Greetings from beautiful Wine Country
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The 2008 Harvest is underwayWe haven’t seen anything like this in a while – a harvest with so many challenges, twists and turns. When you see a winery owner, winemaker, or vineyard manager during your visit, offer a little extra TLC. The 2008 Harvest is underway - Artisan Wine ToursThe 2008 Harvest is underway - with more twists, turns and surprises
Tasting NotesCatch up on news from winery tasting rooms in the North Bay of San Francisco Napa Valley You can’t help but notice the big changes in downtown Napa. With the anticipation of two major hotels opening soon, some wineries are moving their tasting rooms from the country to the city of Napa. One of our favorite Pinot Noir producers, Mahoney Vineyards now has a tasting room on First Street next to Oxbow. Ceja Vineyards has opened a tasting room at 1248 First Stree t, Napa. We can’t wait to see winery general manager Ariel Ceja take to the dance floor for their regular schedule of Salsa lessons on Saturdays. It’s a festive atmosphere at Ceja’s tasting room. Look what’s happening on Larkmead Lane! TheLarkmead Vineyards hospitality center is stunning. Napa Valley architect Howard Backen designed a fluid, bright and airy concept which brings the full feeling of the vineyards and outdoors into the each and every room. Cam Baker’s team has done a superb job with their inviting and engaging visitor program. Terra Valentine on Spring Mountain has rolled out a fun experience with the Reserve Tour and Tasting program. You’ll taste several vintages of wines, including two of their single vineyard cabernet sauvignons. The wines are paired with artisan cheeses selected by one of our favorite cheese mongers in Northern California, John Raymond. The Reserve Tour is available each day at 10:30AM and 2:30PM for $30/person. We’ve been delighted with the way our guests are treated at Elizabeth Spencer on Rutherford Road, one block from the Highway 29 Crossing. The winery now offers a special Appellation Tasting featuring four Cabernet Sauvignons (and a mystery wine), each from a different Napa Valley district. The wines are paired with artisan cheeses. Look for new hospitality programs at Elizabeth Spencer. Sonoma County Gloria Steward tells us that famed winery Jordan has added to the tour and tasting program at their Alexander Valley estate. Now, the winery will offer an extensive tour (two hour) tour of the winery and grounds Monday through Saturday by appointment. You’ll taste current release Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and estate grown extra virgin olive oil. Older vintage Cabernets are also offered in their library. Jordan’s chef will prepare “little tastes” to pair with the wines. Cost is $30 pp. The Library tasting available through October, Monday through Saturday is a comfortable setting with tastings of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and estate olive oil. The wines are paired with artisan cheeses. You’ll also sample older vintage Cabernet Sauvignon from the library. Cost is $20 pp. Chalk Hill Winery, which for years offered visitor programs during the work week now is open for tastings on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, by appointment. We highly recommend the hospitality program here. The Sonoma Valley is alive with new programs for food & wine and wine education. At St. Francis Winery they’ve put it all together with Chef David Bush’s Wine Dining program. Tricia Stock tells us that guests have the chance to relax in the elegance of the St. Francis dining room and try a pre-fixe flight of four wines paired with four delectable food items. The program is available Friday through Sunday and is scheduled through October. Cost is $50 pp. The Wine & Charcuterie program is served al fresco through October and includes wines presented with a beautiful charcuterie plate. Cost is $30 pp and is served Friday through Sunday, between 11:00AM and 4:00PM. Seating is subject to availability and weather conditions. In the Dry Creek Valley, Ferrari-Carano has opened the Enoteca Reserve Tasting Bar in its underground cellar. This new tasting room is gorgeous with the Venetian plaster walls and ceilings, the alabaster pendants, iron and crystal chandeliers, and tasting tables. Combined with the dazzling PreVail room, Ferrari-Carano offers premium wine lovers a first class experience. |
Pam Personette's Tasting Room of the Month: Far Niente, Napa Valley One of the icons of modern day Napa Valley,Far Niente is still receiving rave reviews for hospitality. Find out why in this review by a noted Wine Country consultant. Wine Trails Features:
How does one build on a reputation forged over 150 years? Sixth generation winery president Jeff Bundschu, family, and staff recently celebrated the rich history of the Sonoma Valley’s Gundlach Bundschu Winery. Sonoma photo-journalist William Cooley produced this lively interview with Jeff as he recalls the wild days of Gun Bun marketing.
This Hispanic family is changing the face of California winemaking. They were just kids working in the fields as migrant laborers when they met. It was love at first sight and together they forged a life-long plan that would see a dream come true. The Ceja family has elevated hospitality in Wine Country. Food & wine writer Jim Claus sits down for lunch with winery founders, Pedro and Amelia Ceja. Collector's Corner : Wine Recommendations by Michael Traverso of Traverso's Food & Liquors2005 TRIONE CHARDONNAY RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2006 THE FIVE RUSSIANS RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2006 FOUR BEARS NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON SPECIAL Traverso's Gourmet Foods has been a Sonoma County fixture for over seventy-five years, offering the highest quality and selection of domestic and imported food, wine, and liquors since 1922. Please visit: www.traversos.com |
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