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AUGUST BRIGGSPAGE 26
ZAP ZINFANDEL FESTIVAPAGE 30PAGE 20
TASTING ROOM OF THE WEE
GRGICH HILLS ESTATEPAGE 38
MENDOCINO CRAB
& WINE FESTIVALPAGE 63
YOUR GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS JANUARY 6, 20
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
4 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co
W
INE
COUNTRY
EVEN
TS
30
W
INEMAKER
PROFILE
67
TASTING
ROO
M
OF
THE
W
EEK
38
ZAP Zinfandel Festiva
Grgich Hills Estat
ONT
HE
COVE
R
20
Paul CliftonHahn SLH Estat
Kendall-Jackson Wine Cente
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT
J A N U A R Y 6 , 2 0 1 2 I S S U E 1 V O L U M E 3 1
ON THE COVER
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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
Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43
Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45
St. Helena Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
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
NAPA VALLEY
ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5 BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House w/ad 31
BOUCHAINE 2 for 1 tasting with ad 25 BRANNAN COTTAGE INN Call for special rates 44 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 25 GOLDEN HAVEN Mud Treatment for 2, $54 per person 3 HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting for 2 with ad 4JESSUP CELLARS Complimentary tasting for two with ad 43 LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 37 OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad 45 PINK MANSION 15% off with ad at check-in 44
RAYMOND WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 6 REATA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 4 RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad BACK PAGE
ST. CLEMENT WINERY2 for 1 tasting 7 ST. SUPRY2 for 1 tasting Monday-Thursday 7 STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box 10 SUMMERS WINES 15% discount with ad 44 TASTE AT OXBOW Complimentary tasting 79 TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 29 WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 33SONOMA COUNTY
ALDERBROOK WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 50 BALLETTO VINEYARDS Complimentary tasting with ad 49 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 CELLARS OF SONOMA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 47 CHATEAU ST. JEAN 2 for 1 tasting with ad 58 FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 Classic Wines tasting with ad 73 FRITZ WINERYMention ad for $5 off wine tasting 48 KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY2 for 1 Reserve Tasting with ad 19 LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS Mention ad for upgraded tasting 59 MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49 RODNEY STRONG Complimentary tasting/20% discount with ad 51 VIANSA WINERY2 for 1 tasting & 10% off purchase with ad 55BAY AREA: TREASURE ISLAND/LIVERMORE
BODEGA WINE ESTATES Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 60 MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 61NORTH CENTRAL COAST
HAHN WINERYComplimentary tasting for two with ad 66 VINE HILL $10 tasting fee waived with ad 66
*See individual ads for details.
Special Coupons
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
8
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Decanting, the process of pouring red wine from its bottleinto a new vessel for the purpose of aeration or separation from
sediment hastens the mixing of air and wine and is usually a
good idea when serving finer wines. Besides the occasions when
you observe sediment in the bottle, the time to decant is when
you have an aromatic red wine that will get more expressive
when it is finally aerated.
Have you ever felt that in the course of going through a bottle
of red wine, or even in the course of finishing just one glass, that
the wine improves over a brief amount of time? Thats because it
is getting an opportunity to open up, or mix with air.
Some people believe that it is best to decant every red wine,
regardless of age or quality. This approach certainly does no
harm and in most cases will bring out the best in the wine
sooner. But most wines today are made to be consumed immedi-
ately, particularly in the price range up to $20 a bottle. For these
wines, aeration will probably not make a noticeable difference.
For finer red wines, with layers of complexity from fruit and
extended oak aging, decanting is a small extra step that will adnot only to the ceremony of wine enjoyment but will most lik
bring out all that the wine has to offer.
Many red wines of significant age, and some young ones, w
have a small amount of sediment at the bottom of the bottle, o
clinging to its side. This is usually a sign of an unfiltered wine
The sediment is simply the natural residue from tannin mole-
cules combining with color pigments in the wine over time an
settling at the base of the bottle. There is no harm in drinking
this residue, but it is not at all pleasant. The objective of
decanting is to enjoy the wine without tasting the harsh bitter
ness of the sediment.
To separate red wine from its sediment, just pour the wine
slowly into a decanter that has an extra wide, round bottom a
a long narrow neck, and stop pouring as soon as you see the
sediment entering the neck of the bottle. You should end up
with a few ounces of wine still in the bottle. The unique shape
the container will expose a large surface area of wine to air an
start the release of its fragrant aromas. Let it stand for at least
minutes before pouring into glasses.
Another way to aerate red wine before consuming it is to fi
the wine glass, or glasses, with wine in advance of drinking it.
This method works well when preparing to serve guests. If
youre setting a dinner table about 30 minutes to an hour inadvance of serving the food, just remember to fill the glasses
with wine at the same time.
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
When is it necessary to decant 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 station.
Todd, the wine buyer, travels far and wide to find top-shelf, affordably priced
wines. Inside, youll find more than 200 different labels neatly arranged in ca
on the floor and an engaging staff who are friendly, attentive and most impor
tantly, they know their wines.
Buzz Despite its funky space, the Wine Garage is a wine lovers best friend.Reminiscent of visiting your favorite record store (yes, kids, once upon a tim
thats where you had to buy your music), the fun is going through all the cas
and finding something youve never heard of. All the wines have been test
driven by the staff, so, whatever you select, you wont be disappointed.
Value Ultimately, the Wine Garage is about value. Its no secret that in NapaValley, its difficult to score a highly rated red for less than $65, but the Wine
Garage manages to do it all the time. The staff takes great pride hunting dow
unusual and lesser-known, limited-production wines and passing their haggl
finesse on to us.
