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VERY NAPA VALLEY TA S T E

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NAPA VALLEY WOMEN OF DISTINCTION Surprise Bubbles Elevated Winery Experiences Crafting a Cheese & Charcuterie Board

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DISCOV ER THE PINNACLE OF NA PA VA LLE Y HOSPITA LIT Y The Trinchero family has been making wine in Napa Valley since 1948 and Trinchero Napa Valley serves to honor the legacy of founder Mario Trinchero. Our brand new tasting room is a truly unique and inviting space where visitors can gather for an unparalleled Napa Valley experience. Taste exclusive, small-lot, single-vineyard wines from our premier Napa Valley estates, sample delectable food and wine pairings, and discover the art of winemaking like never before through behind-the-scenes barrel tastings in our wine cave.

Today, we welcome visitors to be part of our extended family.

©2017 TRINCHERO WINERY, ST. HELENA , CA

Reserve your space for our one-of-a-kind tasting experiences: WINEMAKER’S SELECTION TASTING Taste four wines alongside artisan cheeses and charcuterie.

Includes barrel samples and Vin Santo paired with house-made cantucci.

A TASTE OF TERROIR SEMINAR Discover the nuances of terroir in this horizontal tasting of four single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines from St. Helena, Atlas Peak and Mt. Veeder. Includes cheese plate.

THE ART OF OAK SEMINAR

O P E N D A I LY F O R T O U R S A N D T A S T I N G S 1 0 : 0 0 A . M . – 5 : 0 0 P. M .

No reservation necessary for tasting flights in the main tasting room.

For parties of 6 or more or to reserve your space in one of our special tastings, please call 800.473.4454. ¦ 3 0 7 0 N S T H E L E N A H I G H WA Y ¦ S T H E L E N A ¦ C A L I F O R N I A ¦ T R I N C H E R O N A P AVA L L E Y. C O M ¦

REDISCOVER ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY You know our name—it’s synonymous with wines that stand among the world’s finest. For over 40 years, we’ve been delighting visitors with an inspired mix of award-winning wines, fine cuisine and the best in music and the arts.

WHAT’S NEW ON THE MENU? Sample our hand-crafted, winery-only Spotlight wines from the stunning Vineyard Tasting Room, or linger on our patios, where beautiful views of the famous To Kalon Vineyard invite you to sip, savor and connect with family and friends. Visit the To Kalon Room for reserve wines and personal service in a luxurious, intimate setting. Follow the journey from grape to glass with our Signature Tour, or indulge in our leisurely Harvests of Joy wine-pairing lunch. Whether your passion is cheese or chocolate, Chardonnay or Cabernet, we’re waiting to share it with you.

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• VINEYARD TASTING ROOM • PATIO SEATING • WINERY TOURS • TO KALON TASTING ROOM • ART COLLECTION • WINE

& FOOD PROGRAMS

• SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Tours and tastings 10:00am-4:45pm daily.

Le Marché retail store 10:00am-6:00pm daily.

RESERVATIONS :

RobertMondaviWinery.com, or call 1-888-766-6328, option 2.

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FA M I LY OW N E D S I NC E 19 9 3 - 10 0 P O I N T R AT E D W I N E S - S M A L L P RO D UC T I O N

Historic Winery Caves – Napa

Estate Winery Caves – St. Helena

Napa Valley’s Premiere Wine & Food Pairing

Vino. Cibo. Vita. ! Wine. Food. Life.

1055 Atlas Peak Road Napa, CA 94558

1445 St. Helena Hwy. South St. Helena, CA 94574

7466 St. Helena Hwy. Napa, CA 94558

“Don’t dare miss a tasting at Del Dotto.” – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate Join us for a Barrel Tasting in one of our Caves – by reservation 707-963-2134, www.DelDottoVineyards.com

Meticulously Hand-Crafted Wines

A Stunning Locatio on

An Experience Like No Other

We embody the philosophy that great winemaking begins in the vineyard.

Aw world-class equestrian facility dedicated d to training top performance ho orses.

Taste our wines, tour the winery, mingle Ta with the horses an nd enjoy stunning views.

1251 Tubbs Lane Calistoga, CA 94515 | 707.942.2 2100 | www.tamberbey.com

ESTATE-GROWN WINES, CONTEMPORARY ART & WARM HOSPITALITY IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN NAPA.

Discover Acumen Wine Gallery.

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 7PM 1315 FIRST STREET, NAPA, CA 94558 ACUMENWINE.COM | 707.492.8336

ROSEANN TRZESNIEWSKI, CATHI WASTAL, CATHY GORE, GINA BOSTIAN AND CHANDRA GRANT ENJOYING A DAY IN YOUNTVILLE WITH NAPA VALLEY BIKE TOURS

Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of

VERY NAPA VALLEY Nothing heralds the coming of spring in Napa Valley like bright rows of mustard in bloom. One of our very first stories is about cover crops. This, of course, includes the mustard and many other blooms that showcase the beautiful vineyards. Spring is marked by bud break, the time when the vines start to swell and eventually the shoots begin to grow from the buds.

Notable Women in Napa Valley – explore some of the hidden treasures while you are visiting. They are paving new avenues and adventures, bringing a whole new world to visitors and locals alike. Along with the women of the Napa Valley, we are excited to highlight the wineries of Latino families that have helped shape Napa Valley as the winemaking region it is today.

What goes great with wine? Charcuterie of course! Designing a complementary wine and charcuterie pairing can be confusing. Let us show you your many options and get your mouth watering to try our suggestions. The Napa Valley offers several amazing purveyors to create your own perfect presentation.

Maybe you’d like to explore some bubbly options. More and more wineries are choosing to make their own sparkling wine, be it for their wine club or just for purchasing at the winery. If you are a bubbles fan, you’ll want to try a few of these.

It’s not all about the food and wine. There’s exciting upcoming events, from Vineyard to Vintner (V2V) in the Stag’s Leap District to Festival Napa Valley. Please check out our event calendar for all things happening in the spring and summer.

Come TASTE, SEE & FEEL the Napa Valley with VERY NAPA VALLEY!

– Cathi, Chandra, RoseAnn and staff The team at VERY NAPA VALLEY (and Wine Country This Week)

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK 10

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

DAY TRIPS VERY NAPA VALLEY VERY NAPA VALLEY

THIS WINE COUNTRY MONTH

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Photo: Terri Binnell-Trujillo

SEQUOIA QUOIA G RO ROVE R OV E WINERY OVE INER RY RY We don’t need to create the illusion of quality; we let our wines speak for themselves. Discover an authentic expression of Napa Valley; visit our historic winery and majestic Sequoia trees on the Rutherford bench.

DISCOVER THESE TASTING EXPERIENCES: • A Taste for Cabernet • Cabernet Culinary Challenge www.SEQUOIAGROVE.com 8338 SAINT HELENA HIGHWAY AY, RUTHERFORD, C A 94573

707-944-2945

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FEATURES 16 | Roses and Flowering Cover Crops Pretty and Beneficial 20 | Crafting a Winning Cheese and Charcuterie Board Showcasing Cheesemongers, Salumerias and Butcher Shops from around Napa Valley 28 | Latino-Owned Wineries It’s All in La Familia 36 | The Sideways Effect: 14 Years Later Sideways – A Movie that Changed the Wine We Drink (or did it?)

42 | Don’t Forget Bubbles!

Take a Detour from the Expected 50 | Elevated Winery Experiences Take the Time to Linger, You Won’t Be Disappointed

REGULARS 74 | Napa Valley Dining Culinary Deliciousness 78 | Wine Country Calendar Wine-Related Events 88 | Map of Napa Valley Find Wineries, Tasting Rooms and Appellations

ON THE COVER 61 | Aimée Sunseri Head Winemaker: Nichelini Family Winery 2017 Honoree: International Woman Winemaker of the Year 12

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Huge Bear Wines has made its home in the historic Calistoga Na onal Bank Building.

We are open daily from 10-5ish. Please stop by and experience all that Huge Bear has to offer.

Tas ngs at the Bank: A visit to the Huge Bear room is a refreshing mix of current wines from both Sonoma and Napa Valley.

Stop in to taste our wines and hear the stories. No appointment is necessary.

Downtown Calistoga Tas ng Room: 1373 Lincoln Avenue • hugebearwines.com • (707) 341-3414

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VERY NAPA VALLEY SPECIAL FOCUS 60 | NAPA VALLEY WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

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Purpose, Passion & Penache 61 | Aimée Sunseri Head Winemaker: Nichelini Family Winery 2017 Honoree: International Woman Winemaker of the Year 62 | Renee Ary Winemaker: Duckhorn Vineyards 63 | Ana Diogo-Draper Head Winemaker: Artesa Estate Vineyards and Winery 64 | Katie Hamilton Shaffer Entrepreneur, Business Woman, Philanthropist 66 | Catherine Bergen Businesswoman-Entrepreneur-Restauranteur 68 | Martina Kostow Entrepreneur 69 | Katianna Hong Chef: The Charter Oak 70 | Elaine St. Clair & Laina Brown Visionaries – Creating a Space Where the World Melts Away

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VERY NAPA VALLEY SPRING/SUMMER 2018

A twice-annual publication sharing the lifestyle of Napa Valley with Northern California guests and residents.

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A Publication of Wine Country This Week 669 Broadway, Suite B • Sonoma, CA 95476 | P.O. Box 92 • El Verano, CA 95433 707-938-3494 | Fax 707-938-3674 | www.VeryNapaValley.com GENERAL MANAGER: Cathi Wastal Direct 707-938-3734 | Mobile 707-815-4070 | cathiw@winecountrythisweek.com EDITOR: Chandra Grant Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674 | Email chandra@winecountrythisweek.com

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OFFICE MANAGE: Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 | Fax 707-938-3674 | Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jillian Baker, Monica L. Dashwood, Tanya Seibold, Don Sonderling and Sue Straight, The Wine Wench® General Sales : Cathi Wastal Direct 707-938-3734 | Mobile 707-815-4070 | cathiw@winecountrythisweek.com RoseAnn Trzesniewski 707-334-1930, rmtrue@comcast.net

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Award-winning wines. Beautiful picnic facilities.

A lively vibe. Experience the magic that is Napa Cellars.

Elevate your tasting with a complimentary cheese plate for two.

OPEN 10:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M. DAILY FOR TASTINGS • 7481 ST. HELENA HIGHWAY S., NAPA, CA ©2018 Napa Cellars, Napa, CA

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800.535.6400

PHOTO BY BOB MCCLENAHAN, PROVIDED BY NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS

Roses and Flowering Cover Crops Pretty and Beneficial Everyone wonders about it, sometimes for years: why is there such uniformity to the edge and cover crops throughout wine country, and why is it that these mustards, roses, and wildflowers are so colorful and yet so necessary as to be accepted parts of the landscape?

Let’s take them in order, as each kind of flora provides very different benefits with some overlap between them because of the benefits of their bright colors. Mustards and other brassicas like cabbages and broccolis are actually natural and even organic ways to fumigate vineyards of pests and disease pathogens. Believe it or not, one of the chemicals in those pretty little yellow flowers, which naturally reseed themselves from Carneros to Calistoga, when combined with water in, say, the last of spring rains, produce a gas which naturally clears the deck after the winter for the next year’s growth.

– BY JOSH STEIN –

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Insectary plantings can help control pests and support bee populations.

Some grapevine problems are far easier to spot in roses

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS

By way of contrast, others’ ideas of poetry, rose bushes in all their varieties of visual splendor, are not naturally occuring in vineyards, but visitors and locals alike will see them used as row heads and fenceline dividers wherever they go. As with mustards, their bright colors help with pollinators and beneficial insects, but equally as importantly, roses are susceptible to two very common irrigation and trellis prunning issues, powdery and downey mildews; it may not look it from a car or even a tasting room deck, but vineyard rows can be extremely long, tightly packed, and oddly trellised, making it difficult to determine issues are occuring in a small area until a much larger one is impacted.

Combine that with large acreage and a plant as susceptible to grapevines’ problems but with such issues far easier to spot as with roses and you can quickly understand the economic rather than landscape benefits at the heart of their vivid, chromatic ubiquity. If a rose bush shows leaf problems, suddenly dies, doesn’t bloom, displays pest attacks above or below ground, or other issues, that’s a flashing red light to vineyard managers to get on it now, not later, in that specific location. I have seen entire vineyards of ripe fruit taken away in an afternoon from these kinds of natural pests; protection against them may be beautiful, but it is as well designed as everything else in the modern vineyard to minimize or mitigate potential issues.

Wildflowers, finally, while seemingly the least historyladen, actually reveal some of the growing pains of these modern vineyards, ironically enough, since they are not wild nor often even technically flowers and, as with so much of viticulture, have had to be adapted over time away from their logistics of original use in other areas of agriculture – as with so many things, we do it very differently to “grow sunlight into wine,” and that often means wrong turns leading to better choices or options because of it.

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Indeed, the original suggestion for these inter-row cover crops were very heavy-growing clovers and vetches, utilized elsewhere to inject massive amounts of nitrogen into the soil and create additional crop loads and growth. With fine wine, we don’t want an explosion of canopy – some of the greatest vineyards’ vines look like well-maintained candelabra, not riotous green fireworks. So, today’s second-generation flowering legumes and clovers with their vibrant reds and blues help with erosion issues, increase soil fertility in other ways, and offer habitat for the beneficials attracted by their colors without adding excessive growth inputs into the soil.

Essentially, each of these three types of companion plantings help to provide a kind of “soil elasticity” effect in response to annual weather and irrigation variations. As natural re-seeders, once introduced, they can be managed throughout each season in the unique way vineyards have developed since Roman times if not earlier, adopting to the twenty-to-thirty-year production lifespan of plants which do not move, unlike almost all other row crops, by leaving these other crops to grow in wet years and removing them early in dry years. Gorgeous, sometimes breathtakingly so in purest summer sunlight or late-spring magic hour of four o’clock?

Absolutely. But no less a result of human ingenuity and planning, which is why working in combination with the land, the weather, the terroir is so special in wine country.

Enjoy!

••• In his fifteen years playing the slot machine that is North Coast wine, Josh Stein has run, launched and closed multiple wineries and wine businesses of his own in Napa, Sonoma and San Francisco, as well helped dozens of other North Coast clients and employers manage, grow or cease operations of their own wineries and vineyards. He brings the moxy of a poor kid from central Jersey who grew up very uncoolly organic gardening and the dedication to detail of a California-trained and -based international researcher and writer of many hundreds of articles. Those with interesting projects or needs can contact him at discretewine@gmail.com.

VERY NAPA VALLEY

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Visit Bennett Lane Winery – Home of 50 90+ Point Wines from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Come visit the friendliest tasting room in the Napa Valley.

Choose from Three Tasting Flights, a Private Wine Blending or Private Seated Tasting Ask about our wedding proposal packages!

Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

3340 Hwy 128, Calistoga, CA 94515 707-942-6684 | www.bennettlane.com

Crafting a Winning

Cheese and Charcuterie Board Showcasing Cheesemongers, Salumerias and Butcher Shops from around Napa Valley – STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TANYA SEIBOLD –

Opening a box of crackers and tossing them on a plate alongside a couple slices of turkey breast and a few string cheese sticks could I suppose, technically speaking, be called a cheese and charcuterie plate. But plain-Jane eaters of such simplicity you are not. You want a stunning artisan food display filled with mouthwatering cheeses and cured meats, tangy condiments and a few sweet bites that will make the fanciest of foodies blush, right?

Here’s our foolproof guide to help you create a seriously delicious cheese and charcuterie board you can serve as the ultimate nosh platter at your next gathering – all with ingredients sourced from Napa Valley’s finest cheesemongers, salumerias and butcher shops. And, we’ll help you up your culinary game even more by offering our winning wine pairings for it all.

