Greetings from beautiful Wine Country
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The New Wine Country - with so much more to offerWe cannot ignore these challenging economic times. We have more than five hundred and fifty wineries between the Napa Valley and Sonoma County looking to stand out from the pack. Many wineries and other venues here in Northern California are recognizing the importance of building relationships with prospective customers. They want to tell their stories in a way that punches through. Often, a unique approach works like a charm. You – the wine buyer or sophisticated wine traveler – have only to gain from the expansion of these hospitality programs in Northern California. Tasting NotesNAPA VALLEYJoseph Phelps Vineyards is out in front with hospitality and educational programs. Their popular programs offer a depth of knowledge and expertise. In about ninety minutes you may learn more how to appreciate great wine, aromatics, or the taste of the appellation. Or would you care to delve into the art of blending. We highly recommend the hospitality program at this modern legacy Napa Valley winery. V Madrone Winery is now hosting tastings and events in the new barrel room. The building is a replica of the historic barrel room constructed in the 1880’s. Chris and Pauline Tilley – who tell some pretty fun stories at their tastings – say the new facility complies with all of the historical standards on the outside, yet inside its state of the art. Big plans are in store for V Madrone’s hospitality program and we’re very pleased to see the success for such a charming couple. Caste llo di Amorosa will continue to book vineyard tours by horse-drawn carriage. It looks as if they’ll be on the calendar through October. You’ll ride past the first schoolhouse in the Napa Valley; then to an 1880’s former stage stop and home to the property’s former owner Colonel William Nash. Mahoney Vineyards, known for rich, beautiful Pinot Noir from the Carneros region, has been at the helm of Taste at Oxbow for a few years now. You can expect more great things to come from the downtown Napa and waterfront region. Taste at Oxbow just expanded its weekend hours on Friday’s and Saturday’s till 9:00 PM! Silverado Vineyards has long been a trend-setter in Napa Valley hospitality. Now, they offer Friday Nights on the Terrace for an opportunity to sip their wines paired with seasonal small bites. Every Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, it’s outstanding wine with a breath-taking sunset view. The program continues to the first week of October. SONOMA COUNTY Michel-Schlumberger, Dry Creek Valley is doing some fine tastings in their recently redecorated Salon. Most impressive is their Library Taste with three fantastic vintages of their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting fee is only $10 per person. If you’ve never been to the Schlumberger property, it is worth every minute for a visit. Richly designed after the historic Spanish missions, this setting will take whatever concern you have in the world and set it aside for blissful moments. Mayo Family Reserve Room has always been at the top of our list since winery president Jeff Mayo and Chef Billy Oliver created what is considered the vanguard of California tasting rooms. All we can say for now is that some changes are underway at the Kenwood venue. The menus continue to receive high praise. My clients last week (a couple from London and couple from Paris) finished the seventh course paired with Mayo Family wine and simply said, “Magnifique!” SPECIAL WINERY EVENTS September 18th & October 9th : Round Pond Estate allows guests to take part in "A Day in the Life " experience with winemaker Brian Brown SPECIAL REGIONAL EVENTS Sonoma County September 4th to 6th Napa Valley September 19th, 20th
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The Tasting Room of the Month:
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Artisan Wine Tours |
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