Ten-second summary With the exception of Wine Garage labeled-awardwinning Cabernets, nothing in this hip hideaway is more than $25! The Wi
Garage is stocked with premium, small-lot wines that you wont find at BevM
Trader Joes or your local wine store (plus, they do a better job storing their
wines at the correct temperature).
Best bets In addition to all the labels the Wine Garage represents, they alsoproduce their own lip-smacking blends. My in-house favorites are: 2009 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 they
ship just about everywhere.
Insider If youre a serious wino, get on the inside track for ultra exclusivedeals by hooking up with the Wine Garage on Twitter and Facebook (wine c
members get first crack to cream-of-the-crop finds).
Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
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 31: nw Yas ev ta
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
Seminars & 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
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 Tours
at Raymond VineyardsS. ha, 11am (by app), $15, gup us avaab (by app)
www.aymdvyads.m, 800-525-2659x620
ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Andretti Winerynapa, www.adwy.m, 877-386-5070x227
idvdua tass, $15
Pva Wy tu & tas, $20/ps by appm
Vyad tus, $20/ps by appm
ONGOINGTasting at Grgich Hills Estaterud, 9:30am-4:30pm, tus a 11am & 2pm, $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 Tastingat 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
ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards: Tastings & SeminarsA ppuy papa a wd a x smas. 1
11am day; 2:30pm, Mday-fday & 2pm, Sauday & Suday. $40, x
isa Bd/$60, /w ub mmbs. ta ass day, $2
rSVP, 707-967-3720, das www.jpvws.m
isa Bd W Ama ca
S Vyad cabs fs & Pps
Ba sma
ONGOING
Tours & Tastings at Clos du Valnapa, day 10am-5pm, www.sduva.m, 800-993-9463
cass ass, $10: wavd w puas a b w.
rsv ass, $20: wavd w puas a b w
tus by appm w 24 u adva
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 exus v ca tas t as Byd Bas t havs Jy tu & lu
ONGOINGVIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory TourBuassa Vyads, napa, M-f by appm, $15 md-wk 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 SATURDAYS
Napa Riverwalk with Historian George Webber2 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 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
Ja 18: Baus av Ma Du
Ja 23: rbb fd
Ja 24: tusday n fks, Spbud
Ja 25: iaa gua n Ja 26: A ev w e Js
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 31: nw Yars ev trai
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT
ONGOINGLive at the Lincoln TheaterYuv, www.a.m, 707-944-9900
ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room Winesnapa, 5-9pm, www.bakmws.m, 707-226-1378
D 30: nw Yas Spak Ws tas
Ja 27: Bak rm Bw ou XlV
ONGOING
di 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 31: ozma
Ja 15: DeVo
Ja 20: luda Wams
Ja 27: Ms
Ja 28: tm fay & t lua f
fb 10: ls ly Bys
ONGOING FRIDAYSFriday Night Pulse TastingsAcMe 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 30: n tas Du hdays
ONGOING WEEKDAYS THROUGH JANUARY 6 (EXCEPT TUESDAYS)
Story Time
napa Vay Musum, Yuv, 11am
www.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 16Napa on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink
2d & cmbs S, napa
$12/uds ska a. www.apa.m.
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 29
Dreams of Toyland
napa Vay Musum, Yuv, 10am-5pm
www.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 30
Napa Valley: The People and the Landscapes
V Ba Papy exb
napa Vay Musum, Yuv, 10am-5pm
www.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500
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 30
Abstract Visions,
A Brett Weston Retrospective at Turnbu
tubu W cas, oakv, A mpsv xb ba
100 bday. www.tubuWs.m, 707-963-5839x15
DECEMBER 31
New Years Eve Dinner
Dma cad, Yuv, 6pm
www.ad.m, 707-944-2280
JANUARY 13-15
2nd Annual Napa Truffle Festival
Ws Vasa, napa, www.apausva.m, 888-360-8618
JANUARY 14
Family Fun Day: Celebration of Chinese New Year
Mak Da Pap las
napa Vay Musum, Yuv, 2-4pm, $5
www.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500
8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Jan 6, 2012
14/8014 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT
CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
JANUARY 20An Evening with the Artist: Vi Bottaronapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 5:30-7:30pm
www.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500
JANUARY 21-22Cooking Classes: Robbie Burns Weekendcda gabs i, napa
www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969
JANUARY 28
V. Sattui Barrel Tasting PartyS. ha, www.vsau.m, 707-963-7774
JANUARY 28Cooking Classes: Cooking the New Year Awaycda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160
www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969
JANUARY 28Exploring and Capturing Light on the LandscapePapy Wksp w V Ba
napa Vay Musum, Yuv, 2pm
www.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500
ONGOING
Live Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Sma
www.ds.m, 707-996-9779
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
ONGOING
Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar IntroducesThematic Wine Programh a a w maks. Pus, a tusday, 6:30-8pm by w-
ds. t ld a Sma, rSVP, www.dasma.m, 707-931-2042
ONGOINGVineyard Walk & Photography Workshop
at B.R. Cohn Winery
g e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbs
www.b.m, 707-931-7924x123
ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tasting
at B.R. Cohn Winery
g e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbs
www.b.m, 707-931-7924x123
ONGOING
Private Wine Tastingsat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
hadsbu 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, 707-433-6700
ONGOINGGroup 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
ONGOING
Wine 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 pawww.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 Vyad.
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 $20www.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, 707-935-8311ONGOING
Cooking 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
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
ONGOINGSpreckels Performing Arts Centerr Pak, 707-588-3400, www.spks.m, 707-588-3400
ONGOINGLive Shows at Hopmonk TavernSbasp, www.pmk.m, 707-829-7300
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
Ja 21: AlBino!