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Selecting the Cheese A good rule of thumb for any cheese board is three or four cheeses so as not to overwhelm the palate. Less is more when you are presenting high-intensity, quality cheese. Each one should offer a varying texture, with flavors ranging from mild to bold. Consider keeping some of the cheeses separate from the charcuterie for any vegetarians in the bunch. Here are our recommendations which can be found at any better cheese counter along with its suggested pairing from our Napa wine experts:

• Soft-Ripened “Bloomy” Local: Petite Supreme (Marin French Cheese Co.), Mt. Tam (Cowgirl Creamery), Humboldt Fog® (Cypress Grove) Imported: La Tur, Époisses de Bourgogne, Brillat-Savarin, Camembert Pairing: Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, German dessert wines, fruity rosé, Beaujolais

• Semi-Hard Local: St. George (Matos Cheese Factory), Wagon Wheel (Cowgirl Creamery) Imported: Gouda, Edam, Munster, Idiazabal, Manchego Pairing: Gewürztraminer, Dry Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Tawny Port

• Hard/Aged Local: Dry Jack (Vella Cheese Co.), Bandaged Cheddar (Fiscalini), Capricious (Achadinha Cheese Co.) Imported: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Piave Vecchio, English Farm House Cheddars, Mimolette Pairing: Sangiovese, Super Tuscan blends, fruity Zinfandels, Mersault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet blends, hard cider

• Blue Cheese Local: Point Reyes Original Blue (Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.), Moolicious Blue (Bleating Heart Cheese), Big Rock Blue (Central Coast Creamery) Imported: English Stilton, Danish Blue, Gorgonzola Pairing: Sweeter is better. Try Sauterne/dessert whites, vintage port, Vin Santo

• Spreadable Local: Herb Cabicou (Laura Chenel’s Chèvre), Fromage Blanc (Bellwether Farms) Imported: Le Roulé (Rians), Boursin Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, fruity whites, Merlot 22

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Spanish Chorizo | Fatted Calf Charcuterie, Oxbow Market in downtown Napa

Charcuterie Just like with the cheese, it’s best to offer a selection of mild, spicy and salty. Choose some meats that are crudo (cured raw) and other which are cotto (cooked). On the milder side, try a Genoa salami, imported Mortadella or saucisson sec (dry cured pork sausage). For a spicy note, think Spanish Chorizo, Capicola or an aged Black Pepper Speck from Germany. And for the salty, our favorites are Prosciutto de Parma, Spanish Jamón Ibérico or Jamón Serrano. The signature Bresaola (right) from V. Sattui Winery adds not only a beautiful deep, claret-color to the display but the delicate flavors of the salted beef which has been air-dried/aged for 2-3 months nicely complements a full-bodied Syrah. The Bresaola is now available from their in-house salumeria and is created from a highly guarded recipe passed down through the generations of Michelin-star and winery Chef Stefano Masanti’s family. You’ll also want to find a balance between piled up slices or rolls for ease of serving and whole meats left on the “side” or stick for your guests to slice off pieces of as they wish. For something spreadable (and slightly decadent) include liver pâté, duck rillette or a small terrine of foie gras. Keep like-items together on the board so flavors remain independent and enhance the wine pairings you’ve created. All will pair nicely with bubbly, off-dry whites or a hearty red.

House-made Bresaola | V. Sattui Winery & Gourmet Marketplace in St. Helena SPRING/SUMMER 2018

VERY NAPA VALLEY

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Artisan Purveyors Fatted Calf Charcuterie One of the few proper butcher shops you’ll find in the North Bay. Chefs Taylor Boetticher and Toponia Miller run this acclaimed charcuterie, butchery and specialty shop at Oxbow Public Market in Napa along with co-owner Heather Bailie. All are dedicated to offering local meats – much of it grass-fed – and all of it sourced from small, heritage-breed growers.

Specialty cut meats, house-made sausages and the most delicious mortadella you’ve ever did taste. fattedcalf.com

V. Sattui Winery

Marinated Olive Mix (V. Sattui), Smoked Coppa with Tasso Spice (Dean & Deluca), Mortadella w/Pistachios (Fatted Calf), Spicy Chorizo (Fatted Calf) Molinari Salami (V. Sattui), Spicy Coppa and Blood Sausage (both Fatted Calf)

Established in 1885 and re-opened in 1976 after a forced haitus with Prohibition, this landmark winery is Napa Valley’s destination for foodies. Pick up local and imported cheeses along with Italian-style charcuterie from their in-house salumeria, then browse their selection of imported wood and ceramic condiment bowls, servers and spreaders along with a dizzying array of pantry items including pickled vegetables, sweet and savory condiments, local honeys, sweet Italian pistachio Torrone, chocolates and more. V. Sattui wines are only sold at the winery with plenty of varietals to accompany any cheese board. Sample their award-winning Cabernet and red blends, ancient-vine Zinfandel, rosés and sparklings, reserve bottlings and specialty dessert wines – they have it all. vsattui.com

Dean & Deluca St. Helena Offers many traditional charcuterie staples along with specialties from artisan producers like Brooklyn Meat Company. Find luxe delights such as caviar, foie gras and French macarons for a special treat.

Shop their imported and local cheeses or international pantry goods while their wine steward from the on-site wine shop helps you choose the perfect drop to pair with your aged Gouda. deandeluca.com/sth-ca

Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchants A variety of delicious cheeses selected by expert cheesemongers along with an assortment of fine wines from boutique producers in Napa and around the world. Take a seat at their wine bar and savor an artisanal cheese board with a flight of selected wines, a fine draft beer or a charcuterie assortment. oxbowpublicmarket.com 24

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EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF PROVENANCE Situated in Rutherford, Napa Valley’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon appellation, Provenance specializes in small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc wines that showcase the unique personalities of their respective vineyards.

Enjoy seated wine tasting flights inside our elegant tasting room or while taking in panoramic views from our beautiful outdoor patio and lounge areas.

1695 ST. HELENA HWY SOUTH | RUTHERFORD | 707.968.3633 OPEN DAILY 10 AM TO 5 PM | PROVENANCEVINEYARDS.COM PLEASE ENJOY OUR FINE WINES RESPONSIBLY. ©2018 Provenance Vineyards, Rutherford, CA.

The Gear Any top-notch cheese and charcuterie board starts with the base. Scroll through a Pinterest or Instagram feed on the subject and you’ll find two main shapes trending: Long, narrow planks (think table-runner) and round boards like pizza paddles or barrel tops. If you’re lucky enough to own one of those thick, rustic wooden bread boards (the holy grail of cheese and charcuterie displays) then you’re a step ahead in the style category. But honestly, use whatever you have in your kitchen that’s big enough to hold all the fresh foods and a few small bowls for all the condiments – leaving a few nooks to fill in with fresh and dried fruits.

A wooden cutting board, long piece of slate, or a white ceramic turkey platter – all will do just fine. Whatever base you choose though, just be sure it allows sufficient room for the table’s wine glasses, flatware, plates, etc.

Ideal dimensions for a board that will serve 6-8 people is 14" wide x 24" long. It’s also handy to have a couple of smaller boards at the ready to highlight some of the specialty meats or to corral pungent or runny cheeses.

Lots of Small Bowls Gather up the smallest of your ceramics and glass bowls so you can artfully arrange the jammy, briny and gooey portions of the food display.

• A 3 1/2-inch diameter bowl is great for holding a selection of marinated olives, peppers or nuts.

• Standard crème brûlée ramekins work really well for fig jam, quince paste, berry preserves, wildflower honey, cornichons, peppadews, whole grain mustard or any other condiment you wish to serve.

• Dig out your Grandma’s heirloom demitasse spoons or whatever small spoons you have for the above condiments to make them easier to serve.

• Appetizer plates (6-inch are the ideal size) to hold a nice portion of everything for a bite or two. Then guests can reload when they’re ready to try another item.

Don’t forget the cocktail napkins!

TIPS! • Have plenty knives to go around. Guests won’t be waiting – and it prevents flavor-taint from shared utensils.

• Label strong or “stinky” cheeses with a cheese marker so guests are advised before making their selections.

• Separate pungent and “oozy” cheeses from their milder counterparts to prevent co-mingling of flavors.

Cheese Knives When it comes to cheese, not any old knife will do.

Generally, there’s a blade designed for each type of cheese based on its firmness. If you regularly indulge in fine cheese, it’s worth the investment. A simple arsenal of blades includes: • Flat Blade Chisel Knife: Excellent for chipping off hard cheeses from their block such as Parmesan, Emmentaler and aged Cheddars.

• Open-Work Blade Knife: Soft-ripened cheeses like brie require open-holes in the blade to prevent sticking when slicing.

• Soft Cheese Knife: Long, narrow blade akin to a boning knife is ideal for achieving perfect slices off a log of chèvre.

• Stilton Scoop: Crumbly cheeses like English Stilton or Gorgonzola demand this micro-version of a gardener’s spade. It’s small, curved blade scoops up the crumbliest of fromage.

• Fork Tipped Spear Knife: To spear chunks of cheese and gherkins from the board.

• Pâté Knives: These are handy to spread softer cheeses, pâtés and rillettes.

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Latino-Owned Wineries It’s All in La Familia – BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH® – The American dream is still alive and well in wine country and it’s absolutely thriving in Napa County. This story is about three Latino-owned Napa wineries. Each winery has its own distinctive flavor and all are absolutely wonderful. Read on for some delicious, family-infused adventure…

If you are planning a visit to the Napa Valley, definitely put these wineries on your “must visit” list!

The common threads running through these Latino-owned wineries are gracious hospitality, vibrant personalities and family values. Come as a visitor and leave as family. ¡Salud!

Ceja Vineyards

Ceja Vineyards

Rolando Herrera, Mi SueĂąo Winery

Ceja Vineyards

Ceja Vineyards – “Everyone is Special Here!” his little gem of a winery is located right on the highway between Sonoma and Napa, in the heart of world famous Carneros wine region.

The Ceja story began in 1967, when Pablo and Juanita Ceja and their six children said goodbye to family and friends in Mexico and immigrated to the United States, where they settled in St. Helena. Pablo and Juanita found work in local wineries. They later moved to the Carneros region and the family grew to ten children. When their children were not in school and on weekends, the entire family could be found working in the vineyards, laughing and learning together.

Brothers Pedro and Armando inherited the love of the land and the desire to work hard from their parents. The brothers both went to college, where Pedro studied engineering and Armando studied enology and viticulture. They, along with their wives, would later found Ceja Vineyards.

Armando became a highly respected vineyard manager, never losing sight of the family plan. As the family expanded, once again little children could be found playing and digging in the vineyards, only this time it was on Ceja land.

In 1983, Amelia, Pedro, Armando and Martha Ceja pooled their resources and purchased 15 luscious acres in Carneros

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and in 1999, they founded Ceja Vineyards, Inc. Since then, their family’s vineyard has grown to 113 producing acres.

Ceja’s logo is a bell with the Latin inscription: vinum (wine), cantus (song) and amor (love). In Mexico, church bells ring to reveal the time, announce community celebrations or call parishioners to church. The Ceja family has adopted the bell as their trademark, because they love the idea of their logo symbolically inviting their virtual and actual visitors to become part of their community.

The tasting room atmosphere is cozy and casual, with warm earth tones throughout, and a few tables and leather chairs scattered about. In nice weather, visitors are welcome to enjoy the outdoor patio. Tastings are usually hosted by Ceja family members.

The following quote came directly from their website, because it sums up this dynamic family and their dream better than anyone else ever could, “A glass of Ceja wine is like a drink of history. You can see the land, smell the passion and dedication, taste the journey and the love one sip at a time. The dream has not ended. Ceja children are still growing up and entering the family business. An operating production facility is planned for the near future. Consider yourself invited. When you visit, you won't have to knock.

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Mi Sueño Winery “Come taste the American Dream!” i Sueño Winery is an oasis of wine paradise in an industrial park at the southern end of the Napa Valley. Plans are in the works to build a winery and tasting room on Mt. Veeder, but for now, visitors are surprised and delighted by this small family-owned winery in its unassuming location.

“Mi Sueño” means “my dream” in Spanish and Mi Sueño Winery is truly the American dream come true for Rolando Herrera and his wife, Lorena.

Together, they founded Mi Sueño Winery in 1997, the year of their marriage.

Both Rolando and Lorena were born in Mexico, and both have deep roots in Napa and Sonoma County grape growing and winemaking. Lorena’s family came to Napa as migrant workers in the 1960s and instilled in her a proud tradition of tending vines and growing grapes.

Rolando’s resume reads like a who’s-who in the wine industry – while enrolled in high school full-time,

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Rolando spent his nights working as a dishwasher at Auberge du Soleil. He got his start in the wine industry as a harvest laborer at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars following graduation, and over the next 10 years he worked his way up to cellar master. Rolando’s passion for wine led him to roles of growing importance at other wineries, including Assistant Winemaker at Chateau Potelle, Winemaker at Vine Cliff Winery and then Director of Winemaking at Paul Hobbs Consulting. In 1997, Rolando made 200 cases of Chardonnay as a “side project” and Mi Sueño Winery was born.

A visit to Mi Sueño Winery is definitely worth making an appointment, but if you walk in during a slow time, you will still be welcomed warmly with a big smile and a glass of delicious Chardonnay. Your guide will walk you through rooms filled with barrels and tanks (this is a working winery) to a rustic-yet-elegant seating area, where you will relax and enjoy some delicious wines.

Madrigal Family Winery “Come and Make a Connection!” adrigal Family Winery is conveniently located on Highway 29, between Calistoga and St. Helena and it’s a great first stop on your day of wine adventures in the Napa Valley.

Madrigal Family Winery’s founder, Chris Madrigal’s grandparents left Mexico in the late 1930s and arrived in the Napa Valley where they began farming apples, pears, walnuts and grapes. They were one of the first, if not the first, Mexican family in the upper valley. Chris’s father, Jess, early on chose to focus on wine and started the family’s vineyard management business. Today, that company manages over 800 acres.

In 1995, Madrigal Family Winery produced its first vintage of 500 cases of Petite Sirah. Chris Madrigal continues the family’s commitment to excellence and its legacy of developing outstanding vineyards and award-winning wines.

Madrigal Family Winery’s tasting room is surrounded by their estate vineyards and a beautiful outdoor seating area. Visitors are welcome to stroll the surrounding vineyards looking for “dragon glass” (obsidian) and observe Chris and his team making wine. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, visitors are welcome to taste in the beautifully appointed tasting room. This is a very comfortable, friendly, unpretentious, hands-on type of place. And the wines are fabulous!

Chris Madrigal says, “I want to provide the best experience possible for my guests and connect with every one of them.” He lives on the property and can often be found entertaining his guests.

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THE CHIANG FAMILY AND THE KANPAI WINES TEAM AT MEADOWBROOK FARM

KANPAI WINES Born From the Fires While visiting Calistoga, Eva Chen, eldest son Peter and his fiancé Azumi stumbled upon Meadowbrook Farm and fell in love with the property. Soon after, Daniel Chiang came to see the property and also immediately fell in love.

The Chiang family’s original intention was just to simply enjoy the beautiful property, make small batches of wine for friends and family, and continue selling the premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to prominent Napa Valley wineries.

However, during the very first harvest, the unprecedented North Bay Wildfires threatened the family’s newly acquired property and home. With the fire inching ever closer to the property, and no full assurance from wineries that they would still be able to accept the grapes, the family was forced to make the decision to take control of the vineyard and launch their own wine brand from scratch. Kanpai – Japanese for Cheers! – was chosen for the brand in honor of their late grandparents.

Shortly after meeting for the first time, Steve Matthiasson told Peter Chiang that he had worked on Meadowbrook Farm for more than 10 years and was one of the first vineyards he had managed. Less than a month after that initial meeting, Peter approached Steve and said he needed help launching a

new wine brand. Though Steve already had an extremely busy schedule, because of his history with Meadowbrook Farm, and the potential he saw for the wines made from the grapes from the vineyard, he agreed to become both the viticultural consultant and winemaker.

Kanpai’s first wine is a Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon. Hi no Tori, translates in Japanese to Bird of Fire. The concept behind the design was to combine two symbols of hope from both Western and Japanese culture. A Phoenix is widely known as a symbol of rebirth whereas a symbol of hope in Japan during any sort of disaster is an origami crane. It is common tradition during any sort of disaster to fold 1000 origami cranes as a form of prayer in Japan. From each bottle sold of Hi no Tori, $20 will be donated to California Wildfire relief.

Meadowbrook Farm in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley is a 26-acre vineyard property with 17 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1988. While the vast majority of grapes were blended into premium Napa Valley wines, the Chiang family decided for the first time to produce Estate Cabernet Sauvignon signifying the true expression of the terroir of Meadowbrook Farm.

For each bottle sold of Hi no Tori Rosé of Cabernet, $20 will be donated to California Wildfire relief – visit www.Kanpai.wine

The Sideways Effect: 14 Years Later Sideways – A Movie that Changed the Wine We Drink (or did it?)

