too intense for a lot of dishes. Older, dialed back Care often more food-friendly.

Additionally, some claim that with the manipulation and styltion in wineries and vineyards that began in the 1980s such as d

irrigation and picking later for increased ripeness (often resulting

higher alcohol levels) quality has shifted. Now the emphasis is mon immediate drinkability. All I know is there are wines made fr

unsorted bunches of grapes fermented in giant redwood tanks fr

the 40s and 50s that are still drinking beautifully today, while a stling number of big scorers from the high-octane, ber-ripe,

expense-spared vintage of 1997 are already falling apart, states WhBesides Cabernet, Brenner and White also acquired older wh

such as Stony Hill 77 Chardonnay and 78 Gewrztraminer, as wel

other red varietals such as Etude 91 and 99 Pinot Noir and Mar

78 Zinfandel. Admittedly harder to find than Napa Cabs, the somliers say they still had a lot of fun tracking them down.

When asked if she thinks some diners might feel intimidated

such an extensive wine list, featuring so many rare and older vinta

White declares, Yes I do. But thats what sommeliers are for! Trufully, the flavors and aromas that characterize wines of age sim

arent for everyone its up to a wine merchant or sommelier to de

mine what the right fit is for the guests palate, level of interest budget. If you are curious about older wine, lean on the expert

first. Soon you will gain enough knowledge and confidence in whyour tastes lie that you can strike out on your own.


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NAPA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Tasting Room of the Week:

Sequoia Grove Wineryby Michelle J. Baker

Quiz time, Napa Valley fans! What

winery is fun and festive, with a

friendly, engaging staff and some really

staggering wines that will make you

oooh! and ahhh! your way though

whatever tasting you choose? Yes,

indeed, its Sequoia Grove, and if you

havent been by there lately, the time

has come!

Sequoia Grove has been known for

its great Cabernet Sauvignon since the

winery first started in 1978. The Napa

Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which

comprises two-thirds of the winerys

fairly small production, is considered a standard bearer for great NapaValley Cab year in and year out. The winery also produces a couple

of knock-out single vineyard Cabs, particularly the Stagecoach Vine-

yard Cab, which is currently available on the Reserve Tasting men

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