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
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 8Gabrielle Teschner Exhibit: Nothing et al.Va Ma lambx Wy, hadsbu, 11am-5pm
www.vmw.m, 707-431-4404
SONOMA COUNTY
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 15
Minutely Personal
Qua gay, Duas Ms, www.Qua-gay.m, 707-865-0243
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 31
Ann Hollister Exhibit at Charles Creek Winery
Sma, 11am-6pm, www.ask.m, 707-935-3848
ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Estate Olive Oil, Vinegar & Wine Tasting at
B.R. Cohn Winery
ov Sas Sma Vay, 11am-5pm
g e, www.b.m, 707-931-7923
ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Tour & Taste at The Olive Press
ov Sas Sma Vay
Sma, www.vpss.m, 707-939-8900
ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Artisan Olive Oil Tasting
ov Sas Sma Vay
fs caa, Kwd
www.v.m, 707-938-3164
ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28Olive Trees in Sonoma State Historic Parkov Sas Sma Vay
Sma Mss, Sma, www.paks.a.v, 707-939-9560
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-WineDECEMBER 26-31
Big Bottles for Big Occasions at Chateau St. Jean
Kwd, 10am-5pm
www.aausja.m, 800-543-7572
DECEMBER 26-31Celebrate the Last Days of DecemberMaazas ck Wy, Saa rsa, 10am-4:30pm
www.maazask.m, 800-590-6464
DECEMBER 31New Year's Eve at
Centre du Vin: Jess Petty Duo
lds h, Sma, 9pm-md
www.ds.m, 707-996-9779
JANUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 12Olive Oil Tasting at Ledson Winery
ov Sas Sma Vay
Kwd, www.dswy.m, 707-833-2330
JANUARY 5Backstreet Cultural Museum Non Profit DayW & cs rp, 6-8pm
epua c, Sma
www.pua.m, 707-935-7960
THURSDAYS SUNDAYS JANUARY 6-22The 39 Steps 6th Street PlayhouseSaa rsa, 707-523-4185
www.6spayus.m
JANUARY 6Artist Reception with Kareem Assabepua c, Sma, 6-8pm
www.pua.m, 707-935-7960
JANUARY 8Three Kings Day at Gloria Ferrer
Sma, 4-5pm, $10, ud 10/, www.a.m, 707-933-199
JANUARY 8Dream Day Bridal ShowDub h, r Pak, 11am-4pm, 707-579-5886
8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Jan 6, 2012
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8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Jan 6, 2012
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT
MARIN COUNTY
ONGOINGMarin Center in San Rafaelwww..ma.a.us, 415-499-6800
D 31: Bs Sa fas cmdy cmp
Ja 7: lv2Da, Mx i Mw
Ja 9, 12: Ma Spak Ss, rad haass
Ja 14-15: Bay Aa Wd gua Sw
Ja 21: Bay A evma edua fa
Ja 21-22: rc Da o Sa Ja 27-29: gm fa
Ja 29, 31: Ma Sympy, Yuu Ba
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
ONGOINGTasting Room TuesdaysSaa cuz Muas Wws Assa, t fam Sa Js, Sa Js
Wy psav w pu & b avaab v ak. 5-7pm
www.am.m, www.smwa.m, 800-441-1414, 831-685-8463
JANUARY 7-8Wedding Faire & SymposiumSaa caa cv c, Saa caa
10am-4pm, $15, $12/adv, www.wdd-a.m
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
ONGOING
Tastings at PrimaWau ck, www.pmv.m, 925-735-7780
f: 5:30-7pm, $20, $10/mmbs
Sa: 3-5pm, $20, $10/mmbs
DECEMBER 31New Years Eve Wine Pairing, Dinner & Dancinghaa n Vyads, Bwd, $125
www.vws.m, 925-240-2463
LIVERMORE
ONGOINGBankhead Theatrelvm Vay Pm As c, lvm
www.vmpmas., 925-373-6800
D 30: B fa Kss o XiX
D 31: nYe: fas cada
Ja13: g Ws
Ja 14: B Bad Vd Daddy
Ja 21-22, 27-29: A
Ja 24: iaa gua n
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
ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 26Printmaking by Edmee Keeleesa Wy tas rm, W Vyads, lvm
www.wvyads.m, 925-456-2305
JANUARY 28-29Soup & Wine SOUPerbowl Weekendfsa Wy, lvm, 12-5pm
www.sawy.m, 925-447-5246
ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmelcam, www.sus.m, 831-620-2048
Ja 14: t Ks t
Ja 20: t Pk Abas
Ja 22: c 3: cassus gud iba & r
Ja 29: isa camb Pj
fb 2: Psva ha Jazz Bad
ONGOINGLive at Golden State TheatreMy, www.dsaa.m, 831-372-3800
fb 23: Ba Maa pss hd Pa
ONGOING FRIDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 30
Fromage 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
ONGOINGLive Music at KRML Radiot easwd Bud, cam, www.kmad.m, 831-624-6432
ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSSweet Thursdays at Cannery RowMy, famy u, mus, d & a dsus, 4-8pm
831-649-6690
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
DECEMBER 28 - JANUARY 8Buddy Holly Tribute ConcertPa rpy ta, www.pap.
gd Bu, cam, 831-622-0100
DECEMBER 31New Years Eve Celebrationi a Spas Bay, Pbb Ba
www.pbbba.m
JANUARY 14Barrel Tastings & Futures Open Housecaau Ju W esa, cam Vay, 11am-4pm
$15, mmbs/, www.aauju.m, 831-624-2600
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 22
Wine & Crab Taste-OffSaa cuz Muas Wws Assa
Vs papa sauas! 2-5pm, $49
www.smwa.m, 831-685-8463
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
ONGOINGThursday Night Music SeriesBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pm
www.ba.m, 831-475-2258x11
JANUARY 21Winter Passport Day
Saa 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
Ja 21: Sauday n D
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
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
ONGOINGSacramento River Trainwww.saamva.m, 800-866-1690
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 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 1-6pmlv mus 2-5pm, www.wawkwy.m, 707-428-6977
D 31: Av ad hs A Sa Bad Ja 7: t lw Dw Dy Ds
Ja 14: t ty Ss Bad
DECEMBER 26-27SVVGA Anniversary CelebrationSusu Vay Vs & gws Assa
Vs papa ws! 12-5pm
www.susuvayws.m, 707-864-0730
NORTH CENTRAL COAST
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
SOLANO COUNTY
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.