One evening back in 2004 I received a phone call from a friend. “Hey Don, we just saw this great movie called Sideways, you and Lynn are going to absolutely love it, it’s all about wine! You guys are so into wine, you really need to see it.” Well, back then, we certainly did enjoy wine, however most of our wine drinking was pretty much Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and occasionally we would get adventurous with a glass of Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache or some other “esoteric” grape, in order to expand our knowledge and palates. Our friends considered us the “go to” people when it came to what wine to drink at dinner or order at a restaurant, so when we were told about this “wine”-themed movie, we couldn’t wait to go … and learn something new about wine; the following weekend we went to see Sideways.

On our way out of the theatre my wife and I turned to each other: “So? What did you think?” Shrug. Ok. It was kind of entertaining in an offbeat sort of way. It had its moments, but, it really wasn’t about wine, it was more about pretty screwed up relationships, self-esteem (or lack thereof) with wine being a subtext tying things together and showing that wine, as people, had its own personality. And, you know what? I liked Merlot (although I’ll admit, I’m not sure we had ever had a Pinot Noir back then). So, off to dinner we went, accompanied by a few glasses of Merlot.

Little did we realize the movie we just saw would have such an effect on people’s psychology and on the wine industry throughout California in general, and in the Napa Valley. Never would I have thought a movie would almost instantaneously change a person’s tastes, perceptions, preferences, likes and dislikes – or, did it?

– BY DONALD SONDERLING –

Just the Facts, Ma’am In the 14 years since Sideways was released, much has been written about the movie, including many studies and surveys conducted on the effect Sideways has had in terms of the popularity of Merlot and Pinot Noir, vineyard plantings, sales and the preference of the wine consuming public in general.

Sideways helped create a Pinot Noir pop-culture. The September 29, 2017 Bloomberg Report states that (following the movie’s release) “California growers pulled out more than 10,000 acres of Merlot grapes.” It points out that today in California, there are 44,000 acres of Merlot planted, compared to a previous peak of 60,000 acres.

Another recent report (NPR1) says of “The Sideways Effect” that “A dozen years later, Pinot Noir has become a mainstay of the California wine industry,” continuing that “The Sideways effect is also generally credited with depressing the market for Merlot.”

Additional studies and anecdotal references indicate that by the late 1990s Merlot had been over planted, over produced and sales were already declining, and simultaneously, the opposite was occurring with Pinot Noir. So, the question remains: Did a movie, which became an instant pop culture cult classic, truly influence the sales and popularity of Merlot and Pinot Noir? Did the movie really change the drinking habits and taste of the wine consuming public? Or did the movie point out subtleties of a “newer” California grape, and help expand the taste and preferences of wine drinkers, including newer wine drinkers, which resulted in a gentle (or not so gentle) nudge to the emergence of Pinot Noir, and a corresponding decline in the popularity of Merlot, which may have already been trending downward?

And, consider this: Were you one of those who saw the movie, and suddenly decided not “to like” Merlot anymore and switch your preference to Pinot? Or, did you decide to try Pinot, giving it more recognition, but stick to your palate’s taste … and like what you like? Because, isn’t that the true definition of “a good wine,” being what you enjoy?

In Bloomberg Report, Elin McCoy writes: “Merlot was once the fan-favorite red grape and wine. Then came 2004 hit movie Sideways in which Miles, the Pinot Noir loving main character, trashes the varietal…” She goes on to say: “Wine fashions are fickle … Merlot is experiencing a comeback … a 2016 Wine Intelligence report found it (Merlot) was the No. 1 varietal of choice of American drinkers of all ages.”

This seems to be borne out in the November 30, 2017 Wine Spectator article by Kim Marcus, who states, “Merlot faced a decline in popularity in the United States following a biting callout in the 2004 wine-themed film Sideways; that blow finally appears to be fading from memory.” In the same article, vintner David Ramey comments: “We all must acknowledge the outsized impact that Sideways had, but finally I think enough time has passed that independent thinkers can come to the conclusion that Merlot may make an outstanding wine – 38

Renee Ary, Head Winemaker Duckhorn Vineyards

Move Over Sideways …

Merlot Is Back!

In 2014, Renee Ary, assistant winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards since 2003, was promoted to head winemaker, only the fourth winemaker for Duckhorn since 1978. On November 17th, 2017, Renee Ary’s first vintage, the 2014 Three Palms Vineyard Duckhorn Merlot, was awarded #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. In their announcement, Wine Spectator commented: “Merlot is back, and deservedly so. Despite the comic derision heaped on the variety in the popular film Sideways, Merlot can make extraordinary wines in California. Duckhorn’s Three Palms bottling in the excellent 2014 vintage is ample proof.”

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Merlot grapes, Courtesy of California Wine Institute

witness Pomerol and St. Emilion – on its own.”

Looking back, what really was the “Sideways Effect?” Did more people start going on wine tasting outings, thus exposing themselves to not only Pinot Noir, but other varietals and styles of wine? Did Hollywood change taste and perception because suddenly Pinot was the new “in” thing?

Did the movie just hasten a change that was already in progress? Did it create new curiosity and appreciation for Pinot Noir? Or, was this a movie that co-incidentally was released at a time that paralleled changes already in motion in people’s attitudes, tastes and appreciation of wine and grapes and wine exploration?

Has “The Sideways Effect” been mitigated over the years?

Perhaps that question is best answered by Renee Ary, winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards: “There’s a whole new generation out there, and they have no predisposition toward any variety.”3 One thing is certain: Today, Pinot Noir and Merlot live side by side and are enjoyed and appreciated by many; each has its place, and the discussion may well continue for years over a friendly glass of wine.

As Miles opined about Pinot Noir in the movie, Sideways,: “It’s not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive, even when it’s neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And, in fact, it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked-away corners of the world – and only the most patient and

1) http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/07/05/535038513/ the-sideways-effect-how-a-wine-obsessed-film-reshaped-the-industry 40

Napa Valley Grape Facts As of 2004: acreage planted: Merlot: 7,379 Pinot Noir: 2,720 Cabernet Sauvignon: 18,383 Total Red Wine Grapes: 34,221

(Courtesy of Napa Valley Vintners) As of 2016: Acreage planted: Merlot: 4,757 Pinot Noir: 2,847 Cabernet Sauvignon: 22,842 Total Red Wine Grapes: 35,614

As you can see, while Merlot planting is considerably down (since the Sideways release), Pinot Noir is not dramatically up, while Cabernet Sauvignon has grown substantially. So, was it “the Sideways effect” that has affected Merlot plantings in Napa Valley, or simply that growers are planting more acreage of what grows best in the region: Cabernet Sauvignon.

nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh, its flavors, they’re just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and ancient on the planet.”

So … was Miles really talking about Pinot Noir? Or was this just an avenue he used in describing himself-and his relationship challenges? Was Miles comparing his personal and innermost needs to those of the grape, in that he, Miles, needed constant care and attention, time to be understood and nurtured, that it took time to coax his own personality to its fullest … in order to become “haunting and brilliant and thrilling.”

As you ponder this question, I lift a glass to you, Merlot, because … it just tastes good.

Cheers!

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Discover Our Winery Exclusive Wines Let us welcome you to our historic tasting room, housed in the original winery built in 1847. Taste the wines you know and love along with our winery exclusive offerings.

Taste Our Award-Winning Wines

Mention this ad for a 10% discount on your purchase.

Complimentary tastings 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily 277 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena, • 707-302-3296 ©2015 Sutter HomeCA Winery, St. Helena CA 94574 • sutterhome.com ©2017 Sutter Home Winery, Inc., St. Helena CA

Don’t Forget Bubbles!

Take a Detour from the Expected Mark Twain said, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” Sparkling wine lovers couldn’t agree more. While Napa is known for producing fine wines from many prominent grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon remains the most popular wine from the world-famous region. If you think you’ll have to forego good sparkling wine when traveling through Cab Country, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options for exceptional bubbles available in Napa Valley. You’ve probably heard of the more prominent “Napa champagne” houses, such as Domaine Carneros (owned by the famous Taittinger Champagne family), Domaine Chandon (affiliated with Moët & Chandon), Mumm, and Schramsberg Vineyards – all stellar options for a day of sampling sparkling wines. However, there are many other established wineries that feature at least one sparkling wine in their portfolio. No longer a secret, we hope you will enjoy a detour from the expected and taste a selection from one of many surprising Napa wineries and wow your friends at your next celebration with an undiscovered bottle of bubbly!

– BY JILLIAN BAKER –

Bubbles Club at Peju Province Winery & Liana Estates Peju Province Winery and its sister winery, Liana Estates both offer a line of sparkling wines through the Bubbles Club, including a Sparkling Rosé, Brut and Blanc de Blancs, which are available at the winery, on their website, and to members of the Bubbles Club! Peju produces all of their sparkling wines in the traditional French methode champenoise. All grapes are sourced from the cool northern coasts of Sonoma, Mendocino and Monterey counties.

Brut Sparkling The Brut Sparkling is a classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir made in the traditional style. Bright and celebratory, this wine features creamy aromas of toasted brioche complemented by vibrant acid and alluring fruit notes. White calimyrna fig, baked Asian pear and fragrant honeysuckle refresh the palate, finishing with lively notes of citrus. Perfect for any moment that calls for celebration!

Brut Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Made from 100% Chardonnay, this expressive wine offers notes of tart green apple, Bartlett pear and white blossoms.

Crisp acid and subtle accents of honey and spice delight with a long, fresh finish. A refined indulgence for any meal or gathering.

Brut Sparkling Rosé The Brut Sparkling Rosé is made from a traditional blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, featuring aromas of fresh 44

strawberries and flavors of dark plum, pomegranate and bright ginger. Treat your friends with a festive and joyful glass of Peju Sparkling Rosé!

Looking for something sweet? Make reservations to visit Liana Estates and enjoy a sparkling wine, along with three Liana Estates wines, each paired with a mini-cupcake from local bakery, Kara’s Cupcakes! This tasting is the perfect combination of fun and sweet!

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Frank Family Vineyards While Frank Family winery is located in Calistoga, all their sparkling wines are sourced from vineyards in Carneros, the best area for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Frank Family Vineyards uses the traditional méthod champenoise, where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle. After five years, their sparkling wine is ready to enjoy. They are the only Napa winery that handriddles every single bottle of sparkling in house making these bubbles extra special.

Frank Family produces four sparkling wines: • Blanc de Blancs is handcrafted in the cellar, aged on the lees for three years, and then hand riddled before disgorgement. Composed of 100% Chardonnay, this wine is a classic and lovely representation of the traditional style of Blanc de Blancs from Napa Valley. Perfect to pop open anytime!

• A bit more on the elegant side, the Sparkling Brut Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The 2013 Brut Rosé has a beautiful light rose color and aromas of just picked strawberries and watermelon rind. This luscious and sophisticated wine hints at flavors of melon and tart berries on the finish. This is currently only available in the tasting room.

• The 2010 Lady Edythe Reserve Brut is a vintage Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine composed of 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir. Aromas of lemon peel and buttered toast give way to flavors of tart Granny Smith apples.

Crisp acidity and a round mouthfeel linger on the palate.

• The 2012 Rouge Sparkling Wine is a blend composed primarily of Pinot Noir that is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Rouge is a fun, festive, fruit-driven sparkling wine. Composed of 62% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay, and 11% Petite Sirah, the Rouge is the perfect bottle of bubbly to liven the palate with a new and innovative spin on sparkling.

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Artesa Vineyards & Winery First on the list is a winery whose history and roots are in sparkling wine. Artesa Winery was founded by the historic Spanish winemaking family Codorníu Raventós. In 1991, the family founded it's first winery outside Spain, Codorníu Napa, a sparkling wine house based in Los Carneros. The winery eventually added still wines to the portfolio as the vineyards revealed their potential for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, among other varietals. In 1997, the winery was renamed Artesa – Catalan for “handcrafted” – and is now a renowned producer of fine wines from Los Carneros and Napa Valley.

Artesa’s single-vineyard sparkling wines still carry the family name Codorníu Napa and are made traditionally using the labor-intensive process known as “méthode champenoise”. After the primary fermentation is completed in stainless steel tanks and neutral barrels, the wine is placed in bottles for secondary fermentation.

2013 Codorníu Napa Grand Reserve Brut Composition: 52% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay Appellation: Artesa Estate Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley Finesse and intensity define this lively wine which opens with enticing notes of pear, honeydew melon, peach, guava and apricot.

Uplifting citrus flavors and fine bubbles are wrapped in crisp acidity, yet the round, creamy mouthfeel that comes from the wine’s years of lees contact persists through a lingering finish of vanilla, caramel and evolving hints of chocolate and spice.

2014 Codorníu Napa Grand Reserve Brut Rosé Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir Appellation: Artesa Estate Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley The sparkling wine displays lovely, fragrant red fruit aromas of strawberry and cherry.

Splendid on the palate, the lush red berry flavors are followed by a hint of spice. Over time, the sparkling wine will continue to develop complexity. It is a winery exclusive 46

Priest Ranch Priest Ranch is another winery that offers a very limited amount of their one sparkling wine: a Brut Rosé made from 100% Syrah, sourced from their estate vineyard in the Napa Valley appellation. The 2013 Brut Rosé is expected to be released in early 2018 and is only available in the tasting room or to wine club members.

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Th e n e w t a s t e of Carneros Owners and sisters, Lisa & Ariana

Join u s for a b re e z y day o f b o c c e , b it e s and w ine 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

L I A N A E S TAT E S 2 7 5 0 L A S A M I G A S R O A D , N A PA , C A 9 4 5 5 9 7 0 7 . 3 0 2 . 1 1 6 0 | L I A N A E S TAT E S . C O M | BY A P P O I N T M E N T

Monticello Vineyards Corley Family Napa Valley The Corley family founded Monticello Vineyards in 1969, focusing on producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Oak Knoll District. While known for many varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, their Montreaux Brut is a treasured secret of Napa Valley.

Aromatic, creamy and rich, Monticello’s Montreaux Brut sparkling wine is a truly decadent treat when wine tasting in Napa Valley. Aromas of bright citrus and floral tones lead way to toasted bread and light butterscotch. The flavors develop into notes of crisp fruit, although in the finish you will find lingering flavors of baked bread and lightly caramelized nuts.

This wine is handcrafted from special selections of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, then barrel fermented in neutral French oak barrels for six months prior to being blended into this delicate non-vintage cuvee.

The Hess Collection A secret tucked away in one of Napa’s most prestigious wineries, The Hess Collection makes a very limited sparkling wine that is currently only sold directly through the winery.

The 2013 Small Block Reserve Sparkling Wine is a brutstyle, dry sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the Los Carneros region in southern Napa Valley.

Nichelini Family Winery A truly unique interpretation of sparkling, Nichelini’s 2015 Brut Sparkling Wine won a gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Sourced from its estate in the cooler Chiles Valley District of Napa Valley, this sparkling wine is made from 50% Pinot Grigio, which is actually a variation on Pinot Noir, and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. It was naturally fermented in the bottle in the traditional French method and aged in bottle for a little over a year. The result is a very pale yellow, bright, clean wine with aromas and flavors of citrus that are refreshing on the palate.

The 2015 Sparkling Wine is available on the winery’s website.

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Ca’Momi A local favorite, Ca’Momi Osteria in downtown Napa serves authentic and elevated Italian dishes that are ridiculously delicious – this is the place to satisfy your craving for real pizza, pasta and classic Italian flavors, all served up with local and sustainable ingredients. But Ca’Momi also offers wine from its very own winery. Their wine portfolio includes a sparkling rosé and sparkling white wine called Heartcraft. It’s inspired by the Italian belief that every meal deserves wine as every gathering is a celebration of life!

Heartcraft White recently won double gold from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The sparkling white wine is bright and zesty! Notes of Granny Smith apple and

lemon give way to subtle and crisp pear on the palate. This playful bottle of bubbles pairs well with green salads and creamy cheeses. The sparkling rosé is a delicious melody of fresh ripe summer strawberries, sweet citrus and crumbly shortbread. Pair with spicy appetizers or barbecue.

Visit the Osteria for a taste or enjoy a full half glass of Heartcraft; no reservations or appointments required. They also offer a flight of reserve tier wines which includes a Carneros Chardonnay, Carneros Pinot Noir, Carneros Merlot, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the limited Passito Dolce Reserve.

V. Sattui Winery With history stretching back to the late 1800s, V Sattui Winery is one of the most lively and visited wineries on Highway 29. With a fun atmosphere and tons of food options available in the deli, this is a very popular spot for both tourists and locals. The expansive portfolio of reds and whites means there’s something for everyone, but they also offer three different types of bubbles for those seeking sparkling!

The 2012 Prestige Cuvée Brut is a great everyday sparkling to pair with any celebration. The brut features toasty notes complemented with nuances of apple and pear and a crisp, refreshing finish. Crafted in the traditional French method, this cuvée is made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir fruit from the Napa Valley. It recently received 90 Points & Gold from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and Best Sparkling & Double Gold from New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

The sparkling rosé – called Cuvée Rouge – is made from the same grape, Valdiguie (or Napa Gamay), as their Gamay Rouge (a still wine). After initial fermentation, the SPRING/SUMMER 2017

wine is tirage-bottled in the traditional method and aged for over 24 months on the yeast. It has a subtle sweetness due to the 2.6% residual sugar but a classic, dry finish that will delight any palate.

Last but not least, V. Sattui also offers a slightly effervescent Moscato, in a style called “frizzante” – characterized by a lighter-body, mild carbonation, lower alcohol percentage and just a little sweetness.

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Elevated Winery Experiences Take the Time to Linger, You Won’t Be Disappointed Gone are the days of visiting as many wineries as possible. Today’s wineries are focused on providing visitors the opportunity to linger and experience the joy of fine wine often complemented by amazing food and shared in the company of other like-minded individuals who, after tasting wine and breaking bread, often become new-found friends.

Winery experiences range from a winemaker personally pouring his offerings to private wine and food pairings, wine blending seminars, cave tours, and so much more.

Once the experience is finished, the visit doesn’t have to come to an end. Most wineries also have comfortable lounging areas, art exhibits and outdoor activities like cornhole, bocce and horseshoes to enjoy at your leisure.

With a little planning, the possibilities for amazing winery experiences in the Napa Valley are endless!

The following are just a handful of the unique elevated experiences that you may enjoy while visiting Napa Valley.

– BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH® –

DEL DOTTO VINEYARDS

Del Dotto Vineyards Three Unique Locations, Each With Three Amazing Experiences!

Del Dotto Vineyards has three beautiful locations in the Napa Valley: Historic Del Dotto on Atlas Peak Road in Napa, Del Dotto Estate on St. Helena Highway South, in St. Helena, and Piazza Del Dotto on St. Helena Highway, located just North of Yountville. All locations are absolutely beautiful and unique in their own way. Whether you feel like enjoying a basic wine tasting at a tasting bar, delicious food and wine pairing adventures or a magical cave tour, Del Dotto has an experience for you!

Historic Del Dotto and Del Dotto Estate both offer Bar Tastings, The Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting The Bar Tasting Experience features a sampling of five wines with a selection of fine cheese and breadsticks at the tasting bar. This tasting does not include going into the cave.

The Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting is Del Dotto’s signature experience.

Visitors are greeted with a welcome wine, then guided into the cave, where they enjoy 6-8 tastings directly from the barrel, followed by a selection of cheese, housemade salumi, pizza and dark chocolate.

Piazza Del Dotto offers Poppers, and Delicacies Food & Wine Pairings The Poppers tasting experience is the perfect entry to Piazza Del Dotto. Guests enjoy a selection of six Piazza wines paired with four savory, bite-sized treats from Del Dotto’s in-house chefs, while sitting either amidst the outdoor gardens or at the kitchen counter to better observe the culinary team working their magic. For a the ultimate experience, the 90 minute Delicacies food and wine pairing is our premium tasting of seven wines, accompanied by five small plates featuring the best ingredients available. The Bar Tasting Experience offers a sampling of six Piazza wines can be enjoyed at the main tasting bar in the main foyer of La Barchessa.

Guests receive a complementary cheese plate to pair with each wine flight.

A Reserve Wine Upgrade can be added to any tasting experience. It includes premium Estate Del Dotto wines, based on availability. Reservations are required for all Del Dotto experiences.

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Conn Creek Winery “Casual Luxury on the Silverado Trail” Conn Creek is located in the heart of the Napa Valley on the Silverado Trail.

This beautiful Mediterranean-style winery sits amid acres of beautiful vineyards and the surrounding landscaping is natural and water-efficient. In fact, this energyefficient facility was perhaps the first “green” winery building in Napa Valley and includes 12''-thick walls made of Styrofoam, steel mesh, gunite and a total of 20,000 corks.

Conn Creek focuses on Bordeaux varietals and secures fruit from some of the premier vineyards in nearly all of Napa Valley’s renowned appellations. This approach captures the “best of Napa Valley” and provides winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant a wonderful array of options from which to blend each wine.

There are three different tasting experiences available, but the Barrel Blending Experience is not to be missed. Offered at 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. every day but Wednesday, the Barrel Blending Experience allows Conn Creek’s visitors a rare opportunity to learn about, taste and blend wines from the many distinctive regions that make up Napa Valley. Guests are invited to play winemaker for a day and to literally take home the fruit of their labors. This fabulous, hands-on experience includes a Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) overview led by a wine educator, a guided tasting, instructions on blending techniques and strategies, tasting of Conn Creek’s current releases and a bottle of their own custom blended wine to take home.

This delicious, educational experience takes place in the AVA Salon, a lovely private room, lined with wine barrels and large beautiful, informative pictures describing the flavor profiles of each of the Napa Valley’s AVAs. If you love great Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals and want to learn more about wines and winemaking in a fun, unpretentious, supportive environment, Conn Creek is a must visit!

Reservations required for the Anthology Salon and the Barrel Blending Experience and suggested for the Tasting Bar. 52

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Bennett Lane Winery Blending Wine and Romance!

Bennett Lane Winery is not only the perfect place to experience the art of blending wine but also provides a romantic setting for proposing to your true love.

Bennett Lane’s Blending Experience features a vineyard tour and a sensory evaluation seminar focused on Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. After the vineyard tour and sensory evaluation seminar, you are guided through blending your own bottle of Maximus Red Feasting Wine using the same lab techniques and equipment a winemaker would use, then actually bottle, cork, foil and label your own individual bottle. After the custom wine is complete, you then sit down to enjoy a custom cheese plate, paired with a flight of reserve wines.

The Bennett Lane Proposal Package includes a wine tasting and tour, proposal setup, pre-selected bottle of wine, photo shoot, keepsake images presented on CD or flash drive, Bennett Lane wine club membership, and your first wine club shipment.

Bennet Lane’s Proposal Experience is tailored for you and your special someone.

The tour and wine tasting are portrayed as a visitor appointment, and your bride- or groom-to-be is completely unaware of the romantic surprise to come. Surprise is key!

After a private tasting of Bennett Lane’s award-winning wines, you will enjoy a relaxing walk through the vineyards, learn some of the interesting details about grape growing, and get a sneak peek at winemaking. The tour ends full circle back in the tasting room. There is a private “Proposal Pergola” and a professional photographer, hired by Bennett Lane, is on hand to capture your special moment. You may customize your special day by adding chocolates, floral arrangements or Bennett Lane’s own sparkling Blanc de Noirs.

PHOTO BY JENNY MANIACI

Photo by Jenny Maniaci

Sequoia Grove Winery Cabernet Culinary Challenge v2.0 If we learn best by doing, and wine and food are some of life’s great pleasures, why should learning about pairing food and wine be restricted to sitting through lectures? We’ve modified the original Cabernet Culinary Challenge, (CCC), based on your requests for smaller minimum group size, (new minimum is four guests). The CCC v2.0 is more of a heavy snack then a full meal, like the original CCC. They’ve flipped the typical wine and food pairing lesson into a hands-on, creative, competitive, fun – and yes, educational – group activity. With this 90-minute experience, they provide the philosophy of pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with food, and then challenge participants to test and apply what they’ve learned through a team-based competition.

Guests first taste through a selection of Sequoia Grove’s limited-production vineyard-designated Cabernets. Then the host demonstrates the principles of food and wine pairing, by having the group try Cabernet with ingredients that represent the elements of taste that affect wine flavor.

Now, let the competition begin. Your group, divided into teams of 2-4 people; receive a basket of crostini and a platter with 12 different crostini toppings, (Billionaires Bacon, Chili Crunch, meats, cheeses sauces, etc.) Their goal: create the best appetizing, creative, Cabernet-complementing crostini, ever!

It’s challenging, because while many of the items pair well with Cabernet, we’ve thrown in some ringers to test participants’ new knowledge of what complements a wine or detracts from it. Multiple trial and errors are the only way to 54

come up with a winner in this (usually) friendly competition.

Teams have 30 minutes to try different combinations and taste them with the wine, then finally submit a crostini that will win the competition. The winning team’s entry is selected based on creativity, flavor and most importantly, if the combination maintains or improves the taste of the Cabernet.

Winning team members take home bragging rights for the day. Everyone leaves with a great story from their wine country visit and the knowledge of how to maximize their enjoyment of wine with food.

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Tamber Bey Vineyards Rustic Elegance, and Horses, Too! Tamber Bey Vineyards is located just outside the cozy, wine-drenched town of Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley. It is surrounded by acres of rolling hills and green pastures dotted with beautiful horses. The property is home to Sundance Ranch, a 22-acre equestrian facility, and Sunrise Horse Rescue, an equine rescue and rehabilitation center.

There are two different tasting experiences available at Tamber Bey, each offer a flight of six wines: The Vineyard Series is a tasting of estate-grown wines and The Signature Collection is a tasting of limited-production wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma.

In addition, the Ranch and Winery Tour as well as a cookie pairing can be added to either tasting experience. The Ranch and Winery Tour will include a fun, educational guided walking tour of the winemaking facility and barrel rooms, and saying hello to a few of the horses.

Tastings take place in the rustic-yet-elegant barnlike main building. The tasting room is spacious and airy, with open-beam wood ceilings, paneled wood walls and lots of windows. A few tables are scattered about on the patio and guests are invited to purchase wines by the glass or bottle to enjoy on sunny days.

The tasting room team is friendly and knowledgeable, and one or both of the owners are usually on site to interact with their guests.

If you love wine and also love horses, or if you just love great wine served by passionate, friendly, knowledgeable people, this wonderful place is a must stop for you. Reservations required for all tasting experiences.

Priest Ranch Bacon? And Wine?

Whether you're curious about tasting unique varietals such as Grenache Blanc or enjoying a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the Priest Ranch tasting room can quench your thirst. While you are there, explore a new way to enjoy bacon with the addition of the Bacon Experience. Add it to any of the wine tastings offered to take your visit to the next level. The bacon selection changes seasonally, so be prepared to expose your taste buds to everything from a classic seasoning of honey walnut to a unique twist with a rose petal infused bacon.

Visit us and live curiously!

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VERY NAPA VALLEY

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Experience Our Private Tastings in the Historic R hine House Offered Daily. Reservations Required. www.beringer.com/visit 2000 main street, st. helena, ca 94574 Enjoy Responsibly. Š2018 Beringer Vineyards, Napa, CA

. 707. 257. 5771

Andretti Winery offers a variety of events throughout the year that are the talk of the town so be sure to save the date and get your tickets early.

Saturday, March 10, 5:30 p.m.

WINEMAKER’S DINNER Shake off the winter cold with a delicious multi-course dinner with wine pairing in the company of Andretti Winery's two top talents: Chef Adam Clark & Winemaker Rico Chelini. [$165/club, $185/general; purchase tickets at www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 40 guests] 58

Saturday, June 2, 5:30 p.m.

CRAB FEED @ THE BARREL ROOM Start the evening off with a stroll through the vineyards (wine in hand of course!), delicious appetizers & jazz in the barrel room, followed by a down-home crab feed by Chef Damian Genthner, who emanates from a family of Maine crab and lobster fishermen. [$125/club, $150/general; purchase tickets at www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 75 guests] VERY NAPA VALLEY

Saturday, July 21, 5:30 p.m.

22ND ANNUAL CHAIRMAN’S FESTIVO DINNER Join Chairman Joe Antonini for the winery’s biggest event of the year, an irresistible evening of socializing, gorgeous summer weather and generously served gourmet food, all paired with Andretti's incomparable wines! [$100/club, $125/general; purchase tickets online starting 4/1/18 www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 80 guests] SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Explore the Exquisite Andretti Winery in the Iconic Napa Valley this Spring and Summer!

Racecar legend Mario Andretti and Joe Antonini met over 30 years ago and became good friends over their love of wine, delicious food and Italian heritage. Mario and Joe founded Andretti Winery in 1996 to bring old world charm and Italian winemaking styles to the Napa Valley. The Andretti Winery winemaking team craft award winning wines including the very popular Montona Reserve Series.

Today, visitors to Andretti Winery enjoy world-class food and wine experiences ranging from Tuscan style picnics in the vineyards, intimate dinner parties in the villa, casual family fêtes on the lawn and relaxing weekend brunches while taking in a beautiful sunrise emerging over the Stag’s Leap mountains.

Guests can drop in for a tasting at the bar or reserve an elevated tasting experience online.

Andretti's in-house chef Adam Clark works with the

Sunday, July 22, 10 a.m.

CHAIRMAN’S FESTIVO BRUNCH Keep the fun going all weekend!! Join club members the morning after the Festivo Dinner for a relaxing morning at the winery. Lounge on the villa patio sipping white sangria and the winery’s amazing sauvignon blanc with a bountiful breakfast spread. Guests can enjoy lawn bocce, corn hole, croquet, ladder ball and more. [$60/club, $75/general; purchase tickets online starting 4/1/18 at www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 80 guests] SPRING/SUMMER 2018

hospitality team to create unique group and private experiences with customized menus such as wood oven pizza parties, lobster boils, gourmet BBQ’s, tapas & paella. This iconic winery has become an international destination as well as a regular meeting place for friends and family throughout the nation. Be sure to book your reservation for an elevated experience the next time you visit Napa at (707) 259-6777, x226 or book online at andrettiwinery.com/winery-tastings, or email: reservations@andrettiwinery.com. For private events or VIP experiences, contact Christina Andrews at (707) 259-6777 ext. 229 or email: christina@andrettiwinery.com. Andretti Winery is open to the public seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for walk-in tastings and is located at 4162 Big Ranch Road. in Napa, California.

Saturday, September 29, 5 p.m.

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT – “THE GODFATHER” Spread out your blanket on the lawn or grab an Adirondack chair and enjoy an outdoor viewing of “The Godfather” all the while enjoying a glass of Andretti's classic Sangiovese and some truffled popcorn. At intermission, enjoy a fabulous dinner buffet featuring Sicilian favorites! [$85/club, $100/general; purchase tickets online starting 7/1/18 at www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 75 guests] VERY NAPA VALLEY

Saturday, November 3, 4:30 p.m.

HARVEST PARTY IN THE VINEYARDS The smell of crush fills the air, nights are longer and fall color is at its peak. There is no better time to visit the Napa Valley and Andretti will be ready to celebrate the passing of another year’s winemaking activities with great wines, aromatic food coming straight off the grill, lively music and fun people! [$85/club, $100/general; purchase tickets online starting 8/1/18 at www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 75 guests] 59

Napa Valley

Women of Distinction Purpose, Passion & Penache There are numerous ways to recount the history of Napa Valley, one being through the women who were early pioneers in the valley, paving the way for what was to become a premier wine growing region of California and the world. Women like Lillie “Fireball” Hitchcock-Coit, who first planted vines in the late 1870s on what is today Larkmead Vineyards.

Josephine Tychson, recognized as the first woman to build and operate a winery in California, establishing Tyechson Cellars in 1886 which today is Freemark Abbey. And, Hannah Weinberger, who following her husband’s death in 1882, was recognized as the first woman winemaker in California.

These vibrant, successful women set the bar high for other women as they created and built an area that has become renown for wine, food, art, lodging and hospitality. Thanks to the spirit and determination of these early trendsetters, for almost 150 years, Napa Valley women have contributed significantly to all aspects of Napa Valley life, helping to establish a world-class destination.

These early forerunners paved the way for women such as Cindy Palwcyn (Cordon Bleu trained Chef

and restauranteur), Heidi Barret (winemaker extraordinaire, referred to by Robert Parker as “the first lady of wine”), and Eileen Crane (CEO and founding winemaker at Domaine Carneros, “the doyenne of sparkling wine in America” and community activist). However, perhaps no one person has been more influential in putting Napa Valley "on the map" than Margrit Mondavi. In the mid to late 1960's, Napa Valley was not a main tourist destination. Beginning at Krug Winery (owned by The Mondavi Family), in the early 1960's Margrit put together musical events, and became the first female tour guide in the Napa Valley. Over the next many years she was instrumental in bringing fine arts to the winery and valley, attracted headliners in music (such as Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte and others), began a “Great Chefs at Robert Mondavi Winery” program, and was an active philanthropist. Art, music, food, and philanthropy fit perfectly with the now burgeoning wine industry, and Napa Valley began to flourish. These women, plus many others, helped mold Napa Valley into what it is today, and pave the way for the future.