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18/80Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT
WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
18
Berthoud Winery Releases New Estate Bottled
Bordeaux Blend Named Ursus Minor
The boutique, family-owned and operated, Berthoud Winery in
Sonoma has flown quietly under the radar since its inaugural vintagein 1998, but with the release of their 2003 Ursus Minor they have
decided to go public. Owner/Winemaker Mike Berthoud
(pronounced bear two) announced the release of the estate bottledwine which is a Bordeaux blend comprised of 75 percent Cabernet
Sauvignon, 14 percent each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot alongwith 1 percent each of Malbec and Petite Verdot. Only 152 caseswere produced and the wine sells for a retail price of $24 a bottle.
The wine can be purchased by going to www.berthoudwinery.comand at the Mayo Family Winery in Glen Ellen and local Sonoma
retailers.
Berthoud Winery is distinctly a family affair, but one with a solidpedigree. Mike Berthoud received his degree in Viticulture and
Enology from the University of California at Fresno. He worked at
Chateau St. Jean under the directorship of Dick Arrowood, who tookBerthoud along with him when he opened his own winery. Berthoud
served as winemaker for Arrowood Vineyards and Winery for 15years. In 2004 he took over the reins as winemaker for Mayo Family
Winery, where he continues to work even while he runs his own
Berthoud Winery.Berthoud points to his parents as the source of his love of the
wine life. His French Swiss father Claude, and his Dutch mother
Ann came to America as immigrants. They settled in Sonoma and bythe time Mike Berthoud was 11 years old, he was already working in
the family vineyard and helping his dad make wine. They say aboutme n dans la cuve which means I was born in the vat, he explains.
Growing up, my parents taught me that life was about family, food
and friends and that wine was just a part of that life. Every year atharvest, my Dad would set the day for picking and dozens of friends
would come to help. When we finished, my Mom would serv
giant meal and everyone would eat and drink wine. This thonored tradition continues at Berthoud Winery to this day.
Berthoud Winerys current releases include the 2003 Ursus Miat $24 per bottle, the 2004 Ursus at $36 per bottled and a 2
Syrah at $24 per bottle. All of the wines will likely benefit from m
aging, but they are soft and supple and ready to drink now.In addition to the red wines, Berthoud Winery makes one w
wine: Chasselas Dor. Chasselas is the most widely planted wgrape in Switzerland, but remains virtually unknown in the Un
States. Berthoud discovered a small block of Chasselas, planted
1904, growing on the Pagani Ranch. Mindful of his Swiss herit
he contracted to purchase the entire block which yielded a patwo tons of grapes. Chasselas Dor is made to emulate the best w
of Switzerland. The wine is clean, crisp, low in alcohol with an eso-slight hint of effervescence. It carries the flavor of ripe nectar
and peach with a crispness that must be experienced to apprecBerthoud Winery Chasselas Dor sells for $25 per bottle and
than 120 cases are produced annually.
The Berthoud family saga continues into the third generat
Mikes wife Shawn runs the office and helps with punch doduring harvest. Son Alec helps in the vineyard and with bottling.
daughter Kayla is in her fourth year at UC Davis in Viticulture
Enology. She spent last summer interning at Gloria Ferrer Winand plans on a future career in winemaking. Mike says he tried
talk her out of winemaking as a career. Kayla responded, I like
way you live, Dad.Mike Berthoud is a highly respected winemaker with 28 year
professional winemaking experience at some of Sonomas mrenowned wineries. Berthoud Winery is his singular, artisa
personal project. The wines are unique, delicious and very r
Berthoud wines are available for sale at the Mayo Family Wintasting room in Glen Ellen located at the corner of Highway 12
Arnold Drive. You may also arrange to purchase the wines di
from the winery by visiting their website www.berthoudwinery.c
Berthoud WineryThe Family Winery with a Pedigree
8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Jan 6, 2012
19/80 1www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEW
Top Sonoma Valley Restaurants/Bartenders
Vie to Create Best New MartiniSaddles Restaurant at MacArthur Place will host the Sonoma
Valley Olive Seasons ever-popular Martini Madness event on Friday,
January 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., sponsored by Skyy Vodka. Visitors and
locals can see master martini makers in action, sample their creations
and vote for the best-mixed martini.
Bartenders from Sonoma Valleys top restaurants and bars will
present their best martini blends at this olive-inspired affair that also
includes live music and delicious appetizers. Participating restaurants
and bars include: Saddles Steakhouse, the girl & the fig, El Dorado
Kitchen, Maya Restaurant, ESTATE, Sonoma Meritge Martini Oyster
Bar & Grill, Sant Restaurant at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn,
Marys Pizza Shack and Murphys Irish Pub.Saddles Steakhouse at MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is located at 29
East MacArthur Street in Sonoma.
Martini Package tickets are $40 per person ($45 at the door if
available); Dinner Package tickets are $85 and include Martini
Madness plus a three-course dinner at Saddles (excludes gratuity).
Also available is the Martini Madness MacArthur Place lodging
package, which offers overnight accommodations at the hotel
$199 for a Guestroom or $299 for a Suite. (Room tax and MarMadness tickets not included).