— BY DONALD SONDERLING —

Don’t be intimidated.

Seek opportunities and try something new and different. You don’t know what you will fall in love with until you try it.

AIMÉE SUNSERI

Head Winemaker: Nichelini Family Winery 2017 Honoree: International Woman Winemaker of the Year The Great American Story of the Nichelini Family Winery began with Aimée Sunseri’s great-great grandfather Anton in 1890, founder of Nichelini Family Winery, “family” being the operative word. In 2009, Aimée (fifth generation) became the seventh Nichelini Family head winemaker. Always challenging herself to perfect her craft, in 2017 her dedication was rewarded: Aimée was co-honored by the International Women’s Wine Competition as International Woman Winemaker of The Year. This competition, run and judged by women, focuses on women’s tastes as consumers and buyers.

There were 1329 entries from across the US and Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France and Italy. Nichelini’s 2016 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon received the “best of show” award in the Rosé category, how proud great-great Grandfather Anton would be!

You would think growing up in a “wine family” as Aimée did, that from a young age Aimée was focused on becoming a winemaker, or working in the family business. However, with a mother as a nurse, Aimée’s goal was pre-med, thinking she would become a doctor. During the summer of 2000, in the middle of college, studying biopsychology, Aimée worked with her father to re-establish a vineyard in Vina, California, this was her epiphany. Falling in love with the vineyard, the earth and the land, after graduation Aimée switched gears from medicine, entering UC Davis’s Viticulture and Enology program.

Working in the vineyards, tasting room and winery, with different members of her family, Aimee was enthralled by the winery and especially the inclusiveness and support of a loving family; her career path was set.

Aimée has a straightforward, yet humble persona. Asking her how she felt after being designated International Woman Winemaker of the Year, she replied: “My first thought was how I would share my award with my family.” She is unpretentious and giving, and totally family focused. She loves to experiment, trying new things, but when she faces a hurdle, her first thought is: “How would great-great grandfather Anton do this?” She feels a deep sense of family history, carrying the responsibility of creating legacy wines seriously and with great pride. She loves hearing comments from people about the wines, feeling honored to continue a family connection spanning a period exceeding 125 years.

When I asked Aimée what her favorite wine or grape was, she replied: “That’s like asking me which is my favorite child … I love them all, their similarities and differences.”

There were two events Aimée speaks fondly and humorously of, that may have well shaped her work ethic, dedication, understanding of people and humor: As an eight year old, Aimée played on the first all-girls little league baseball team in the United States. Aimée laughs, and her eyes SPRING/SUMMER 2018

twinkle (and her cousin Doug grins) when she says: “We lost every game we played, except our last one. The boy’s team we played was #1, and we beat them, knocking them out of the #1 spot. They wouldn’t even shake hands with us.”

She also fondly recounts that her father would tell her he loved it when she went to a job site and worked with men. He loved it because her work ethic and dedication made the men work harder.

Aimée has never felt “competitive” with men, or women.

She just loves what she does, and takes tremendous pride in creating, pleasing and working with her family. She hopes one day her “bucket scrubbers” (Eva age 6 and Ana age 2), will follow in the family business, but that will be their choice.

Her advice to girls and young women is simple, and life experience based: “Don’t be intimidated. Seek opportunities and try something new and different. You don’t know what you will fall in love with until you try it.”

Aimée Sunseri is one of those rare women who has found not only a balance in life, but an appreciation of friends and family. Humble, grounded, realistic and somewhat in awe of her legacy, dedicated to being a role model and always a “team player,” she wants to pass on the family heritage to future generations. You can sum Aimée up by one statement she made while we were talking: “Sometimes when I’m working I stop for a moment and think of my heritage. I’m overwhelmed, and can only say WOW.” Aimée Sunseri is truly a “WOW.”

VERY NAPA VALLEY

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RENEE ARY

Be yourself and do what you love.

Winemaker: Duckhorn Vineyards Serendipity may well describe my conversation with Renee Ary. By chance it was several hours after Wine Spectator Magazine named Duckhorn Vineyards 2014 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot its #1 Wine of the Year. To say Renee was excited is an understatement. When I introduced myself and asked “how are you?” she gushed: “It’s been a cool morning – it’s just been surreal. No Merlot has scored this high since 1997. This is one of those moments you just can’t describe.”

The excitement, passion, energy and surprise reverberated from her. What is amazing is not only that 2014 was Renee’s first vintage as winemaker, but that this young woman never had any pre-conceived idea of being a winemaker!

The love of order, beauty, balance, logic and strategizing led Renee to pursue a degree in chemistry and art. Following graduation in 1999 all Renee wanted was “to get into a lab.”

Landing a job in the Mondavi Winery laboratory, she became fascinated by “the people, vibe and the idea I could apply my love of art and science to wine. You could experiment, but also taste the product.” At this point Renee knew she would stay in the wine industry. Joining the winemaking team at Duckhorn in 2003, she was then promoted to winemaker in 2014, Duckhorn’s fourth since 1978.

Renee is high energy, driven and has always been career oriented, striving for a sense of order and balance in all she does. The person who has influenced her the most in her life, professionally and personally, is her father, a successful businessman. Describing her father Renee says: “He is a kind, smart, humble man and very hard-working. He was very good at balancing his career with family time, which I admire.” To this end, despite Renee’s long, demanding hours, she values and makes family time with her husband and six-year-old son.

They are avid outdoors enthusiasts and love kayaking. In fact, Renee said that it’s time to get their son his own single kayak – which in itself teaches self-reliance and responsibility.

Talking to Renee, there is one theme that keeps recurring: that of balance and order. She feels this is the key to life, and to other young women starting on their journey into the future she says: “Be yourself and do what you love.”

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As far as Renee’s own professional goal, it’s twofold: first, to make wines that inspire people, and second to balance that by understanding more about winemaking, how art and science weave the tapestry of the finished product.

I don’t know what wine Renee sat down with the night I spoke to her. I imagine it was a smooth Merlot, soft, elegant and satisfying, to fit her mood, as she contemplated not only the honor she “and her team’s” wine received that day, but also, how Merlot, 14 years after the release of the movie Sideways was once again in the forefront of America’s wine drinking public. (see article, The Sideways Effect – 14 years later on page 36), At the age of 41, Renee Ary is one of many young women shaping and paving new frontiers in The Napa Valley.

ANA DIOGO-DRAPER

Head Winemaker: Artesa Estate Vineyards and Winery Artesa is the Napa Valley extension of Spain’s Codorníu Raventós, known for their Cava. Founded in 1551, Codorníu is still family owned, tracing their roots back 17 generations.

Born, raised and educated in Portugal, Artesa’s Director of Winemaking, Ana Diogo Draper moved to Napa Valley as an intern in 2004 at Rutherford Hill Winery, returned to Portugal and came back in August 2005 as Rutherford’s Lab Manager, where she stayed until 2013. In 2013, she accepted a position at Artesa as Assistant Winemaker, which gave her the opportunity to pursue her goal of making sparkling wine, and what better place than at this winery that was part of a 17 generation Cava producing winery!

Talking to Ana, she is constantly in motion. She smiles, laughs, gestures and doesn’t sit still, neither has her career.

Just two years after joining Artesa, Ana was appointed Director of Winemaking.

Ana relates that “in Europe’s wine regions, winemaking is still a male-dominated industry, hard to break into.” Moving to the Napa Valley, she was fortunate to meet with and work with “incredible” female winemakers such as Marisa Taylor (Winemaker at Rutherford Hill Winery) and Elizabeth Vianna (Winemaker at Chimney Rock Winery) – which motivated and inspired her. In fact, she says that one of the main reasons for coming to Napa Valley was the opportunity afforded to her as a woman, to work her way up to be head winemaker.

Ana has an enthusiasm that has no bounds, which is reflected in her winemaking. She loves to work with Iberian varietals (such as Tempranillo and Albariño). She loves to experiment and create, as she tells you that “winemaking is just like a big jigsaw puzzle.”

Juggling a demanding career, raising two boys (ages 2 and 8), and spending family time is part of that jigsaw puzzle that Ana seems to put together so well. She will tell you that the people who have influenced her most in life was her mother, “who juggled a career with motherhood amazingly well,” and her grandfather, “who taught me about being generous, kind hearted, work ethics and the importance of listening and being fair.”

As far as family life, Ana “loves doing stuff” with her kids. Bike rides, hikes and even taking them to the winery and vineyard. To girls and young women (as well as her own children), Ana would advise them: “When you have found your passion, be persistent, stick with it and don’t give up.

And, follow your instincts, they will be right (most of the time)!”

Ana loves life itself. She loves music (from David Bowie, to Amalia Rodrigues the great fado singer, to Tom Jobin, maestro of Brazilian Bossa Nova). She loves the vineyards SPRING/SUMMER 2018

I’d rather regret something that I did, than live with the doubt of what it could have been...

and the dirt. She loves challenges, good food, wine and – whiskey! In fact, her dream trip would be to take a whisky tour in Scotland.

As to the future, Ana has set a goal to see Artesa become a voice in Carneros, to express the uniqueness of the AVA’s terroir, producing elegant, varietal-driven wines. Working closely with Susan Sueiro, President of Artesa, they plan for what Artesa can be in the next 30 years.

Ana Diogo-Draper is a young woman who is truly living the American Dream, and has earned it. With a personality as bubbly as her sparkling wine, and a temperament as smooth as her blends, Ana is a role model of what you can achieve if you follow your dreams and passion. When I asked her what she would change if she could re-do one thing in her life, her answer, candid and to the point, probably best describes this fun, accomplished woman: “I go by the motto, I’d rather regret something that I did, than live with the doubt of what it could have been, so I wouldn’t really change anything.”

Wife, mother, friend, winemaker, Ana is putting down her footprint in the Napa Valley – professionally and socially, and paving new roads for others to follow.

With a sparkle in her eyes and a huge smile, she also says, “I love to talk,” and we are all better because of that.

VERY NAPA VALLEY

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KATIE HAMILTON SHAFFER

Entrepreneur, Business Woman, Philanthropist

The phrase “pay it forward” is more than an expression for Katie Hamilton Shaffer, it is a commitment, a vision and a way of life for this vibrant woman and her company, Feast It Forward, a one-of-a-kind, online, food-and-lifestyle network, focusing on wine country living – and giving back. The end goal of Feast It Forward is fun and philanthropy, ultimately helping, healing and improving the lives of others while entertaining and educating viewers with their online original programming, here in the Napa Valley, throughout the country and internationally. Unique in concept, Feast It Forward, along with its sponsors and partners, helps women, children, animals and those in need around the globe.

Upon first meeting Katie I was struck by her outward personality, smile, twinkling eyes, energy and magnetism. Any number of adjectives describe Katie: whirlwind, tornado, lightning rod or “Energizer Bunny.” She is constantly creating, teaching, inventing and helping – frankly, she is an unstoppable force.

Growing up in California, attending San Diego State University on a soccer scholarship, Katie tells you she was always captivated by food, wine, travel and entertaining. As a child she had lemonade and cookie stands, and would write letters to Martha Stewart. At an early age, Katie already had developed a life-long passion, she just didn’t know how, or where it would end up.

In 2004, Katie moved to the Napa Valley in order to pursue her passion for a career in food and wine; this is where her life would change dramatically. Later that year, while working at Cuvaison Winery, her mentor’s daughter, Erika, was diagnosed with a rare disorder, Rett Syndrome. As Katie comments: “The stars aligned for me and focused on everything I love to do, as a way to give back.” Katie went on to co-found The Erika Van Giesen Foundation, and since that time, has been instrumental in founding and participating in many charities, with food, wine and lifestyle as the catalyst for raising money, helping others and giving back.

In 2011, Katie was recognized as one of San Francisco’s “Magnificent 7” leading entrepreneurs, and in 2012 as one of San Francisco’s 40 under 40 Bay Area business leaders. This recognition has been a platform for Katie to build upon for her philanthropic endeavors.

Married, with two young girls (1 and 4), Katie manages to balance her professional life with her family life. She loves to cook at home, and hang out with her girls, while teaching them to be independent, confident and to embrace going after what you want.

For the immediate future, Katie is excited to bring to fruition her newest project, a two-story “brick and mortar” Feast It Forward Experiential Live Studio in downtown Napa, 64

Be and live who you are, embrace the complicated and don’t be afraid to fail.

(1031 McKinstry Street), across from the Oxbow Public Market. “Going live” in early 2018, downstairs will feature a 16-winery tasting room (including, among others, brands such as B Wise Vineyards and Michael Mondavi’s Oberon). Included within this “collective” will be a retail space where Feast It Forward’s wine-country inspired “products with purpose” will be sold alongside the vintner wines – a portion of these proceeds designated to charity.

Additionally there will be an activated lifestyle design showroom featuring sponsors Airstream Adventures, Anolon, Armstrong Flooring, Bright Event Rentals, CA Home+Design, Fox Marble, Gibson Guitar, GE Monogram, Kollar Chocolates, Microsoft, Minted, Molinari Private Reserve, Monark, Neolith, OXO, SherwinWilliams, Stolzle, TCL, The Bath+Beyond and many more.

Upstairs will feature a live audience studio, highlighting musicians, artists, entertainment and (always) a chef. Live demonstrations, discussions and panels will provide a true interactive lifestyle experience.

Katie’s most satisfying achievement is “Doing what I love, having a wonderful healthy family, and having an impact on others.” To her own girls, and other young women, her advice is: “Be and live who you are, embrace the complicated and don’t be afraid to fail.”

Visit www.feastitforward.com and be one of the thousands of viewers each month tuning into this live streaming lifestyle entertainment network, and visit the live studio while in Napa’s wine country. Learn what Feast It Forward does and how it changes lives for the better. Be a part of Feast It Forward – and pay it forward.

VERY NAPA VALLEY

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

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TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM 707.257 7.5782 / ETUDEWINES.COM 707.257 7.5782 / ETUDEWINES.COM 1250 CUTTINGS WHARF ROAD, NAPA 1250 CUTTINGS WHARF ROAD, NAPA ©2018 Etude Wines, Napa, CA

©2018 Etude Wines, Napa, CA

CATHERINE BERGEN

Do what you love and the money will come.

Businesswoman-Entrepreneur-Restauranteur

Catherine Bergen is like a fine Champagne, bursting out of the bottle. Bubbly, energetic and unable to contain her laughter. With an infectious smile, Catherine tells her story about a vision that began over 40 years ago while living in San Diego. That dream culminated in 2010, with the opening of C CASA in Napa Valley’s Oxbow Market – a most unique taqueria. (Watch for the opening of the new C CASA location in Emeryville, at the Emeryville Public Market.)

Laughing, Catherine says “I was born hungry.” Her love of food, extensive travel south of the border, falling in love with Latin dishes, evolved into a concept of one day offering up fresh, healthy, creative and delectable Mexican-inspired dishes such as crab tacos (a definite OMG), duck tacos, lamb tacos, prawn tacos and so much more. Trust me, after your first bite of a C CASA menu item, you will be a fan.

Catherine relates that, looking back, the most influential person in her life was probably her Danish-born grandfather.

He was the one who originally led her down the “foodie path;” they loved to eat, and together constantly explored a variety of foods and flavors. However, what probably defines Catherine’s early passion best, is an event that happened when she was thirteen. Her mother had given her $50 to go clothes shopping for a school event. As Catherine recounts, “With the $50, I went to Orange Julius, bought a hot dog, and then three cookbooks. When I got back home, my mother looked at me and said, ‘Now, how are you going to wear that!’”

Finishing school in San Diego, Catherine successfully pursued several career paths (bookkeeper, stock broker and real estate agent among other endeavors.) One day, attending a seminar by Marianne Williamson, motivational speaker and spiritual teacher, she remembers clearly that during the seminar she felt as if Marianne was speaking directly to her when she said, “Do what you love and the money will come.”

That simple phrase changed her life. Having read and heard about the food and wine scene that was starting to burgeon in Napa Valley, in 1993 Catherine packed up and moved. Taking

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risks, venturing down an unknown path, Catherine developed a line of sauces, dry rubs and condiments, Made in Napa Valley, that saw wide-spread distribution among specialty food stores and high-end grocery outlets. Eventually selling the business, Catherine was free to concentrate on her true passion, creating a Mexican-inspired, exceptional menu. In May of 2010, the opportunity presented itself to open her own fresh, healthy, creative taqueria at the Oxbow Public Market.

Her biggest challenge upon opening was selling an $8 taco!

When a customer commented about the price, Catherine told him, “Order the taco, if you don’t think it’s worth $8, you don’t have to pay for it.” From that point on, C CASA has become a foodie haven, and it’s not unusual to see 20 or more people waiting in line, and the culinary reward is well worth the wait.

C CASA’S motto is: “Delicious, nutritious and addictive.” To that end, only the highest quality ingredients are used: grassfed beef, free-range poultry, sustainable fish, fresh produce and gluten free/vegetarian/vegan options.

C CASA is the culmination of a young girl’s dream and passion. As Catherine views her dream come true, she modestly says, “C CASA is a family hangout and gathering place. I am proud and happy to be a part of the Napa Valley food scene.”

For an incredible, delectable experience in edible art, visit C CASA next time you are in Napa Valley – then visit it again and again. One bite says it all!

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e x p l o re wine & culinary

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PEJU PROVINCE WINERY 8 4 6 6 S T. H E L E N A H W Y R U T H E R F O R D , C A 9 4 5 7 3 800.446.7358 | PEJU.COM | OPEN DAILY 10A M - 6PM

MARTINA KOSTOW

Entrepreneur

The road to Napa Valley, for Martina Kostow, has been one of adventure, opportunities and self-discovery. Talking to her, two themes are constant – the importance of a close-knit family and friends, and that life is a revolving door. Martina has certainly been through that door and it has led to a satisfying and exciting life, from her home in Oregon, to California’s Napa Valley. Candid, easy to talk to, energetic and outgoing, Martina has always had hopes of building a family of her own someday. As life turns out, she has found herself with both a successful career and a loving family with two young girls, Daisy and Lulu.

Following college, Martina secured a position with a boutique advertising firm. As she says, “I was thrown into major responsibility early on,” being assigned a national brand as a client. Combining her personal skills and straight forward personality, with an understanding of how to utilize social media (which was just coming into its own at the time), Martina exceeded and impressed. She was eventually courted by another firm, and when she made the decision to accept the offer, her long time clients followed. By now, Martina had another goal in life: To make partner before she was 30.

Working at her new firm, CFM Strategic Communications, Martina was thrown into the world of fine food and celebrity chefs, working at various culinary events. It was at one of these events, at Pebble Beach Food & Wine in 2009, where she met her future husband, Christopher Kostow, chef of three Michelin Star, The Restaurant at Meadowood. As they say, “the rest is history,” almost.

Dating and commuting, the relationship became serious, as her career blossomed. Two events happened almost simultaneously: Christopher asked Martina to move in, and she was offered partnership at CFM. She had reached her goal, and her choice was easy, and made without regret. Martina turned down the partnership offer, moved to Napa Valley in 2010, and married Christopher in 2011. As Martina moved through the revolving door to marriage, her reputation followed her, and soon she was working with PR firms in San Francisco, planning events for area wineries, working with chefs and hotels on social and partnership strategy; she had developed her own successful independent consulting business.

Shortly after their first child was born in 2013, Christopher and Martina started talking about moving through yet another door. Their dream was to open a restaurant – a restaurant that was not “fine dining,” but refined, casual, fun, friendly and conducive to family dining. The food would be creative and simple, beautifully presented, with flavors to tantalize the most discerning palate.

In June 2017, Christopher and Martina opened The Charter 68

Don’t let anyone define you or your life.

Don’t ever be afraid to ask for what you want, the worst answer you will get is no.

Oak, with the kitchen being led by Katianna Hong, Christopher’s former Chef de Cuisine of The Restaurant at Meadowood, and the Front of House being led by long-time business partner Nathaniel Dorn.

Martina loves to travel and connects easily with people. She praises her team and friends and especially her family, which has always been supportive. To other young women she gives the advice: “Don’t let anyone define you or your life. 1Don’t ever be afraid to ask for what you want, the worst answer you will get is no.”

Martina never expected to have a business career, to be a trend setter and influencer in the Napa Valley; but she has never been afraid to pursue challenges and dreams, and embrace the results. She is most satisfied with her good fortune having two beautiful girls, a wonderful husband, being able to travel, meeting like-minded people, and living a life full of wonderful experiences.

Martina sets the standard of a successful business woman, mother, wife and friend, who has consciously or subconsciously found the secret to a perfect, ever-changing life balance, becoming a role-model to others, showing how life’s uncertainties and revolving doors, can lead to a life of exceptional experiences and rewards.

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KATIANNA HONG

Chef: The Charter Oak

When I first met Katianna Hong, my initial impression was that of a self-aware, confident, friendly young woman. After speaking with her for just a few minutes it was obvious that this was a women also possessing a sense of humor and whimsy, unassuming, focused and creative, with balance in her life.

As a young girl, Katianna (or Kat as she introduced herself), had the goal of becoming an Olympic gymnast, which required rigorous and focused training. However, as a young woman she realized her true passion in life was in the culinary arena. Refocusing her energies and commitment to that end, pursuing a culinary education, Katianna eventually found herself in the kitchens of such acclaimed chefs as Mario Batali and Josiah Citrin. It was at Citrin’s restaurant, Melisse, where she met Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood. Contacting Kostow, Katianna was offered a position, and in 2010 transitioned to Napa Valley to work in the Meadowood kitchen, as a cook on garde manger.

Katianna quickly became a rising star. Under Chef Kostow’s tutelage, exhibiting creativity, ambition and an easy way of working with people, she undertook more and more responsibility, eventually rising to the position of sous chef.

Recognition and awards followed.

In 2014, Katianna was recognized as Chef de Cuisine at Meadowood, becoming the first female Chef de Cuisine at a Michelin three-star restaurant in America. In 2015, she was named Rising Star Chef by San Francisco Magazine and Visit Napa Valley designated her “Maker of the Napa Valley.”

When you ask Katianna about these honors, she is modest and somewhat shy, giving credit to those around her for her achievements and good fortune. Following her rise at The Restaurant at Meadowood, when Christopher and his wife Martina were planning to open The Charter Oak, Katianna was intricately involved in the planning, and the natural choice to head the kitchen at the new restaurant, which opened in June, 2017.

THE CHARTER OAK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY PULEIO

Katianna attributes much of her success to her early years training in gymnastics; dedication, repetition, always striving to be better and remaining focused

Katianna attributes much of her success to her early years training in gymnastics; dedication, repetition, always striving to be better and remaining focused were cornerstones of competition that she applied to the world of food and her career.

Music plays a big part in Katianna’s life, and there is always music in The Charter Oak kitchen. Food, flavors and presentation is an art form, and Katianna relishes the challenge of creating beautiful dishes that taste as good as they look.

Dining at The Charter Oak is an experience in food and people. There are smiles on every face, the staff is passionate, guests feel welcome and anticipate the treats to come out of Katianna’s kitchen. It is obvious that the entire crew loves what they do – and enjoy working with Katianna, making certain to maximize their guests experience at The Charter Oak. Perhaps Katianna Hong’s outlook on life, and cooking, can best be summed up by saying she is constantly looking for and striving for “that perfect 10.” At the age of 34, Katianna is undeniably one of the most respected, accomplished and creative chefs in The Napa Valley. Chef Hong is a leader and role model, helping to set new and exciting standards in the culinary field.

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ELAINE ST. CLAIR & LAINA BROWN Visionaries – Creating a Space Where the World Melts Away Elaine St. Clair and Laina Brown are more than business partners. They are friends, colleagues, confidants, visionaries and you could even say to some degree, twins. They understand each other, know what each other are thinking, and complement each other as does wine and cheese.

Laina and Elaine have worked together for almost two decades at such esteemed wineries as Domaine Chandon and Domaine Carneros, Elaine as winemaker, and Laina as a winery executive. Sitting down while sipping a glass of wine with these two women, you are impressed by their openness and passion. Elaine, winemaker and brewmaster, has an impish grin that doesn’t leave her face, and Laina, is just “out there” with a vivacious personality, having trouble containing her enthusiasm while describing their dream of creating a business that represents the community where they live, and being a part of people’s lives. The outcome being this very cool urban winery, brewery and culinary garden: St. Clair-Brown Winery & Brewery.

This “all women’s winery” specializes in producing wines from small estate vineyards, and brewing small lots of craft beer which can be accompanied by small bites and “tapas,” mostly sourced from the culinary garden adjacent to the unpretentious, inviting tasting room.

Working for corporations, Elaine and Laina had a vision to do something inspiring and special, creating a business of “how we live,” being an integral part of the community and offering a space for the town “where the world melts away.”

They wanted to create a place that was simple, offering the highest quality beverages along with good, fresh, organic tapas or “edible art.” St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery is the successful culmination of this vision.

Elaine’s personality, with her lifelong love of food and gardening, combined with a science background, blends seamlessly with Laina’s creativity as a fashion designer and business background, which segued into a career as a winery executive.

Combining their talents, a special “place” was created, which is more than a tasting room for beer and wine, it is a true lifestyle experience, a place to gather together to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. This is where Elaine and Laina feel

St. Clair Brown is our passion, it is about life and how people live, where people can come together, slow down and relax.

We want to be a part of people’s lives.

connected with their guests, while getting to know their customers. As Elaine and Laina put it, “St. Clair Brown is our passion, it is about life and how people live, where people can come together, slow down and relax. We want to be a part of people’s lives.”

Visit this unique urban winery; sip and chat with Elaine, Laina and other patrons as you leave the outside world behind, if for only a little while. I know I did.

Women Making a Difference It was an honor and pleasure meeting and talking with these exceptional, fun women. Sharing their personal stories with me, I found their history, enthusiasm, passion, vision, humility, sense of community, humor and love of family truly inspiring. These are women who are making a difference in their chosen career, in the local community and beyond, touching and changing lives daily, as they did mine.

Following in the paths of the early pioneering women, these modern Napa Valley Women enthusiastically embrace new frontiers as they challenge and break through traditional boundaries. These are Napa Valley women of distinction.

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Wine Country Women of Napa Valley Napa Valley’s leaders celebrate California’s heartlands of food and wine From one of the world’s most renowned hubs of food, wine, and passion comes Wine Country Women of Napa Valley – a compilation of family recipes, honored traditions and stories from over 60 of Napa Valley’s premier women who have infused the region with their leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The luminaries offer an exclusive glimpse into the heart of the vineyards, restaurants, and businesses that dot the historic countryside.

Wine Country Women of Napa Valley features an abundance of recipes and full-color photographs that embrace the bold and lively spirit of Napa Valley, and each woman featured in the book will tell of the recipe’s significance and history, along with a tailored wine pairing from a Napa vineyard. Divided into sections devoted to appetizers, soups and salads, entrees, and desserts, the book contains recipes such as Sumac-Seared Filet Mignon & Portobello Mushroom On Crostini, Zinfandel Cioppino, Spring Pea & Smoked Duck Breast Salad, Truffle Short Ribs with Pappardelle & Exotic Mushrooms, and Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie. Wine Country Women of Napa Valley features some of the valley’s most prominent women and oldest families, including contributions from Gina Gallo of the Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery, Hilary Newsom of The PlumpJack Group, Violet Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate, Reagan Rombauer of Rombauer Vineyards, Carissa Mondavi of Continuum Estate, Genevieve Janssens of Robert Mondavi Vineyards, Shannon Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyards among many others.

Michelle Mandro, the book’s author, is the founder and president of Wine Country Women, LLC. She has been in the wine industry for over a decade, working for numerous wineries and serving as the executive director of the American Institute of Wine & Food, a national association started by Robert Mondavi and Julia Childs. She also enjoyed a career in television news at the CBS and NBC affiliates in Louisville, Kentucky.

The book features compelling, exploratory, and expressive portraits of each contributor, photographed

by Dona Kopol Bonick, who has been considered Napa Valley’s elite portraitist who has several fine art photographs in the permanent collection of the diRosa Museum, as well as in private collections.

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POPE VALLEY WINERY Experience Hidden Napa Valley Take a left and find yourself transported back to a simpler time. As you turn off the Silverado trail away from the hustle and bustle of main stream Napa Valley you will see buildings dissipate and give way to undulating rows of vineyards dotted with farmhouses and the occasional family ranch. There you’ll find Pope Valley Winery.

The winery is like a living time capsule and a walk down the winding road of historic winemaking. In 1897 Ed Haus founded The Burgundy Wine & Olive Factory, today it’s now known as Pope Valley Winery. It took eight years to dig the cave and construct the winery that is still used today. Built as a gravity-flow winery into the hillside and sits three stories high.

The cellar itself is dug into the shale hillside and held up by century-old, hand-hewn redwood timbers. Through the years the winery has endured a colorful past with various family proprietors and a brief stint of bootlegging during prohibition.

A century later, long-time Pope Valley and Napa natives, the Eakle Family purchased the winery. While the winery’s roots go back to before the 1800s, the next generation of Eakles, brother and sister team David Eakle and Diana Eakle Hawkins, take pride in bringing their award-winning wines

into the twenty-first century while preserving the winery’s authenticity and heritage.

That preservation comes through in the newly released label David and Diana created. Representing the long history the winery has, but with touches of the next generation. It’s a coming-home-type project. It represents David and Diana truly making the winery their own and bringing their vision to the next level. It all started when the original circa 1900s weights and measures seal was brought to the winery by longtime Napa native who said, “This seal belongs here, it’s time for it to come home.”

So, come to the tasting room and sip on amazing, hard-tofind varietals, such as our Chenin Blanc, Sangiovese and our own proprietary blend Tre Uve. Enjoy our rich velvety Cabernet and finish it all off with our Zinfandel Port that’s been barrel aged for over 12 years. Let us transport you to an era of days gone by as you learn about our wines.

Though Pope Valley Winery is off the beaten path, this is the stop you won’t want to miss. In a tasting room where you’re treated more like a friend than a customer, you’ll enjoy an experience you won’t soon forget.

Open Daily 10-5 | 6613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley, CA 94567 | (707) 965-1246 | www.popevalleywinery.com

The Road Less Traveled

Napa Valley’s oldest family-owned winery is now six generations strong.

Take a scenic drive, come reminisce with us, and taste the difference 128 years make.