To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.olivefestival.co
Tickets are also available online at www.macarthurplace.com. C
on the Dining tab.
Season of the Olive favorites slated to return this season incluthe highly-anticipated Feast of the Olive Dinner on January 28
Ramekins Culinary School. This multi-course, olive-inspired cemonial dinner prepared by Sonoma Valleys finest chefs, is one of
Seasons anchor events and is a food-lovers paradise. Then, fr
February 17-20, the Season of the Olive will culminate with Olive Season Finale Weekend, a magnificent celebration of spe
events, dinners and tastings, including VinOlivo, an evenepicurean showcase that includes live entertainment and Sonoma Valley Marketplace; and Olive Odyssey, a two-day af
held at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, where olive expert Don Landis olive curers from all over California convene to offer samp
recipes, lessons and delicious olive-themed food and wine pairin
For a comprehensive calendar of Season of the Olive events, vthe official website at www.olivefestival.com.
The Sonoma Valley Olive Season Celebrate11th Annual Martini Madness on January 13
8/3/2019 Nor Cal Edition Jan 6, 2012
20/8020 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co
FEATURE STORY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
by Josh Stein
It requires a certain kind of vision to take
the mantle of leadership at Napa Valleys firstand oldest winery, Charles Krug. Epony-
mously named for the twenty-seven-year-old
Prussian who founded it in 1861, CharlesKrug, the man, was an innovator many times
over: he opened the first tasting room in Cali-fornia in 1882. He introduced the cider press
to winemaking, making it considerably easier
to press wines and separate liquids from
solids. A true pathbreaker, he made carefulstudy and selection of rootstock, varieties and
vineyard locations, a total rarity in the nine-teenth and even into the middle twentieth
centuries. Over time, the winery fell intoother hands and was eventually far worse for
wear which is where the Peter Mondavi Sr.
Family came into the picture during WorldWar Two.
Anyone seeking to work with this partic-
ular winery must have dedication topreserving the historical birthplace of Napa
wine while also being open to making thebusiness, the vineyards, the production
processes themselves better along the way,
and it should come as no surprise that thepatriarch of the family which has managed
the winery the longest, seventy years andcounting, also is known for his vision, and he
simply continued on his own familys tradi-
tion of innovation in the wine business. PeterMondavi, Sr.s father, Cesare, emigrated from
Italy in 1906 and came to Lodi during Prohi-
bition, building a successful grape- and fruit-shipping business and partnering in Sunny
St. Helena Winery (now Merryvale). Hepurchased the Charles Krug Winery in 1943
for $75,000, revitalizing it from its Prohibi-
tion-era neglect. One could say the future ofNapa as the Napa Valley hung in the
balance of that purchase, though no one real-
ized it at the time.Peter took over as President in 1966, and
his efforts have resulted in enological, viticul-tural, and marketing revolutions, which
include the vintage-dating of varietal wines;
cold fermentations of white wines; coldsterile filtration of wines; leading the planting
of Carneros to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
varieties; conducting fermentations in smallFrench oak barrels; producing the first
winery newsletter, Bottles & Bins, in 1949;and creating the annual Tastings on the Lawn
concert series in 1951, the first wine industry
tasting events for the general public. Forthese successes and more, Peter was justly
named by the Napa Valley Vintners Associa-tion as one of its twelve Living Legends in
1999. He modestly says, We worked at it.
We did a lot of research in our day. And forthose efforts, Governor Jerry Brown
proclaimed September 10th, 2011 as
Charles Krug Winery Day.Change, in the name of better wines,
continues to this day with the next generationof Mondavis leading the way. Peters sons,
Marc and Peter, Jr., have just completed a
nine-year, $22-million initiative to replantmore than four hundred acres of estate prop-
erty and upgrade the winery to twenty-first-century equipment. Those upgrades in
combination with new winemaker Stacy
Clarks vision are already producing distinc-
tion: the current 2008 releases have receiva slew of 90+ scores and Gold, Double Goand Best of Class awards. Produced fr
eleven vineyards and encompassing f
AVAs Carneros, Howell MountainHelena, Yountville across 850 acres,
wines are clearly amongst the best the Valhas produced. Balance and structure in
name of wines for the dining room table
always the goal, says Peter, Sr.: When yhave a nice dinner, you want a wine tha
drinkable, but wont overpower it.
The various wine tiers carry out thideals. The Napa Valley and Carneros relea
all are made for food and include CaberSauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot N
Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. The Fam
Reserve Generations utilizes special vineyblocks, and the Vintage Selection Caber
Sauvignon is the flagship bottling, o
having been produced in special years si1944. The Limited Release bottlings
small-lot, one-hundred-to-five-hundred-cwines only available directly from the win
and display a real sense of adventure. Thare several different Cabs including the vspecial 150th Anniversary Cab in 1.5 l
magnum bottles. Limited Release selectioincluding the ever popular Zinfandel Port,
sold exclusively through the tasting room a
online.The tasting options for these win
current releases, Reserve and Limi
releases, and a special Barrel Tasting, all tplace, literally, inside of history. The pr
ertys layout still echoes Krugs choices, athe train tracks which run through the pr
erty harken back to how wineries survi
during Prohibition: shipping grapes natially for legal home winemaking. As y
wander, youll see the original cider pr
wine bars made from the same redwoodthe tanks, and lots of historical artifacts.
The many-gabled Redwood Cellar wbuilt by Krug himself in 1872 after his o
inal burned to the ground. Now on
National Register of Historic Places andCalifornia Historic Landmark, the new
Charles Krug WineryOne Hundred Fifty Years (and Counting) at the Napa Valley Vanguar
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATUR
restored building holds the state-
of-the-art barrel room, holding
the Family Reserve wines and
serving as the location for special,
ninety-minute barrel tastings. As
Peter, Jr. says, Youre in the roomwhere wine is aging in oak
barrels, and youre trying winethat came from those barrels.