2950 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574 www.nicheliniwinery.com 707-963-0717

A Vineyard

A Wine

A Family

A Legacy

Wines as Breathtaking as the Views Tours & Tastings Welcomed Daily by Appointment 707•963•3816 tastings @viader.com viader.com 1120 Deer Park Road Deer Park CA 94576

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Angéle Restaurant & Bar – 540 Main Street, 707 252-8115 Basalt – 790 Main Street, 707 927-5265

Bounty Hunter – 975 First Street, 707 226-3976 C Casa – 610 1st Street in the Oxbow Building, 707 226-7700 Ca’Momi Osteria – 1411 First Street, 707 224-6664 Carpe Diem – 1001 2nd Street, 707 224-0800

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Cordeiros Bar & Grill – 2025 Monticello Road, 707 224-1960 Eiko’s – 1882 Town Center, 707 501-4444

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Fumé Bistro – 4050 Byway East, 707 257-1999

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Gott’s Roadside – 644 1st Street, 707 224-6900 Grace’s Table – 1400 Second Street, 707 226-6200 Hog Island Oyster Co – Oxbow Public Market, 610 First Street, 707 251-8113 Kitchen Door – 610 First Street #24, 707 226-1560 La Taberna – 815 Main Street, 707 224-5551 La Toque – 1314 McKinstry Street, 707 257-5157 Lulu’s Kitchen @ 1313 Main – 1313 Main Street, 707 258-1313

Burgers, Seafood, Sandwiches Contemporary American Seafood Multi-Ethnic Comfort Food Contemporary/Classic Spanish French Cuisine Contemporary American

Miminashi – 821 Coombs Street, 707 254-9464

Japanese/Bar

Morimoto Napa – 610 Main Street, 707 252-1600

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Napa Noodles – 1124 1st Street, Napa, 707 492-8079

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Zuzu – 829 Main Street, 707 224-0695

California Tapas, Spanish & Mediterranean

Napkins Bar + Grill – 1001 2nd Street, Napa, 707 927-5333

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Oenotri – 1425 First Street, 707 252-1022

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Pasta Prego – 1502 Main Street, 707 492-8026

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The Restaurant at CIA Copia – 500 First Street, 707 967-2555

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Ciccio – 6770 Washington Street, 707 945-1000

Pizza/Italian

Hurley’s – 6518 Washington Street, 707 944-2345

Contemporary American

Lucy @ Bardessono – 6526 Yount Street, 707 204-6000

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Mustards Grill – 7399 St. Helena Highway, 707 944-2424

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Ottimo – 6525 Washington Street, 707 944-0102 Protea – 6488 Washington Street, 707 415-5035 R+D Kitchen – 6795 Washington Street, 707 945-0920 Redd – 6480 Washington Street, 707 944-2222

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RUTHERFORD Auberge du Soleil – 180 Rutherford Hill Road, 707 963-1211 Rutherford Grill – 1180 Rutherford Road, 707 963-1792 ST. HELENA Acacia House – 1915 Main Street, 707 963-7000 Archetype – 1429 Main Street, 707 968-9200 Brasswood – 3111 St. Helena Highway North, 707 302-5101 The Charter Oak – 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, 707 302-6996 The Restaurant at Meadowood – 900 Meadowood Lane, 707 967-1205 Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen – 1327 Railroad Avenue, 707 963-1200 Cook St. Helena – 1310 Main Street, 707 963-7088 Culinary Institute – 2555 Main Street, 1-888-995-1699 Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – 738 Main Street, 707 963-4555 Goose & Gander – 1245 Spring Street, 707 967-8779 Gott’s Roadside – 933 Main Street, 707 963-3486 Harvest Table – 1 Main Street, 707 967-4695 Market – 1347 Main Street, 707 963-3799 Press – 587 St. Helena Highway, 707 967-0550 St. Helena Bistro – 1146 Main Street, 707 963-3371 Terra – 1345 Railroad Avenue, 707 963-8931 Tra Vigne Pizzeria – 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, 707 963-4444 Two Birds/One Stone – 3020 St. Helena Highway North, 707 302-3777 CALISTOGA Bosko’s Trattoria– 1364 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9088 Brannan’s Grill – 1374 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-2233 Cafe Sarafornia – 1413 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-0555 Calistoga Inn & Brewery – 1250 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4101 Evangeline – 1226 Washington Street, 707 341-3131 Hydro Bar & Grill – 1403 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9777 Johnny’s – 1457 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-5938 Lakehouse – 580 Lommel Road, 855 810-1572 Sam’s Social Club – 1712 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4969 Solbar – @ Solage, 755 Silverado Trail, 707 226-0850 Sushimambo – 1631 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4699 Veraison – 1457 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-5938 76

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Italian, Pizza Traditional American Cuisine American/Diner Traditional American Cajun/French Traditional American Sports Bar/Traditional American Contemporary American Contemporary American Contemporary American Sushi/Japanese Contemporary American VERY NAPA VALLEY

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Wine Country Events ONGOING WINE TASTING AT BACK ROOM WINES First & Main Streets, Downtown Napa www.backroomwines.com, 877-322-2576 • Mar 1: Great Grape Study – Chenin • Mar 2: Taste of Spain • Mar 8: Great Grape Study – Merlot • Mar 9: Mustache Wines • Mar 15: Great Grape – Sauvignon Blanc • Mar 16: Blind Tasting • Mar 22: Great Grape Study – Tempranillo • Mar 23: Sherry Tasting & Lesson • Mar 29: Fan Club – Riesling • Mar 30: Back Room Blow Out LXXVI • Apr 5: Great Grape Study – Syrah/Shiraz • Apr 6: Tasting Wines from French Alps/Jura • Apr 12: Great Grape Study – Viognier • Apr 13: Is it from California? Or is it from France?

• Apr 19: Great Grape Study – Cabernet • Apr 20: Lesser-Known Grapes • Apr 26: Great Grape Study - GSM

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ONGOING JAMCELLARS BALLROOM at the Margrit Mondavi Theatre, Napa www.jamcellarsballroom.com, 707-880-2300

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ONGOING YOUNTVILLE WINE WALK Sip, savor, and stroll Yountville's tasting locations and earn prizes along the way. In less than one strolling mile, you can choose from nineteen tasting rooms. yountville.com

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ONGOING DI ROSA Napa, www.dirosart.org, 707-226-5991 • Ongoing through May 27: Be Not Still, Living in Uncertain Times • Feb 22: interACTIVE, Creating Community through Art Making • Mar 8, 29: interACTIVE, Creating Community through Art Making • Mar 25: In Conversation, Rigo 23 & Christian L. Frock • Apr 14: An Evening with Ala Ebtekar • Apr 19: Third Thursday with Kevin Killian • May 6: In Conversation, Allison Smith & Amy Owen

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ONGOING NAPA VALLEY MUSEUM Yountville www.NapaValleyMuseum.org, 707-944-0500 • Ongoing through Feb 18: France is a Feast – The Photographic Journey of Paul & Julia Child

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ONGOING NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN Napa, www.winetrain.com. 800-427-4124 • Mar 17: Murder Mystery Dinner • April 14: Murder Mystery Dinner • May 17: Murder Mystery Dinner • June 14: Murder Mystery Dinner • July 19: Murder Mystery Dinner • Aug 16: Murder Mystery Dinner • Sept 20: Murder Mystery Dinner • Nov 17: Murder Mystery Dinner

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ONGOING LIVE AT UPTOWN THEATRE Napa www.uptowntheatrenapa.com, 707-259-0123 • Mar 3: The Everly Brothers Experience • Mar 10: Chris Botti • Apr 5-6: Boz Scaggs • Apr 8: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox • Apr 14: Arlo Guthrie • Apr 20: Comedian Kathleen Madigan • Apr 21: Art Garfunkel • Apr 27: Crystal Bowersox • Apr 28: The Wailers • May 4: Richard Marx • May 11: David Sedaris • May 20: “Weird Al” Yankovic • June 9: Comedian Brian Regan

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ONGOING LIVE MUSIC AT BLUE NOTE NAPA Napa, www.bluenotenapa.com, 707-880-2300

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ONGOING FOOD, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The CIA at Copia, Napa www.ciaatcopia.com, 707-967-2500

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ONGOING COOKING CLASSES The CIA at Copia, Napa www.ciaatcopia.com, 707-967-2500 • Mar 4: Family Funday, Ramen at Home

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ONGOING FRIED CHICKEN SUNDAY’S & Monday Magnum Madness Two Birds One Stone, St. Helena www.twobirdsonestonenapa.com, 707-302-3777

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ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS CA’MOMI OSTERIA Latin Nights Napa, 10pm-1am, free www.camomi.com, 707-224-6664

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ONGOING SUNDAYS LIVE MUSIC FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH Carneros Resort & Spa, Napa, 10am-2pm www.carnerosresort.com, 707-299-4880

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ONGOING MUMM NAPA ANSEL ADAMS EXHIBIT-POETRY OF LIGHT This collection of Ansel Adams’ twenty-seven gelatin silver prints includes many of his most amous photographs. 10am-6pm daily www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7770

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ONGOING MUMM NAPA WAYNE LEVIN EXHIBITTHROUGH A LIQUID MIRROR Wayne Levin’s photographs made beneath the surface of the waves have captivated viewers for decades. 10am-6pm daily www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7770

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FEBRUARY 23 SIP, SNACK & CINEMA: CHOCOLAT Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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FEBRUARY 23 JAM CELLARS BALLROOM BottleRock Presents: Mondo Cozmo 8-11pm, $29.50 info@jamcellarsballroom.com, 707-880-2300

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FEBRUARY 24 STERLING VINEYARDS LIBRARY TASTING WITH MASTER SOMMELIER GILLIAN BALLANCE A selection of the finest library vintages for your enjoyment. Join Master Sommelier, Gillian Ballance, as she presents an incredible 3 decade flight of Sterling library wines paired with delicious savory bites.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary tasting.

1-2:30pm, Calistoga. $75, $60/club member www.sterlingvineyards.com, 800-726-6136

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ONGOING NAPA VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT LINCOLN THEATER Yountville, www.lincolntheater.org, 707-944-9900 • Feb 28: Luxury Marketing Council’s 2018 Wineries Boot Camp • Mar 2: La Viña Wine Auction – Supporting Napa Valley Language Academy • Mar 3: Varsity Vocals’ 2018 ICHSA West Semifinal • Mar 4: USAF Band of the Golden West • Mar 16-25: Justin-Siena Theatre Presents Guys & Dolls!

• Apr 27: Sol-ETUDES, A Eurythmy Recital • Apr 28: Torch Songs of World War II

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FEBRUARY 24 PROVENANCE VINEYARDS FORTITUDE RELEASE DINNER An enchanting evening showcasing the newest 2014 release. Rutherford, 6-9pm. www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633

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FEBRUARY 24-25 BERINGER VINEYARDS CHINESE NEW YEAR Celebrating The Year of the Dog St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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MARCH 3 BLEND YOUR OWN BORDEAUX Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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MARCH 10 ANDRETTI WINERY WINEMAKER’S DINNER A delicious multi-course dinner with wine pairing in the company of Andretti Winery's two top talents: Chef Adam Clark & Winemaker Rico Chelini. 5:30pm, [$165/club, $185 www.andrettiwinery.com, limited to 40 guests

MARCH 10 ART HOUSE SHORT FILM SERIES Jessup Cellars, Yountville, 7pm www.jessupcellars.com, 888-537-7879

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MARCH 11 5K RUN TO REBUILD WINE COUNTRY Napa Valley College, 10am-2pm, 650-400-9656 www.runtorebuildwinecountry.org

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MARCH 16 SIP, SNACK & CINEMA: NO RESERVATIONS Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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MARCH 18 MASTERS OF PETITE: PETITE SIRAH PANEL, TASTING, & WALK-AROUND RECEPTION “The Petite Masters” Panel & Tasting Reception, hosted by PS I Love You. Petite Sirah and the top taste makers from Napa Valley.

1-4pm, $45, CIA at Copia, Napa. 707-967-2500

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MARCH 9 THEY MAKE WINE THERE? – LESSER-KNOWN WINEMAKING REGIONS OF THE US While California, Washington, and Oregon account for 90% of the total American wine production, every one of the 50 states grows grapes and makes wine. Join the CIA at Copia for a fun tasting and discover great wines from some lesser-known places. 5-8pm, $35 CIA at Copia, Napa. 707-967-2500

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MARCH 25 RUTHERFORD RANCH SPRING PAIRING PARTY Enjoy a pairing of four wines with four culinary creations. Following your pairing, join us on our Wine Club Patio to relax, unwind and mingle with other Wine Club Members. $45 pre-ticket, Club Members receive 2 complimentary tickets. 10am www.rutherfordranch.com, 707-968-3227

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MARCH 15-18 YOUNTVILLE LIVE World-class Music Food Wine • Thursday, March 15, 5-7pm: Welcome Reception, music by singer-songwriter Foy Vance • Friday, March 16, 12-4pm: Master Class Experiences 7-10pm: Red Carpet Gala – James Beard Award-winning Chef Stephanie Izard prepares food paired with Charles Krug Wines; exclusive performance by multi-Platinum selling group X Ambassadors 10pm-1am: Late Night VIP Events • Saturday & Sunday, March 17 & 18 12-5pm: Taste of Yountville – Three tasting pavilions throughout town will feature 35 top restaurants sampling signature dishes, 60+ wineries pouring amazing selections, 18 live musical performances, 6 chef demos featuring local and celebrity chefs and musicians, mixologists, craft beers, customized activations, and more each day!

2-5pm: Grand Cru Wine Tastings – Napa Valley’s most extraordinary winemakers will be pouring distinctive selections of their top-shelf wines in an elegant art lounge.

10pm-1am: Late Night VIP Events • Sunday, March 18, 11am-1pm: Bubbles Brunch with an intimate performance by Grammy-nominated group NEEDTOBREATHE

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Wine Country Events APRIL 14 COOKS WITH BOOKS: JACQUES PEPIN DINNER & BOOK SIGNING Peju, Rutherford, 6:30-8:30pm www.bookpassage.com, 415-927-0960

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APRIL 14 RIEDEL TASTING SEMINAR Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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APRIL 15 SEQUOIA GROVE WINERY WINE CLUB SPRING GATHERING 8338 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford www.sequoiagrove.com, 707-944-2945

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ONGOING IN APRIL ARTS IN APRIL • April 2: Valley with Photographer Geoff Hansen Benessere Vineyards • April 7: A Roaring Good Time for a Swell Cause A gala to support El Centro and Salvador Elementary Schools at Chardonnay Golf Club • April 10: Artist Lecture Alake Shilling The Oxbow School • April 17: Cafeteria Kids Theater Young Actors Showcase, Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center • April 21: History Becomes Art Brasswood Estates • April 27: Salvador & El Centro Art Show NVUSD Salvador Magnet Elementar • April 29: Arts in April at Robert Mondavi Winery www.artscouncilnapavalley.org

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APRIL 19, MAY 17, JUNE 21 ROMBAUER VINEYARDS PAINTING PARTIES An evening of wine and small bites while a trained art educator guides you through the creation of your own masterpiece! Arrive at 5pm to unwind.

Painting begins promptly at 5:30pm. $70 per person per evening | $59.50 for club members. Limited to 30 guests per event. Fee includes painting supplies, light bites, wine and your completed masterpiece. St. Helena www.rombauer.com, 800-622-2206

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APRIL 21 V. SATTUI WINERY 2018 LOBSTER FEST Fabulous wines, great food, live music & big discounts! Exclusive members only event.

St. Helena, 6-10pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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APRIL 21 SIP & PAINT – ARTS IN THE VALLEY Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford www.rutherfordhill.com, 707-963-1871

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APRIL 21 STATE BIRD PROVISIONS: A COOKBOOK” Demonstration and book signing 3:30-5:30pm, CIA at Copia, Napa 707-967-2500

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APRIL 21 15TH ANNUAL RED GALA Napa Valley Youth Symphony Featuring New Orleans Jazz Trombonist & Trumpeter Delfeayo Marsalis Lincoln Theater, Yountville, www.nvyso.org

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APRIL 21 CYCLE FOR SIGHT A Rotary Ride for Veterans Beginner to the advanced post-ride festival features cuisine from Napa Valley restaurants, a bounty of Napa Valley wineries and microbreweries, and live music from Pride & Joy. Proceeds raised support Enchanted Hills Camp For The Blind & Visually Impaired, and The Pathway Home Program. www.cycle4sight.com

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APRIL 28 FRANK FAMILY WINERY HOSTS A NAPA WINE TRAIN DINNER Frank Family is hosting an exclusive event on the “Private Reserve”, Napa Valley Wine Train’s new luxury train. Limited to just 16 couples, a hand curated selection of Frank Family library wines will be paired with an elegantly crafted five course dinner in a truly romantic setting. Reserved exclusively for Frank Family members and guests. $300/$250 club members. Calistoga www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

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APRIL 28 PROVENANCE VINEYARDS AW SHUCKS! Oysters & Sauvignon Blanc Lunch A delicious lunch on the patio with live music.

Rutherford, 1-4pm, RSVP www.provenancevineyards.com, 707-968-3633

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APRIL 28 FLAVORS OF SPRING: WINE & CULINARY EXPLORATION Peju, Rutherford, 10:30am-12pm www.peju.com, 707-963-1871, $75

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APRIL 28 “ART, SIP, STROLL” – ARTS IN APRIL EVENT Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines while strolling through the beautiful town of Yountville and the eclectic galleries of V Marketplace

MAY 4–6 INSPIRE NAPA VALLEY WINE WEEKEND A Wine Celebration benefiting The Alzheimer's Association • Friday, May 4 6-9pm: Intimate VIP dinner at Abreu Vineyard’s Las Posadas on Howell Mountain • Saturday, May 5 10:30am-12:30pm: VIP morning seminar – five distinguished panels will each present two wines that inspire them through its sense of place 4-6pm: Walk-around wine tasting highlighting 40 of the most legendary cult wineries 6-9pm: Seated dinner, live auction and musical entertainment in the barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone • Sunday, May 6, 11am-2pm: Farewell VIP brunch, hosted at Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc VIP ticket, $5,000/Wine Auction Ticket, $1000 www.inspirenapavalley.org

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MAY 5 BERINGER VINEYARDS KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY Celebrate this American sporting classic!

Guests are encouraged to wear festive attire.

St. Helena, 10am-5pm www.beringer.com, 707-302-7530

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MAY 12 TEDESCHI FAMILY WINERY PICK UP PARTY Calistoga, 2-5pm, $35 www.tedeschifamilywinery.com, 707-501-0668

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MAY 12 5TH ANNUAL CALISTOGA FOOD & WINE GRAND TASTING Solage Calistoga, www.calistogawinegrowers.com

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APRIL 28 HALL CABERNET COOKOFF Bay Area Chef teams creating small bites that pair with HALL Cabernet for a charity of their choice.

12-3pm,HALL St. Helena, $100, $200 VIP www.hallwines.com, 707-967-2626

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APRIL 28 KITCHENS IN THE VINEYARDS One-of-a-kind self-guided tour features kitchens, dining rooms, entertainment areas and gardens each enhanced by professional, springtime floral designs and table settings by designers, florists, chefs. 9:30am-4:30pm, $70 advanced, $75 day of www.musicinthevineyards.org

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APRIL 27-29 STAGS LEAP DISTRICT VINEYARD TO VINTNER WEEKEND • Friday, April 27 6:30-10pm: Exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners • Saturday, April 28 9-10am: Vineyard Walk and Talk: Stories from the Frontline, 10am-4pm: Back-Stage Open Houses, • Sunday, April 29, 2018 11:30am-2pm: Appellation Collection Tasting and Vintner-Hosted Lunch, Prices range from $690 for a three-day pass, to $545 for a two-day pass (Friday/Saturday), $340 for a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday), and $195 for a Saturday single-day pass.

‘Signature Wine Weekends for Two’ packages are available for $3,399. www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V

APRIL 29 BERINGER VINEYARDS FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION St. Helena, www.beringer.com, 707-257-5771

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MAY 4 CASTELLO DI AMOROSA GRAND BARREL PARTY – BARREL TASTING & FUTURES RELEASE PARTY Italian food & wine pairing, music, dancing & much more! Calistoga, 6:30-10pm $95/members, $125/guests, RSVP www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274

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MAY 4 V. SATTUI WINERY WINEMAKER’S DINNER Member’s-only event St. Helena, 7pm, $95/members, $190/guests www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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MAY 12 4TH ANNUAL CRUSH CHALLENGE HOSTED BY ZD WINES Acclaimed chefs, celebrity guests and professional cyclists Benefits The deLeuze Family Endowed Professorship for the Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma, The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Napa Valley. 9am-10pm, $95-$295 www.crushchallenge.net

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MAY 18 GUEST AUTHOR LAWRENCE COATES: THE GARDEN OF THE WORLD The Prohibition Years: How California Vineyards Survived and Sometimes Thrived when Wine was Outlawed. $20. 6-7:30pm, CIA at Copia, Napa. janelle.moncada@culinary.edu, 707-967-2512

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MAY 19 ROMBAUER VINEYARDS CLUB EXCLUSIVE: ANNUAL PARTY AT AT&T PARK COLORADO ROCKIES VS. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Triples Alley, AT&T Park, San Francisco.

Exclusively reserved for Rombauer $185 per person | Limit 4 tickets per member www.rombauer.com, 800-622-2206

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SPRING/SUMMER 2018

MAY 19 I BLOCK RELEASE & LOBSTER FEED Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 6-10pm $135, $115/member, 888-766-6328x2 www.robertmondaviwinery.com.com

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MAY 31-JUNE 3 AUCTION NAPA VALLEY Spend a week with well-known vintners.

Bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and collections of Napa Valley's extraordinary wines. auctionnapavalley.org

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JUNE 2 ANDRETTI WINERY CRAB FEED @ THE BARREL ROOM Vineyard stroll, delicious appetizers & jazz in the barrel room, down-home crab feed by Chef Damian Genthner. 5:30pm, $125/club, $150 www.andrettiwinery.com, limited to 75 guests

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MAY 20 RUTHERFORD RANCH OYSTERS, CARNIVAL GAMES, LIVE MUSIC...

Down by the boardwalk, the’ll have some fun… at the Franklin Vineyard! Oysters, carnival faire, live music and games! $75 per-ticket, $50 for Club Members. 1-3:30 pm www.rutherfordranch.com, 707-968-3227

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MAY 25-27 BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY Bruno Mars, The Killers, Muse, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Snoop Dogg, Incubus and many more!

Celebrate music, food, wine & beer in downtown Napa. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com

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SPRING/SUMMER 2018

JUNE 9 ROSÉ FEST Enjoy a day in the wine country, sipping sensational rosé, noshing on fabulous food and giving back to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer awareness.

Premium Access and VIP guests will delight in access to the hilltop winery where a selection of Napa’s finest rosé producers will be pouring alongside several of Napa Valley’s best restaurants.

General admission guests will enjoy access to the tasting tent on the lawn featuring live music, food trucks and great rosé! 12-4pm, Calistoga www.sterlingvineyards.com, 800-726-6136

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JUNE 21 SUMMER SOLSTICE YOGA Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 5:30-7:45pm $35, $30/member, 888-766-6328x2 www.robertmondaviwinery.com.com

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JUNE 22 CASTELLO DI AMOROSA MIDSUMMER MEDIEVAL FEAST Don your best medieval garb & cheer on your favorite knight at the Jousting Tournament at Lake Mario above the Castello. After the joust & festivities at the lake, join them in the Courtyard for a traditional medieval feast. It’s going to be the highlight of the summer! Calistoga, 6:30-10pm $150/members, $180/guest www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274

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JUNE 23 SEQUOIA GROVE WINERY WINE CLUB SUMMER CELEBRATION 8338 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford www.sequoiagrove.com, 707-944-2945

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JUNE 23 MID-SUMMER SUPPER The annual Summer Supper Party celebrates the estate Sauvignon Blanc. Wear white & enjoy a memorable evening of dining under the stars with a 3-course chef-prepared meal paired with the Sauvignon Blanc & other estate wines.

Ehlers Estate, St. Helena, 6-9pm, RSVP www.ehlersestate.com, 707-963-5972, $175

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JUNE 17 28TH ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY INVITATIONAL CAR SHOW Packard, Pierce Arrow, Ford, Ferrari, M.G., Mercedes Benz and more, top a list of more than 100 early and late model autos.

V Marketplace, Yountville, free, 10am-3pm www.vmarketplace.com/events, 707-944-2451

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JUNE 23 FRANK FAMILY WINERY ARGENTINIAN ASADO Capturing the magic of wine country summer evenings, the Asado event promises to be a night to remember. The evening will feature an Argentinian-style open fire pig roast served buffet style alongside your favorite Frank Family wines.

Spend a spectacular evening filled with food, wine and friends on the beautiful members lawn.

Not for the vegetarian! Space is limited. $150/$120 club members. Calistoga. 6-9pm www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

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JULY 14 ROMBAUER VINEYARDS CLUB EXCLUSIVE: ANGEL ISLAND LOBSTER BOIL & SAN FRANCISCO BAY SAIL Enjoy a morning sail to Angel Island, whet your appetite by hiking followed by Maine lobster with all the fixings paired with Rombauer wines.

During the afternoon sail around the Bay and enjoy coffee and dessert. 9:45am to 4pm $325 per person | Limit 2 tickets per member www.rombauer.com, 800-622-2206

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Wine Country Events JULY 14 RUTHERFORD RANCH LOBSTER FEST Lobster, Lobster. Olive Grove, 5pm $125/$100 club member www.rutherfordranch.com, 707-968-3227

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JULY 20-29 FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY 10 days, 100 wineries, over 60 events.

Enriching Arts and Community Programs. festivalnapavalley.org

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JULY 28 V. SATTUI WINERY FESTA ITALIANA – A MID-SUMMER ITALIAN FESTIVAL Celebrate the Italian heritage with an outdoor festival straight out of the villages of Toscana & Lombardia – an enchanting evening full of mouthwatering food and raucous laughter, lively music and old friendships, wild dancing under the stars and V. Sattui wines. St. Helena, 6-9:30pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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JULY 22 ANDRETTI WINERY CHAIRMAN’S FESTIVO BRUNCH Keep the fun going! Join club members the morning after the Festivo Dinner. 10am $60/club, $75; www.andrettiwinery.com, limited

AUGUST 18 FRANK FAMILY WINERY CHARDONNAY & LOBSTER DINNER Enjoy delicious food and wine under the stars at thr historic winery while listening to live music.

Begin the evening with the Brut Rosé and fresh Hog Island Oysters, then roll up your sleeves and crack open some fresh Maine lobster during a family-style meal including shrimp, corn on the cob, artichokes and more. Calistoga, $175/$140 members, up to two tickets www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, 707-942-0859

JULY 27 CASTELLO DI AMOROSA HOT HAVANA NIGHTS Great wine, food, music & cigars! 6:30-10pm www.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274

AUGUST 18 PEJU WINERY GRAPE STOMP Rutherford, 10:30am-1:30pm www.peju.com, 707-963-1871

JULY 28 5TH ANNUAL CRUSH MS SUMMER CELEBRATION Crush MS is a network of wineries dedicated to raising funds and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis Reid Family Vineyards, Napa, www.crushms.org

AUGUST 25 DINNER UNDER THE STARS Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 5:30-7:45pm $145, $125/member, 888-766-6328x2 www.robertmondaviwinery.com.com

JULY 21 ANDRETTI WINERY 22ND ANNUAL CHAIRMAN’S FESTIVO DINNER Andretti’s biggest event of the year! 5:30pm $100/club, $125, www.andrettiwinery.com

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ONGOING THIS SUMMER

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Robert Mondavi Winery hosts legendary artists for its annual Summer Concert Series.

This next series of not-to-be-missed musical events will begin with a kick-off concert in July.

Join the email list in order to be notified of the 2018 lineup! www.robertmondaviwinery.com

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AUGUST 26 HERITAGE FIRE BY COCHON 555 Signature 3-hour culinary experience featuring responsibly raised heritage breed pig, ethically sourced food. Vote for your favorite bite.

Charles Krug Winery, St. Helena, CA 94574 $150, $200/VIP Access, www.visitnapavalley.com

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SEPTEMBER 3 WAYNE LEVIN EXHIBIT AT MUMM NAPA: THROUGH A LIQUID MIRROR Wayne Levin’s photographs made beneath the surface of the waves have captivated viewers for decades. 10am-6pm www.mummnapa.com, 707-967-7770

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TA S TIN G R O O M O P EN D AILY 10AM - 5:30PM

1563 St. Helena Hwy S. • St. Helena, Califfo ornia 94574 • (800) 963-9454 • whitehalllane.com

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STAGS LEAP DISTRICT Vineyard to Vintner Weekend, April 27-29 The Stags Leap District Winegrowers are celebrating their 20th annual Vineyard to Vintner (V2V) weekend. This annual event gives visitors full backstage access to the wines, the vineyards and the people behind this iconic wine region.

Vineyard to Vintner is a weekend of intimate experiences of tasting world-renowned Cabernets while mingling with winery owners and winemakers. Vineyard to Vintner commences Friday night with four distinct dinners at Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Stags’ Leap Winery, each co-hosted by several vintners and prepared by a famed Napa Valley culinary talent. In light of the recent fires, 5% of the proceeds from this year’s Saturday open houses will be donated to ongoing relief efforts through the Napa Valley Community Foundation. To kickoff the Saturday festivities and for the fist time, there will be a Vineyard ‘Walk and Talk’ with vintner Jim Regusci to hear a first-hand account of the harrowing tales about the Napa Valley October fires and see the landscape recovery. Afterwards guests will start their Open House experiences and spend the day “up close and personal” with vintners, visiting private homes and historic wineries alike, while enjoying special access to wines and food pairings that are not available to the general public. The V2V weekend concludes Sunday with a fabulous, vintner-hosted

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 • Exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners, 6:30-10pm SATURDAY, APRIL 28 • Vineyard Walk and Talk: Stories from the Frontline, 9-10am • Back-Stage Open Houses, 10am-4pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018 • Appellation Collection Tasting and Vintner-Hosted Lunch, 11:30am-2pm Prices range from $690 for a three-day pass, to $545 for a two-day pass (Friday/Saturday), $340 for a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday), and $195 for a Saturday single-day pass.

‘Signature Wine Weekends for Two’ packages are available for $3,399. www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V

farm-to-table buffet lunch and a “sneak preview” of the notyet-released 2015 Stags Leap District Appellation Collection.

Vineyard to Vintner hosts include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards and Taylor Family Vineyards. Packages are available for one, two or three days allowing guests to revel the entire weekend or to enjoy one glorious day.

Wine Country Events SEPTEMBER 15 V. SATTUI WINERY HARVEST BALL The Napa Valley Wine Country party you’ve always dreamed of attending! An evening full of amazing food, wine, music and dancing.

St. Helena, 5:30-11pm, RSVP www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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SEPTEMBER 15 24TH ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH Scientific Symposium, Wine Tasting Reception, Concert Performance, VIP Dinner Proceeds fund research to better understand, diagnose, treat, prevent and cure brain diseases and injuries. www.onemindinsitute.org Staglin Family Vineyard, www.music-festival.org

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SEPTEMBER 21 CASTELLO DI AMOROSA HARVEST STOMP & BBQ Learn about what it takes to really make the wine that you love! Calistoga, 6:30-10pm $95/member, $125/guest, RSVP www.calistogadiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274

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SEPTEMBER 29 ANDRETTI WINERY OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT – “THE GODFATHER” Fabulous dinner buffet during intermission featuring Sicilian favorites! 5pm $85/club, $100; tickets after 7/1/18 www.andrettiwinery.com; limited to 75 guests

OCTOBER 6 ANNUAL HARVEST PARTY Help toast the 2018 vintage with a feast, then dance the night away with Cripple Creek Band.

Ehlers Estate, St. Helena, 5:30-8:30pm RSVP, $75/member, $95 www.ehlersestate.com, 707-963-5972

SEPTEMBER 29 RUTHERFORD RANCH HARVEST BBQ Celebrate their 2018 Harvest with live music, games and BBQ provided from a Napa Valley local favorite! $75 per-ticket, $50 Members, 4 pm www.rutherfordranch.com, 707-968-3227

OCTOBER 26 CASTELLO DI AMOROSA THE PAGAN BALL Kick off your Halloween weekend at the biggest and best party in the Napa Valley; a traditional Halloween costume party with lots of tricks and treats! Calistoga, 8pm-midnight $140/member, $170/guest, RSVP www.calistogadiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274

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OCTOBER 6 V. SATTUI WINERY CRUSH PARTY Experience harvest during one of the most exciting times of year in Napa Valley & step behind-the-scenes of a working winery.

Live music, Tuscan food stations, barrel tasting, grape stomp and so much more!

St. Helena, 6-10pm www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE Six weeks in November and December of events, activities and performances for all ages including carriage rides, holiday movies, Santa’s workshop and the Santa Train. Stroll through town and celebrate the splendor of the season in the Brightest Town in Napa Valley. yountville.com

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NOVEMBER 3 ANDRETTI’S HARVEST PARTY IN THE VINEYARDS Great wines, food, lively music and fun people! $85/club, $100; tickets starting 8/1/18 www.andrettiwinery.com, limited to 75 guests

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NOVEMBER 3 PINOT & PAELLA Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 4:30-8pm $135, $115/member, 888-766-6328x2 www.robertmondaviwinery.com.com

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NOVEMBER 7-11 NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL Five days of 150+ films, 50+ wineries & chefs www.nvff.org

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NOVEMBER 10 TEDESCHI FAMILY WINERY PICK UP PARTY Calistoga, 2-5pm, $35 www.tedeschifamilywinery.com, 707-501-0668

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DECEMBER 1 7TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING & CELEBRATION Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 3-5pm $25, free/members & under 12, 888-766-6328 www.robertmondaviwinery.com.com

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Whether planning ahead or on the go ... we’ve got the tools you need!

VERY NAPA VALLEY TA S T E

|

SEE

|

FEEL

… a magazine that showcases Napa Valley’s acclaimed wineries, restaurants, luxury retail stores, the exquisite wine country way of life. www.VeryNapaValley.com

WINE COUNTRY

THIS WEEK

• Easy-to-read winery maps • In-depth calendar of events • Winery/tasting room features www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

• Complete listing of California wineries • Wine tasting deals and discounts • Search functions, mapping, social check-ins Download the App for iPhone or Android!

WWW. W INE C OUNTRY T HIS W EEK . COM • WWW. W INERY G EEK . COM 84

VERY NAPA VALLEY

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

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VERY NAPA VALLEY

85

JULY 20–29, 2018

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Napa Valley Wineries and To Clear Lake

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To Vallejo

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