Artisinal cheeses are provided to
accompany this very unique
tasting experience, and it is
limited to eight people at a timeto ensure its educational value.
As you can tell, the winery has
never shied away from trying new
things nor going where others
cannot or will not go; befitting the
enormity of a 150th anniversary,
the winery has been conducting asearch for the oldest pre-Prohibi-
tion or Peter Mondavi Family-era
(1944 onwards) bottle of Charles
Krug wine. While this quest is not
yet complete, several very old
bottles have been located. Thewinery will be announcing the
results soon check in with them
at the tasting room for the latest
insider updates on the search.
Think about how few wineries
anywhere could even contem-plate such a quest; its quite
impressive to basically be
conducting two at the same
time one for the oldest bottle
produced by the man himself and
one for the oldest produced by
the propertys longest runningcaretakers.
And that really is what
todays and tomorrows
Charles Krug Winery is all about.
The family doesnt want to forget
its past, they celebrate it in fact,but it also seeks to move ahead to
new ways of growing and making
even better wines while creating
new chapters in their four gener-
ations of owning the Charles
Krug Winery. Go taste for your-
self and see why wine lovers havebeen coming to Charles Krug
Winery since the nineteenth
century. Enjoy!
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22
by Josh Stein
Fre Wines, Americas largest and best-selling producer of alcoh
removed wines, is celebrating twenty years of safe driving a
thoughtful entertaining unseparated from grown-up tastes. Indeed,
idea behind the releases has always been about fun times a
connecting people through enjoyment: One thing about wine is
way that it brings people together. It tends to create experiences.
wines allow for sophisticated and festive drinks for all social events
The philosophy behind Fre has been designed in accordance w
the principle to provide those who cannot imbibe sixty-seven milldesignated drivers, pregnant women, athletes or those who socia
without alcohol for medical, religious or cultural reasons with wi
that let them enjoy themselves even without the alcohol. Some mi
think that in making this change, the taste must go with, but given
producers long history of providing wines consumers actually w
and enjoy, the Fre line of wines simply continues what people h
come to expect, meaning not sacrificing flavor in the glass, and they
done so by not treating the alcohol removal as a batch indust
process. Rather, on a barrel-by-barrel basis, each small lot of wine
produced, guaranteeing a product far different from anything else
the market. No water is used in this process, either what you get
the flavors and aromas from the vine absent just one of the product
fermentation.
The process by which the wines are produced came originally fr
Australia and is known as the the spinning cone. Fed into the top
a long, thirteen-foot column and then flowing over a series of spinn
and stationary cones, centrifigal force spreads the wine out into a t
liquid film, which then comes into contact with nitrogen gas from
bottom of the cone. The aroma and flavor compound are protected
way while the alcohol itself is removed, creating fruity, flavor-fil
finished wines.
The resulting award-winning releases provide a range of optio
drawing as they do on more than 7,000 acres of California vineyarVarietally, there is a light, crisp Chardonnay; a soft, red-fruited Mer
and a lively, fruity White Zinfandel. For those who like blends,
Premium Red offers oaky black fruits while the Premium White gi
tropical citrus in the glass. Knowing that bubbles make all occasio
special, there is also a sparkler a refreshing Brut made with the tra
tional blend. Fre Alcohol Removed Wines are available for complem
tary tasting at the historic Sutter Home tasting room, the Trinchero N
Valley tasting room, and the Folie a Deux & Napa Cellars tasting roo
Thanks to Fre Wines, designated drivers can still enjoy the comp
wine experience but without effects of alcohol.
Fre WinesThe Complete Wine Experience
Without the Alcohol
Fre Alcohol Removed Wines are
available for complementary tasting
at the historic Sutter Home tasting room,
the Trinchero Napa Valley tasting room,
and the Folie a Deux & Napa Cellars
tasting room.
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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
24 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co
by Bunnie Finkelstein
My mother always told me I would
marry a poet, and sure enough, my
talented husband, Art, created liquidpoetry, as Robert Louis Stevenson coined
it. This sparked my interest in both forms,
drinkable and readable.
Who hasnt felt the need for rapturous
declarations when sipping a superlative
glass of wine? Wine label descriptions
certainly try to coax us into a certain level
of engagement. Put two and two together,
and it was clear that the wine business
needed to bring poets to the table!
With this exciting idea swimming in my
head, we launched the First Ever Judds
Hill Poetry Contest in 1999. We solicited
poems from family and friends, and were
thrilled with the response from Grandma,
Sister, Wine Writer and a couple of real,
honest to goodness Professional Poets. We
entrusted the contest judging to our dear
friend Jane Hall, who had developed the
poetry publication Coracle, and the seed
sprouted.
Deciding that Professional Poets were
the target candidates for our poetrycontest, I started spending our only adver-
tising dollars on ads in poetry journals for
each years contest. The exquisite results
can be read on our website,
www.juddshill.com. Click on Recipes, Art
and Video to get to the Poetry folder, and
enjoy these many fine poems.
When Judds Hill moved from the
eastern hills of St. Helena to our current
location on the Silverado Trail, the poetry
contest slipped through the cracks. Oh
woe, another sad story of how art suffers!
But, we are back on track and are
attracting the most wonderful words and
images from dear and brilliant poets
around the country.
Please think of submitting a poem to us
when the muse has you enthralling over a
glass of wine, the glory of grapes or eve
the unique qualities of a corkscrew (see
2005 Poems). All of us at Judds Hill se
you best regards, and an invitation to v
so we can further inspire you with ourform of poetry.
Judds Hill Winery is located at 2332
Silverado Trail, Napa. Bunnie, Judd and
Holly Finkelstein represent two genera-
tions of Napa vintners. Their philosoph
one that focuses on an intimate and
personal approach, which is why they
have limited their annual production to
less than three thousand cases a litera
drop in the bucket of Napa Valley wine
Their tasting room is open from 10 a.m
4 p.m daily. In addition to their casua
seated wine tastings, they offer Bottle
Blending sessions, all by advance appo
ment. So, be sure to call ahead, (707)2
2332. Visit their website at
www.juddshill.com for more informatio
To life and to Art!
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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
26
by Josh Stein
How do you help those who have helped you to succeed in the
wine business? Well, if youre August Joe Briggs, when you decide
to move on from the wine business into some well-deserved relax-
ation with your wife, you do so by letting your nephew, Jesse Inman,
and three key, longtime employees, Colette Milliman, Lisa Salling and
Matt Gacso, buy the business. Joe got his start like a lot of others in
the Napa Valley: armed with a degree in enology from Fresno State,
he started by working for others as a consulting winemaker before
striking out on his own. In 1995, he produced his first wines under
his own label, and in 2002, he took the leap of faith to buy the land
for the winerys first location on the Silverado Trail. At the end of
2010, Generation Two took over, relocating the tasting room in the
process.
The winerys philosophy was very simple but definitely against the
norm at the time: find the best grapes in the best vineyards in Napaand Sonoma and make the best wines possible from them and not
just the usual suspects, either. Joe determinedly sought out unusual
but terrific varieties, making a name for his seldom-seen-elsewhere
Charbono along the way. Today, these ideas are well represented
throughout the North Coast, but two decades ago, they most definitely
were not. The belief was that unless you owned it, you couldnt make
the best wine from it, and if it was not one of three or four varieties,
why make it? Clearly, neither need be the case nor in the recipe for
success since August Briggs has seen loads of accolades for its rare
bottlings of Pinot Meunier, Petite Sirah, Syrah and the Wishes red
blend all available either only in the tasting room and/or to c
members.
The August Briggs brand was built by focusing on restaura
where a single-vineyard approach to food-friendly varietals was w
received and appreciated for its cuisine-matching ability. Today,
winery produces 4,000 cases spread amongst sixteen different sin
vineyard bottlings, including four Pinot Noirs, three Cabernet Sa
gnons, two Petite Sirahs and two Chardonnays plus the renow
Charbono and bottlings of ros, Syrah and Zinfandel, as well as
ultra-rare Pinot Meunier, seldom seen except in sparkling wines. A
each, as Colette is known to say when asked in the tasting room,
the vineyard and appellation shine through.
Without a doubt, the new space is perfect for wine tasting. Seek
to be even more in the thick of good things, this second iteration
August Briggs has placed itself in the heart of downtown Calist
The new digs put you steps from world-class restaurants and tas
rooms no need to move the car since theres a lot going on arouyou. Jesse says it best, Our new creekside setting, convenient lo
tion and onsite parking make it the perfect place for sharing
limited production wines. Not to mention the special space ne
before available for wine club members, who get first and so
times only access to very special single-vineyard bottlings.
The tasting room is definitely a cut above the Valley norm. On
given day, two, three or even all four of the now-owners are on
pouring the wines. Why change what works? In the same v
August Briggs has been well known as a producer of excellent wi
and that legacy has continued no surprise since Jesse has b
August BriggsGeneration Two Is Moving Full-Steam Ahead in Downtown Calistog
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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEW
2
winemaking beside his uncle for a number years, so theyve been
his wines for a while now. And theres lots to choose from, which is
always the operating methodology of the winery: why make only a
couple of bottlings when there are so many vineyards producing
fantastic fruit from which to make wine? And why produce what
everyone else does? Part of the fun is making what others cannot or
will not!
Equally, tasting through four different Pinot Noirs, sourced from
four very diverse locations in Carneros, Napa, the Russian River and
the Sonoma Coast, or three different Cabs from Dry Creek, Napa and
Sonoma Valleys, is really unique even today. Since the owners are
there, the passion is apparent with every pour, and since these are the
folks who have been with the winery all along, they know best what
has worked to keep things fun and lively. Generation Two is nowmostly adjusted to their new roles, but Lisa is still amazed at the
huge complement Joe paid the four of them when he let them keep
doing what we love, but spend some time around these folks and
youll see it wasnt an accident. Come visit August Briggs yourself and
taste the wide-ranging goodness the four ex-employees and now-
owners are happy to share with you: journey to Calistoga and taste
their success yourself. Enjoy!
August Briggs is located at 1307 Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga,
pen daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (707)
942-4912.
UPCOMING
January 20
Hall Napa Valley
February 17 Kendall-Jackson
Winery
March 16
Ferrari-CaranoVineyards & Winery
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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
Art ~ Wine ~ Education at 140
Northern Sonoma County WineriesOn January 14 and 15, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., more than
140 wineries in Dry Creek, the Russian River and Alexander
Valley in Northern Sonoma County will roll out the red carpet to
welcome guests to one of the most beautiful wine growing regions
on the planet. Its a true celebration of wine, education and the
arts. Now in its 20th year, this popular event has become a tradi-
tion for so many people who want to celebrate the beginning of
the new year with fine wine and food.
While the vineyards throughout Sonoma County might be
dormant all winter, the Wine Road shakes the cold weather blues
with this annual Winter Wineland event and invites guests tocreate their own journey through Wine Country, discovering new
wines, speaking with special artists in residence, viewing art
installations and learning about vineyard practices throughout the
area.
The event showcases this regions reputation for inspiring
creativity by highlighting the many artists that call this region
home. It also honors the art and history of winemaking, giving
guests behind-the-scenes access to the people, practices and wines
that make Wine Road one of the most exciting destinations in
California.
For those who are long-time fans of this portion of Northern
California, or are lucky first-time visitors, this is a unique oppor-tunity to experience a very special time of the year in wine county.
The pace is unhurried, the holidays are past and the entire valley
is relaxed but, also enthusiastic about what the 2012 growing
season and harvest might bring. It is a time of anticipation, a time
to sample wines many of them bottlings or labels that are new
to you and to share them with friends, even friends you have
not met before. One thing you will hear over and over again from
those who have been to this magical weekend is that they have
remained friends with people they had met in a tasting room, who
share a common appreciation for fine wine, the wine country
lifestyle and the gracious good humor of a tasting rooms hospi-
tality. What better gift could that be?
Tickets include tastings and viewings at all participating
wineries, including some wineries that are not usually open to the
public. Prices range from $35 to $55 (plus sales tax) and advance
ticket sales end January 9. If you are a designated driver you can
still enjoy all of the fun but no wine and your ticket is only $5.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to
www.wineroad.com, or contact Beth Costa at 1-800-723-6336.
Free maps are available. You can also visit the Wine Road on
Twitter and Facebook.
20th Annual Winter Wineland
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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, stylish
expanse of The Concourse at 8th and Brannan a vibrant SoMa neigh-
borhood 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 tobringing 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 and
most enthusiastically received single varietal tasting in the world, with
over 200 wineries pouring more than 600 different Zinfandels. Thenew 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 Thursdayevening 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 ZinKitchen, where chefs will demonstrate how
prepare their dishes and explain why it synchronizes so well w
Zinfandel. The ZinKitchen chefs include Chef Mark Dommen
Sommelier Tonya Pitts from One Market Restaurant and Chef Da
Taylor and Sommelier Shelley Lindgren from A16.
FLIGHTS is a seminar and tasting during which a panel
Zinfandel experts will taste along with participants and explore
superior quality, terroirs and distinctive characteristics of the varie
For 2012 Flights will take place at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in
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 fr
special VIP winery experiences and travel, unique Zinfandel-themart 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
ZAP Enhances Zinfandel Festival Tasting in 201
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1857 and became widely planted because it thrived so well in the
states climate and soil. Today, Zinfandel is the third leading wine grape
variety in California, with nearly 50,000 acres planted, according to
the 2010 California Grape Acreage Report.
ZINFANDEL ADVOCATES & PRODUCERSAs The Association of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP)
celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2011, ZAP looks back upon a
profound legacy while anticipating a revealing future for Zinfandel.
Together with historians, growers, producers, researchers and
consumers, ZAP is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Zinfandel
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.
Zinfandel Advocates & Producers welcomes Advocate memb
as well as wineries! Members come from all walks of life educat
wine trade, students, professionals, wine drinkers, wine collectors
those who just love Zinfandel! ZAP members have unique opportu
ties to explore Zinfandel, meet other Zinfandel enthusiasts discover new wineries. An annual membership is $44 (for two peo
and includes numerous special and behind-the-scenes events
resources. Members have early entrance to the Grand Zinfan
Tasting at ZAP's Zinfandel Festival, plus winemaker workshops h
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.
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PINK MANSIONthe 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
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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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316 Pittman Road (707) 864-3
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www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
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.
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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 YMembership in Vezr Wine Club
When people join the Vezr Family Vineyard wine club, they tend
to not let their membership go. In fact, Vezr has one of the highest
club retentions of all time. There are many reasons to join other thanthe award-winning wine shipments and the benefits that give you VIPstatus and recognition. Theres ambiance that you cannot get anywhere
else, free tastings for up to four people, a private tasting room and club
room onsite, ATV tours, free wine club pick-up parties with live music,exceptional food and wine served right from the barrels.
Winter pick-up parties are usually barrel burning events, roasting
linguica, Hungarian paprika bacon and sausages from all over theworld, accompanied by hearty Zins, some seductive Cabernets, Petite
Sirah and Barrel Room Select Blends. And try roasting smores over theopen fire while tasting some of the finest white and ruby Ports.
At the spring and summer pick-up parties there are outdoor movies,
barbecues and live music in the gardens, either at the Private Ranch orthe quaint Western Village of Mankas Corner. Throughout the year,
there are special concerts and formal dinners. The wine club, due tothe limited production and intimate settings, is anticipated to be
capped at 1,000 members. The club consists of 250 spots for Chief-
tains VIP Chairmens, and 750 Elite members and these two quotasare quickly filling up. Stop by and visit the Vezrs and join either club
at the tasting room or join online at www.vezerfamilyvineyard.com.
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The Family Wineries and Growers of The CoombsvilleVintners & Growers Celebrate Napas Newest Appellation
The Coombsville Vintners & Growers have announced the approvaland designation of Napa Valleys newest sub-appellation, the Coomb-
sville Appellation. The official Coombsville Appellation designationwas made official by the United States Department of the Treasury TTB
on December 14, 2011, and makes Coombsville the Napa Valleys 16th
AVA, or American Viticultural Area.The Coombsville Appellation consists of approximately 11,000
acres and is bound by the Napa River to the west, to the rim of VacaRange on the east, with altitudes ranging from near sea level at the
western edge of the City of Napa, to approximately 1900 feet at Mt.
George in the north. The horseshoe-shaped west-facing ridge of theVaca Range partially encircles the Coombsville area, helping define the
north, east and southern boundaries of this newest viticultural area.
Coombsville AVA is a sub-appellation of the larger Napa Valley AVA
and the multi-county North Coast